Hello, my name is Jacque Nadeau and I’ve been a long time resident of Big Lake. I have seen a lot of change in our community – some not so good, but a lot of good too. I enjoy getting to know the new families and people moving into town. While I enjoy traveling, Big Lake is where I call home.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my lovely bride, Gwen, for 30 years. I have 3 children: Michael, Dan and Jaclyn. I also have 6 grandchildren -1 grandson and 5 granddaughters. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister AND we all still get along!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
Well it isn’t here anymore, but the best cheeseburger and tator tots were at Ranchero Drive-in. I do like the food at The Buff and Chow also.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I am retired now but I volunteer on the tractor at my neighbors potato farm. During my career I was a Welder Foreman -the company I used to work for was the company hired to work on the new Premier Pontoon building.. While I was in welding, I traveled all over the country to complete jobs. I was also drafted into the Army for a short time.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My family moved here in 1954. I moved away for awhile in 1970 and then moved back. In total, I have lived here 50 years.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Robert Eddy! His grandfather started the telephone company in Big Lake. Rob eventually sold it to, what is now, Windstream. He’s a huge supporter of the University of MN and was an Engineer after his education. He recently was on T.V. to discuss his concerns with safety problems the students are having on campus. He is a strong Safety Advocate at the U of M.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
No, not currently. We used to have dogs.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
M.A.S.H., Wizard of Oz, and Dr. Zhivago – the classics!
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. But my favorite season is Spring. Everything gets to start over in the spring. And I get to begin gardening.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get to know your neighbors.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Take my wife to Paris.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people here, even the younger people, because they welcome and include everyone.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still healthy!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My name used to be Jacque John Todd Nadeau. My mom wanted to name me John, but my grandmother said it should be Jacque so I got both names. My mom picked Todd out simply because she met a nice blacksmith named Todd. Since then, I have removed the Todd from my name.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
Golfing, fishing, and gardening. I also like to try new restaurants with my wife. Recently we tried Main Street Farmer in Saint Michael and really enjoyed it. We also like the Taproom located in Blaine near the NSC soccer fields. I do have a 1978 Corvette that I purchased in 1978 and I like working on that.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and one drink the rest of your life, what would it be?
Asparagus grown on the farm and a nice Chardonnay or Merlot.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
Yes, Strap – it’s from high school so you can probably figure it out.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Cure lonely people. I hate when I know someone I know is lonely.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My children.
Q: What would you do/buy if you won the lottery?
This question is difficult because I don’t want a lot. I would set up a trust so other people could enjoy the money.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Both of my parents. Dad was easy-going and didn’t even lose his temper when I broke our tractor in half!
