Nancy Sundahl’s dedication to local organizations is so well known that Kevin, her husband of 52 years, joked, “A bumper sticker for her would be: ‘This car stops at all meetings.’”

It is for this dedication that the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce has announced Sundahl as the 2025 Citizen of the Year, honoring her career-long commitment to the community.

She was recognized alongside Business of the Year Stueder Contractors Inc., Legacy Award recipient Mark Calcara and NextGen Leader of the Year Cody Harris during the chamber’s 104th annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Great Bend Events Center.

The award is the chamber’s highest individual honor, recognizing those who give their time and talent to enrich the local culture. Sundahl was selected based on her leadership and her role as a professional and social role model.

The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who lead by example. According to the chamber, nominees are evaluated on their commitment to community impact and their ability to inspire others through service.

A native of Great Bend, Sundahl graduated from Great Bend High School, Barton Community College and Kansas State University. She married Kevin in 1973 after the pair met as members of the inaugural student classes at BCC. At the college, she was a cheerleader and he played basketball.

Nancy earned her degree in education and began her career as a history teacher and cheerleader sponsor at Claflin High School.

“She took some bus trips with the cheerleaders to wherever they went,” Kevin said. “She was the sponsor for three years.”

After marrying following their senior year of college, the couple moved to Great Bend. While Nancy taught in Claflin, Kevin worked in home construction for her father.

“I worked for one year and one day. That’s the last time I do construction,” Kevin recalled. He later transitioned into coaching at Barton Community College and then property appraising.

Sundahl began her professional career teaching social sciences and cheerleading sponsor at Claflin High School. In 1985, she transitioned to a career in the beauty industry with Mary Kay Inc., which she said provided the flexibility to increase her involvement in family and community activities. She has also assisted her husband in his private appraisal business.

Her civic record includes more than 40 years with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and 50-year memberships in both PEO and Beta Sigma Phi-Xi Delta Upsilon. Sundahl’s leadership roles include the Great Bend High School Booster Club, the USD 428 Board of Education, president of Emergency Aid, and secretary-treasurer of the Barton County Association of Churches. She has served as a chamber ambassador and spent a stint working in the chamber office.

She currently serves on the BCC Foundation Board and is a member of the Barton County 100 Who Care committee. An active member of Prince of Peace Parish, Sundahl serves as a lector, eucharistic minister and volunteer at Holy Family School.

She and Kevin have three sons - Shane, Kris and Lukas - and seven grandchildren.

Her son, Kris, remembers his mother balancing community roles with the responsibilities of raising three active sons. Despite her schedule, she rarely missed a football, basketball or baseball game.

“She set an example for us of how to be involved in the community, but then still be there for your family,” Kris said. “I don’t think she ever missed any of our activities ... even with grandkids now, she’s very supportive.”

Kris recalled his mother taking him along to deliver Meals on Wheels as a child, an experience that shaped his view on community service.

“We remember her taking us out with her when we did that,” Kris said. “It just kind of showed us how important it was ... how it lit up a lot of those individuals’ days.”

Kris noted that his mother’s hectic schedule might be her way of staying focused.

“Staying involved and busy cuts down on [worrying] for her,” Kris said. “She doesn’t have time to think about things ... she’s so involved and busy.”

While Kris observed that younger generations sometimes struggle to find time for community involvement, he sees his mother’s lifelong commitment as a blueprint.

“I’m in awe of what she does a lot of times,” Kris said. “All the stuff that she does, I can’t imagine being that busy.”

Sundahl remains active, often splitting duties with Kevin to follow their grandchildren to events in different towns. Kevin describes her as a “very protective” and “family-oriented” person who stays busy by design.

“She’s done a lot of things,” Kevin said, “and she will continue to do things till she expires.”

Two years ago, Kris was named the chamber’s Next-Gen Award recipient, but wasn’t going to make it to the banquet. Since the honor was a secret and he didn’t know he was the winner, he was told his mom was getting the award to encourage him to be there.

It worked. 

“Now, it is her turn,” Kris said. “I think this is a very fitting award for her.”