Hats Off to Rotary 2012
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Rotary honors long-time members for lifetime contributions Honorary Members recall highlights of club’s history By LOIS NELSON “Honorary Member” status is a special Owatonna Rotary Club recognition that has been given to five long-time members who have been Rotarians for 40 or more years: Bill Whiting, Dr. John Schoen, Pat Casey, Charlie Hermann and Bill Kottke. Bill Whiting is also a second generation Rotarian. His father, E. K. Whiting was one of the original charter members of the club. (E.K. was a leader in organizing and the club’s sponsorship of the Rochester Rotary Club in May 1925.) Bill has the distinction of enjoying the longest tenure in the club joining 71 Bill and Annette Whiting years ago. Bill recalls a neighbor and good friend of his dad’s, Dr. A. B. Stewart, reciting the Rotary charge without notes and always put forth the principles of Rotary in a positive manner. Bill was president of the club 1948-1949. Then, as it is today, Bill comments that what is inspiring about the club is the “…great leadership resulting in good meetings, community projects and international focus.” He and his wife, Annette, celebrated 70 years together on Dec. 27, 2011. Their daughter, Sabra Otteson, a third generation Rotarian, accompanied them to a meeting where everyone extended their congratulations. The club all felt Annette’s loss in April of this year. Dr. John Schoen is the club’s oldest member though Bill Whiting has just a few more months of tenure in Rotary than he does. Dr. John is also the club’s unofficial Dr. John Schoen historian recalling
the days when both he and Bill Whiting were a part of the Owatonna High School orchestra. Both went in different directions pursuing their college education and found themselves back in Owatonna involved in their own family businesses. Dr. John served as the club president during 19551956. Years ago, some of the community events sponsored by the club included: Dr. Joe Schaefer’s encouraging the X-raying of nearly every Steele County citizen for tuberculosis and finding eight or nine unexpected cases; during Mike Cashman’s presidency a city-wide education program of proper tree trimming was sponsored by the club so today we can appreciate the healthiness of so many trees throughout the city. Eyes for the Needy program had Rotarians collecting used eye glasses and the Owatonna Tool Co. covered the transportation costs to India. The opportunities to meet and hear from community leaders and to listen to programs pertaining to our community and civic life have always been an enjoyable part of belonging to Rotary. Dr. John shares: “The caliber of the members is exemplary with a total absence of obnoxious disputes, airing contrary political programs, etc.” Pat Casey now resides in Escondido, Calif., returning in the summer time to catch up with sister-in-law, Barbara Jacobson, and visit the club where he has been a member for more than 40 years. His wife, Sharon, and Barbara were the first female Rotarians in 1987. He recalls it was Dr. A.J. Pat Casey Olson who initiated the tradition of cutting off the tie of the incoming president — much to that person’s surprise. Pat served the club as President from 1958 to 1959. Pat appreciates the willingness of Rotarians to work for so many goals and their interest in the club. He admires the great wit, tremendous vocabulary, and dynamic speaking voice of Charlie Hermann — another Honorary Member. Charlie and his bride, Emily, of 60-plus years enjoy Florida a few months of the year, but when in Owatonna, Char-
lie is at the weekly meetings. The club always looks forward to Charlie’s latest humorous perspective on a host of topics. For many years, Charlie was the emcee for the annual National Honor Society student luncheon held in May sharing stories and experiences while encouraging the young Charlie Hermann people to further their education and expand their world. Bill Kottke was encouraged to join Rotary about 46 years ago by his father, Carl, who was a charter member of the local Lions Club. His connection to the Owatonna Rotary Club started in 1950, when Bill was recognized as a Junior Rotarian. (Today,
these students are the club’s Students of the Month.) This high school experience led to his joining the organization a number of years later. He served as club president in 19711972. Bill and his wife, Faye, are familiar faces at their jewelry store and at community events. They are often the source Bill Kottke for tickets for anything going on in the community and are true supporters of Owatonna. He appreciates that the club is a great group of male and female members with a wide variety of vocations. Today’s club may be more active than in earlier years with the STRIVE Run and students, Youth Exchange,
Congratulations to the Owatonna Rotary Club for celebrating 90 years! Also, congratulations to Todd Hale for his dedication to the Owatonna Rotary Club and to the community.
Aug. 14th–Aug. 19th, 2012