For Brad and Danielle Krasaway, the journey to International Falls involved passion, priorities, and timing. The couple grew up on Minnesota’s Iron Range and got married after both graduated from Mesabi Range Community College. They moved to Winona, Minnesota, where they both pursued Master’s Degrees at Winona State College around a shared passion – helping people. Danielle received her Masters in Community Counseling and Brad in Educational Leadership. Upon graduation, the couple realized that most of the job opportunities in their fields would land them in the Minneapolis Twin Cities metro area and would need to commit 10-15 years there. However, they agreed that if they both were able to get jobs in the same community in greater Minnesota, they would. Doubling down on that commitment, they came up with their top 5 places-to-live list in Minnesota and International Falls made that list.
They did have to start their careers in the Twin Cities but would be monitoring job prospects on their community wish list. After only 18 months they saw job listings in International Falls: Rainy River Community College and Northland Counseling. They applied, interviewed, and within three days of each other they both received the call, “Would you accept our offer and move to International Falls?”
While International Falls was on their list and they were excited by the prospect, they both were feeling a bit of trepidation about the move. They also knew that it was an opportunity to establish roots. So, in 2009 they made the move north to International Falls and settled in and quickly began getting involved in a number of community organizations and exploring the outdoors.
Their roots deepened after they bought a house and had two children – Colin and Sidney – all the while staying involved in community groups. They now have a house on Rainy Lake, enjoy fishing, hunting, good friends and great jobs.
“There is nowhere else we would like to live and raise a family. If we are lucky enough and all goes well, we will be able to retire here,” said Brad.