Board of Directors

Ione Leither – President

My name is Ione (Dingmann) Leither, the current President of CSAHS.  I was married to Gary Leither until his passing in 2024.  I have three grown children and two beautiful grandchildren. I am a lifelong Cold Spring resident and worked for District 750 for 27 years.  Besides volunteering at the history museum, I enjoy reading,traveling, doing puzzles and crafts.

Michael Vinar – Vice President

I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was offered a job at 18 to make microfiche at a bank data center. From that job, I had a 42 year career in Technology ending with my own business. I have 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. I love to read, mostly about history. I also enjoy collecting stamps and coins. I have been married to my wife Julie for the past 20 years. We enjoy vacationing, hiking and a good movie.

Dan Steil – Treasurer

Dan comes from the town of Cold Spring and graduated from St. Boniface High School. He previously worked for the First National Bank of Cold Spring for many years and is now retired. His family includes his Wife, Mary, Sons Jeff, Tim and Andrew and 6 grandchildren. He has been with the Cold Spring Area Historical Society for over 14 years and encourages everyone to explore the wonders of the museum, a real local gem!

Charles Chirhart – Trustee

I go by Charlie. I was born and raised in St. Cloud, MN. I’ve been married to my wife Doreen for over 37 years and we have 2 children. I’m a retired Rocori School District 750 employee. I live on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes near Richmond. I enjoy researching family history, hunting, fishing and gardening. I’m an avid model railroader and amateur radio operator as well.

Cliff Johnson – Trustee

Chip Jordan – Trustee

I was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. I met my wife, Diane Backes Jordan, while I was in the USAF stationed at Mountain Home AFB, ID. After a 14 year tour in the air force, I finished college at UNLV and earned a BS degree in Radiological Science. I took a position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester as a research technologist. I retired after 25 years at Mayo and currently live on a 4th generation farm here in Cold Spring, MN. I have two children, Ben and Maddie, who both work for Mayo. I enjoy primitive camping and hiking in the woods with my wife. For quiet time I enjoy reading (especially audio books), writing, and of course learning about the history of Central MN.

Rose Leyendecker – Trustee

Hi. My name is Rose (Hagemeier) Leyendecker. I was born and raised in Cold Spring Mn. I have been married to my husband Charlie for 54 years. We have two daughters, one granddaughter and are expecting a great grandchild in March. We enjoy volunteering weekly at the Cold Spring Area Historical Society and would love to have you come and pay us a visit. 

Terry Niehaus – Trustee

Attended a one room school house on Grand Lake, where I was raised with my 11 siblings. Graduated from ROCORI high school and had a career with the United States Postal Service. Enjoying retirement with my grandchildren, and two months Spring Training “work“ with the Minnesota Twins in Florida. Married for 50 years to my high school, sweetheart, Tom. Life is good!