EDITOR'S NOTE: Palace City Profiles is an ongoing series of community members’ stories, introducing us to our neighbors and the personalities that call Mitchell home. If you have suggestions for individuals or families with a great story, please contact Karen Whitney at 996-1140 or kwhitney@mitchellsd.com.
MITCHELL — Jogging, biking, shooting hoops, attending sporting events, and traveling are just some of the activities that keep the LeBrun family on the go in Mitchell.
"Mitchell has been wonderful to us. We feel very fortunate to call Mitchell home," said Mike; Renee; Luke, 13; Lawson, 12; and Lola, 7. "We have lived here for 18 years and love that Mitchell has a small-town atmosphere with large city options."
Mike LeBrun grew up on a farm in Flandreau. He attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, where he also played football. Renee was also a college athlete, attending Augustana College in Sioux Falls to play basketball. She received the "Spirit of Su" award at the state basketball tournament in high school. She is originally from Milbank.
Mike and Renee have three children who are as active as they are. Luke participates in track, Lawson plays baseball, and Lola plays softball. Their dog Stella joins in on the family fun with long walks. The Lebrun family enjoys riding bikes and hitting golf balls at the driving range.
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A few years ago, they participated in the Tour de Corn as a family and had a blast. They are hoping to do it again this year. At the Palace City Half Marathon, they worked a water station. Whatever event or activity in Mitchell, the LeBruns are game to participate. You can find them attending Mitchell Kernel and Dakota Wesleyan University games.
"With 22 nieces and nephews, we always have some sort of activity to attend," Renee added.
Renee is the development director at John Paul II School, where Lola is a second grader, and Lawson is in the sixth grade. Luke is an eighth-grader at Mitchell Middle School. Mike is a financial adviser/partner and president at Dice Financial Services Group.
Not only are the LeBruns busy at work and an active family, but they also give back by serving in the community. Mike volunteers as a youth football coach and serves on the Mitchell United Way Board. In addition to her duties as Development Director of JPII, Renee is dynamically involved in many aspects of fundraising for the school and Parent Teacher Organization. She also coaches youth basketball.
The LeBrun family enthusiastically reports, "We love our small town feel in Mitchell with large city options. We have a tight-knit community and that is important to us."
