Kaneski and Martin are graduates of Pine River-Backus High School and St. Cloud State University. Both are familiar with the Dairy Queen business, having put in many hours during their high school and college years.

After graduation from St. Cloud State University, Kaneski was employed by Hormel Foods Corporation.

While with Hormel, she held positions in Atlanta, Ga., Madison, Wis., Salt Lake City, Utah, and, most recently, in Minneaspolis.

She worked with key distributor, Sysco, throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas.

Her husband is Sean Kaneski, a graduate of Brainerd High School, who is director of project development for Kuepers Architects and Builders of Brainerd.

They live in Pequot Lakes with their 6-year-old twins, Anja and Cole.

Following her graduation from St. Cloud State University, Martin was employed by International Dairy Queen, based in Edina.

She traveled throughout the United States and Canada, overseeing openings of new Dairy Queen locations.

In 2002, she married Phillip Martin, a civil engineer with Landecker & Associates in Pequot Lakes, and moved back to the area. She then became manager of the Pine River Dairy Queen. The Martins live in Pequot Lakes.

The Taylors bought the Pine River location in 1973 from Don and Carol Johnson.

It was a small seasonal walk-in store without seating. In 1975, the building was expanded to accommodate seating for 48 people.

In 1983, the Taylors purchased the Nisswa Dairy Queen.

In 1995, the Pine River store was replaced with a new building, allowing the addition of a drive-through service lane and seating for 65 people.

Jerry has been active within the International Dairy Queen system, and was a member of the Corporate Franchisee Advisory Council.

The Taylors have been longtime members of the Pine River and Nisswa Chambers of Commerce, and have been involved in various community activities. Jerry officially retired on Jan. 1.