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Schroeder recognized for lifetime service in L

Schroeder recognized for lifetime service in L Schroeder recognized for lifetime service in L

ions The Medford Lions Club recently recognized one of their members Dale Schroeder with a 1/2 Diamond in the Friends and Honors Garden of the Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Schroeder’s name will be added to the memorial wall at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt. The Wisconsin Lions Camp is dedicated to providing quality camp experiences for Wisconsin youth and adults with disabilities.

Schroeder was recognized with the award during the 27C2 District Convention in Minocqua on April 17. Medford Lions Club president Bill Weiland and president-elect Dave Lemke presented the recognition.

Weiland made the following comments at the ceremony: “Many of you know Lion Dale Schroeder. Dale Schroeder joined the Medford Lions Club in 1974. He was the first and only member who was 10 years old at the time. Lion Dale has served in numerous leadership positions in the Medford Lions Club. Lion Dale was District Governor of District 27-C2 in 19911992.

“Lion Dale is a leader, and a competitor and he participated in several Lion competitions like the Birch Sterm Golf fundraiser and the Wisconsin State Lions Bonspiel. He has curled in the State Lions Bonspiel for many years. His original team consisted of Dave Lemke Sr., Norm Hatlestad, Smokey Hemer and Dale. They were known as the half ton of fun. Obviously, these were some small guys. His team won the bonspiel five times. When he added me to his team, we came close several times, but never won. You can draw your own conclusion. The Schroeder family, including wife Bev and son Troy, are well known in Wisconsin and USA Curling circles. He was a fierce competitor, but after the competition a fun guy to hang out with.

“For the past 15 years Lion Dale has been the Facilities Director of Lions Camp. He officially retired on June 12 of 2020. Lion Dale played a key role in the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and specifi cally Lions Camp. Under his watch the Health Lodge was completed in 2007, the Indian Hollow Project in 2009, reconstruction of the Memorial Building roof in 2010, installation of Totem Pole No. 4 in 2014, and reroofing and staining of all buildings on the property in the last few years.

“Lion Dale took on the position of Eyeglass Recycling Manager for several years. He served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors from 1999 to 2005. He served as President of the Foundation during the 2003-2004 year. Lion Dale was involved in many other historical events, including: the construction of the new climbing tower and Friends and Honors Garden in 1999; construction of the maintenance shop in 2000; construction of the new walkway in 2001; construction of the addition to the Eyeglass Recycling Center in 2002; completion of the new duplex cabins over the years, as well chairing the 50th Anniversary Gala in 2006.

“One of the things that Lion Dale was most known for was his desire to make sure the property always looked picture perfect, especially the grass. He was adamant that people not drive on the grass with anything but a lawnmower.

“I have to give Wisconsin Lions Foundation Executive Director Evett Hartvig credit for providing Lion Dale’s camp and foundation history. I want to quote Director Hartvig directly: ‘As strict as Dale seemed about things like the grass, it was much different when it came to the wellbeing of our campers. You could hear in his voice and see in his face the compassion he had for our campers. It truly brought him joy to know he was a part of giving them an awesome experience that they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.’ “WLF Director Evett Hartvig and son Troy and his family are here today to help us recognize and honor Lion Dale Schroeder.

“In recognition of Lion Dale Schroeder’s contributions to his club, his district and specifically to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and Lions Camp, it is my honor to announce that a half diamond recognition in the Friends amd Honors Garden at our Lions Camp in Rosholt has been inscribed as follows: In Recognition of Dale Schroeder’s Contribution to Lionism. This recognition was made possible by the Medford Lions Club, District 27 C2 and Director Evett Hartvig. I have a plaque to present to Lion Dale. The inscription on the plaque reads; ‘true honor comes from what we give, not what we receive, the position we attain, or the title we hold.’ Please join us in recognizing Lion Dale Schroeder.”

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