Jerry Zeimetz and the Muller family are this year’s honorees
The 27th Annual Frostbite 4 will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Beresford High School. Buses will depart for the start line at 10:40 a.m. Participants can choose between a four-mile run or a two-mile run/walk.
Registration is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/SD/Beresford/FrostbiteFour. Early bird registration ends this week.
Honorees
The Frostbite 4 Race Committee is proud to announce the honorees for this year’s race, recognizing individuals and families whose dedication, resilience, and community spirit embody the heart of Beresford.
This year’s Friend of the Watchdog is Jerry Zeimetz, and the Honorary Starters are Brad and Noelle Muller and family.
Friend of the Watchdog – Jerry Zeimetz
For more than 30 years, Jerry Zeimetz has played a pivotal role in shaping the City of Beresford. He began his public service career in 1990 as deputy finance officer, later serving on the City Council. In 1999, Jerry became Beresford’s first city administrator, a position he held until his retirement this past fall.
During his tenure, Beresford experienced remarkable growth and transformation. Under Jerry’s leadership, the community saw expansion of the industrial park, the arrival of new businesses, significant infrastructure improvements, and enhanced amenities such as Volunteer Park and the Bridges Golf Course and Clubhouse. His vision helped move Beresford from “just a small town” to a thriving, confident community with a strong future. In recognition of his lasting impact, Jerry was inducted into the South Dakota Municipal League Hall of Fame.
Jerry’s commitment to Beresford extended well beyond City Hall. For 25 years, he served on the Frostbite 4 Race Committee, helping guide one of the community’s favorite winter traditions. What began as a small local race grew into an annual event that brings together runners, families, and volunteers—no matter how cold a South Dakota winter may be.
Throughout his years on the committee, Jerry assisted with fundraising, coordinated snow and ice removal on race routes, and worked closely with an outstanding group of volunteers to ensure the race ran safely and smoothly. One of his favorite roles was helping organize the post-race festivities at the Bridges Event Center, making sure runners had a warm place to gather and enjoy a bowl of chili or chicken noodle soup after braving the winter course.
Jerry says the most rewarding part of serving on the committee was the people including the volunteers, sponsors, city staff, and participants who made the Frostbite 4 possible year after year. Although he stepped away from the committee two years ago, he remains proud of what the community has built and looks forward to cheering from the sidelines for many races to come.
Honorary Starters – Brad and Noelle Muller and Family
Brad and Noelle Muller exemplify resilience, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Shortly after their marriage in 1998, and just days after learning they were expecting their first child, Brad was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Years later, he survived a severe fireworks accident that required extensive reconstructive surgery. Noelle has also faced significant health challenges, including rheumatoid arthritis and a full hip replacement in 2020.
Rather than letting adversity define them, the Mullers turned hardship into purpose. In 2018, Brad and Noelle became licensed foster parents, opening their hearts and home to children in need. Since then, they have welcomed approximately a dozen foster placements, ranging from short-term respite care to permanent family members. Today, their family includes three biological children – Ally, Jaden, and Maiya – and three adopted children – Skye, Aurmoni, and Ryker – whom they lovingly refer to as their “bonus blessings.”
Ally, the oldest, was diagnosed in seventh grade with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a neuromuscular disorder affecting muscle strength and gait. She has undergone multiple procedures and has remained stable over the years. Ally works as a registered dental assistant at Neighborhood Dental in Sioux Falls and married Kenley Lamberty this past September. Kenley, a Sioux Falls native and O’Gorman graduate, works as a lobbyist for credit unions and was named one of Sioux Falls’ “30 Under 30” to watch.
Their second child, Jaden, has faced a particularly challenging year. In December 2024, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He later underwent shoulder surgery and, in June 2025, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Following his recovery, Jaden found new employment in home construction and is engaged to Katie Sell. The couple plans to marry in April and reside in Sioux Falls.
Maiya, the youngest of the biological children, was the 2021 South Dakota State Golf Champion. She is currently pursuing a degree in elementary and special education through Dakota State University and the state’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program while working as a paraprofessional in Menno. Maiya is engaged to Ajay Herrboldt, who works on his family’s cattle farm, and they plan to marry in August 2026.
Their adopted children—Skye (9), Aurmoni (8), and Ryker (7)—joined the family
through foster care and have brought immeasurable joy and love. Ryker was adopted in 2018, Skye in 2020, and Aurmoni most recently in October 2025.
The Muller family’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and an extraordinary commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.