Lou Eischens
Lou Eischens
My journey started in Hastings, MN where I was born and was raised in Woodbury, MN.
The area was mostly farms and country roads until the developments started. People moving into the area mostly worked for 3M. My father was a sign hanger which enabled work all over the Twin Cities and took much pride in his work. My mother worked outside of the home when we were younger and decided to stay home and keep the family rolling as I was entering junior high. My brother is 4 years younger and I have a sister that is 2 years older. Yes, I’m the middle child and I guess that explains my position in life “to keep peace”.
During the course of my childhood we made several trips to Park Rapids and the first trip I was told was when I was 2 weeks old and went fishing on a pontoon in my playpen. That must be why I love the outdoors today. My great grandparents had a farm by Itasca State Park which later on my parents ended up owning. Even though this farm was on my mother’s side, my father fell in love with the area and always wanted to be here. Many trips were made and improvements done with one simple rule “we play after the work is done”. This life was very different from Woodbury as the activities usually meant going to lake, swimming, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, horse-shoes, ball games in the hay field and a lot of family time. The cabin had no phone, TV, running water or indoor bathroom and it amazes me how we survived and enjoyed many wonderful memories.
After graduation, I had the opportunity to work for the City of Woodbury City Planner. This opened up a whole new world for me and taught me how the municipalities work and developments. My interest for real estate started at this time, and I later took classes to get my license. I knew that I would be moving to Park Rapids within a year and thought real estate would mesh with my soon-to-be husbands occupation – farming.
In the fall of 1978, Tim & I where married and within 6 months I was selling real estate. This career has lasted for 31 years and continues. Also, within 2 years of getting married we were blessed with a son and 2 ½ years later along came our daughter. I can honestly say our family has always enjoyed the area we live in and even though we took an annual ski trip, most of our recreation has been right out our front door and we enjoy all seasons, from water-skiing to snow-shoeing with many other activities in between.
I have always enjoyed new people, new adventures and even though there is no replacement for family, friendships have been very important in my life and “The
Bitches” have not only challenged me but supported me when I needed them the most. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago and while this experience is like a bad dream, this wonderful group of women encouraged me to keep going. Kayaking right after a double mastectomy is not advisable, but was it wonderful medicine for my well being. I am doing fine, feel great and enjoy every day with a lot more intensity.
Being a friend, helping a friend and listening to a friend is the purpose of this website and hopefully sharing my life experiences will be a start to another great friendship!