ALGONA-Bob and Alice Benck and Howard and Katherine Hoenk were this year's recipients of the Heritage Awards. The winners were announced Friday, July 10, at the Founder's Day Celebration at the Carnegie Library Lawn.
The Hoenks were awarded the Heritage Award posthumously for the philanthropy they've made over the years that have benefitted area school children.
Katherine was a teacher and principal at Bryant Elementary School, beginning in 1943. She received her teaching degrees from U.N.I. and Columbia University.
Howard ran a car dealership in Algona for many years, following his move here in 1924.
Gregg Buchaanan, one of the members of the committee, delivered the speech honoring the Hoenks dedication to education in Algona.
"One of the things they looked forward to every year was attending Algona and Bishop Garrigan High School's graduation to see who was the new 'Hoenk Scholars,'" Buchanan said.
The Hoenks created the Howard and Katherine Hoenk Foundation in 1984. The first year's awards for the Hoenk scholarship touted $9,260.
When the Hoenks passed away in 1995, they left their estates to the foundation, bringing the funds to $4 million. This year, the Hoenk scholarship foundation awarded $234,000 in grants to students at Bishop Garrigan and Algona High School.
According to Buchanan, over the years that fund has awarded over 200,000 in funds to area students, and continues to grow to serve students for years to come.
Rev. Mark Holmer introduced Bob and Alice Benck as this year's other Heritage Award winners.
Alice was instrumental in beginning Exceptional opportunities in Burt. The program started in Algona in the basement of First Lutheran Church in 1974, but once they outgrew that location, they moved north to Burt. Benck served as president of the organization for over 30 years.
Bob has served in the Algona community for years, in a number of capacities: a city council member, bailiff, and community service organizer.
He was also instrumental in getting the newly relocated Finn House located and built to help those who suffer from all types of addiction in this community.
Holmer said that the new Finn House will serve the needs of the community for at least another half century, while Exceptional Opportunities has become a multi-million dollar business in the Burt community and has helped several residents find ways to be involved in their communities. The accomplishments, Holmer said, show the compassion that the Bencks have had for those who are on the fringe of society.
"People are measured by the legacies they leave behind, not necessarily the accomplishments they achieve in their life," said Holmer. "For Bob and Alice Benck, the work they've done has touched thousands of people, and will continue long after they're no longer with us."
"We were totally surprised to win this award," said Alice Benck. " We would really like to thank the Algona Chamber of Commerce, Founder's Day Committee and Heritage Awards committee for this honor."
The Bencks and Hoenks join the ranks of previous Heritage Award winners Dorothy Muckey, Wes Bartlett, Alice Loss, "Bud" Anderson, Allen Buchanan, Russell Buchanan and Donald Schiltz.