The Knights of Columbus Fr. Dan Clarke Council 13109 received its Charter on April 21, 2002, with 58 members from Ss. John and Paul Parish in Altoona, Iowa.
Our Grand Knights have been:
Jon Aldrich | 2002 – 2004 |
Rob McFarlane | 2004 – 2006 |
Allan Zadow | 2006 – 2008 |
Tom Brandt | 2008 – 2010 |
Marty DeDecker | 2010 – 2012 |
Bill Ludwig | 2012 – 2014 |
Brian Wernimont | 2014 – 2016 |
Michael Kockler | 2016 – 2018 |
Leon Stidfole | 2018 – 2020 |
Jack Kopecky | 2020 – Present |
Our membership has grown to over 200 in the Council’s 20-year history. Two of our past officers, Jon Aldrich and Steve Vonnahme, have been elected as the State Deputy for Iowa, with Steve currently in the office. Past Grand Knights Tom Brandt and Michael Kockler are also serving as District Deputies.
Over the 20-year history of the Council, donations of over $500,000 have been made. Approximately $57,500 went to the Ss. John and Paul Parish building fund, over $35,000 in donations toward seminarians, over $30,000 to CPID, formally known as the Tootsie Roll campaign, and over $50,000 in scholarships to parish high school graduating seniors.
The membership has given over 500,000 hours of charitable, service, and volunteer hours to the parish and local community.
The Council has also made donations toward pro-life activities and parish outreach activities; also supports community and charitable organizations such as Dorothy’s House, Catherine’s Cabinet, food pantries, Special Olympics, Catholic radio, and Habitat for Humanity. Donations have been made to local school activities, college Catholic ministries, and other local charitable organizations.
The charitable contributions by the Council have been considerable due to the efforts and dedication of our members.