Celebrating Faith and Fraternalism... in Youth!

Transcription

Celebrating Faith and Fraternalism... in Youth!
Fall 2009
MEMBER
MAGAZINE
Celebrating
Faith and
Fraternalism...
in Youth!
INSIDE
www.catholicknights.org
Catholic Knights and Catholic Family Life
Insurance Announce Intent to Merge
Dear Members,
In just a few weeks, about 400 delegates will convene in
Milwaukee for our 47th Triennial Convention. Our theme
will be “Celebrating Faith and Fraternalism,” and we will
share our Society’s accomplishments and shape our future.
When addressing the future, my first thoughts are of
our young members. Throughout this issue you will find
examples of our youth putting their Catholic values in action and our efforts to
foster the next generation of faithful servants.
Supporting tomorrow’s leaders with scholarships
This past year we committed to doing even more in scholarships. We added
$107,500 in scholarship funding for members attending Catholic high schools,
colleges and technical schools as well as awards for Confirmation. These
scholarships are unique, as they are awarded based on service in the community. A
list of this year’s high school and college recipients and applications for the 201011 school year are included in this issue.
Youth service initiatives
I’m proud of our many branches that support JOIN HANDS DAY, a national
day of volunteering developed by America’s fraternal benefit societies. The
focus for JOIN HANDS DAY is connecting youth and adults in neighborhood
volunteering. This year, we saw members of all ages coming together – from
children to baby boomers to seniors – committing a few hours to help build
stronger communities. See page 14 for pictures of these events.
On September 26, 2009, people from around the country will walk to build
awareness for the plight of the poor during the second annual “Friends of the
Poor” Walk sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We encourage
your entire family to participate as a way of supporting the good work of the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul -- our national partner. Contact your branch
secretary to see if there is a walk in your area and if your branch is sponsoring
a team this year.
Finally, we are on the threshold of an important milestone. After careful review
and deliberation, the Boards of Directors of Catholic Knights and Catholic
Family Life Insurance approved moving forward with merger discussions.
On July 31, 2009, the organizations signed a formal letter of intent to merge
(see page eight). This is an exciting opportunity for the members of both
Societies. By coming together we are proactively shaping our fraternal future.
Together, we are better!
Fraternally,
William R. O’Toole, Jr.
President and CEO
bill.otoole@catholicknights.org | 800-927-2547
2 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Principal Officers
William R. O’Toole, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
President and Chief Executive Officer
Allan G. Lorge, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Senior Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
Michael Stivoric, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Senior Vice President, Fraternal, Sales and Marketing
Elective Directors
Mary Baker, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Robert Dippold, Maria Stein, Ohio
William Hegeman, Conway, Arkansas
Phyllis John, Eaton, Wisconsin
William R. O’Toole, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Karen Philleo, Hartland, Wisconsin
Janet Stelken, Dyersville, Iowa
Thomas VanHimbergen, Shorewood, Wisconsin
Arthur Wigchers, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Appointive Directors
Michael Falbo, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
John Kenawell, St. Louis, Missouri
Allan G. Lorge, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Michael Stivoric, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Spiritual Director
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, New York City,
New York
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Jeff Bauman
Chief Investment Officer
Alan R. Bembenek
General Counsel
Susan Ellmaurer
Vice President, Human Resources
Allan G. Lorge
Senior Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
Fred Muenkel
Vice President, Operations
William R. O’Toole
President and Chief Executive Officer
Kerry Riemer
Controller
Michael Stivoric
Senior Vice President, Fraternal, Sales and Marketing
Dan Strasburg
Vice President and Chief Actuary
Bill Thompson
Director of Sales
MAGAZINE TEAM
Executive Editor: Lee Berg
Editor: Heidi Peters
Catholic Knight (ISN 1551-9058) is the official publication
of Catholic Knights®, 1100 West Wells Street, P.O. Box
05900, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900, a membership
organization for Catholics that puts Catholic values into
action. Catholic Knight member magazine is published four
times a year.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Knight
magazine, Catholic Knights, 1100 West Wells Street,
Milwaukee, WI 53233.
Phone: 414-273-6266 or 800-927-2547.
Copyright © 2009 by Catholic Knights. All rights reserved.
Web site: www.catholicknights.org
Fall 2009
MEMBER
MAGAZINE
VOLUME 101 | ISSUE 3
FEATURE
5 Uncovering the Value of Service
22 Member Benefit: Scholarships
from Catholic Knights
Catholic Knights awarded $177,000 in
scholarships this year. Check out the list
of high school and college scholarship
recipients, as well as the new applications
for the 2010-2011 school year.
Catholic Knights fosters the next
generation’s passion for service.
8 Better Together!
Catholic Knights and Catholic Family Life
Insurance announced they have signed a
letter of intent to merge.
14 JOIN HANDS DAY
On May 2, 2009, 60 Catholic Knights
branches sponsored a JOIN HANDS
DAY activity, focused on connecting youth
and adults through volunteering.
17 Access Your Account–Anytime,
Anywhere
Catholic Knights Web site will soon
include an area where members can access
account and contract information. These
new features will be available to you
October 1, 2009.
18 Celebrating Faith and
Fraternalism
Nearly 400 delegates will convene in
Milwaukee for the Catholic Knights
47th Triennial Convention on Friday,
October 2, 2009.
OUR MISSION
“To deliver financial security
to our members through
quality products and services;
To enrich the lives of our
members both socially
and educationally; And to
demonstrate and encourage
charity and fraternalism
through our members.”
MY MONEY AND MORE
29 Four Life Insurance Myths for the
Young Family
September is Life Insurance Awareness
Month. Read about common
misconceptions that often prevent
young families from purchasing the life
insurance they need.
14
DEPARTMENTS - In Every Issue
4
4
11
28
30
Message from Spiritual Director
Hidden Knights Contest
Branches in Action
Catholic Knights Foundation, Inc.
Where in the World/Question-ofthe-Quarter
30 Meet our New Representatives
30 In Memorium
5
ABOUT THE COVER
Suzanne Dobke, trustee of Branch 120, Watertown, Wis., and her 2-year-old granddaughter, Brianna,
attend the Catholic Knights regional Summer Zoofari event. Many generations of members came together
for the popular annual event sponsored by 18 Catholic Knights branches.
This publication is designed to provide information of general interest and is not intended to be a substitute for financial, legal or other advice as to the topics and matters contained
herein. You should consult with a Catholic Knights financial services representative, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor relative to your particular circumstances before
taking any action on this information.
catholicknights.org | 3
FIND TWO KNIGHTS. WIN $50!
FROM OUR
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Dear Catholic Knights:
I’d like to share with you one of the more
creative programs designed to engage young
Catholics today. Perhaps you’ve heard of it.
It’s called Theology on Tap.
Theology on Tap is an opportunity for
Catholic young adults to meet, deepen
and explore their faith, and learn how it
affects their lives. It creates an enjoyable
and comfortable space for people who
are in their 20s and 30s to share life
experiences, socialize with peers, and
deepen their understanding of the Church.
The program is structured around a series
of events facilitated by priests, theologians,
and lay Catholic leaders. I personally enjoy
participating in them because they involve
three of my favorite things: young people,
conversations about our faith, and beer!
Both in Milwaukee and now in New York,
I’ve relished these evenings.
foundation: a loving, caring, omniscient,
omnipotent, providential God.
We have a responsibility to continue
supporting our young adults with
programs like Theology on Tap. Just as the
faith was handed on to us by our parents,
teachers, and priests, it is now our turn to
pass on the faith to a new generation and
invite them into deeper involvement in the
Catholic Church.
A Theology on Tap event may be held in a
restaurant, a coffeehouse, or even in a bar.
These may seem like unusual locations for
discussions of faith, but remember, where
two or three are gathered, God is present.
Recall, too, that Jesus was hardly unfamiliar
with wine, parties, and fun! Theology on Tap
reaches young adults right where they are. It
invites them to discover how faith informs
and gives meaning to their everyday lives.
Finally, I want to congratulate
Catholic Knights and Catholic Family
Life Insurance, two exemplary fraternal
societies, on the historic occasion of
their merger. This merger is exciting
and beneficial for their members and
the Church, and I commend Catholic
Knights President Bill O’Toole and
Catholic Family President Dan Lloyd
for their vision.
These simple meetings mean something,
especially to today’s young adults, who
might be inclined to spend their lives in
a virtual world of blogging and tweeting.
These events can help create an in-person,
tangible, personal community of fellowship,
faith, and prayer.
This new chapter in our great fraternal
history promises to be filled with grace,
goodness and growth.
Enjoy these last days of summer.
God be with you,
Our young people yearn for a reliable
rooting in Jesus Christ, “the same yesterday,
Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan
today and tomorrow.” Even in the ups and
downs of life, there is a rock, an anchor that Archbishop of New York
gives order and stability. At the deepest level Catholic Knights Spiritual Director
of reality and meaning, we discover a firm
4 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Congratulations to
Ferdie Nachreiner
of Branch 253,
Plain, Wis. Ferdie
found the two
black knights hidden
on pages 5 and 9. The
knight on page 5 is just
above the podium. The
knight on page 9 can be
found among the quilts.
Thank you to all 213
members that submitted
correct answers! Ferdie’s
good eyes earned her $50
from Catholic Knights.
You can be our next
winner! All you have to do
is find two black Catholic
Knights logos hidden in
the magazine. Members
who correctly identify the
location of the two knights
will be eligible for a drawing
to receive $50. Please note,
the black logo on this page
does not count, nor do
the white and red knights
throughout the publication.
Once you locate the two hidden
knights, e-mail your answer to
heidi.peters@catholicknights.org
and put Hidden Knights in your
e-mail subject line. If you do not
have access to e-mail, you can
also mail a postcard to: Hidden
Knights Contest, 1100 W. Wells
St., Milwaukee, WI 53233. Cite the
location of the two knights, your
name, address, branch, and phone
number on your entry. One entry
per address, please. Entries must be
received by October 23, 2009. Good
luck knight hunting!
Uncovering the
VALUE OF SERVICE
Multi-layered rewards for students who volunteer
-By Maureen Burke
Across town from towering skyscrapers
and north of the Magnificent Mile,
college freshman Josh Stephani
discovers how to incorporate the
values of service into his academic and
professional goals at Loyola University
in Chicago, Ill.
The international studies and
theology major has big plans upon
graduation: to work as a humanitarian
in third world countries. Although
Josh’s choice of vocation is
uncommon among his generation,
the 18-year-old views volunteering
as an expression of his faith.
“I have always participated in service
activities,” he says. “I think it is
important for youth to volunteer
because we live in a secular world and
faith is degenerating.”
Josh, a member of Branch 2,
Manitowoc, Wis., was taught the
value of service at an early age while
volunteering at Camp Sinawa, a nature
camp in Valders, Wis. His position at
the camp fostered a positive attitude
toward helping others.
During high school, Josh took on more
volunteer opportunities that reflected
his devotion for his faith. At St.
Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc,
Wis., he served as a peer minister
and youth ministry intern through
the parish’s Life Teen youth program,
which helps lead teens closer to Christ.
As a peer minister, Josh saw how
his actions fostered spiritual growth
in parish teens. His feeling of
accomplishment provoked a desire to
serve others on a grander scale.
“The first step is everything. Once
you get involved you get hooked,” says
Josh, reflecting on his life of volunteer
work. He encourages all young people
to use their faith as a tool to make a
difference in their communities.
Josh says his studies at Loyola
University support his call to open
people’s minds and encourage
faith in others.
While the college freshman admits
a Jesuit education is a large expense,
he believes the university’s approach
to learning will help him achieve his
life goals. Luckily, Josh is a recipient
of a Catholic Knights $1,000
college scholarship.
“Faith without deeds
is dead. Catholic
Knights fosters the
next generation’s
passion for service, and
we’re proud to offer
scholarship rewards
to honor our young
members who serve.”
– President and CEO Bill O’Toole
“It’s helpful that Catholic Knights
scholarships acknowledge the fact
that students are getting involved
in the community, and that we are
rewarded,” says Josh.
ot how much
n
s
i
t
“I
It is not we do, b
ho w u t h
muc ow much
love we put in doing.
h we
g.”
n
i
v
i
g
e
give, but
h
how much love we p~uMt oithner Tteresa
Josh Stephani, pictured in the center with his peer ministry group,
will use his Catholic Knights college scholarship to pursue majors in
international studies and theology.
catholicknights.org | 5
Uncovering the
VALUE OF SERVICE
Nina Morales, member of Branch
216, Milwaukee NW , Wis., was
thrilled to receive a $500 scholarship
to help pay for her senior year at Pius
XI High School in Milwaukee, Wis.
“Pius is like my second home and to
know that I was getting help to go
back there was great for me,”
says Nina.
Although Nina occasionally
volunteered in the past, the
scholarship program inspired her
to become involved in a number of
volunteer organizations throughout
the Milwaukee area. Nina says her
mother encouraged her to engage in
volunteer activities.
“Volunteering made me feel like I
was part of the community, that I
could actually make a difference,” she
says. Her charitable contributions
also strengthened her faith and
appreciation for the personal rewards
that have resulted from her many
hours of service.
“My volunteer work helped me believe
that God is actually out there,” says
Nina. “It’s just a matter of people
hearing His call and going through
with it.”
Nina realizes many of her peers choose
to participate in other activities over
volunteering. But, she enjoys
expressing her faith through acts of
service and views her commitment to
charity work as an essential part of
her life. “I would really rather be out
helping in the community than doing
anything else,” says Nina.
Catholic Knights encourages members
of all ages to seek opportunities
to put Catholic values into action.
Eleven-year-old Lauren Micolichek,
member of Branch 160, Eau Claire,
Wis., carried out her values through
the use of a safety vest and flag.
As a student safety patrol volunteer,
Lauren acted quickly to prevent a
distracted student from crossing the
street just as a fast approaching car
raced through the crosswalk. She
received a merit award for her selfless
deed from Southview School in
Chippewa Falls, Wis.
“It felt so good to have actually saved a
person,” says the fifth grader. Lauren’s
merit award is the first awarded in the
78-year history of the Chippewa Falls
Area School Safety Patrols organization.
Despite her achievement, Lauren stays
modest. “When I got the merit award,
I was really excited,” she says, but her
partner, Sydney Anderson, “should
have gotten the credit as well.”
Nina Morales, a senior at Pius XI High
School, received a $500 Catholic
Knights scholarship based on her
volunteer work.
The act of service also reinforces
Lauren’s belief in her faith. “A lot of
people could get hurt if we don’t help
other people,” she says. “I think we
should all love other people just like
God does.”
Catholic Knights considers service
to humanity to be everyone’s
responsibility. All members can use
volunteer work as an expression of
their spirituality.
Lauren’s humble attitude makes her
actions even more valuable toward
setting an example for her peers.
6 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Lauren Micolochek, a fifth grader at Southview School, received
a merit award from the Chippewa Falls Area School Safety
Patrols organization.
oster Yout
F
s
t
l
h Vo
u
d
A
lunt
e
Adults play a pivital
role in teaching children the value
of living their faith in service to others.
erism
Please read below to see how Cheryl Parks and Mary Broadbent
foster volunteerism in youth.
Fifteen-yearold Shannon
Parks harnesses
her ability to
influence the
lives of her
peers through
service in her
parish youth
group, TAG
(Tweens and God), which helps middle school students become
familiar with God and the Catholic Church. But, Shannon probably
would not have joined TAG without the encouragement of her
mother, Cheryl.
Cheryl Parks, president of Branch 887, San Antonio, Texas,
convinced her daughter to attend the group’s inaugural meeting
three years ago. “That’s the age group where kids start to get
involved with their groups and sports,” says Cheryl. “I think it’s
very important to have your faith as part of what you do for your
extracurricular activities.”
Shannon jump-started her activity level and joined the youth
group’s planning committee called CORE. Much of Shannon’s
time in CORE focuses on planning and organizing TAG’s retreat
fundraiser called Adopt-A-TAGger. The tweens collected over
$3,000 to which Catholic Knights added $1,000 in matching funds.
Through her volunteer efforts in the youth group, Shannon has
become a more spiritual and caring individual, living a life of
fraternalism and sharing, says her mother. Cheryl’s younger twin
sons are alos involved in TAG and have experienced similar growth
from their participation.
“It’s a place for them to be. Everyone wants to fit in somewhere and
be part of a group or an organization,” says Cheryl. “If you get them
young, you can get the kids in the mode of fraternalism and sharing.”
Mary Broadbent, member of
Branch 310, Muscoda, Wis., teaches
the value of helping others to
her students at St. Mary’s School
in Richland Center, Wis. through
involvement with an annual “Walk
for Virtues” event.
“The whole school participates.
They look forward to it,” she
said. “It’s a way to fundraise for
the school.” This year, students
collected $15,000 in pledges
by promising to live their lives
according to the morals and virtues
taught by Christ.
The students respond well to the
school’s style of teaching and tend
to be very service orientated. “I love
the fact that you can see a difference
in kids and can talk freely about God
and what he does for us,” said Mary.
catholicknights.org | 7
Better Together!
After careful review and deliberation, the Boards of Directors of Catholic Knights and Catholic Family
Life Insurance approved moving forward with merger discussions. On July 31, 2009, the organizations
signed a formal letter of intent to merge. As the official method of communication with our members,
according to our bylaws, we’re sharing with you a press release announcing the intent to merge, as well
as questions and answers about our intended merger.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2009
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lee Berg at 414.278.6603 / 800.927.2547
Joe Gadbois at 414.507.9773 / 800.227.2354
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS AND CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE INSURANCE
ANNOUNCE INTENT TO MERGE
MILWAUKEE – Catholic Knights,
one of the largest Catholic fraternal
benefit organizations, and Catholic
Family Life Insurance, the oldest,
today announced they have signed
a letter of intent to merge. The
merger would result in a combined
membership of 120,000 with
licensed operations in 27 states,
total assets exceeding $1.1 billion
and approximately $4.8 billion of
insurance in force.
The merged organization,
whose name will be determined
in the coming months, will be
headquartered at Catholic Knights’
current location in downtown
8 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Milwaukee, according to Catholic
Knights President and CEO
Bill O’Toole. O’Toole and Dan
Lloyd, president and CEO of
Catholic Family Life Insurance,
said the merger will bring together
two financially strong fraternal
organizations with a steadfast
commitment to the members and
communities they serve.
“This partnership is an excellent
fit,” O’Toole said. “It joins together
two organizations dedicated to
providing financial security, volunteer
service opportunities and support
to members who embrace Catholic
values. All of us take that mission very
seriously, and we believe a merger will
allow us to provide an even higher
level of service to our members, our
Church and our communities.”
The boards of directors for both
organizations have given their approval
to move forward with a merger, with
the target of completing the merger
agreement by Dec. 1, 2009. Under
both societies’ bylaws, representatives
of the groups will vote on whether
to finalize the merger during the first
quarter of 2010.
“Our two organizations are extremely
similar, and it’s clear that by coming
together, we can realize significant
operational benefits and cost
savings that can be passed on to our
members,” Lloyd said. “This merger
really is about good stewardship
and providing the strongest future
possible for the families and
communities that depend on us.”
As pioneers in the fraternal benefit
system, Catholic Knights and
Catholic Family Life Insurance
members are actively engaged in
community service through various
volunteer activities, including
scholarship programs, food drives
and other service efforts. In
2008, the organizations reported
a combined total of 168,000
volunteer hours and $2.3 million in
charitable donations.
The Most Reverend Timothy M.
Dolan, Archbishop of New York,
who serves on Catholic Knights
board as spiritual director, praised
the proposed merger and its benefits
for Catholics.
“I want to congratulate Catholic
Knights and Catholic Family, two
exemplary fraternal societies, on this
historic occasion,” Dolan said. “This
merger is exciting and beneficial
for their members and the Church,
and I commend Catholic Knights
President Bill O’Toole and Catholic
Family President Dan Lloyd for
their vision.”
Consolidations and mergers are
ongoing in the commercial and
fraternal insurance industry,
according to O’Toole and Lloyd.
Since 2000, 25 mergers have taken
place in the fraternal system. The
most notable fraternal merger
occurred in 2002, when Lutheran
Brotherhood and Aid Association for
Lutherans formed Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans. Catholic Knights
of America merged with Catholic
Knights in 2005. Union Saint-JeanBaptiste and Northern Fraternal Life
merged with Catholic Family in the
early 1990s.
“Catholic Knights and Catholic
Family are taking a significant step
to maximize operating efficiencies,
pool resources and expertise and
better serve their members,” stated Joe
Annotti, president of the National
Fraternal Congress of America
(NFCA). “We at the NFCA stand
ready to support them in any way that
we can. To have two financially strong
societies proactively merging is a
tribute to their leadership and further
strengthens their position within
the fraternal system. It sets a great
example for other societies to follow.”
About Catholic Family Life
Insurance
Founded in 1868, Catholic Family
Life Insurance was the first Catholic
fraternal benefit organization
established in the United States.
Catholic Family provides its
members insurance and financial
products designed to meet their
family security needs and supports
programs promoting volunteerism
and fostering spiritual, social and
educational well-being. The society
is headquartered in the Milwaukee
suburb of Shorewood.
More information about Catholic
Family can be found at www.cfli.org.
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS
AND CATHOLIC FAMILY
LIFE INSURANCE
Questions and
Answers About
Our Intended
Merger
What is happening with Catholic
Knights and Catholic Family Life
Insurance?
The two organizations have – with
their boards’ approval – entered into
an exclusive agreement to proceed
with merger discussions. That’s good
news, because the two well-established
fraternal organizations can build
on their similar philosophies and
missions to provide an even higher
level of service to members who
depend on them for financial security
and products, service opportunities
and support.
Why merge now?
By proactively pursuing mergers,
we help to shape our own destiny.
Catholic Knights and Catholic Family
both recognize that we can be better
together. We can provide better service
and benefits to our members together
than we can separately…that’s the
bottom line.
Consolidation has been taking place
throughout the life insurance industry
since the 1980s. At its height, there
were more than 150 fraternal benefit
societies. Today there are 75. At one
time, there were more than 2,200
catholicknights.org | 9
commercial life insurance companies.
Today there are 1,100.
The benefits to our members –
including reduced operating costs, the
opportunity to enhance services and
provide more community outreach –
make merging the right strategic move
at this time in our history.
Why are Catholic Family and
Catholic Knights a good fit for
each other?
Having two financially strong Catholic
fraternal societies proactively merge is
in the best interests of our members.
There is a great deal of synergy
between the two organizations. First,
we have a common faith, culture and
geography. Second, we have mutual
respect for each other’s mission
and accomplishments. Third, the
operational savings that will be realized
by bringing the two organizations
together is sound stewardship and of
direct benefit to our members.
What is the process and
timeline for the merger?
The boards of both organizations
have already approved moving forward
with merger talks. The next step is
for leadership of the two societies,
including merger committees
with board members from both
organizations, to meet over the next
few months to work out details for
a merger agreement. It is anticipated
that such an agreement will be reached
no later than Dec. 1, 2009. Once
approved by both boards of directors,
state statutes call for a 60-day waiting
period before the societies can place
the merger to a vote. Those votes are
anticipated to take place during the
first quarter of 2010.
10 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Will my branch be affected?
Both Catholic Knights and Catholic
Family have active and strong
branches that provide critical services
to our members and communities.
Our intent is to retain and strengthen
our existing branches throughout the
United States. Our volunteer leaders
are integral to the success of this
merger and to the future of the new
organization.
Will I keep my same agent?
Yes, the agent that you have known
and worked with will continue to be
of service to you. Our goal is to create
a seamless transition for our members,
and working with the same agent will
help in that regard.
Will my dividends or interest
rates be affected by the
merger?
This merger will not negatively
affect dividends or interest rates. The
societies will be financially stronger
together, with total assets in excess of
$1.1 billion. The long-term efficiencies
gained through economies of scale will
further increase net operating income,
resulting in potentially greater returns
to members.
What will be the name of the
merged organization?
Where will the home office of
the merged organization be
located?
To help unify the merged organization,
the intention is to transition over
time to one location. Because there
is additional capacity to expand at
Catholic Knights’ current location at
11th and Wells Streets in Milwaukee,
Wis., it is anticipated that location will
be used for the merged organization’s
home office.
What will be the impact on
employees and jobs?
Catholic Knights and Catholic Family
values the important contributions
of all of its employees, and both
organizations are committed to treating
all employees in a fair and just manner.
At this point, we’re not sure exactly
how the merger will impact employees
– but that topic will be a large part
of discussions as they move forward.
When we have more information
about employees and staffing, we will
communicate it promptly.
Who do I contact with
questions?
Direct all questions to Lee Berg,
manager of fraternal and marketing.
Berg can be reached at
lee.berg@catholicknights.org,
414.278.6603 or 800.927.2547.
The merged organization will have
a name that embraces the shared
faith of both Catholic Knights
and Catholic Family while
looking toward the future.
The name of the new
Visit catholicknights.org
entity will be developed
to view a video podcast and
as part of the ongoing
audio interview with Catholic
discussions.
Knights President Bill O’Toole
and Catholic Family Life
Insurance President
Dan Lloyd
D
BRANCHES IN ACTION
E Over 1,000 guests attend a benefit
for Mark Laufenberg (below) held by
Branch 280, Ashton/Middleton, Wis.
He is pictured here with Branch President
Joanne Meinholz. The event raised
$16,402, plus $1,000 in matching funds
from Catholic Knights.
A
F Fifty-year members Ed Murula and Bob
Grinwald (front) each receive a gold rosary
at a member celebration brunch hosted by
Branch 274, Rubicon, Wis.
C
B
E
A
Members of Branch 109, St. Nazianz, Wis., enjoy a golf outing, buffet dinner
and auctions at the St. Gregory Spring Stimulus Social. The event raised $500 to
which Catholic Knights added $500. Proceeds benefit St. Gregory Parish.
B
Ruth Schrauth of Branch 212, Medford, Wis., receives a gold rosary from Mike
Stivoric, Catholic Knights senior vice president of fraternal, sales and marketing, to
recognize her 50-year membership.
C Branch 88, Madison, Wis., hosted the 4th Annual Madison Mallards Tailgate
Party and Baseball Game. This regional event also involved Branch 267, Roxbury,
Wis., Branch 280, Ashton/Middleton, Wis., and Branch 296, Mt. Horeb, Wis.
President Bill O’Toole and Fraternal Director John Borgen are pictured here with
Branch 88 officers.
D
Members of Branch 19, Fond du Lac, Wis., present a check to St. Vincent de
Paul. The donation of $548 was raised through the branch’s Farmer’s Market Food
Stand and Catholic Knights matching funds.
F
catholicknights.org | 11
BRANCHES IN ACTION
H
G
G Members of Branch 299, Pulaski, Wis., organized a food and clothing collection for the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Volunteers collected and delivered items valued at $2,000.
Pictured left to right: FSR Jim Bertler, Branch Secretary/Treasurer Pam Bertler, Branch President
Laura Hollister, FSR Bonnie Drzewiecki, and Branch Vice President Mike Drzewiecki.
H Mike Stivoric presents Jerry Graycarek, head of mantainence at Holy Cross Catholic
Church in Mishicot, Wis., with a matching fund check of $1,000 which will be used
to repair the church parking lot. Funds were raised at the Holy Cross Fish Boil where
volunteers from Branch 225, Mishicot, Wis. donated 84 hours of their time to serve
dinner to over 300 guests.
I Youth Director Dale Knott sits covered in clothes pins after finishing a clothes pin relay race
with children from Branch 1038, St. Louis, Mo., at an indoor summer picnic.
I
J
Cyndi Feld smiles as Meridith Manke, Grace Feld, and Benjamin Feld show off their
face-painted masterpieces at the Summar Zoofari, sponsored by Branch 306, Milwaukee
SE, Wis., and other Milwaukee area branches. Close to 1,600 members and their families
were treated to discounted admission to the zoo, free parking, beverages, popcorn, ice
cream and more!
Want your branch
featured in a future issue
of Catholic Knight magazine?
J
Send your high-resolution
photos to: heidi.peters@
catholicknights.org and put
“Branches in Action” in the
subject line. If digital copies
are not available, you can
mail photos to Heidi Peters,
Catholic Knights, 1100 W. Wells
St., Milwaukee, WI, 53233.
Deadline for our winter issue:
October 23, 2009. Be sure to
include a detailed description
of what the photo shows
(who, what, where, when).
12 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
M
K
K
Rosemary Appleby (second
from the left,) secretary/treasurer
of Branch 704, Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, is honored at a 50-Year
Member Celebration Brunch.
Pictured with her (left to right)
L
are: Sr. Vice President Mike
Stivoric, President Bill O’Toole,
Board Member Janet Stelken, Branch President Steve Flock,
FSR Jason Holt, and District Manager Paul Hill.
N
L
Members of Branch 1152, Linn, Mo., sponsor a Spring Sausage
Breakfast to support the local parish school. The branch donated proceeds
of $3,000 to which Catholic Knights added $1,000.
M
Members of Branch 294, Kimberly, Wis., celebrate community and
friendship at a Roller Skating Party. Forty-six members attended the event.
N Over 100 members of Branch 1181, Jefferson, Mo., partnered
with the Cole County Unit of the American Cancer Society in the
Daffodil Days fundraiser to support cancer research and treatment.
Volunteers spent 70 hours taking orders, arranging flowers and
delivering bouquets. Branch President Bob Thater (second from
right) and chair members present a matching fund check of
$1,000 to the American Cancer Society.
O Members of Branch 712, Oelwein, Iowa, raised money for
new playground equipment at St. Patrick School. The branch
donated proceeds of $1,931 to which Catholic Knights added
$1,000. Pictured, from left to right: member Michelle Heine,
Principal Sr. Marilou Irons, Father Jim Secora, and Jason Holt,
Catholic Knights financial services representative.
O
catholicknights.org | 13
Connecting youth and adults in neighborhood
volunteering is the unique focus of JOIN HANDS
DAY – a national day of volunteering sponsored
by Catholic Knights and America’s fraternal benefit
societies. This is our day, a day when fraternal benefit societies
and volunteer organizations reach out to people or communities
in need, connect generations and develop relationships. In 2009,
60 Catholic Knights branches sponsored a JOIN HANDS DAY
activity. According to National Fraternal Congress of America,
Catholic Knights ranked third in the nation for the number of
registered JOIN HANDS DAY projects. Our members volunteered
1,165 hours, providing outreach to the elderly, enhancing the
environment and serving their communities in unique ways.
Thanks to the many volunteers who turned out to support this
national day of service.
Outreach to the Elderly
Personal Visits, Assistance with
Home Care Projects, Hosting Social/
Recreational Activities
BRANCH
Br. 6
2
6
32
42
64
80
83
118
121
124
132
180
Manitowoc, Wis.
Appleton, Wis.
Kewaunee, Wis.
Tennyson, Wis.
Kaukauna, Wis.
Reedsville, Wis.
Brillion, Wis.
Charlesburg, Wis.
Lancaster, Wis.
Hewitt, Wis.
Shawano, Wis.
Maplewood, Wis.
195
200
234
261
267
279
294
296
317
887
Bakerville, Wis.
LeRoy, Wis.
Loyal, Wis.
Cross Plains, Wis.
Roxbury, Wis.
Hartford, Wis.
Kimberly, Wis.
Mount Horeb, Wis.
Crivitz, Wis.
San Antonio, Texas
Br. 317
outreach
Br. 42
Br. 80
14 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Br. 58
Br. 705
enhance
Br. 194
Projects to Enhance the Environment
Highway Clean up, Park or Cemetery
Maintenance, Planting Flowers/Trees
BRANCH
23 Phillips, Wis.
39 Hudson, Wis.
58 Ripon, Wis.
68 St. Thomas Parish, Newton, Wis.
70 Belgium, Wis.
86 Francis Creek, Wis.
88 Madison, Wis.
103 Hollandtown, Wis.
109 St. Nazianz, Wis.
115 Plymouth, Wis.
120 Watertown, Wis.
148
150
178
188
194
223
266
271
309
705
943
St. John, Wis.
Neillsville, Wis.
Waterford, Wis.
Shiocton, Wis.
Charlestown, Wis.
St. Anna, Wis.
New Holstein, Wis.
Darboy, Wis.
Marshfield, Wis.
Dubuque, Iowa
Cassella, Ohio
Br. 70
Br. 266
Br. 88
catholicknights.org | 15
Br. 216
Br. 103
Community Service
Collection for Food Pantry,
Volunteer Service to Benefit
Community Facilities or Events
Br. 137
BRANCH
Br. 265
11
33
72
103
137
141
189
216
265
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Wausau, Wis.
St. Mark Parish,
Rothschild, Wis.
Hollandtown, Wis.
La Crosse, Wis.
Jefferson, Wis.
Greenleaf, Wis.
Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Auburndale, Wis.
278 Paris, Wis.
306 Milwaukee SE, Wis.
307 Eaton, Wis.
315 West Bend, Wis.
564 Hallettsville, Texas
723 Winona, Minn.
1010 Subiaco, Ark.
1181 Jefferson City, Mo.
Br. 279
service
Br. 306
16 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Br. 278
ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!
Our Members First pledge includes a promise
to provide superior service. We’re delivering on
that promise with enhanced technology and
increased access to your contract information.
Catholic Knights Web site will soon include an
area where members can access account and
contract information. That means access to your
information 24/7 and at your convenience! Rest
assured, your information is safe and secure.
Catholic Knights has given the protection of your
information top priority, and with our verification
procedure, your private account information
continues to be safeguarded.
The new feature will provide owners of life insurance contracts and
annuities with access to contract information including:
• Summary of contracts owned
• Contract details
• Loan information
• Billing/premium information
• Beneficiary information
• Annual statement
• Tax statement
• Service forms
Visit our Account Services area to
view your contract information
and access member services
TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT:
1. Go to www.catholicknights.org and click on the Account Access link
2. Click on the “Register Here” link
3. Create a new account by filling out and submitting the simple form
4. You’ll receive an e-mail from Catholic Knights containing a link to verify
your e-mail address.
Once the e-mail address is verified, you may proceed to access contract
information. Only contract owners have access to contract information.
Catholic Knights will continue building user-friendly services into our
Web site. We hope you enjoy these new features starting October 1, 2009,
and we welcome your feedback!
These new features
will be available to
you starting
October 1,
2009.
If you have questions, please e-mail us at heidi.peters@catholicknights.org.
Be sure to visit www.catholicknights.org today!
catholicknights.org | 17
D
elegates representing Catholic Knights membership will gather
October 2-4, 2009 at the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown
Milwaukee, Wis., for Catholic Knights 47th Triennial Convention.
This year’s Convention theme is “Celebrating Faith and Fraternalism.”
During the Convention, nearly 400 delegates will elect the president and
board of directors that will serve Catholic Knights members over the next
three years. Along with that important task, the delegates will make key
decisions that will guide Catholic Knights’ future.
Delegates to Catholic Knights 47th Triennial Convention
As approved by the Credentials Committee
Catholic Knights
Board of Directors
Catholic Knights
Delegates
Mary Baker
Robert Dippold
Archbishop Timothy Dolan
Michael Falbo
William Hegeman
Phyllis John
John Kenawell
Al Lorge
Bill O’Toole
Karen Philleo
Janet Stelken
Michael Stivoric
Thomas VanHimbergen
Art Wigchers
BRANCH 2,
MANITOWOC, WIS.
Margaret Fencl
Michael Fencl
Robert Sieracki
Larry Tennie
18 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
BRANCH 6,
APPLETON, WIS.
Betty Conrad
Patricia Garvey
Joyce Huss
Betty Schumacher
James Van Asten
BRANCH 11, WIS. RAPIDS/
STEVENS POINT, WIS.
Karen Janz
David Ligman
Dorothy Polum
Kevin Pudroski
BRANCH 19,
FOND DU LAC, WIS.
Stanley Freund
Eloy Greuel
Eugene Kohlmann
Lisa Mick
BRANCH 13,
SHEBOYGAN, WIS.
Renelle Martiny
Suzanne Schultz
Valentine Schultz
Janet Schumacher
BRANCH 21,
GREEN BAY, WIS.
Mark Borley
Donald Delaruelle
Irene Engstrom
John Gillis
Lucille Kusch
Rosemary Langenberg
Diane Rabideau
Carol VandenLangenberg
James VandenLangenberg
Merlin Watermolen
BRANCH 15,
TWO RIVERS, WIS.
Patricia Smith
Alice Walkner
BRANCH 23,
PHILLIPS, WIS.
Joseph Hlasny
BRANCH 29,
RIVER FALLS, WIS.
Kathryn Morrow
Randy Morrow
Luanne Nelson
Randall Nelson
BRANCH 31, PORT
WASHINGTON, WIS.
Phyllis Greiveldinger
Nicholas Schanen
Vicki Schanen
Agnes Watry
Larry Watry
BRANCH 32,
KEWAUNEE, WIS.
Delva Bouril
Ronald Ratajczak
BRANCH 33,
WAUSAU, WIS.
Dolores Fischer
Kathryn Gruling
Robert Kucirek
Marie Radtke
Elaine Wiesman
BRANCH 34,
CASSVILLE, WIS.
Ruth Haas
Sheila Haas
BRANCH 39,
HUDSON, WIS.
Dora Rohl
Deborah Rutledge
BRANCH 40,
WAUKESHA, WIS.
Beth Duehr
Tammy Gaszak
Charles Hasler
Mary Muenkel
Richard Roberts
Debra Schroeder
BRANCH 42,
TENNYSON, WIS.
Merlin Dalsing
Gary Elskamp
Ronald Lau
Ann Pennekamp
BRANCH 48,
BEAVER DAM, WIS.
Kathleen Dries
Lawrence Veling
BRANCH 54,
OSHKOSH, WIS.
Darlene Giese
Debra Michels
Linda Resop
Violet Zweiger
BRANCH 56,
NEENAH/MENASHA, WIS.
Mary Ciske
Thomas Gloede
BRANCH 58,
RIPON, WIS.
Bernadette Krentz
Michael Reinsch
BRANCH 60,
JANESVILLE, WIS.
Danyel Dorsha
Mary Gillitzer
Diane Hawkins
Linda Klein
BRANCH 64,
KAUKAUNA, WIS.
Norma Fuhrmann
Ronald Rosin
BRANCH 66, ST. MICHAEL
PARISH-WAUSAU, WIS.
Mary Peksa
Janice Webb
BRANCH 68, ST. THOMAS THE
APOSTLE PARISH-NEWTON,WIS.
Marion Hartman
Diane Wagner
BRANCH 70,
BELGIUM, WIS.
Mary Lukens
Carol Tackes
BRANCH 72, ST. MARK
PARISH-ROTHSCHILD, WIS.
Jeanette Engebretson
Ernest Soczka
BRANCH 79,
LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
Fred Hart
Branch 80,
Reedsville , Wis.
Kathryn Kasper
James Winter
Branch 82,
Waunakee , Wis.
Kenneth Kiefer
Doris LaBarre
Branch 83,
Brillion , Wis.
Lawrence Bohman
Mary Schumacher
Branch 86,
Francis Creek , Wis.
JoAnn Krejcarek
John Schmit
Branch 88,
Madison , Wis.
Theresa Alt
Bernadine Bauer
Rosanne Hill
Donald Kapusta
Colleen McCormick
Anna Skaife
Carolynn Wiesman
Branch 89,
Milwaukee NE, Wis.
Mary Bowser
LaVerne Hermann
Eloise Williamson
James Williamson
Branch 94, Church of the
Resurrection -Wausau, Wis.
Patricia McKeough
Mary Ann Nelson
Branch 97,
Wrightstown , Wis.
Germaine Smith
Bernice VandenWymelenberg
Branch 103,
Hollandtown , Wis.
Mary Hurst
Dorothy VandeWettering
Branch 109,
St. Nazianz, Wis.
Kathleen Riesterer
Frederick Schnell
Branch 110,
Milwaukee Central , Wis.
Luz Chavez
Zenaida Munoz
Maria Valdivia
Branch 113,
St. Kilian , Wis.
Richard Amerling
David Boegel
Branch 115,
Plymouth , Wis.
Kevin Conerton
Robert Flaig
Branch 116,
St. Joseph ’s Ridge, Wis.
Paula Hilby
Dennis Miller
Branch 118,
Charlesburg , Wis.
Alphonse Steiner
Jeanette Steiner
Branch 120,
Watertown , Wis.
Marlene Stangler
Sterling Stangler
Branch 121,
Lancaster , Wis.
Leo Abing
Joseph Pink
Branch 124,
Hewitt, Wis.
Alfred Salzmann
Barbara Salzmann
Branch 126,
Johnsburg , Wis.
Kenneth Sabel
Theresa Theel
Branch 132,
Shawano, Wis.
Elaine Gross
Judith Tomashek
Branch 137,
La Crosse , Wis.
Jo Cook
Marie Meyers
Branch 139,
Casco, Wis.
Carol Cravillion
Robert Kaus
BRANCH 141,
JEFFERSON, WIS.
George Hilby
Linda Rosiejka
catholicknights.org | 19
Branch 178,
Waterford , Wis.
Marlene Anderson
Elizabeth Mehring
Branch 144,
Genoa, Wis.
Norman Jambois
Thomas Venner
Branch 146,
Clarks Mills, Wis.
Ruth Goehring
Margaret Pivonka
Branch 148,
St. John, Wis.
Dolores Thiel
Marjorie Thiel
Branch 149,
Mt. Calvary, Wis.
George Miller
Agnes Steffes
Branch 150,
Neillsville , Wis.
Francis Trybula
Rebecca Trybula
Branch 151,
Kenosha , Wis.
Evelyn Chromcik
David Singer
Branch 157,
Hilbert, Wis
Judith See
Rose Sweere
Branch 179,
St. Cloud, Wis.
Ludwina Horn
Germaine Lefeber
Branch 180,
Maplewood , Wis.
Toni Rozek
Branch 182,
School Hill, Wis.
Sylvia Noworatzky
Janice Vogel
Branch 188, S hiocton /
Greenville , Wis.
Maynard Kettner
Sharon Reynolds
Branch 189,
Greenleaf, Wis.
Jerome Kabat
Jane Kleineschay
Branch 191,
Eau Galle, Wis.
Wilbur Black
Martha Hartung
Branch 192,
Gratiot /Shullsburg , Wis.
Joyce Paulson
Leah Waelti
Branch 194,
Charlestown , Wis.
Robert Mueller
Roger Woelfel
Branch 160,
Eau Claire , Wis.
Eugene Lahr
Richard Mousel
Branch 195,
Bakerville , Wis.
Robert Kaas
Branch 164,
Decada, Wis.
Denise Benson
Vicki Depies
Branch 197,
Seymour , Wis.
Ruth Biese
Phyllis Sprader
Branch 175,
Burlington , Wis.
Rachelle Haacker
Elna Mahoney
Branch 200,
LeRoy/Mayville , Wis.
Geralyn Aubrey
Margaret Schraufnagel
20 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Branch 202,
Racine, Wis.
Charlotte Barina
Robert Barina
Hubert Braun
Harry Fischer
Jean Fischer
Branch 220,
Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Clarence Dahms
Lawrence Held
Thomas Lester
Imbert Schulz
Denise Tweedale
Branch 203,
Stratford , Wis.
Philip Hein
Rita Kafka
Branch 222,
Jericho, Wis.
Virginia Ditter
Branch 206,
Milwaukee SW, Wis.
Walter Kalamarz
Kathleen Klein
Robert Kraklow
Alfred LaChapelle
Alice LaChapelle
Frances Ostrowiecki
Ralph Pfister
Jane Pranke
Rita Starich
Joyce Stutzriem
Branch 212,
Medford, Wis.
Elizabeth Emmerich
Kathy Haas
Branch 213,
Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
Frances Buschmann
Robert Buschmann
Branch 215,
Sherwood , Wis.
Kris Halbach
Patrick Halbach
Branch 216,
Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Christine Condon
George Grall
Frank Hallfeld
Margarette Hallfeld
Mary Ann Jusiel
Lorraine Kaltenbach
Robert Kaltenbach
Debra Kopf
Mary Laumann
Willard Lawrence
Heidi Lenski
Rev. Richard Mirsberger
Carol Rebek
Charles Rebek
Jean Resop
Branch 223,
St. Anna, Wis.
George Engel
Kenneth Turba
Branch 225,
Mishicot, Wis.
Arlene Vogel
Ann Wallander
Branch 234,
Loyal, Wis.
Marilyn Hinker
June Noeldner
Branch 245,
New Berlin , Wis.
Margaret Datka
Richard Datka
John Shebesta
Lawrence Stephens
Branch 253,
Plain, Wis.
Rita Brey
Robert Kraemer
Branch 258,
Denmark , Wis.
Carol Bradley
Mary Kvitek
Branch 261,
Cross Plains , Wis.
Robert Boehnen
Paul Brunner
Branch 265,
Auburndale , Wis.
Patrick Hollar
Kathleen Pumper
Branch 266,
New Holstein , Wis.
Mary Ann Birschbach
Dennis Kabat
Branch 267,
Roxbury, Wis.
Kay Breunig
Victoria Eberle
Branch 299,
Pulaski , Wis.
Pamela Bertler
Laura Hollister
Branch 271,
Darboy, Wis.
Betty Appleton
Benedict Dietzen
Branch 305,
Boscobel , Wis.
Thomas Hubl
Mary Thompson
Branch 272,
Lake Country, Wis.
Dorothy Bennett
Skitch Bennett
Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Thomas Ballman
Leroy Bluma
Ruth Bluma
Stephen Hodges
Francis Lubinski
Daniel Olson
Maureen Riemer
Michael Roubik
Jean Ruka
Victor Ruka
Audrey Sajdak
Ferdinand Sajdak
Debra Sliwinski
Thomas Smagalski
Carol Sporleder
Jeanne Stott
William Stott
Duayne Troyer
Branch 274,
Rubicon , Wis.
Roxanne Ksioszk
Mary Multhauf
Bonnie Thomas
Branch 275,
Hales Corners , Wis.
Kathleen Krueger
Florence Leyton
LaVerne Nowak
Jane Storck
Kayellyn Strasburg
Branch 278,
Paris , Wis.
Victoria Fleischman
Julie McMahon
Branch 279, H artford /
St. Lawrence , Wis.
Daniel Fellenz
Rita Fellenz
Annette Krebs
Branch 280, A shton /
Middleton , Wis.
Judy Adler
Joanne Meinholz
Branch 288, S ugarbush /
Luxemburg , Wis.
Robert Haen
Paul Heim
Branch 294,
Kimberly, Wis.
Richard Nackers
Susan Nackers
Branch 296,
Mount Horeb, Wis.
Shereen Esser
Victoria Forbes
Branch 307,
Eaton, Wis.
Barbara Mencheski
Marion Mleziva
Branch 315,
West Bend, Wis.
Steven Liegl
Steven Liegl
Diann Thomas
Alan Wollner
Branch 317,
Crivit z/Coleman , Wis.
Carol Kostichka
Louis Tenaglia
Branch 318,
Mequon/Cedarburg , Wis.
Marion Strauss
Margaret Swan Baehler
Branch 564,
Hallettsville , Texas
Frankie Janecek
Gertrude Shimek
Branch 704,
Cedar Rapids , IoWa
Rosemary Appleby
Steven Flock
Branch 705,
Dubuque, IOWa
Debra Ruh
John Ruh
Elizabeth Sigwarth
Herbert Sigwarth
Branch 309,
Marshfield , Wis.
Edward Maurer
Lois Maurer
Branch 708,
Decorah , IOWA
Alice Hemesath
Richard Holthaus
Arlene Houlihan
Robert Rinken
Branch 310,
Muscoda , Wis.
Elizabeth Hasburgh
Theresa Sander
Branch 710,
Dyersville , IOWA
Danielle Hefel
Andrew Stelken
Branch 311,
New Orleans , La.
Delia Arnold
Linda Beyer
Branch 712,
Oelwein , IOWA
Denise Rubner
Gregory Rubner
Branch 314,
Reedsburg , Wis.
Carol Costerisan
Mary Weitzel
Branch 720,
New Ulm, Minn.
Marcella Bode
Heather Hoffmann
Branch 725,
Minneapolis , Minn.
Mary McElmurry
Patricia Schulz
Marie Urbanski
Branch 728,
St. Cloud, Minn.
Walter Backes
Barbara Tschida-Hilgers
Branch 729,
St. Paul, Minn.
Barbara Arth
Genevieve Reuter
Branch 887,
San Antonio, Texas
Deyanne Howell
Cheryl Parks
Branch 943,
Cassella , Ohio
Carl Koesters
John Reichert
Branch 994,
Conway, Ark.
James Stiefvater
Margaret Tinker
Branch 1010,
Subiaco, Ark.
Anita Forst
Tina Forst
Branch 1038,
St. Louis, Mo.
Robert Goeke
Justin Jacobs
Sandra Jacobs
Dale Knott
Branch 1051,
St. Henry, Ind.
Norbert Lindauer
Diane Stipp
Branch 1118,
St. Joe, Ohio
Marilyn Wendel
Karen Westgerdes
Branch 1181,
Jefferson City, Mo.
Mary Thater
Ralph Thater
catholicknights.org | 21
SCHOLARSHIPS
from
In 2008, Catholic Knights more than doubled the funds allocated to tuition scholarship benefits and
expanded the program to include high school students, college students, and confirmands. This is
in addition to our Catholic grade school scholarships. Overall, Catholic Knights awarded $177,000 in
scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. Congratulations to our award winners!
2009 High School
Scholarship Recipients
Alyssa Anna Brant Branch 42, Tennyson, Wis.
Luis Gallegos - Branch 110,
Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Jennifer Loderbauer Branch 83, Brillion, Wis.
$500 AWARDS
Manuel Cerda - Branch 110,
Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Katie Garrity - Branch 21,
Green Bay, Wis.
Stephanie Mercado - Branch
110, Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Daniel Chojnacki - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
John Ginter - Branch 1051,
Saint Henry, Ind.
Jenna Miller - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Dylan Ciesielczyk - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Kayla Gonzalez - Branch 89,
Milwaukee NE, Wis.
Louis Missurelli - Branch
275, Hales Corners, Wis.
John Paul Bender - Branch
206, Milwaukee SW, Wis.
Lucas Connaughton Branch 175, Burlington, Wis.
Bradley Gottschalk - Branch
33, Wausau, Wis.
Thomas Moore - Branch 21,
Green Bay, Wis.
Caleb Branger - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Adriana Cordero - Branch
110, Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Stephanie Hefel - Branch
725, Minneapolis, Minn.
Nina Marie Morales - Branch
216, Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Alejandra Cordero - Branch
110, Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Kati Rose Hein - Branch 203,
Stratford, Wis.
Brett Morris - Branch 175,
Burlington, Wis.
Claire Donskey Branch 137, La Crosse, Wis.
Douglas Javier - Branch 110,
Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Alex Mueller - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Robbie Kordsmeier - Branch
993, Morrilton, Ark.
Richard Peksa - Branch 66, St.
Michael Parish-Wausau, Wis.
Samuel Kosewski - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Brandon Quin - Branch 216,
Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Lindsay Krekling - Branch
202, Racine, Wis.
Terence Quin - Branch 216,
Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Alex Krusiec - Branch 115,
Plymouth, Wis.
Cody Radabaugh Branch 710, Dyersville, Iowa
Joseph Kurer - Branch 315,
West Bend, Wis.
Sydney Radabaugh Branch 710, Dyersville, Iowa
Brad LeCount - Branch 202,
Racine, Wis.
Jesus Rodriguez - Branch
110, Milwaukee Central, Wis.
Lynnsey LeCount Branch 202, Racine, Wis.
Karina Salazar-Reyes Branch 110, Milwaukee
Central, Wis.
Jonah Bastin - Branch 216,
Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Jesse Becker - Branch 11,
Wisconsin Rapids/Stevens
Point, Wis.
Patrick Drechsler Branch 94, Church of the
Resurrection-Wausau, Wis.
Kevin Fortune - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Brittnee Freund Branch 19, Fond
du Lac, Wis.
Elizabeth Fritsch
- Branch 146,
Clarks Mills,
Wis.
Danielle Linsmeier Branch 2, Manitowoc, Wis.
Daniel Loderbauer Branch 83, Brillion, Wis.
22 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Christopher Scheele - Branch
206, Milwaukee SW, Wis.
Jonah Sibley - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Zachariah Sibley - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
2009 College
Scholarship Recipients
Amanda Heim - Branch 288,
Sugarbush/Luxemburg, Wis.
Jessica Reimer Branch 13, Sheboygan, Wis.
Katie Sievert - Branch 2,
Manitowoc, Wis.
$500 - $1,000 AWARDS
Kiara Hein Branch 120, Watertown, Wis.
Andrew Riedl Branch 314, Reedsburg, Wis.
Meghan Houlihan Branch 720, New Ulm, Minn.
Richard Roberts Branch 40, Waukesha, Wis.
Isaac Huben Branch 6, Appleton, Wis.
Renee Catherine Roush Branch 306, Milwaukee SE,Wis.
Kim Inglett - Branch 887,
San Antonio, Texas
Courtney Roznowski Branch 21, Green Bay, Wis.
Emily Irwin - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Katie Sabel Branch 126, Johnsburg, Wis.
Joshua Jensen Branch 29, River Falls, Wis.
Luke Sander Branch 310, Muscoda, Wis.
Jake Kapfhamer Branch 212, Medford, Wis.
Heather Schaller- Branch
68, St. Thomas the Apostle
Parish-Newton, Wis.
Kevin Sievert - Branch 2,
Manitowoc, Wis.
Emily Sigwarth - Branch
705, Dubuque, Iowa
Connor Schlaack - Branch
54, Oshkosh, Wis.
Alexandra Schmitz - Branch
19, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Jessica Schmitz Branch 720, New Ulm, Minn.
Edward Skaife Branch 88, Madison, Wis.
Joseph Sliwinski - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Alexandra Springer - Branch
206, Milwaukee SW, Wis.
Rachel Steiner - Branch
118, Charlesburg, Wis.
Nathan Sweeney - Branch
705, Dubuque, Iowa
Catherine Taddy - Branch
15, Two Rivers, Wis.
Anthony Tenaglia - Branch
216, Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Ellen Valley - Branch 723,
Winona, Minn.
Franklin Webb Branch 66, St. Michael
Parish-Wausau, Wis.
John Weiner Jr. - Branch
206, Milwaukee SW, Wis.
Dynasty Wells-Union Branch 1035, Saint Louis, Mo.
Adam Wieseckel - Branch
294, Kimberly, Wis.
Nicole Woelfel - Branch 6,
Appleton, Wis.
Anastasia Bastien - Branch
272, Lake Country, Wis.
Sam Beres - Branch 245,
New Berlin, Wis.
Emily Bichler - Branch 164,
Dacada, Wis.
Ben Biesterveld Branch 191, Eau Galle, Wis.
Taylor Boyle Branch 21, Green Bay, Wis.
Michael Brost - Branch 31,
Port Washington, Wis.
Amanda Burch - Branch
306, Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Joshua DeGrave Branch 258, Denmark, Wis.
Elizabeth Doers - Branch 31,
Port Washington, Wis.
Michael Dummer - Branch
216, Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Thresia Elskamp Branch 42, Tennyson, Wis.
Stephanie Emmers Branch 6, Appleton, Wis.
Callie Endres Branch 82, Waunakee, Wis.
Andrew Jay Flack - Branch
272, Lake Country, Wis.
Clare Frigo - Branch 89,
Milwaukee NE, Wis.
Sonya Garhart - Branch 216,
Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Alicia Marie Gaura Branch 21, Green Bay, Wis.
Matthew Gloede - Branch
56, Neenah/Menasha, Wis.
Nathan Gotz - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Allen Halas - Branch 306,
Milwaukee SE, Wis.
Gwendolyn Hasenberg Branch 94, Church of the
Resurrection-Wausau, Wis.
Courtney Rebekah
Korzeniowski - Branch 725,
Minneapolis, Minn.
Daniel Segerson Branch 23, Phillips, Wis.
Kimberly Krejcarek Branch 86, Francis Creek, Wis.
Kaitlin Sharkey - Branch
200, LeRoy/Mayville, Wis.
Alex Lepak Branch 132, Shawano, Wis.
Samantha Springer - Branch
206, Milwaukee SW, Wis.
Craig Maechtle - Branch 31,
Port Washington, Wis.
Joshua Allen Stephani Branch 2, Manitowoc, Wis.
Conor Mc Mullen - Branch
89, Milwaukee NE, Wis.
Matthew Stephanie Branch 126, Johnsburg, Wis.
Leslie Moen Branch 141, Jefferson, Wis.
Jesse Michael Stewart - Branch
216, Milwaukee NW, Wis.
Kaitlyn Multhauf Branch 274, Rubicon, Wis.
Amy Strasburg - Branch
275, Hales Corners, Wis.
Sara Newhouse Branch 19, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Danelle Sutter - Branch 296,
Mount Horeb, Wis.
Christopher Page Branch 314, Reedsburg, Wis.
Michael Tennie Branch 21, Green Bay, Wis.
Andrew Pelke Branch 29, River Falls, Wis.
Alison Tobin Branch 42, Tennyson, Wis.
Shannon Pink Branch 121, Lancaster, Wis.
Renee Wenig - Branch 194,
Charlestown, Wis.
Chelsea Pintz - Branch 116,
St. Joseph’s Ridge, Wis.
Devin Wieseckel Branch 294, Kimberly, Wis.
Amanda Pohle Branch 245, New Berlin, Wis.
Candace Wilson Branch 993, Morrilton, Ark.
Aaron Prom - Branch 31,
Port Washington, Wis.
Karina Elizabeth Zarate Branch 110, Milwaukee
Central, Wis.
catholicknights.org | 23
Catholic Knights GRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
for the 2010 - 2011 school year
GUIDELINES:
1
2
3
4
5
A separate application must be completed for each member applying.
Completed applications must be received by March 31, 2010.
No exceptions will be made. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Please mail completed applications to:
Fraternal and Marketing Department
Catholic Knights, 1100 W. Wells Street, P.O. Box 05990, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900
If you have any questions, please contact the Fraternal and Marketing Department at 800-927-2547
or 414-273-6266.
If student is selected to receive a scholarship, he/she will be notified by June 30, 2010.
Qualification Criteria: Student OR the student’s parent or grandparent must be a financial* member of Catholic Knights.
Selection is based on a random drawing and is available for grades 1-8. Student must apply annually. Scholarship award
is limited to one per household. $100 scholarships will be awarded to 750 students attending a Catholic grade school.
Application deadline is March 31, 2010.
Check will be made payable to the school/payment office and sent to the student.
Student name _ __________________________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Parent or grandparent name _ ______________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Student address __________________________________________ City___________________ State ____ Zip __________
E-mail address __________________________________________________ Branch number__________________________
Student’s date of birth ______________________________________ Telephone number (_____)_______–_____________
Student’s grade in fall 2010_________________ School name _______________________________________________________
City/State _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make check payable to ________________________________________________________________ (School or Business Office)
Mail check to: Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
City _______________________________________ State _________ Zip _ ___________
*A financial member is the primary insured on a life insurance certificate or an annuitant.
Signatures:
I hereby apply for a Catholic Knights scholarship and acknowledge that I am a member in good standing; I further attest
that all of the information above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Parent or grandparent signature _ ___________________________________________ Date _________________________
Check this box if you DO NOT wish for Catholic Knights to use and reproduce your child’s name and image in any media or
promotional materials (Web site winners list, press releases to newspapers, Catholic Knight magazine, etc.)
24 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Catholic Knights CONFIRMATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
for the 2010 - 2011 school year
GUIDELINES:
1
2
3
4
5
A separate application must be completed for each member applying.
Completed applications must be received by March 31, 2010.
No exceptions will be made. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Please mail completed applications to:
Fraternal and Marketing Department
Catholic Knights, 1100 W. Wells Street, P.O. Box 05990, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900
If you have any questions, please contact the Fraternal and Marketing Department at 800-927-2547
or 414-273-6266.
If student is selected to receive a scholarship, he/she will be notified by June 30, 2010.
Qualification Criteria: Student OR the student’s parent or grandparent must be a financial* member of Catholic Knights. Student
must be 18 years of age or younger and must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation within one year of application.
Students who have received a Catholic Knights high school scholarship within the same year are not eligible for the Confirmation
Scholarship. Student must have performed a minimum of five service hours within the year with one or more of the following: 1)
A Catholic Knights branch, 2) St. Vincent de Paul Society, or 3) Other non-profit organization. Award preference given to students
who provide service to a branch and/or St. Vincent de Paul Society and to students who exceed the minimum number of service
hours required. Service documentation must accompany the application. $100 awards will be given to 200 students. A copy of the
student’s confirmation certificate issued by the parish must accompany the application. Application deadline is March 31, 2010.
Check will be made payable to the school/payment office and sent to the student.
Student name _ __________________________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Parent or grandparent name _ ______________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Student address __________________________________________ City___________________ State ____ Zip __________
E-mail address __________________________________________________ Branch number__________________________
Student’s date of birth ______________________________________ Telephone number (_____)_______–_____________
Student’s grade in fall 2010_________________ School name _______________________________________________________
City/State _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make check payable to ________________________________________________________________ (School or Business Office)
Mail check to: Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
City _______________________________________ State _________ Zip _ ___________
*A financial member is the primary insured on a life insurance certificate or an annuitant.
Signatures:
I hereby apply for a Catholic Knights scholarship and acknowledge that I am a member in good standing; I further attest
that all of the information above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Parent or grandparent signature _ ___________________________________________ Date _________________________
Check this box if you DO NOT wish for Catholic Knights to use and reproduce your child’s name and image in any media or
promotional materials (Web site winners list, press releases to newspapers, Catholic Knight magazine, etc.)
catholicknights.org | 25
Catholic Knights HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
for the 2010 - 2011 school year
GUIDELINES:
1
2
3
4
5
A separate application must be completed for each member applying.
Completed applications must be received by March 31, 2010.
No exceptions will be made. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Please mail completed applications to:
Fraternal and Marketing Department
Catholic Knights, 1100 W. Wells Street, P.O. Box 05990, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900
If you have any questions, please contact the Fraternal and Marketing Department at 800-927-2547
or 414-273-6266.
If student is selected to receive a scholarship, he/she will be notified by June 30, 2010.
Qualification Criteria: Both the student AND the student’s parent or grandparent must be financial* members of
Catholic Knights. The student must have his/her own policy. Student must have performed a minimum of five service hours with
one or more of the following: 1) A Catholic Knights branch, 2) St. Vincent de Paul Society, or 3) Other non-profit organization.
Award preference given to students who provide service to a branch and/or St. Vincent de Paul Society and to students who
exceed the minimum number of service hours required. Service must be completed between April 1, 2009 and March 15,
2010. Service documentation must accompany the application. Must apply annually. One award per household annually. $500
scholarships will be awarded to 75 students attending a Catholic high school. Application deadline is March 31, 2010.
Check will be made payable to the school/payment office and sent to the student.
Student name _ __________________________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Parent or grandparent name _ ______________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Student address __________________________________________ City___________________ State ____ Zip __________
E-mail address __________________________________________________ Branch number__________________________
Student’s date of birth ______________________________________ Telephone number (_____)_______–_____________
Student’s grade in fall 2010_________________ School name _______________________________________________________
City/State _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make check payable to ________________________________________________________________ (School or Business Office)
Mail check to: Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
City _______________________________________ State _________ Zip _ ___________
*A financial member is the primary insured on a life insurance certificate or an annuitant.
Signatures:
I hereby apply for a Catholic Knights scholarship and acknowledge that I am a member in good standing; I further attest
that all of the information above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Parent or grandparent signature _ ___________________________________________ Date _________________________
Check this box if you DO NOT wish for Catholic Knights to use and reproduce your child’s name and image in any media or
promotional materials (Web site winners list, press releases to newspapers, Catholic Knight magazine, etc.)
26 | Catholic Knight Fall 2009
Catholic Knights COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
for the 2010 - 2011 school year
GUIDELINES:
1
2
3
4
5
A separate application must be completed for each member applying.
Completed applications must be received by March 31, 2010.
No exceptions will be made. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Please mail completed applications to:
Fraternal and Marketing Department
Catholic Knights, 1100 W. Wells Street, P.O. Box 05990, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900
If you have any questions, please contact the Fraternal and Marketing Department at 800-927-2547
or 414-273-6266.
If student is selected to receive a scholarship, he/she will be notified by June 30, 2010.
Qualification Criteria: Both the student AND student’s parent or grandparent must be financial* members of Catholic Knights for a
minimum of one year prior to application. The student must have his/her own policy. This is a one-time award. Previous winners are
not eligible. The student must be 23 years of age or younger. Student must have performed a minimum of 10 service hours with one or
more of the following: 1) A Catholic Knights branch, 2) St. Vincent de Paul Society, or 3) Other non-profit organization. Award preference
given to students who provide service to a branch and/or St. Vincent de Paul Society and to students who exceed the minimum
number of service hours required. Service must be completed between April 1, 2009 and March 15, 2010. Service documentation must
accompany the application. Up to $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students enrolling full-time in an undergraduate program
or technical degree program. $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to full-time students attending an accredited four-year private or
public college or university. $500 scholarships will be awarded to full-time students attending an accredited community or technical
college. Application deadline is March 31, 2010.
Check will be made payable to the school/payment office and sent to the student.
Student name _ __________________________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Parent or grandparent name _ ______________________________________ Policy number _ ________________________
Student address __________________________________________ City___________________ State ____ Zip __________
E-mail address __________________________________________________ Branch number__________________________
Student’s date of birth ______________________________________ Telephone number (_____)_______–_____________
Student’s grade in fall 2010_________________ School name _______________________________________________________
City/State _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make check payable to ________________________________________________________________ (School or Business Office)
Mail check to: Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
City _______________________________________ State _________ Zip _ ___________
*A financial member is the primary insured on a life insurance certificate or an annuitant.
Signatures:
I hereby apply for a Catholic Knights scholarship and acknowledge that I am a member in good standing; I further attest
that all of the information above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Parent or grandparent signature _ ___________________________________________ Date _________________________
Check this box if you DO NOT wish for Catholic Knights to use and reproduce your child’s name and image in any media or
promotional materials (Web site winners list, press releases to newspapers, Catholic Knight magazine, etc.)
catholicknights.org | 27
Catholic Knights Scholarship Program
SUMMARY OF SERVICE HOURS
Student’s Name:
Date of
Service
Name of
Organization
Service
Provided
No. of
Hours
Supervisor
Signature
Return with scholarship application by March 31, 2010
Fraternal and Marketing Department, Catholic Knights
W. Wells
Street,
28 1100
| Catholic
Knight
Fall P.O.
2009Box 05990, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900
catholicknights.org | 28
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS FOUNDATION, Inc.
“Catholic Knights Foundation, Inc., rooted in the Catholic and fraternal values
of stewardship, service, and concern for others,
PROVIDES resources to advance the mission of Catholic parishes and organizations; SUPPORTS the
charitable outreach of our branches; EDUCATES members about philanthropy and planned giving; and
PROVIDES financial vehicles to help members accomplish their philanthropic objectives to strengthen
Catholic Knights, our Church and society.” – Mission Statement of Catholic Knights Foundation, Inc.
to get involved and resources for
adults in youth service. Visit youth.
foundationcenter.org to learn more.
Teaching Youth the Joy
of Giving
Donating money. Organizing
people and programs. Serving
those in need. Raising money.
Giving away possessions.
Advocating for a cause. Tutoring
in a school. Volunteering virtually.
Helping people around the globe.
What do all of these activities have
in common? These are all examples
of philanthropy. Children, teenagers
and young adults are increasingly
engaged in these types of activities
and want to know more about how
to make a difference in the lives
of people in their community and
beyond. (See examples of Catholic
Knights youth volunteers on page 5.)
There are many resources that can
help parents and grandparents teach
youth about the importance and
value of philanthropy. The following
are a few Web sites and books that
may be especially helpful.
Learning to Give is a Web site
sponsored by The LEAGUE, whose
mission is to empower young
people to get in the game of giving.
Complete with resources for parents,
students, and teachers, this site
includes: literature guides about
philanthropy, games and activities,
commentaries on philanthropy from
different religious traditions and
lesson plans geared for the home or
classroom. Visit learningtogive.org
to learn more.
The Giving Family – Raising Our
Children to Help Others is a book
published by the Foundation
Center. This book is a guide to help
parents teach their children about
volunteering, giving and money
management in order to help instill
in them the value of service. The
book is an easy read at 109 pages
and is available through amazon.com
for $8.95.
The Giving Book – Open the Door
to a Lifetime of Giving is an excellent
introduction to philanthropy for
children by Ellen Sabin. Written for
the author’s six-year-old niece, the
interactive nature of the book allows
children to draw pictures, send notes
and collect ideas about giving to
others. It is an activity book, a journal
and a scrapbook all in one. It is available
through amazon.com for $13.95.
If you make use of any of these
educational resources, we would
like to know what you thought of
them and how you used them.
Provide feedback to John Borgen
at john.borgen@catholicknights.org
or 414.278.6608 or
mike.stivoric@catholicknights.org.
Ten Good Reasons to Volunteer
(from the Foundation Center)
1. Show that you can be responsible
2. Make a difference
3. Gain experience
4. Make new friends
5. See new places
6. Learn new skills
7. Have fun
8. Explore career options
9. Set an example
10. Educate others about causes
you care about
Youth in Philanthropy is a Web
site sponsored by the Foundation
Center. It is very well designed
and contains excellent resources
including: information about famous
philanthropists that youth may
look up to, educational scholarships
based upon community service, links
catholicknights.org | 29
Four Life Insurance Myths
for the Young Family
FOR YOUNG COUPLES JUST GETTING STARTED, the future can seem boundless. Yet with new
commitments, such as buying your first home or having children, comes the responsibility to make sure your
loved ones would be taken care of, even if the worst were to happen. Life insurance – the most basic and essential
protection available – can help make sure future needs are met and that your family maintains its standard of living,
no matter what life brings. But common misconceptions often prevent young families who need this protection the
most from purchasing the life insurance they need.
MYTH No. 1: I only need life insurance if I am the
primary breadwinner in my family
Whether or not you work, your family will miss your
contribution to the household if it disappears. If you do
work, even a modest income may help fund important items
and family activities. And though stay-at-home parents
may not provide a cash income, they often provide valuable
services such as childcare, cooking, housecleaning and
household management, the replacement costs of which are
often severely underestimated.
MYTH No. 2: If I buy a term policy and find that I still
need protection when the term ends, I can always
renew the policy
Term policies are quite popular with many young families,
and for good reason: they typically offer the greatest coverage
for the lowest cost. Term insurance provides protection
for a specific period of time (the ‘term’), and can be ideal
for people who feel they have temporary needs, such as a
mortgage or a child’s education. However, many families
realize that even after the kids are gone, their need for
insurance continues—to provide income for a surviving
spouse, eliminate debts, pay taxes, etc. Because premium rates
increase with age, renewing your policy when the term expires
can be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, poor health may
make renewal impossible.
®
MYTH No. 3: I only need life insurance when my
kids are young and my financial obligations are the
greatest
There is no question that insurance needs are great when your
children are young, what with college planning, mortgage
payments and the costs involved in raising your kids. But
for people with insurance needs later in life, permanent
insurance is often a good choice. In addition to providing
the opportunity for lifelong protection, permanent policies
accumulate cash value that can be borrowed against or
withdrawn, though doing so may affect the death benefit
and have tax consequences. Although permanent insurance
premiums are generally higher than term premiums when first
purchased, they typically do not increase over time and can
stop completely later in life, even as your coverage continues,
depending on your policy.
MYTH No. 4: I can get a better rate of return if I
invest my money elsewhere
While the first and foremost reason for any life insurance
purchase is to provide protection for your family, permanent
insurance policies, such as whole life, universal life, or variable
life, offer other features that many people find attractive.
Specifically, permanent policies provide a cash accumulation
value that grows over time and can be borrowed against. And
contrary to what many people believe, long-term rates of
return on the cash value are generally comparable to relatively
low-risk investment products. Because understanding rates
of return is often difficult, the best way to find the right
products for your needs is with the help of a qualified
insurance professional.
September is Life Insurance Awareness
Month. Visit www.lifehappens.org for great
tips on protecting your family.
This information provided as a service of the Life and Health
Insurance Foundation for Education. It is not affiliated with
Catholic Knights. Learn more at www.life-line.org.
© 2006 All rights reserved.
Where in
the World
Question
of-the-Quarter
Congratulations to Caitlyn
Urban of Branch 4120,
Pittsburgh, Pa., who won $25
by responding to last issue’s
question regarding why you are
a member of Catholic Knights.
Gladys Pencykowski of Branch
151, Kenosha, Wis., along with
her daughter Mary Frank, a
member of Branch 202, Racine,
Wis., are pictured enjoying the
Catholic Knight magazine in
Key West, Fla.
Send your high quality photos of you reading
Catholic Knight magazine in a special place
while traveling: Heidi Peters, Catholic Knights,
1100 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI, 53233, or
e-mail to: heidi.peters@catholicknights.org.
Please include the names of everyone in the
photo and tell us where the photo was taken.
All those who have a photo published in 2009
will be entered in a drawing for $75. One entry
per person/family will be published.
How often
would you like
to hear from
your financial
services
representative?
Send us your opinion by October 23, 2009! Each
issue, we’ll post a new Question-of-the-Quarter
on our magazine webpage. Go online to www.
catholicknights.org to answer our survey. Those
who respond online will be entered in a drawing
for $25. One entry per person/family will be
entered. Be sure to include your name, e-mail
address, and branch number.
Meet our New
Financial Services
Representatives.
They are ready
to serve you!
Please join
Catholic Knights in
welcoming two new
financial services
representatives:
Michael LaVoy
Wausau Agency
401 Main Street, Suite 501
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-782-0895
mike.lavoy@catholicknights.org
IN MEMORIAM
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus.” – Romans 6:23
Catholic Knights Board Member William “ Pete”
Vorster passed away July. Pete, age 55, was a
member of Catholic Knights since 1954 and
served on the Board of Directors since July 2005.
He previously served 11 years on the Catholic
Knights of America board and as its chair, as well
as various positions at the state and local levels.
Elizabeth Gianoli, a former
president of Branch 137, LaCrosse,
Wis., passed away in June 2009.
Elizabeth was a 65-year member of
Catholic Knights and served as an
officer in her branch for 38 years.
Willie Walker, a spiritual director of
Branch 1035, St. Louis, Mo., passed
away in June 2009. Willie was an 18year member of Catholic Knights and
served as an officer in her branch for
two years.
Matt Tomlinson
Milwaukee Agency
32088 N. Pine Avenue
Grayslake, IL 60030
847-548-6288
matt.tomlinson@catholicknights.org
catholicknights.org | 31
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MILWAUKEE, WI
PERMIT 2916
1100 West Wells Street
P.O. Box 05900
Milwaukee, WI 53205-0900
LIFE INSURANCE ISN’T
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DIE.
IT’S FOR THE PEOPLE
WHO LIVE.
When Michael Rausch was just one year old, his
mom, Julie, was diagnosed with a malignant brain
tumor. The news devastated his father, Bill, and
severely affected the concrete business he and Julie
ran together. Sadly, the company failed shortly
before Julie’s death. But the story doesn’t end
there. Life insurance meant Bill was able to
restart the business and provide a secure
and loving home for Michael. Are you
prepared should the very worst happen?
Without adequate life insurance, your
financial plans may be just a savings
and investment program that dies
when you do. Consult a qualified
insurance professional to help you
create a plan that will continue to
provide for the ones you love.
The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart
insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. It
is not affiliated with Catholic Knights. For more information about
life insurance or tips on finding a qualified insurance professional,
visit www.lifehappens.org or call 1 888-LIFE-777.
Michael Rausch
catholicknights.org | 32