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Jerry Johannessen inducted into Midwest Bakers Hall of Fame

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Former Benson Bakery longtime owner Jerry Johannessen was inducted in the Upper Midwest Bakery Association’s Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual convention in early March.
“The bakers hall of fame was established to ensure that memories of outstanding bakers be recognized and preserved,” the association says of its award. “It is to honor those whose hard work and dedication has been significant and outstanding achievements to the baking industry, community and the American way of life.”
Longtime Benson Bakery employee Becky Halverson nominated Johannessen for the award. By nominating him, she also took on the responsibility of speaking to the 300-person crowd about why she nominated him.
“Jerry, I believe, is the perfect candidate for this award,” she said. “With being 85 years old (later this fall) and living his life as being a husband, father, grandfather, business owner, baker, cake decorator, teacher and the kind-hearted person he is, I can honestly say that he deserves it.”
“Jerry’s expertise and knowledge has been an asset to Benson,” Halverson told the crowd. “His dedication to his bakery has been worthy of distinction because he has given his career path to provide exceptional service in his business.”
The annual Upper Midwest Bakery Association convention brings together bakers from Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin....
 
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Pictured, top: Jerry Johannessen is all smiles after being inducted into the Upper Midwest Bakery Association’s Hall of Fame earlier this month. He is pictured with wife, Carol, left, and Benson Bakery employee Becky Halverson. It was Halverson who submitted the Johannessen’s nomination letter for the hall of fame. Photo provided.
Pictured, bottom: Jerry Johannessen is known for his lefse making skills.

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