When I was asked to write something about Sue Kelsch, Deer Park Winterfest’s Honored Citizen, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. Sitting down to write, I was stunned by how much I knew and how much I didn’t know about Sue.

We were fellow employees at The Tribune in Deer Park, when I first met Sue, and she had already become a moving force in Deer Park. She worked with the students at the high school, worked for the city at the swimming pool, worked with the Deer Park Junior Miss committee, and many other groups. No matter what she did, Sue put emphasis on our children.

Along with Pat Barden, Sue created The Gazette. When Pat left the newspaper, Sue continued putting out the monthly news until she retired in 2017. Her goal with the paper was to let people know what was happening in Deer Park; covering local events and focusing on our youngest citizens whenever possible.

Sue continues to be actively involved with Deer Park by working on our Annual Settler’s Day events. Always with a warm and friendly smile, she always has time for her children, even though many of them now have adult children of their own. Caring, giving and with a generous spirit, Sue is an excellent choice to represent Deer Park as Honored Citizen at Winterfest.