Hello All! I grew up here in Big Lake. My maiden name is Jana Hinrichs. Many of you may recognize my name as the Admin for the Big Lake History Facebook Group or from our years together in the Big Lake schools. I’ve lived in Big Lake most of my life with a few years of exceptions here and there.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married, have two grown children, one grand baby, one dog who acts like a 2 year old and a cat who thinks he owns the world. I have three siblings with one still living in Big Lake where we all grew up. My father, Cal Hinrichs, was the industrial arts teacher at Big Lake High School for 32 years and my mother worked at Federal Cartridge 20 some years.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have lived in Big Lake on and off for my entire life but worked in the cities for my entire career
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I am recently retired from 42 years in various management roles at 3 different employers. I’m a graduate of SCSU and a masters degree from Southern Illinois University. My husband, Bob, and I lived in Europe for a while while I worked on projects for my employer. My longest tenure role was a project manager/Consultant on transportation and logistics for large corporations.
Q: What are 2 things you never leave the house without?
My cell phone and wallet.
Q: What is something about you that surprises people?
How many hobbies I have. Some of them are a bit unusual….I restore vintage fountain pens, I am an avid wildlife photographer, I have my part 107 drone license. I find abandoned photos and 35mm slides and share them with people who would find interest in them. I recently donated several 1950’s photos of a US airfare base in Libya to the National Air Force Museum. I love repurposing garage sale finds into art.
Q: What is your go-to comfort food?
Meatloaf and Mash potatoes AND/OR Lake Cafe’s hot beef sandwich
Q: What is one thing your Dream House would have?
East and west facing windows to watch sunsets and sunrises
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Yikes there’s not enough room to answer – I have a list a mile long. I am currently obsessing over watercolor and linocut printmaking.
Q: What is one thing on your Bucket List?
Getting in my RV and roaming the US
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Being able to actually retire before I am 100!
Q: What are some of your favorite Big Lake Establishments? (Restaurants, shops, businesses, etc.)
Coborns and Lake Cafe. I would have said Cambo Flare but Mike has moved to Buffalo, grrrrr.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
It’s home. It’s easy to live here as a small town surrounded by the lake and the refuge, but close enough to bigger towns for easy access to events, dining and shopping.
Q: Who is someone that should be included in the Face of Big Lake? (Please share their contact info if you have it)
Mark Hedstrom
