New Dublin’s 2018 Irish Man of the Year
By John Faucher
Randy Genske is the Shamrock Club of New Dublin’s 2018 Irish Man of the Year.
Genske grew up on a small farm east of New London with three brothers, a sister and his late parents Kenneth and Geraldine (Glocksine) Genske.
Even though he is of German decent, Genske has developed many close Irish ties in New Dublin. The 1969 Shiocton High School graduate lived his entire life in the New London area.
“I never got far from New London,” he said in a deep hardy lumberjack voice.
Thirty years ago Genske purchased a portion of the old Dunlevy farm in the township of Lebanon, where he built his own log home by hand and quickly assimilated into the town’s thriving Irish population.
“The Crains, Kleggs, Murphys and the McMoeller boys were all my neighbors,” said Genske with a chuckle. “They accepted me into the kin right away. I have been there ever since.”
Genske also made a multitude of friends at Curwood in New London, where he worked for 39 years before his retirement in 2013.
Genske has a son, Scott, and daughter, Krystal, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
“I’m not getting any younger,” the 67 year-old woodsman said. “Two of my grandchildren are married and the other two are getting married this year.”
Throughout his life he has kept busy especially with family, friends and numerous hobbies.
He is well known for his friendly demeanor, highly inventive personality and ability to fix things.
Genske has helped with the Grand Parade and Irish Fest in New London for the past 22 years.
“I’d like to thank all of the people that had a vision to get this event started back in the day and bring it to what it is today. It’s truly a nice family event that everyone enjoys,” Genske said.
He recalls the first year parade emcees Melissa Mullroy and Judy McDaniel announced the parade from in front of the New London Public Library.
He recalls another year shortly after the announcer’s stand was moved to downtown, and someone walked off with the sound system as they were setting up for the parade.
“We never did find it. There is a guilty one out there yet somewhere,” he said. “We had to improvise anyway and we made it.”
Genske has been a member of the Shamrock Club for the past 20 years. He said he has many fond memories of Mike Coyle’s shenanigans and the other characters that make up the Shamrock Club.
“It’s a great club to be involved with,” said Genske.
“Everybody should thank all the volunteers working for the event when you see them. They’re still putting a wonderful event, and they will for many years to come.”
Genske said he was humbled when he heard the Shamrock Club selected him as Irish Man of the Year.
“I would like to thank the Shamrock Club for this honor,” said Genske.
Parade emcee Judy McDaniel explained that the honor is well deserved.
“He’s helped us out with all the parades. … Always he sets up the [judge’s] stand. He’s always taken care of that. He’s done so much to help the club,” McDaniel said.
The community will celebrate all things Irish at the St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade on Saturday, March 17, at 1 p.m. in downtown New Dublin.