Community News 31 August 2023

Wiemans crack $100K mark in MS battle

MS River Run, Carl Wieman, Denise Wieman, owatonna
Carl and Denise Wieman of Owatonna give a hearty wave as they cruise through the MS River Road Run on their Vanderhall Venice. In the past 22 years, the Wiemans have raised more than $101,000 for MS research. Submitted photo
By
Rick Bussler, Publisher

Work hard, play hard, give generously.

To coin a quote from W. Hall Wendell, Jr., retired chairman and CEO of Polaris Industries, Carl and Denise Wieman of Owatonna are putting forth their best effort to ride toward a world free from multiple sclerosis by raising money for the disease.

For the 22nd year, the Wiemans were once again involved in the MS River Road Run, which took place Aug. 19-20 mostly throughout southern Minnesota. The run began in Monticello and wrapped through scenic back roads to Rockford, Chaska and Lakeville before cruising through areas like Jordan and Le Sueur and ending in Mankato. The route was designed by the retired Owatonna couple.

In two days, the ride covered 400 miles. The ride allows riders to travel at their own pace. About 60 cyclists took part in this year’s ride. A few drove cars because of the heat and some suffer from MS.

At this year’s run, the Wiemans were recognized as the top fund raisers, bringing in almost $11,000. They were also honored as the grand marshals along with another man who raised about $5,000. Over the past 22 years, Carl and Denise have raised more than $101,000 for MS research.

“We never dreamt that we could raise that much money when we started,” said Carl Wieman.

Even though the ride is complete for the year, the Wiemans are still collecting donations for MS. Checks can be made out payable to MS River Road Run and mailed to the Wiemans, 524 Glendale St., Owatonna, MN 55060. Contributions are tax deductible.

The Wiemans and others are focused on raising money to aid in the search for a cure for MS. About 1 million Americans are living with MS.

“We ride for one reason—to help those with MS,” Wieman said. “We ride because we can, and for those that cannot,” he added.

Carl and Denise became involved with the ride in 2001 while Denise’s niece, Lori Serbus, was battling MS. She died from complications of the disease in 2004.

“Together we are stronger than this disease,” the Wiemans say. “And together we ensure every person affected by MS has access to the resources, support and community they need.”