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   In a town like Longville where everyone seems to know everyone, few names bring a smile faster than Rosalie Likens-Letson. After six decades of lending a helping hand in Longville, she is now leading this year’s Fourth of July parade as Grand Marshal.

   Rosalie was born in post-WWII Germany and immigrated to the United States when she was six. She and her husband, Phil Likens, bought the Musky House in Longville in 1965, located where the modern-day One Stop is. Very quickly, the two fell in love with the town...and Longville couldn’t help falling in love with her, either.

Rosalie Likens-Letson, Longville’s 2025 Grand Marshal, pictured with a beautiful painting of Elvis Presley, done by local artist and close friend, Tom Kutschied. Photo submitted.

   Over the years, Rosalie has worked just about everywhere – it would be easier to list where she hasn’t – and touched many lives. She has spent countless hours helping with Longville’s famous Turtle Races, running the prize table with Ed Lammers, sacrificing herself in the dunk tank and bringing her lively, social personality to the team. She helped with preparation for the new and accessible playground, Longville’s Fly-In Pancake Breakfast, Fourth of July celebrations and has had a hand in just about every event and project the town has undertaken. Rosalie is just as generous with her heart as she is with her time – never seeking the spotlight, but always showing up.

   It would be remiss to have a story about Rosalie and not mention Elvis Presley. She has been a super-fan of Elvis for decades and has a portrait tattoo of him on her shoulder. She has visited Graceland, toured his plane, the Lisa Marie and even got married in Las Vegas by an Elvis impersonator to her now-husband, Dennie Letson. If you ever have the gift of visiting her home, make sure not to miss the Elvis Room – full of records, memorabilia, paintings and everything in between. 

   Rosalie has been the smiling face behind the Longville Chamber of Commerce’s pull tab booths for over 20 years. Along with pull tabs, she has worked on meat raffles at the Docksider and Patrick’s and continues to work with her son, Troy Likens, at TC’s Foods in Remer. She’s stepped into a lot of roles over the years, just be careful not to step on her blue suede shoes.

   Outside of volunteering for civic organizations, Rosalie donates her time to help individuals, too. On almost a daily basis, she helps to care for her elderly friend and frequently babysits her great-grandchildren. Rosalie and her family remain close and all three of her children have stayed local. 

   Her son, Terry Likens, stated on the Grand Marshal nomination form, “She is what Longville is all about. The most wonderful woman who does so much for Longville and would do anything for anyone if asked.” 

   Rosalie’s passion for Longville is easy to see. “I love this community, they have given so much to me and it is an honor to help.”  

   Rosalie was just as suprised as anyone else when she was nominated for Grand Marshal, after her son Terry suprised her with the submission. “It is a huge honor, it’s a great feeling to be recognized for my work,” Rosalie commented.

   Terry added in the nomination form, “Rosalie is a hard working woman who never stops, she is devoted to her community, her job and her family and friends.” Rosalie may have been astonished by her nomination for Grand Marshal... but no one in town was surprised – or even slightly suspicious – that she was chosen for the honor. 

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