Viking of the Year

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VIKING OF THE YEAR

	ANNOUNCING THE VIKING OF THE YEAR 2011-2012
	We are pleased to name Joel Lunden of the Linne' Lodge as our 2011-2012 Viking Of The Year! Joel and his wife Nadine immigrated to the United States from Finland in 1954 and settled in Escanaba, Michigan. They later moved to Muskegon Michigan where Joel joined Linne Lodge No. 57 on March 3, 1956. He has distinguished himself as a Lodge member for the 55 years of his membership. He soon became recognized as a willing worker and volunteer through his service on many committees. He eventually became involved in Lodge leadership. He has been elected by the membership to serve as: a Lodge Trustee, Lodge Vice Chief and Lodge Chief for two terms. In addition to local offices, Joel was selected at the 1969 Grand Lodge Convention in Seattle as a member of the Grand Lodge Council.	Joel Lunden Viking of the Year 2011-2012
	The 1969 convention awarded the 1971 convention to Linne Lodge No. 57. Joel has always been a visionary in respect to what our Lodge could become. This was exhibited upon his return from Seattle when he declared we would have a new lodge building in place on our lakefront property in time for the 1971 convention. The task was enormous. HOW CAN A LODGE WITH ONLY 225 INSURED MEMBERS AND NO MONEY ACCOMPLISH SUCH A TASK IN 7 MONTHS? A building committee needed to be formed. Our chief, in late 1970, appointed Joel Lundren as the Chairman of that committee and the re-birth of Linne Lodge was underway albeit facing many obstacles. The first challenge facing Joel was funding. In tireless fashion, Joel held discussions with every financial institution in our area. The result was always the same. The institutions considered fraternal organizations unstable lending customers. Undaunted, Joel tried a novel approach. He turned to the membership for help. He promoted an investment program whereby members and their friends could buy interest bearing bonds. The program was a tremendous success. It raised $80,000. The next step was building design. Joel had interviewed several architects and made a recommendation to the Lodge. The membership agreed and plans for a new building were approved. Exciting progress had been made but, before construction could begin more money was needed. Joel sought the help of the Grand Lodge by requesting a loan of $50,000 in June 1970. The request was debated but, the Grand lodge could not agree at that time to make the loan. Later in June, Joel; with plans and architect in hand; went to the Grand Council meeting in Jamestown, NY to make the case for loan approval. This time the council approved a loan of $50,000. The new building would be a reality. Joel had promised we would have a new building by the time of the 1971 Convention. Through Joel’s tireless work and leadership this became a reality. We can vividly remember how we put the last piece of sod in the night before the convention delegates were to arrive. It was a truly remarkable accomplishment made possible only through Joel’s dedication to the lodge and what it stands for, as well as his can-do attitude. Let it be said, however, the participation of almost 100% of our members assured we would complete our building on schedule. The benefits of our new location were immediate. Lodge membership increased from 225 plus to 1500 with a 400 plus waiting list. We also developed a social calendar which offered more activities which our member could enjoy. The future of Linne Lodge is no longer in doubt. Joel has unselfishly given of his time and talents to champion the cause of true Viking Fraternalism. Lodge history will record the new lake front location of Linne Lodge No. 57 as the legacy of Joel Lundren. (This article was written by Ray Carlson, who nominated Joel for Viking of the Year 2011-2012)