Vase of 122 flowers, one for each deceased knight.

Due to the fact that the first Tuesday of the month fell on election day, the event was moved to Thursday, November 8.  Invitations were mailed to 49 widows who live in Hot Springs Village. and 24 attended.   After receiving a corsage and having their picture taken, they were taken to their place 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 132 knights and spouses in attendance for the mass and banquet.

Seven knights died since the 2011memorial mass: Sir Knights Donald Christensen, John Matteson, Russell Rodden, Charles Sabathne, and Brother Knights Earnest Cooper, Daniel Rogers, and Edward Yomantas.  A vase with 115 flowers was placed at the base of the steps to the altar, and a flower for each of the seven 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 Grand Knight Bill Roe and Faithful Navigator Ed Miller:  Joan (Hinken) Ashley, Ellie Barker, Elizabeth Barry, Christine Berich, Jeanne Christensen, Connie Cody, Tina Cooper, Pat Denomie, Jean Dobes, Jackie Fayman, Arlene Giedt, Theresa Mahowald, Marcie Margel, Marion McConnell, Rosemary Miller, Judie Pearson, Joanne Podraza, Ida (Pearman) Porterfield, Lucy Rodden, Carolyn Squire, Millie Steveken, Pat Stoiber, and Donna Uhen.

Grand Knight Bill Roe 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 Milt Spaniel and Family of the Month to Deacon Larry and Jan Lipsmeyer.   A collection for Hurrricane Sandy netted $1,206 which was sent to Supreme for distribution to councils in New Jersey and New York.

The Honor Guard captained by Tom Yerina included Ray Bertrand, Ron Boudreaux, Phil Carl, Larry Cruz, Jack Griffin, Bill Hartnett, Bob Heisler, Ed Keearns, Gerald Krawczynski, Tom North, Bill Nosek, Bill Patterson, and George Vierling.  Martha Dixon and Dee Griffin welcomed the widows with corsages.  The musicians were Buddy Dixon (cantor), Lynne Border (organist), Steve Fetcko (keyboard), Mauren Morgan, and Diane Patterson.  Other ministers included: servers John Bodensteiner, Russ Harrison and Ed Miller; lector Dave Johnston; and, ushers Joe Janush, Ed Pilarski, and Chuck Ralph.

The Planning Committee was chaired by Family Director Bob Rodgers with members John Bodensteiner, Dick Breckon, Buddy Dixon, Mac Good, Dave Johnston and Bill Roe.  Buddy Dixon has been involved with this event for 15 years, and he was responsible for the liturgey and all related activity prior to the banquet.  Mac Good and Bob Rodgers coordinated the menu and the banquet set up.  Dick Breckon received and recorded the payments and arranged the special seating.  Carolyn Bodensteiner took photos and had them ready for the banquet.  She alsor prepared the invitation letters and the table name cards. These volunteers assisted with the hall set up: John Bodensteiner, Ron Cuba, Bob and Terry Heisler, Sam Justus, Pat McGannon,  Bill Nosek, Dave Salmen, Steve Schramer, and Jack Widlowski.

The banquet was catered and served by Home Plate with this menu: garden salad, pork loin with apricot glaze, twice baked potatoes, bean almandine, rolls, and a choice of either chocolate or strawberry cake.

Click on the PHOTO Gallery for pictures.