Tschumperlin is Kraut N Wurst grand marshal

Katherine Elizabeth Tschumperlin, better known as ?ÄúTootz?Äù was selected by the Watkins Fire Department to be the grand marshal in the Kraut N Wurst parade this year.

She was born to Clem and Mathilda Nistler, and grew up on a farm just north of town. Her dad called her ?ÄúTootz?Äù since she was little, and it stayed. She was the only girl and had six older brothers ?Äì that alone might account for her strong character. 

Tootz attended St. Anthony School in Watkins and then St. Boniface High School in Cold Spring. She married Gene Tschumperlin the year after she graduated, and he died in 2000. Tootz and Gene took over the Nistler family farm, and moved into town in 1996 when they built their home there. (Yes, the home that was ripped away by the tornado just a year ago.) The Tschumperlins had six children: Linda, David, Kevin, Wayne, Lori and Chris; all but one live in Watkins. She has 15 grandc hildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Tootz has been very active in her church, the city council, and the EDA board, and she has coordinated the Kraut N Wurst parade with Brenda Carlson since 2011. 

After leading the parade as grand marshal, she?Äôll jump into a golf cart and ride at the end of the parade.

The parade is at 10:30 am. Saturday, Aug. 5.