Bob & Cathy Itnyre Named Grand Marshals of 88th Annual Pioneer Days in Twentynine Palms

The City of Twentynine Palms is proud to announce that Robert "Bob" Itnyre and Cathy Jorgensen Itnyre have been selected as the Grand Marshals for the 88th Annual Pioneer Days celebration. This dynamic couple has long been a cornerstone for the Twentynine Palms community, contributing decades of service, education, and leadership.

Cathy Jorgensen Itnyre, a longtime professor of History and Philosophy at Copper Mountain College, was born in New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Medieval History from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and her Master's degree from Rutgers University. From 1978 to 1980, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Reykjavik, Iceland, where she met her husband, Bob Itnyre, a Vietnam veteran, at a party at the Naval Base in Keflavik in 1979. They married in December 1980 and moved to Twentynine Palms in 1987 when Bob was stationed there for his final tour of his 25-year career in the Marine Corps. They chose to settle in Twentynine Palms to raise their two children, Tim and Erin.

Cathy began teaching philosophy and history at Copper Mountain College in 1989, a role she held until her retirement this year. Bob, originally from Chicago, retired as a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel in 1991 and embarked on a second career teaching wood shop at Twentynine Palms Junior High School, and later at Monument and Black Rock High Schools.

Both Cathy and Bob have been active members of the Twentynine Palms community. Bob is a familiar face at school drop-offs and on the athletic fields of Luckie Park, often chatting with former students when he's out-and-about with their three grandchildren. Cathy has contributed to the community as the former chair of the Hospice of Morongo Basin, and for the past 37 years, she has sung with the Blessed Sacrament Choir. She currently serves on the governing board of the Hi-Desert Medical Center.

The Itnyres have left an indelible mark on Twentynine Palms through their commitment to education, service, and community. Their selection as Grand Marshals for this year's Pioneer Days is a tribute to their enduring contributions and dedication to the city they have called home for more than three decades.

The 88th Annual Pioneer Days celebration will take place from October 17-20, 2024, with a host of exciting events for all ages. Bob and Cathy Itnyre will proudly lead the annual Pioneer Days Parade on Saturday, October 19, 2024, through the streets of downtown Twentynine Palms. Community members will also have the opportunity to meet and congratulate the Itnyres at The Mara Mixer on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6-8PM at the 29 Palms Inn.

The City invites the entire community to come out and honor these exceptional individuals for their service, leadership, and love of Twentynine Palms.

For more information about Pioneer Days and a full schedule of events, visit 29palms.org or contact the City of Twentynine Palms at (760) 367-6799.