Storm Lake Times Pilot

Lalone remembered at SLU awards night



Nine businesses were honored at Tuesday’s event “For Enhancing Business Growth and Tourism.” Front row left to right: Gary Sterling – Buena Vista University The Foundry, Jake Robertson and Kris Roepke – Brentwood Roofing, Tamra Grotte and Kelsee Jarrard – Bright Blue Health Center, Gaby De Luna – La Isla Restaurant #2. Back: Kevin Brown – Central Bank, Todd Schossow – Marcus Lumber, Frank Alderton – Holzhauer Ford Lincoln, Katie Ruscitto – Heartland Counseling Service, Rich Gehring – United Community Health Center. TIMES PILOT photos by DOLORES CULLEN

Storm Lake United hosted its annual awards night Tuesday at King’s Point, attracting over 100 local businesspeople.

Former SLU Executive Director Gary Lalone, who passed away last August, was recognized at the event.

Longtime friends Al Bowles and Gene Lyster shared their remembrances. “He’s the best salesman for Storm Lake of anybody I’ve ever seen,” recalled Bowles. “This is the main reason this is here,” he said, referring to King’s Pointe, and “the reason the lake looks the way it does.”

Lyster credited Lalone for welcoming him to Storm Lake when he moved here from Colorado many years ago. Lyster also praised Lalone’s business acumen.

Neither Bowles and Lyster couldn forget Lalone’s humor and shared two of “Gary’s plunger stories.”

SLU Marketing and Activities Director Dalton Walker presents the memorial clock to Mishelle Lalone and Ryan Lalone.

Lalone’s wife Mishelle and son Ryan accepted a memorial plaque dedicated to his time serving the Storm Lake community and SLU.

SLU Executive Director Breanna Horsey announced that the Storm Lake United golf outing, which is held every year at the Buena Vista Golf Course at Lake Creek, will now be known as the Gary Lalone Memorial Golf Outing.

Mary Jo Davis, co-owner of Lakeside Marina and printing department manager at Office Elements was presented the Ambassador of the Year award.

Helen Bosley, longtime owner of Hoffman’s Flower and Candle Shop and resident of Methodist Manor, accepted the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award with her extended family in attendance.

Bosley purchased Hoffman’s 50 years ago.

Looking back on 2021, Horsey listed accomplishments of the past year. SLU welcomed 16 new members, held 11 ribbon cuttings, three Business After Hours and 14 United Coffees.

Departing SLU board president Inder Singh, SLU Marketing Director Dalton Walker, award winner Mary Jo Davis, award winner Helen Bosley, SLU Executive Director Breanna Horsey, SLU accountant Gelder Pineda.

Helen Bosley was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and had many family members present. Left to right: Katie Smith (granddaughter) holding daughter Mary Stella, Mary Larsen (daughter), Mike Bosley (son), Helen, Julie Miller (granddaughter), Kathy Mummert (daughter), Sarah Bartling (granddaughter) and Molly Hippen (granddaughter).