Lee Bosdeck is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano where he has been volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Fox Council 2836, for many years.
Born in Algoma, Bosdeck graduated from the former Premontre High School in Green Bay. He attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for a year and then Door/Kewaunee Teachers College for two years. He earned a degree in upper elementary education with a minor in art from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1971.
Bosdeck taught in Abbotsford for two years, then in Navarino for 20 years. Bosdeck then started Kids Korner pizza in Clintonville for two years, followed by 15 years working at Schneider National. He retired seven years ago and lives in Shawano with his wife of 42 years, Mary. They have two children and three grandchildren.
The couple enjoys gardening and camping with the Wolf River Wanderers.
Q How long have you been a member of the Knights?
A “I joined 25 years ago. I was a Grand Knight way back, but wasn’t participating much. After I retired, I went to an April meeting. That’s when I decided to take over. I’ve been the newsletter chairman for six years. Charles Ketchum is now the Grand Knight.”
Q What types of things do the Knights do?
A “It’s for the kids, that’s our primary thing. We have a state-level soccer challenge in the spring. There are knowledge-centered spelling and math tests for fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. I correct them and pick winners. We have a free throw contest that we have for the kids during basketball. The kids look forward to it and we give ice cream bars instead of trophies. That way every kid gets something. There is the Tootsie Roll drive, where we get help from Lakeland Industries. We do porkie pancake breakfasts twice a year. That’s the project I like doing.”
Q Is there something new this year?
A “The pig roast at the parish picnic is brand new this year. A Knight from Chicago brought it up. Terry Luecht is doing the roasting from 9 Saturday night and will cook all night. The Home and School Association is serving it. All we’re doing is cooking it. There will be pork sandwiches.”
Q How is the money earned, and what is it used for?
A “Most of it is from the porkie pancake breakfasts. There is a charity raffle with the state that starts the first of the year to the end of April. It’s money for the state, but they do give good prizes. The money we earn goes to people in need, not only Catholics but people in the community. All funds go through the state.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I like helping kids and helping people. I’ve been in organized services since 1971. I like to do volunteer work and it gives me something to do.”
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