Waves of Generosity Flow from Opposite Ends of Lake Minnewaska 

Some may call it fate that Barb Billehus married Dan Ostrander.   

Even though both grew up around Lake Minnewaska, they hadn’t met. Post-high school, Barb moved to the east coast for a year in a college exchange program, and Dan moved to the west to Washington then onto Pheonix for work. It was a mutual friend that brought them together and back to Pope County. 

Now 40 years later the couple share how generosity has flowed throughout their lives and helped create a community that has meant so much to them. 

Early Generosity 

Barb grew up in a farming family in Starbuck and remembers dropping her quarter into the offering plate each Sunday morning. As one of three kids growing up on a century farm, she knew things could be tough and money sometimes tight, but their family bonds were strong, and her parents taught them the importance of giving back and supporting community.  

“We were the early recyclers, taking our collection of cans and glass to Alexandria to support a work activity connected to the Douglas County Developmental Achievement Center.” Barb recalls. “We were always doing something whether it was helping to clean up around the cemetery or participate in 4-H activities. Helping others and giving came naturally.” 

Dan was raised in Glenwood, on the north side of the lake.  “My parents modeled generosity through their activity in our community,” Dan says. “From involvement in our church to their roles within the civic organization, the Jaycees.”  

For a time, Dan’s family owned The Pub and he witnessed their generosity as business owners. “I saw how my parents quietly took care of tabs or made food for those who needed a little help,” Dan recalls. “Because we were a railroad family, we clearly understood the value of a hard day’swork and showing up for others.” 

Generosity is Generational 

When raising their two sons, Dan and Barb continued that same commitment to community.  From early on in their marriage, Dan recalls rallying support for the Glenwood Ski Chalet, to give kids in the community a place to go and learn an outdoor sport. They started a ski rental business with the help of volunteers and donations. 

The couple is also active in the Jaycees and their church. Dan served on the church youth board and chaperoned many youth mission trips with their sons.   

“It is wonderful to see our adult sons modeling this same generosity and the values in which they were raised”, shares Barb. “Our family has always known the importance of collective giving.  When everyone gives a little, it adds up and strengthens our community. “ 

Paying It Forward 

“We appreciate having access to a community foundation in our region,” the couple shares. “Our partnership with West Central Initiative has been integral to our success.” 

Barb and Dan started B&D Rollers in 1987, to provide solutions for farmers and industrial operations. 

“As young entrepreneurs, and throughout our nearly 40 years in business as B&D Rollers, West Central Initiative saw and understood our vision early on and were great advisors and financial mentors to us,” shared Dan. “It means a lot to be in a position where we can now pay it forward with our own gifts to West Central Initiative.  We know our investment supports programs that create growth across our community. It is our way of extending that same opportunity to other in community.” 

Are you interested in making an impact like the Ostranders? Reach out to our generosity team to discuss your options for giving back to your community with the most impact.