The Fort Atkinson chapter of the Lions Club recently honored 22 of its members for their military service.
According to a news release, presentations honoring the members were made during the club’s first November meeting, with club members Jan Brockmann and Donna Petersen serving as presentation leaders.
The presentation included “a story of the significance of the American flag and the values it represents,” the release noted.
Veterans who were honored included: John LaPlant, Frank Beran, Eric Schultz, John Anderson, Dean Hanke, Tom Freeman, John Houseman, Glen Schaefer, Kim Grunow, Carl Baio, Robert Ehrke, Jim Schafer, Roger Draeger, Don Gross, Larry Narkis, and E.G. Becker. Also honored, but not in attendance, were Gib Benoy, Robert Buell, Chip Day, Gary Kunz, Jim Mode and Bill Wild.
Schaefer honored with quilt
Additionally, in a special presentation, Lions Club member Glen Schaefer was honored by the Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Fort Atkinson, which presented Schaefer with a quilt made specifically for him in honor of his service.
Describing Schaefer, the release noted that he received a bachelor and master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and served for more than 23 years in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commission Officer Corps and earned the rank of captain.
“His assignments were primarily in hydrographic and geodetic surveying. In addition to office assignments, he served aboard eight ships, on four field parties, and a tour at the Naval Postgraduate School as an assistant professor teaching hydrographic and geodetic surveying,” the release stated.
According to the release, the guilt-making organization was begun in 1982 and has made more than 140 quilts since 2015.
During the presentation, Piecemakers Quilt Guild member Rhona Quinn read details about Schaefer’s career as Lions Club member Donna Petersen, who also is a member of the quilt-making guild, displayed the quilt.
To learn more about the guild and how to honor a veteran, contact Petersen by email: sewnsow51@charter.net or phone: 920-397-7732.
Club history
According to a news release, the Fort Atkinson Lions Club recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, making it the second oldest club in District 27-A1 (southeastern Wisconsin). The club has a long history of involvement in the community from its annual Smelt Fry, Corn and Chicken Dinner, and its concession stand at Ralph Park softball games. The club supports local projects, as well as broader projects such as used eyeglasses recycling, cancer research, and the Wisconsin Lions Camp, as well as a myriad of other endeavors.
Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness. Lions roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better. In addition to the financial support given to the community, club members keep the Highways 12 and 26 interchange on-ramps and off-ramps free of litter as part of their highway cleanup. They will be doing their spring cleaning later this month.
For more information about the Fort Atkinson Lions Club, visit: www.eclubhouse.org/sites/fortatkinson, or call the club’s membership chair, Kevin Becker: 920-650-8005.
About Lions Clubs International
According information released by the Fort Atkinson chapter of the Lions Club, Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives, and strengthened communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. The organization’s motto is: “We Serve.” To learn more about Lions Clubs International, visit: www.lionsclubs.org.
John LaPlant, standing, from left, Frank Beran, Eric Schultz, John Anderson, Dean Hanke, Tom Freeman, John Houseman, Glen Schaefer, Kim Grunow, and Carl Baio, followed by Robert Ehrke, seated, from left, Jim Schafer, Roger Draeger, Don Gross, Larry Narkis and E.G. Becker, are among veterans honored recently by the Lions Club of Fort Atkinson. Also honored, but not pictured were: Gib Benoy, Robert Buell, Chip Day, Gary Kunz, Jim Mode and Bill Wild.
Lion’s Club and Piecemakers Quilt Guild member Donna Petersen, from left, Lions Club member and quilt recipient Glen Schaefer, and Piecemakers Quilt Guild member Rhona Quinn gather during a presentation. The guild makes quilts which are presented to veterans in honor of their service.
Lions Club Fort Atkinson chapter member Jan Brockmann makes a presentation honoring veterans during a meeting of the club held earlier this month.
Contributed photos.
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