WILLMAR - A 20-year-old Willmar man was commended Monday for his bravery in saving the life of a fisherman from the frigid waters of Eagle Lake on Oct. 27.
"I did what I could," said Nathan Dale, in a quiet voice, as he stood before the Kandiyohi County Commissioners, gripping a "life-saving" plaque he received from the county sheriff's department.
The commissioners and county staff gave Dale a standing ovation.
A man in the audience who was also standing and applauding was Nathan Klatt, the 32-year-old man who Dale saved.
"I owe Nathan (Dale) everything," said Klatt, 32, of Buffalo, in a brief interview. "It's a debt I can't repay."
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Turning to Dale, Klatt said his family, including his parents, "want to express their thanks," which he acknowledged were inadequate words.
"Thank God for putting me there," responded Dale.
In recalling the day of the rescue, Dale said a phone call from his girlfriend woke him up that Saturday morning when he looked out the window of his parent's home and saw a boat going in circles.
He grabbed a couple of life jackets, got on the family's personal watercraft and went to investigate.
Two men were floundering in the water, which was about 50 degrees and 27-30 feet deep.
Dale went to Klatt, who hung onto the watercraft, and then circled around to find the other man, Martin Schriner, 35, of Plymouth.
Schriner, however, had disappeared under the water.
Dale brought Klatt to shore and then helped rescue personnel search for Schriner. His body was found later.
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Dan Hartog, Kandiyohi County Sheriff, praised Dale for his quick thinking and actions as he presented him with the life-saving award.
"His actions were crucial in saving Nathan Klatt's life," said Hartog.
Hartog said it's the first such award he's given during his five years as sheriff.
Klatt said the incident is as real to him today as it was two months ago.
While extremely grateful that he was rescued, sparing his family grief, Klatt is still grieving for his friend who died that day. Both men were teachers.
Klatt said the impact that Schriner had on his students, family and friends is felt today.
