The Krotz Family, aviation lovers, and community members celebrated the launch of the new book Chasing the North Wind
Richard “Dick” Struck, left, and Kathy Krotz-Finn, right, addressed the audience regarding the book Chasing the North Wind at the launch event on January 27, 2024, at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais, MN. Photo by Rose Arrowsmith.
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, over 50 members of the community, the Krotz family, and aviation lovers came out to the Johnson Heritage post in Grand Marais, Minnesota, to celebrate the launch of the new book Chasing the North Wind: A Memoir of One Woman’s Lifelong Love Affair Flying a Vintage 1941 Piper J-3 Cub Aircraft and Growing Up in Minnesota’s Famed Arrowhead Region, by Kathy Krotz-Finn, with Richard Struck, foreword by Wolfgang Greiner, and edited by Rose Arrowsmith.
The Krotz family is credited with being largely responsible for putting Cook County on the aviation map, by founding the first airport in the area. Clarence Krotz, Kathy’s father, purchased land for the airport and a lodge along Devil Track Lake, where what is now known as Skyport Lodge is located.
In the book, Krotz-Finn shares her story about growing up in an aviation-loving family, and also about flying her 1941 Piper J-3 Cub, which she helped restore.
All proceeds of Chasing the North Wind support Historic Cook County. To purchase, visit the Cook County Historical Society Museum Fridays and Saturdays from 11-3, the Johnson Heritage Post Wednesday - Sunday from 10-4, or online here.
Krotz family members, including Kathy Krotz-Finn (far left), and Kathy’s sister Ginger Berglund (far right), sign copies of the new book Chasing the North Wind. Photo by Steina Sopoci.
Kathy Krotz-Finn (left), author, said a few words to the audience at the book launch. Photo by the Cook County Historical Society.
Rose Arrowsmith, editor, reads excerpts and shares stories about Kathy’s “spunkiness” from Chasing the North Wind. Photo by the Cook County Historical Society.
Richard “Dick” Struck, author, reads the postscript from the book Chasing the North Wind at the January 27 book launch event at the Johnson Heritage Post. Photo by Rose Arrowsmith.
Richard “Dick” Struck, left, presented Kathy Krotz-Finn, right, with a hat and mug adorned with a Piper Cub plane logo. Photo by the Cook County Historical Society.
Over 50 community members, aviation lovers, and Krotz family members gathered at the Johnson Heritage Post to hear excepts from Chasing the North Wind, and get their book signed by author Kathy Krotz-Finn. Photo by Steina Sopoci.
Krotz family members left from right: Steina Sopoci (Kathy’s daughter), Kathy Krotz-Finn, Ginger Berglund (Kathy’s sister), Bev Wolke (Kathy’s niece), and Lieschen Schoehert (Kathy’s daughter). Photo by Chuck Olsen.