Vase of 132 Carnations

Invitations were mailed by Grand Knight Dick Breckon to 49 widows of knights who live in Hot Springs Village; 32 indicated they would attend.   The evening began in the narthex with the widows receiving a corsage and having their picture taken.  They were then escorted to their pews in the nave by a member of the Honor Guard.  Father Elser was the celebrant of the 5:00pm mass, and he was assisted by Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer.  In addition to the guests, there were 130 knights and spouses in attendance for the mass and banquet.  Special guests were District 10 Deputy Roy Anderle and his wife, Cathy.

Ten knights died since the 2012 memorial mass: Lee Borne, William Freeman, Benjamin Harvey, Richard McAllister, John McGrail, Leo Naeger, John Powers, Sylvester Sedbrook, Tony Tudisco, and Don Wells.  A vase with 122 flowers was placed at the base of the steps to the altar, and a flower for each of the ten knights was added to the bouquet by an Honor Guard member as the names were announced by Father Elser. 

The following widows were in attendance, and the names of their husbands were read by Deputy Grand Knight Bob Honzik and Faithful captain Dave Johnston:  Joan Ashley, Ellie Barker, Christine Berich, Mary Pat Billings, Theresa Borne, Jeanne Christensen, Ruth Cirzan, Connie Cody, Tina Cooper, Pat DeNomie, Jean Dobes, Jackie Fayman, Marcella Gausling, Arlene Giedt, Alma Joliff, Beth Kent, Marcie Margel, Marion McConnell, Margie McGrail, Elsa Naeger, Judie Pearson, Joanne Podraza, Lucy Rodden, Carolyn Squire, Lillian Starziak, Millie Steveken, Pat Stoiber, Donna Uhen, Kay Wells, and Ruth Wolfer.

Grand Knight Dick Breckon was the Master of Ceremonies of a program following the banquet.  In addition to thanking everyone in attendance and recognizing those responsible for the evening's success, he presented the October Knight and the Family of the Month Awards to the ten recently deceased knights and their wives.  He also referenced the success of the 2013 CPID effort and the Coats for Kids program.

The Honor Guard was captained by Bill Patterson and included Ray Ambrozich, Dave Andorfer, Ray Bertrand, Randy Bussone, Phil Carl, Larry Cruz, Jack Griffin, Bill Hartnett, Bob Heisler, Ed Keearns, Mike Kerwin, Gerald Krawczynski, Ed Miller, Tom North, Bill Nosek, Bill Roe, Mike Welsh, and Gary Wolfer.  Martha Dixon and Dee Griffin welcomed the widows with corsages.  The musicians were Buddy Dixon (cantor), Lynne Border (organist), Steve Fetcko (keyboard), Maureen Morgan, and Diane Patterson.  Other ministers included: servers John Bodensteiner, Russ Harrison and Ed Cudworth; lector John Froning; and, ushers Joe Janush, Ed Pilarski, and Chuck Ralph.

The Planning Committee was chaired by Deputy Family Director Ed Doyle with members John Bodensteiner, Dick Breckon, Buddy Dixon, Tony Cifelli, Mac Good, and Bill Roe.  Buddy Dixon has been involved with this event for 16 years, and he was responsible for the liturgy and all related activity prior to the banquet.  Ed Doyle coordinated the menu and the banquet set up.  He also accepted and recorded the payments.  Dick Breckon sent a letter to all widows living in the Village and kept track of their responses.  Carolyn Bodensteiner prepared the table name cards. These volunteers assisted Mac Good with the hall set up: John Bodensteiner, Bill George, Bill Gribbon, Bob Honzik, Glenn Kelkhoff, Mike Miller, Dave Salmen, Steve Schramer, Tom Thornton, and Jack and Pat Widlowski.

The banquet was catered and served by Home Plate with this menu: garden salad, chicken Marsala, au gratin potatoes, cooked carrots, rolls, two types of chocolate pie, tea and coffee.  There was a donation refreshment center.

To view pictures, click Photos.