Knights In Action

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Foundation Helps Brother Knight

On the left is Grand Knight Rick Woodley, then recipient Kevin Verzich,

District Deputy Lee Bailey and Foundation board member Jim Murphy.

Laurens 3140

The Laurens council 3140 made a request to the Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation on behalf of a newly reinstated member who had moved to Laurens to manage the town newspaper. He had a massive heart attack on April 7th and after being stabilized and finally sent home he found himself without means to pay rent or put food on the table until he can go back to work.

The Foundation gave $1000 to this very appreciative new member.

Lee Bailey DD#18

For further information on the Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation click here

Iowa Great Lakes Council 5043 Knights Donate to Mary’s Choice

Mike Skaggs, right, Executive Director of Mary’s Choice crisis pregnancy help center,
accepts a check from Iowa Great Lakes Knights of Columbus Council 5043 Grand
Knight Jeff Knapp, at Friday’s Valentine’s Social at St. Mary’s Parish in Spirit Lake.

KC Mass Weekend

Iowa KC Disaster Relief

For further information on the Iowa Knights of Columbus Disaster Fund click here

IOWA STATE COUNCIL OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

For further information on the Iowa Knights of Columbus Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Drive click here

Coats for Kids Des Moines Catholic Charities

Coats for Kids Fort Dodge Event

On Monday, Dec. 20th, a Coat for Kids distribution was held at Corpus Christi parish center in Fort Dodge, IA with Knights from around the state taking part in this very important event. The event was held in collaboration with Upper Des Moines Opportunity, a 12 county outreach group in North Central, and Northwest IA which took applications and determined the need for a coat. We were able to provide a warm new coat to approximately 130 kids using this method, and the remainder of the coats were sent to other counties to fill their needs. 75 coats were sent to Des Moines to fill refugee needs at Catholic Charities and the rest were taken back to Storm Lake, Manson, Algona, and Council Bluffs.

Knights from 14 councils and 8 young men from Squires Circle 5490, Algona helped with this charitable event and made it a successful and rewarding project. Included among the workers present were Supreme Director, David Bellendier, and IA. State Deputy, Michael Laake “Coats for Kids” is just one of the many charitable programs instituted by the Supreme Council, and each and every council and assembly is urged to conduct a coat drive. The Supreme Council is offering brand new winter coats at a reduced price of $15.00 each and will also pay 75% of the freight to ship them to your location. What a great way to ensure that every kid is warm this winter and in doing so you are keeping Fr. McGivney’s vision alive.

Solidarity For Priests

Cherokee Council 1722 sponsored a Wine and Cheese reception for our priests to celebrate Solidarity For Priests. Pictured is Father Eugene Sitzmann(Ret.), Grand Knight Terry Boisen,and Father Armand Bertrand.

Benefit Fish Fry for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Council 4167 of Albia recently held a benefit fish fry for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, raising over $4000.00 for the event. The girl, in the picture, in the red sweater is Meghan Crall daughter of Sir Knight Joe and Barb Crall of Albia. Meghan has Cystic Fibrosis.

Knights present check to Cole Barker

Jim Geary Jr, Ken Kafton, Tom Wittrock PSD and Larry Chapman present check to Cole Barker and his mother Nancy. Cole is battling reoccurence of glioblastoma cancerous tumors in his brain.The prognosis is 6 to 9 mos. Prayer chains throughout the world say he will defeat this foe. His desires are spiritual.

Vanderham, Wittrock and Kafton present a check to Katie Verschoor.

DD Jerry Vanderham, PSD Tom Wittrock, Ken Krafton present a check to Katie Verschoor. Katie's father is Dave Lenig. Katie was diagnosed earlier this year with Small Stem Cell Carcinoma ovarian cancer (a rare form of cancer). She has under gone multiple aggressive chemotherapy treatments. She is the mother of 2 small children ages 1 and 3. Katie is 26 yrs of age. Katie lost her mother about one year ago from the same kind of cancer.

IA KofC Foundation presents check on behalf of Kara Funk

PSD Tom Wittrock, IA KofC Foundation Treasuer, presents check to (mother) Theresa Funk on behalf of Kara Funk. Fr Mark Stoll, Theresa Fund, Kara Fund, Marvin Wycoff, Norman Miller and DD Jerald Vandrham. Kara spend two weeks at Childrens Hospital in Omaha. Kara had a Kidney transplant and was doing well until complications from H1N1 virus and complications were devastating to her.

Tenth Anniversary of the St. Francis of Assisi Council 12422

State Deputy Pat O'Keefe celebrated the tenth anniversary of the St. Francis of Assisi Council 12422. With him are the Past Grand Knights of the council: Front row: Dave Kurth, Tom Klein, Iowa State Deputy Pat O'Keefe, Kenton Heuertz, Dave Roszak; Second row: Dan Werner, Dale Helling, Joe Pollpeter, Scott Cahill. Absent: Mike Mishler and Greg Brandner.

$1000 check to Margaret Phillips of Camanche,Iowa

Henry Fullick, President of the Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation presents a $1000 check to Margaret Phillips of Camanche,Iowa, who has advanced ALS, to assist in the purchase of a lift for her van. Also in the photo is Grand Knight James Horst, of St. Edwards Council #707 of Clinton, Iowa and Sr. Marcella Narlock of Clinton who has been working with her to find funds for the lift.

Check for Camp Courageous

Left to rights are Tom Beatlle GK of Monticello Co. #1821; Charles Becker, Executive Coordinator for Camp Courageous, Paul Smith; Robert Eilers the FS of 1821.
Not pictured is James Zimmerrman, Camp Coordinator who put the application together and then wrote the letter that gives a brief History of the Camp, as lots of people in Iowa are not aware of an organization of this size.

Another Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation Donation

Henry Fullick, President of the Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation, presents a $1000 check from the Foundation to Douglas Christiansen of Des Moines, who is battling multiple myeloma in his bone marrow, kidney and other organs, to help subsidize his personal living expenses. Looking on are State Deputy Pat O’Keefe on the right and Past State Deputy Jim Chambers, Secretary of Iowa Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation on the left.

Donation to Mt. St. Clare Speech and Hearing Center

Henry Fullick (right), Past State Deputy of the Iowa Knights of Columbus, presents a $1000 check from the Iowa Knights of Columbus State Council to Sister Marcella Marie Narlock, the Director of the Mt. St. Clare Speech and Hearing Center in Clinton, Iowa. Witnessing the presentation is Sister Jan Cebula (left), the President of the Board for the Speech and Hearing Center, and Bernie Holtkamp, present Board Member. After the picture was taken, Henry and his wife Betty (taking the photo,) were given a tour of the facilities; they were amazed at the high quality of service given to the centers clients. Sister Marcella stated that the Speech and Hearing Center is in desperate need of all the financial help that they could get. Interested parties and willing donators are asked to contact Vicky Hurlburt, Office Manager, at (563) 242-4070.

Council 4132 Erects Pro-Life Billboard

A highway pro-life billboard was put up by Council 4132 in Hawarden. This was a two year project to raise the funds and find a suitable location. It all came together as a group of 14 knights gathered to erect the billboard and cement it in. Hopefully it will be a reminder for the people traveling Highway 12 south of Hawarden that life is precious. It's located one mile south of town and is a double sided sign so it can be seen from either direction.

Click here for more photos.

MY LIFE, MY CHOICE

Tom Wittrock PSD presents check to John Winkelman, Director of Howard Center Inc of Sac City, IA. Howard Center Inc. mission statement "MY LIFE, MY CHOICE'. People working together to assist individuals with disabilities to be as independent as possible with dignity, purpose, and choice. Funding made possible by the Iowa Knights of Columbus State Council.

Celebrating 64 years as a Knight

Mel Leibold (center) is pictured celebrating his 82nd birthday and 64 years as a knight at Council #510's Prime Rib dinner. Mel joined the Knights at Farley at the age of 18. He moved to Dubuque and transferred to Council #510. He is still very active helping with bingo, prolife rose drive, PID drive and the County Fair stand.
Wow! Experience of a life time exemplified in a lifetime of service focused dedicated experience.

New College Council's 1st Activity

A fish fry was held at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was the first activity for the new college council under development at UNI.
The top right picture is 1st degree Brother Nathan Link, and 1st degree Brother Philip Cavin preparing the fish. Bottom left pictured are, from left to right, 3rd degree Brother Brian Adam Bormann, 1st degree Brother Stephen Waterman, friend Maria McCarty, and 1st degree Brother Rolando Morales taking a group picture while frying the fish in the St. Stephen Garage.
Over 120 people were serverd!

Wheelchair Check Presentation

Leland Bailey, DD 17, is shown presenting a check in the amount of $870.50 to Jerry A. Wells, Wheelchair Chairman, after the six councils of the district held a fundraiser. The proceeds of a Poker Run were specifically raised for the “Iowa K of C Wheelchair Fund” and is now the record donation to the fund.
Thank you for this very generous check, which will purchase almost six chairs and can make a difference in someone’s life.

Star Council Award Presented to Atlantic Council 1164

Star Council Award presentated to the Atlantic council 1164. The individuals in the photo are Des Moines Regional Director, Dan Werner; Todd Roecker, Grand Knight for 2008-2009; Eugene Topolewski, Grand Knight for 2009-2010; and Father Dan Siepker, Chaplain.

The Chain of Life

Sunday, October 4, 2009 Trinity Council 1466 of LeMars helped sponsor the Chain of Life Sunday event. There were approximatley 100 people present and numerous cars showed support by honking their hornsas they drove by. The event was also attended by 4th Degree Knights in regalia as well as parish priests.

Our Lady of Charity - Council #14042 of Columbus Junction

Council #14042 of Columbus Junction Our Lady of Guadalupe with GK Fidencio Valdez, FS Jorge Ayala and Father Jason Crossen.

Our Lady of Charity - Council #12994 of West Liberty St. Joseph's

Council #12994 of West Liberty St. Joseph's with GK Ramon Partida, FS Sergio Zamora Jr. and Chaplin Father Dennis Martin who conducted the prayers for Our Lady of Charity on July 12, 2009.

Our Lady of Charity - Council #13960 of Muscatine

Council #13960 of Muscatine Fr. C.S. Mazzuchelli with GK Refugio Ceniceros, FS Francisco Rivas and MSGR Marvin Mottet. In Muscatine the prayers were conducted by the Muscatine Prayer Group.

$2375.70 to Support Religious Vocations

Iowa Knights of Columbus State Council Regional Director, Kenneth Bauer (L) recently presented Archbishop Jerome Hanus with a check for $2375.70 to support religious vocations in the Archdiocese. The money, from the Iowa Knights of Columbus State Council, represents interest earned on funds donated to the Iowa K of C Perpetual Memorial Society as a memorial to deceased family and friends. The State Council annually awards equal grants from this fund to each of Iowa’s four bishops.

In 2009 the State Council and local K of C councils donated more than $103,500.00 throughout the state to fund events such as the New Priests Gathering, Seminarian Convocation and Discernment Weekends as well as direct support to seminarians and postulants. There are approximately 31, 400 Knights of Columbus members statewide in Iowa.

Adair/Anita Council puts up Right to Life Sign

Adair/Anita Council puts up Right to Life sign. Pictured are, left to right, Duane Thelen, Les Elgin, Deacon Fred Cornwell, and Dave Richter of Council #12194. Duane Thelen donated the space on his property, and these men along with the Grand Knight, Francis Hollenrake, assembled the sign and mounted it. The sign was blessed by Fr. Ray Higgins. It is located 5 miles west of Anita on highway G30 on the north side of the road

Presentation of Funds for Vocations

Presentation of funds for vocations to Bishop Pates and the Des Moines Diocesan Vocations Committee.

Pictured are (from left to right) Father Dan Kirby, Jason Kurth, Darlene Oliver, Father Dave Muenchrath, Bishop Richard Pates, Des Moines Regional Director Dan Werner, Dick Brdicko, Todd Brunia, Brian Werner, and Jeff Pierick.

Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award

The St. Cecilia Council #11242 in Panora, Iowa received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award on July 27th. Pictured with the First Lady, Mari Culver, are Maurice Russell, Grand Knight; Jim Dice; Don Staver; and Jerry Suther, District Deputy. The 78 member Council has raised and distributed over $7,500 to charities in the last year and its members have volunteered over 2000 hours of their personal time.

Mother's Day Breakfast

Council Fr. Tom Pfeffer #14267 of Des Moines held its 2nd annual Mother's Day Breakfast. The event is becoming a tradition in the Our Lady of the Americas parish who enjoyed food, music, and community in such a special day. Half of the funds were donated to the parish Grounds and Buldings fund.

Click here for more photos.

Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament

2009 KC State Golf Tournament was held on June 6th at the Ames Golf & Country Club. Shown are (from left to right) – Lon Spurgin, Rope Laughlin, Andy Sirois, and Craig Sirois
Results

Cemetery Improvements

Grand Knight John Stapley, Joseph Carroll Council 5390, Marion, Iowa, presents the second of five $2500 payments to Father Osterhaus for improvements to Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as part of the cemetery's $60,000 improvement project.

Relay For Life Breakfast

Council #838, known locally for their omelot breakfasts, was recently asked by the Relay For Life organizers in Webster City, IA. to provide some manpower for their breakfast which was held in Webster City on April 19, 08.Relay or Life has been active in the community over the past few years raising money for cancer research, and the local Knights were happy to assist in this very important project.

10th Year Anniversary

On November 30th St. Mary’s council, Pella Iowa celebrated its 10th year anniversary. The Pella Knights celebrated by serving cake and ice cream to the entire parish after Sunday Mass. Special guest included Past State Deputy Jim Chambers and his wife Judy, field agent Paul Falck, Past Grand Knight Roy Bills and his wife Lucille, Past Grand Knights Gary Boles, Michael Buchheit (not pictured) and Gene Schmitz (not pictured).

Iowa Winter Special Olympics

The Dubourg Assembly participated at the Iowa Winter Olympics on Monday January 12th for the opening ceremony and torch lighting ceremony. Click here for photos of guest speakers of the State Special Olympics, the mayor of Dubuque, along with other special Olympians, and the closing banquet on Tuesday evening.

Coat Drive

Saint Mary of Nazareth Council 11643 Coat Drive (December 13, 2008)

State Retreat

Shown are the participants at the State Retreat. Pictured with the participants is MSgr Roger Simmington the retreat master.

Council 2818 Williamsburg Star Council Award

Council 2818 Williamsburg - Star Council Award Presentation (10/12/2008) at St. Mary Parish, Williamsburg. Bill McNulty (DD#31), Bob Sinclair (PGK), Rev Joseph Roost (Pastor and Chaplin).

Iowa Honor Trip Send Off

Assembly 1941 Grinnell - Iowa Honor Trip send off for Iowa County WWII Veterans to WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. - sponsered by Iburg-Paulson Post VFW at Williamsburg IA (09/28/2008).

Flag Retirement Ceremony

Assembly 1941 Grinnell - Flag retirement ceremony with Iburg-Paulson VFW Post at Williamsburg Iowa 09/14/2008.

A People of Life and For Life

This sign was erected in front of the rectory in Danbury on Sunday 10/10/2008. Flanking the sign are the young children of brother Dean Lansink of Council 2839.

Double Star Council

Council 14029 (Des Moines, Holy Trinity) has been awarded Double Star Council. Pictured left to right are Pat Crawford (District Deputy), Adam Westphal (Grand Knight) and Pat O'Keefe (State Deputy).

Des Moines Diocese gets $3,000 for religious education of children with disabilities

The check for $3000 was presented to Bishop Pates and to Jo Anne Dalhoff, Director of Faith Formation for the Des Moines Diocese. The proceeds will be applied to benefit the intellectually disabled in religious education and catechetical programs.

Disaster Relief

Pictured is the presentation of our $1,000 check to the state deputy of Texas for disaster relief after their hurricane. From left to right: Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Texas State Deputy Javier Martinez, Iowa State Deputy Pat O'Keefe, and Supreme Director David Bellendier.

Diocese gets $3,000 for religious education of children with disabilities

A check for $3,000 was presented to the Diocese of Davenport for the religious education of children with intellectual disabilities. Lorne Mayer, state treasurer for the Knights of Columbus presented the check to Mary Wieser, diocesan director of faith formation and superintendent of Catholic schools. Also pictured is Bishop Martin Amos.

State Youth Soccer Challenge

The State Youth Soccer Challenge was held October 18, 2008 at Pella, IA.

Members and Wives help raise money for the Mentally Challenged

Members and Wives help raise money for the Mentally Challenged. Shown Left to Right are Paul E. Smith, Tom Beadle, Eldon Muller and Mrs. Paul Smith. This was a Labor Day weekend fund raiser ran on the part by Council 1821 of Sacred Heart Parish, Monticello,Iowa

LeMars Ice Cream Days Parade

The Sir Knight riding the Knights of Columbus Float is Michael Becker at the LeMars Ice Cream Days Parade. The parade was on June 14th,2008. He is a member of Trinity Council 1466 of LeMars and a member of the Michael J McGivney Assembly 3088 which is located out of the LeMars Area. He also is the Iowa State Council's Birthright/Pro-life Chairman along with the Western Iowa camping Chairman. The children riding the float are Richard & Angela Buman's and Angela's sisters' as well. Richard Is a Field Agent for the Knights. The clown on the float is Richard's wife Angela.. The float is owned by Richard. He built it a few years back. The Knights of the LeMars Area really appreciate Richard on his float.

Observing the Day of the Unborn

Representatives from various organizations attending the Mass for the Unborn pictured with Archbishop Jerome Hanus following the Mass at the Cathedral on March 31 are: front row; (l to r) Maureen Ward, Ellen Markham represent Dubuque County Right to Life; Mary Dunne, and Mary Tritz from the A.C.C.W. are on each side of Archbishop Hanus. Ann Kringle and Gwen Healey represent the Catholic Daughters. Knights of Columbus pictured, but not in order of placement, are: Cyrenus Elsinger, Jerry Peck, Lyndon Mohning, James Gamedinger, Al Schlueter, Peter Kolovitz, Zachary Jakaitis, Vince Meis, Larry Griffin, Leo Kringle, Eric Leffolholz, Walter Pregler, Charlie Vaske, Mike Gasper, Mike Kobusch, Roger Oneyear, Joel Glennon, James Small, and Paul Freisinger.

Council 2839 at Omelet Breakfast in Mapleton

Charity, Faith, Fellowship! Click here for more photos.

State Substance Abuse Contest

Pictured is Michealla Garringer receiving her awards as winner of the State Substance Abuse Contest in the 12 to 14 age group in both the drug abuse and the alcohol abuse catagories. Pictured with Michaella are Bill McNulty DD#31 , Bob Sinclair Grand Knight Council 2818 and Mark Armstrong Past Grand Knight.

A Live Nativity sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Council 12422

The Live Nativity was held in conjunction with No Room at the Inn, which raises awareness and funds to support St. Joseph Emergency Shelter--the only family shelter in the Des Moines area. The shelter is supported by Catholic Charities.
Click here for more photos!

Columbian Squires Circle 5174

Shown are the Columbian Squires Circle 5174 members with the charter which is on display in the school where the Squires meet. The charter was formally presented at the annual Christmas Party of Council 10069.

Front row (left to right): Eric Fischer, Steven Stierman, Tyler Nemmers
Middle row: Pat Clausen, Sam Bonfig, Nick Rollins, Brandon Schetgen, John Uhal, Chief Counselor Vince Meis
Back row: Chris Iverson, Blake Neebel, Nick Hannan, Tony Callahan, Kevin Duggan

Cedar Falls Council 4516 Remembers Priests

The Msgr. Mauer Council 4516 feels very proud to be able to do something special for the priests in their area. Click here to see what they have been up to!

Pro-Life Rally in Des Moines

Iowa Knights of Columbus State Deputy Mike Gaspers addresses the group at a Pro-Life Rally held on the west steps of the State Capitol in Des Moines on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Mike spoke to the group during the 11:00 - 11:30 prayer vigil along with several other speakers. All visited with the group in attendance on abortion and the problems caused since the Roe Vs Wade ruling 35 years ago. Click here for more photos!

January 9, 2008 - Winter Special Olympics

The 4th Drgree Honor Guard were present the evening of January 9, 2008 in Dubuque for the opening of the Winter Special Olympics. Click here for more photos!

Iowa Family of the Month

Council 2008 held a 1st degree.
District Deputy David Larsen presented the Ron and Lorna Loutsch family of Council 12448 in Akron the Iowa Family of the month Bible. Picture are (L-R) Tim, Daniel, Lorna, Roger, Ron and Bradley.

Council 2008 1st degree

Council 2008 held a 1st degree.
Pictured are the new members: Front Row: Austin Bell, Patrick Gent, Randy Osweiler
Back row: Matthew Hora, Kyle Cole, Tyler Friese, Dustin Schneider, Brendon McNulty

Coats for the Needy

Every year, Saint Mary of Nazareth Council 11643, Des Moines, Iowa, collects coats for the needy. (We have a collection box in the gathering area of our church.) On December 22nd, we took 15 - 20 large garbage bags filled with coats to the Churches United Shelter.

To the untrained eye, this is merely a bunch of guys taking coats to a homeless shelter. Where did these coats come from? Who were those guys? And why did this motley crew give up a Saturday morning on a very cold day to take these coats to the Churches United Shelter?

Where did these coats come from? The coats came from the generous parishioners of Saint Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church. These people took the time to search their respective homes and bring various forms of outerwear to the gathering area of our church. In fact, we got so many coats that the collection box was constantly overflowing.

And who are these men? They are members of the Knights of Columbus. Saint Mary of Nazareth Council 11643. They include: Tim Bunkers, Dave Greiner, Pat Kelly, Kraig Klopfenstein, Randy Lehman, Dan Maxcy, Pat O'Keefe, Glen Oglia, Dave Shetler, and an unseen photographer. Also helping were 3 children: Kraig Klopfenstein's son Pat, Dave Shetler's daughter, Marissa, and Tim Bunkers' son, Mitchell. See the attached picture.

Why did these men (and children) give up their Saturday morning? Their motivation stems from our four core principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. And as St. Paul tells us, the greatest of these is charity. Indeed, while exercising the principle of charity, we were exercising one of the Corporal Works of Mercy, to clothe the naked. (The others deal with feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. See section 2447 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.)

Finally, it is important to point out that we were blessed in the process. We worked together (unity). We laughed and joked a lot. We enjoyed each other's company. We grew a bit closer together (fraternity). And our Country is a bit stronger for our efforts (patriotism). You can't buy these benefits at any price.

Christmas Party Collection

Members of the Fourth Degree Assembly 1607 Spencer IA took a collection at the December Christmas Party and donated it to Louis Dahlman of Everly IA. Louis was serverley injured in IRAQ last May 19 2007 when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. Members pictured from left to right. mike Skonhovd, Denny Linn and Paul Veit presenting check to Louis Dahlman with his Mother Kay Stockdale.

Knight of the Month

District Deputy Dave Larsen presented the Iowa Knight of the Month shirt to Kim Cook of Council 13000.

Council 7294 Squires Live Nativity

Mt. Pleasant Council 7294 Squires brave the weather over Christmas Live Nativity "drive-by" in Central Park. The Squires put on the "Reason for the Season" Friday evening, December 21, and Sunday afternoon, December 23.

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