The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce this year’s Columbus Days royalty. Deb Loseke and Ken Curry have been selected as Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand LI (51st) for the 2025 Columbus Days Celebration, scheduled for August 7 through 10 in Columbus, Nebraska. These local leaders have been chosen in recognition of their dedication, integrity, and unwavering service to the community.
About Queen Isabella: Deb Loseke
Deb Loseke brings a lifetime of leadership and volunteerism to her new role. She currently serves as the Coordinator for the Columbus Area Future Fund and the Butler County Area Foundation Fund. Deb previously spent 14 years as the Director of the Platte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she led tourism and marketing efforts that significantly benefited the region.
Her community involvement includes work with the Nebraska Tourism Commission, Columbus Teammates, Sertoma Club, Platte Valley Playhouse, Center for Survivors, and United Way. She is also a past co-chair of the Columbus Days Committee and has played a hands-on role in event planning for many years.
Deb grew up near Genoa and is a graduate of Genoa High School. She earned her degree from Wayne State College and pursued additional studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Central Community College. She and her husband, Tom, have been married since 1993.
About King Ferdinand: Ken Curry
Ken Curry is retired from Nebraska Public Power District, where he served as Vice President of Customer and Corporate Services. Throughout his career, he led departments focused on energy strategy, customer care, sustainable development, and safety. Ken’s leadership was instrumental in long-term contract planning and strategic initiatives at the state level.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken has dedicated decades to public service. His contributions include serving on the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, and the Boy Scouts. He is also a former Columbus Public Schools board member and a devoted youth coach and mentor.
Ken holds both a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Robin, have been married over 41 years and are proud parents of three children. They are now looking forward to welcoming their first grandchild.
Join Us for the Coronation Celebration
Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand will be formally crowned on Monday, August 4, at the Elks Country Club Golf Course, located at 5113 63rd Street in Columbus. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a Coronation Cocktail Party inspired by this year’s theme, “Peace, Love, & Columbus Days.” Guests are encouraged to come enjoy a festive evening filled with community spirit and local pride.
We thank Union Pacific Railroad for generously sponsoring this event. Their ongoing support makes Columbus Days possible.
Get Involved
Tickets for the coronation are limited. To reserve yours, contact the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce at 402-564-2769 or email info@columbuschamber.org. For a full schedule of events and festival details, visit columbusdays.com.
Let’s celebrate the people and traditions that make Columbus a great place to live, work, and thrive.