After 22 years on the Rock Energy Cooperative board of directors, Marian Trescher is retiring.
After 22 years on the Rock Energy Cooperative board of directors, Marian Trescher is retiring. Trescher first became involved with Rock Energy through her husband, Howard. During his 43 years as a director, Marian was always by his side, handling schedules and taking notes at meetings.
When Howard passed away in 2004, Marian was elected to fill his seat, a position she has held ever since. In 2011, she was elected board secretary. She has received many certifications and also served on the Federated Youth Foundation Board and WECA Education Committee. In the 1960s, when Howard served on the board, Marian started and organized the “cooperative queen” program for the co-op. In the early 70s, Rock Energy’s queen went on to win the cooperative queen title at both the state and national level as “Miss Rural Electrification.” Marian served as her chaperone, traveling with her to speaking engagements and events across the country.
Above, Trescher at the NRECA Legislative Conference in 2010. From left, Darrel Weber, former Rock Energy Board Member, Bill Dietsch, former Rock Energy Board Member, Janie Dietsch, Herb Kohl, former US Senator, Marian Trescher, and Shane Larson, Rock Energy CEO.
Pictured above is Trescher speaking at the 2013 Rock Energy Annual Meeting.
“Beyond her accomplishments, what truly stands out is who she is—a leader who listens, a colleague who supports others, and a person who genuinely cares about her community, her cooperative. She has helped guide this cooperative not just in keeping the lights on, but in strengthening the connection between the co-op and the people it serves, the members.” — Barbara Miller, Rock Energy Board Chair
Trescher retired from teaching after spending 27 years in the Milton and Janesville school systems. Trescher’s experience includes work with the Milton Town Board (Supervisor); Town of Milton Planning and Zoning Board (Chairman); Milton Joint Fire Commission; Milton Grange (Secretary); and the township as Chief Election Inspector. She has also been involved in many community groups throughout the years.
In addition to her many hours of community service, Marian also enjoys spending time with her three children and is an avid supporter of her ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Miss Rural Electrification: Making Rock Energy Co-op History
Trescher started the Miss Rural Electrification program at Rock Energy in the early 1970s. She chaperoned contestant Sandi Torkilson (now Hargrave) as she traveled the country during her reign.
The Miss Rural Electrification had to have the poise to handle a full load of public-speaking engagements, sometimes in front of thousands of people. Her speaking engagements would also require a thorough understanding of, and appreciation for, electric cooperatives.
After she was crowned Miss Rock County Electric Cooperative, Hargrave’s focus was on the Miss Wisconsin RE title, which was determined at the WECA Annual Meeting in Milwaukee two months later. She won that title too, along with a college scholarship, and spent the summer appearing in some local parades and revisiting the Youth Leadership Congress, this time as a featured speaker, as she prepared for the national competition.
At the end of February 1972, Hargrave accompanied the Treschers to Las Vegas for the NRECA annual meeting, where Miss Rural Electrification would be crowned at a pageant held March 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hargrave recalled a whirlwind week of appearances and tours in Las Vegas with the other candidates, who quickly became friends. By the end of the night, she stood victorious as Miss Rural Electrification 1972, with a large contingent of family and co-op supporters in the audience . . . and, of course, with Trescher right there beside her!
Above, Trescher (left) at the Miss Rock County Electric Cooperative Competition with winner Sandra Sagen in 1968.
Above, Trescher was the recipient of the 2022 Ally of Cooperative Electrification (ACE) award.
“I just can’t say thank you enough, Marian. Congratulations on your outstanding tenure with Rock Energy Cooperative. Thank you for your entire dedication to the co-op. Everyone at the co-op appreciates all you have done.” — Shane Larson, Rock Energy CEO