A thousand meals flow out of Lois Naeger’s kitchen each week. Nestled off Route 51 in McBride, Naeger – a lifelong resident – is the pillar that holds this community together.

Since 1947 when Naeger’s parents, Allie and Retta Munier, opened Al’s Place Restaurant in a then bustling farming community, Lois’ duties have steadily increased as the town’s population has plummeted.

Chef, postmaster, grandmother, school bus driver, water district collector – the list is seemingly endless, but Lois carries on, serving a community that would not be the same without her.