Eleanor Bader Awarded 2025 Golden Kernel Award for Outstanding Community Service at the 11th Annual Emerado Corn Feed
9/3/2025
Emerado, ND – August 16, 2025
At the 11th Annual Emerado Corn Feed on August 16, 2025, the Emerado Endowment Board proudly presented the prestigious Golden Kernel Award to Eleanor Bader, recognizing her exceptional commitment and service to the community over the years. The Golden Kernel Award is a celebration of those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Emerado, and Eleanor’s decades of service make her a most deserving recipient.
Eleanor’s story in Emerado began in 1964 when she and her late husband, Joe, chose the town as their home. The couple raised their three daughters – Sheila, Donna, and Julie – while Eleanor worked tirelessly as a medical professional. For 30 years, she served as a dedicated employee at the Grand Forks Air Force Base Hospital before retiring in 1998. It was during her retirement, however, that Eleanor’s lasting impact on the community truly began to unfold.
Over the years, Eleanor has remained a fixture in Emerado, devoting countless hours to local initiatives and organizations. She became particularly involved with the Emerado Election and Voting Stations, volunteering for many years to help ensure the democratic process ran smoothly at the community center.
Following the death of her husband Joe in 2010, Eleanor’s dedication to the town grew even stronger. She joined the Emerado Cemetery Board, where she has now served for 15 years, continuing to play an integral role in maintaining and improving the town’s historical resting place.
In addition, Eleanor has been a tireless member of the Emerado Park Board, eventually rising to the position of President, which she has held for the past six years. Under her leadership, the board has introduced numerous fun and engaging activities for local families, including movie nights, Halloween parties, and Turkey Bingo. These events have become beloved traditions that bring the community together.
As President, Eleanor also took on the responsibility of scheduling the use of the Community Center for various organizations and ensuring its upkeep. She is often seen leading clean-up efforts and contributing to the maintenance of the space, ensuring it remains a hub for community activity.
For those who pass through Emerado’s city park or visit the community center, it is nearly impossible to miss Eleanor. Whether it’s riding her lawnmower to mow the grass during the warmer months or operating the Bob Cat to water the flowers at the community center, Eleanor can always be counted on to contribute hands-on to the town’s beautification and upkeep.
It is clear that Eleanor’s love for her community knows no bounds. As she continues to serve with remarkable pride, it is evident that she will remain an unwavering force for good in Emerado for as long as she is able.
In the words of the Emerado Endowment Board, “Thank you, Eleanor, for your love and service. You are a shining example of the heart and soul of this community.”
Congratulations, Eleanor, on receiving the 2025 Golden Kernel Award, a well-deserved honor for a lifetime of devotion and selfless service to the town of Emerado.
2025 Golden kernel Award