Ed and Dee Deife honored to be grand marshals

ODESSA - A local couple active throughout the community is serving as grand marshals for this year's Deutchesfest.

Ed and Dee Deife will lead the Deutchesfest Grand Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, through downtown.

"It is an honor," Ed said of being named a co-grand marshal with his wife. "Partly, it just means we're old and have been around along time.

"Credit certainly goes to the people we've worked with."

The couple was selected as grand marshals this year for their years of volunteering on efforts to strengthen the community.

It's an ""honor to be asked to be grand marshal for this year," Dee said.

Ed said their efforts were possible because the people they served with in most endeavors are "people who are concerned and care about this community."

The couple was married in the spring of 1985 at the Old Odessa Town Hall. At the time, Dee already had three children.

"I went from a confirmed bachelor with no girlfriend and no prospects to married and a father of a teenager in less than a year," Ed said, noting he and Dee's family has grown to include six grandchildren and nine great-grand children.

Ed has always played a role in the community serving two terms on the City Council, 14 years on the School Board, and twice each as Chamber of Commerce president and Deutchesfest biergarten chairman.

Ed was also a volunteer EMT for 10 years and is a member of the Odessa Public Development Authority, currently serving as chairman.

He retired after 40-plus years in the service department at Walter Implement.

Dee, too, is an active community advocate.

Dee is known locally for her community service and persistent attitude, as well as working hard for her neighbors.

At age 48, she went back to school and graduated with honors from Big Bend Community College and then Eastern Washington University. Then, she started her "dream job" as a counselor at Lincoln County Mental Health, and then Grant County Mental Health.

She has been - and remains - involved in Deutschesfest, served two terms on the Odessa Public Library board, where she was president in 2016. She is currently serving her 12th year on the Odessa Hospital District Board of Commissioners.

Not one to slow down, Dee made nearly 5,000 pfeffernuesse cookies for the bake sale this Friday at Deutchesfest.

The couple has been involved in Deutchesfest as long as anyone can remember. They were present and active in organizing the parade and making it was it is today.

"I'm looking forward to see the parade from a different view point," Ed said.

Over the years, the couple's fondest memories include "meeting new people," he said, noting he's happy to see younger generations step up.

The couple is also happy to have been part of efforts to improve the community.

During her time on the hospital board, Dee pushed to have a CT Scan in town. For his part, Ed was enthusiastic about Odessa School being named a "School of Distinction" five times during his time on the board.

But the couple is humble about their efforts.

"We've worked with great people," Ed said.

There have also been some difficult times serving the community, such as having to fire administrators or ushering schools through COVID-19 challenges.

But those experiences haven't soured them on Odessa or Deutchesfest.

The couple still enjoys trying new foods, participating and watching new activities and meeting new people. The are also continuing to do their part so Deutchesfest doesn't lose its touch.

"It's been really fun to get to know people," he said. "How much we've enjoyed working with other volunteers."

The couple will be near the start of the Deutchesfest Grand Parade when it starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, on First Avenue and moves through downtown.

But they plan to do more than just ride in the parade. The couple will be working their "usual" shifts at this year's Deutchesfest, too.

Deutchesfest gets underway today, Thursday, and continues through Sunday.

Starting September 21st 10 a.m. on First Avenue the parades begin. Starting with the Kiddie parade with the enchanting theme of Disney come see the littles dressed up and thrilled to show off their floats and costumes while enjoying the music.

Following the Kiddie parade witness the rest of the floats sharing their own history. In the parade you will be able to see the marching band, and other community associations.

Businesses from around the area take place in the parade as well incorporating their hard work into this vibrate and cheerful tradition.

In the parade the floats, dancers, spectators, and all member embrace the culture of their town and home, indulge on some amazing German style.