Both nearly lifelong residents of Lake Andes, Leo and Pat are happy to represent the community as they lead the parade for Fish Days.

Leo Dvorak grew up on the North shore of Lake Andes. He spent much of his career at Charles Mix Electric as a lineman, line foreman and line supervisor until he retired in 1997 after 30 years.

Before starting at CME, he spent a few years working on the Ft. Randall Dam, the Oahe Dam, and Kocer Implement.

He and his late wife Shirley were married for 61 years and raised five children. Dan and his wife Diane have six children; Randy has one daughter; Jody and his wife Shelly have three children; Ranae and her husband Dave have two children, and the youngest son is Rick.

Shirley passed away in May 2020.

In his younger years, Leo enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He still plants a garden – tomatoes and cucumbers are his favorites.

Pat Shinkle has spent the last 27 years serving lunches at the Andes Central Schools. She moved to Lake Andes as a seventh grader and graduated from Andes Central High School.

Her daughter Nicki and husband Rob have six children, and Pat has seven great-grandchildren, most of whom live around the area. Pat enjoys spending time with her extended family and attending the events of her great-grandchildren. She likes to spend her free time watching the game show channel and the music channel.

She plans to keep working at the school as long as they will have her – she enjoys the kids and keeping busy.

Both Pat and Leo have great memories of Fish Days for many years.

Leo remembers that many Fish Days weekends had terrible weather – lots of rain and mud. He recalls enjoying the parades and the annual fish dinner. He also participated in softball tournaments. He also remembers the few years that Fish Days was canceled when the lake was dried up.

Leo is looking forward to his duties as parade marshall and was surprised to be asked. “It’s sure an honor to do this,” he commented.

Pat claims that the parade is her favorite fish days event and also enjoys going to the carnival with the grandkids and great-grandkids.

“There’s always something to do that weekend, that’s for sure,” she said. She was also surprised to ask and blamed her Mayor grand-son-in-law for the nomination, she laughed.

The annual Fish Days parade will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 3.