I grew up near Gilman MN on a dairy and hog farm with 8 siblings.
Attended St Peter & Paul Parochial School in Gilman and graduated from Foley High School.
I was 13 when I sang Solo for my first wedding.
Won 1st place in the U.G.L.Y. Bartender contest (raising money for Multiple Sclerosis) in St Cloud Region in 1987 and 1988.
Women’s State softball Champions in 1994.
Inducted in Foley High School Athletic Hall of Fame 2010.
I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.
I am Deb Bialke your new District Governor of District 5M8 for 2024-2025. Donnie and I joined Lions in 2004 to give back to others because so many helped us when Donnie was paralyzed in a snowmobile accident. We learned to deal with many challenges on a daily basis. You look at many things differently and take nothing for granted. I lost my Donnie in December of 2013 but you will see my hummingbird pin on my jacket which is
him with me, as I experience this journey.
I have held many officer and leadership positions at club and district level. I have graduated from the leadership institutes and forums. I also have taken advantage of all the learning opportunities that have not only helped me as a lion but has helped me as a person in all aspects of my life.
I am also very active in my church and my Community. I am a Charter member of the Gilman Park and Recreation Association and an active member for over 30 years. Prior to running for Second Vice District Governor I served on the Tri County Community Action Partnership Board for 10 years serving as a Board Chair and a Vice Chair. I just retired last year January 5th from my position as a bank teller after 15 years.
I embody the strength and courage of a lion. Like a lion, I approach challenges with unwavering determination and try to lead by example. I protect and support my pride—my team—with loyalty and resilience. I believe in the power of collaboration, accountability, transparency, communication, supportive, positivity, respect and the importance of lifting each other up.
I find joy in creating a hat for any position I have held in Lions. That is why I say “Hats Off To Service!” Love decorating for events or crafting and creating items or ideas in many ways and I have been known to dress up in costumes or my other personalities, but I love to have fun.
In the upcoming year I am hoping to create the TEAM aspect of leading our district and all work together to create and teach our members the new approach to helping our organization grow and have a succession plan to build on. We want to do more service and build our communities. We will Set the Pace for Service in our District and let us together take our “Hats Off To Service!!”
