Pictured (l-r): Widow Jean Dobes; Grand Knight Dave Johnston; Widow Coralynn Oanes; District 10 Deputy Ed Miller; Bishop Anthony Taylor; State Deputy Charles Ketter; Father Bill Elser; and, Arkansas District Master Max Nutt.

The annual "Celebration of Life" Memorial Mass and Banquet, which is always held during the first week in November, was held this year on Thursday, November 3, at 5:00 pm in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.  Adding significantly to the event was the attendance of Bishop Anthony Taylor, who said the mass with concelebrant Father Bill Elser, gave the homily, and also spoke following the banquet.  Brother Knight Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer assisted at the mass.  

There was a record attendance of 188, including 32 widows, to honor the memory of the 69 deceased Sir Knights and 44 Brother Knights.  Special guests besides Bishop Taylor included State Deputy Charles Ketter, Arkansas District Master Max Nutt and wife, Juanita, and Church Director Roy Anderle with his wife, Cathy.  

Grand Knight Dave Johnston 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 of the Month Award to Ed Miller and Family of the Month to Milt and Janice Spaniel.  The State Deputy and the District Master also presented awards - the 2010-2011 Star Council Award to Past Grand Knight Bill Welch for Council 10208 and the 2010-2011 Civic Award to Assembly 2316, represented by Ed Miller for Past Faithful Navigator Jerry Bertrand.  

The Honor Guard captained by Bill Patterson included Ray Ambrozich, Ray Bertrand, Larry Cruz, Steve Fetcko, Jack Griffin, Bill Hartnett, Bob Heisler, Ed Keearns, Mike Kerwin, Gerald Krawczynski, Joe Lemmler, Ed Miller, Rolf Oesterle, Hal Platt, and George Vierling.  The musicians were Buddy Dixon (cantor), Lynne Border (organist), Mauren Morgan, and Diane Patterson.  Other ministers included: servers John Bodensteiner, Phil Carl, and Russ Harrison; lector Ed Cudworth; and, ushers Joe Janush, Ed Pilarski, and Chuck Ralph.

The Planning Committee was chaired by Dick Breckon with members John Bodensteiner, Buddy Dixon, Mac Good, and Dave Johnston.  Carolyn Bodensteiner prepared the invitation letters and the name cards.

Visit the Photo Gallery for pictures of the mass and celebration.