The Birch Run Rotary is honored to have Mr. Lewis (Lew) N. Dodak as the Grand Marshall for this year’s Parade Through Time 4th of July parade. A graduate of Birch Run High School, he was raised on a family farm in Taymouth Township, where he learned the values of responsibility and resourcefulness.
He served in Vietnam right out of High School. Mr. Dodak saw 8 months of combat, survived a helicopter crash and mortar fire. These experiences prepared him for tackling tough jobs.
Mr. Dodak was attracted to politics because he wanted to make a difference and make things better for people, especially the Vietnam Veterans. He saw the futility of anti-governmental demonstrations which were prevalent in the United States in the 1960s.
Mr. Dodak served as the Taymouth Township Supervisor for 2 years before running for the State of Michigan House of Representatives. It was there that he worked for the next 30 years. He was elected to Speaker of the House under Governor James Blanchard and held that position under Governor John Engler as well. Mr. Dodak was the only Speaker of the House to come from Saginaw County. As Speaker of the House, it was his job to put action to the Governor’s programs. He was in charge of a staff of 600 people.
Because of his background, Mr. Dodak, was at ease meeting with people from all walks of life, Farmers, Lawyers, Veterans, Union workers, they were all worthy of his time and respect. Mr. Dodak worked well with others using the art of compromise.
Mr. Dodak has seen many changes over the course of his life. The most impactful of them all is the internet and social media. He said, “People get news fast and jump to conclusions quickly.”
The Rotary Club of Birch Run is honored to have Mr. Lewis N. Dodak as its Grand Marshall in the 2026, 4th of July Parade. He will be driving a hundred-year-old, 1926 Model T Touring Car, purchased by his late wife, Mildred Dodak.
Parade line up begins at 9:00AM at the Birch Run High School Parking Lot. Judging starts at 10am. Parade begins at 11:00AM