SUN PRAIRIE — The Sun Prairie Knights of Columbus Council is observing its 50th anniversary. It was founded on December 6, 1959, through the efforts of District Deputy Jerome Weisensel.
The original membership was composed of men from Sun Prairie and surrounding area. Today there are 147 members in the Sun Prairie Holy Family Council.
“For 50 years, the Knights of Columbus and their families have had a strong presence in Sun Prairie, working to make a positive difference in our area,” said current Grand Knight Lee Kopotic. “We hope the entire community will join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary.”
Officers of the council were installed on December 16, 1959, in the Community Room of the Bank of Sun Prairie with 41 charter members. First officers were Roy Weisensel, Carl Conrad, Harold Pophal, Ralph Weisensel, Richard Brockman, Tom Golden, Joseph Conrad, Lloyd Valley, and Francis Renz. Trustees for the charter group were August Weisensel, Tom Tubbs, and Walter Hanley. Roy B. Hovel served as advocate and Jerome Weisensel was the installing officer.
Richard Brockman, Joseph Conrad, and Francis Renz are among 21 living charter members. Joseph Conrad is believed to be the longest living member in Wisconsin as a member for 68 years.
In 1963, the Sun Prairie Council changed its name to Holy Family Council. In 1993 its current facility, The Round Table, was built. Among the council’s activities are pancake breakfasts, fish fries, Tootsie Roll drives, picnics, family Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, and a yearly memorial Mass. The Round Table also serves as a public banquet hall.
On Saturday, Nov. 21, the council will celebrate 50 years with a Mass celebrated by Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt at Sacred Hearts Church at 5 p.m., with a banquet at The Round Table to follow.