Lenny Scheufler named the Distinguished Service Award winner
Lenny Scheufler was named the Distinguished Service Award winner for 2021. (Click to enlarge)
by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — Long-time Wellington resident Leonard Scheufler received the Distinguished Service Award at the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce’s 99th annual celebration Saturday night.
•Mill Creek Lumber and Supply, under the management of Brandon Earl was business of the year.
Brandon and Valerie Earl.
•Erma Ratliff was named young professional of the year.
•Linda Metzen was named volunteer of the year.
Scheufler was named the 57th DSA award winner, given at the WACC annual celebration to a deserving recipient for a lifetime of service to the community. Dwight Miller won the first DSA award in 1964.
Scheufler came to Wellington as a coach and teacher at USD 353 in the mid-60s. He came to Wellington as an all-NAIA athlete at Ottawa University where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He was an All-American in football for both the 1965 and 66 seasons. He still has the second-most receiving yards (2,548) in school history.
After his stint at USD 353, he would have a long career with the railroad and was active in many areas of the community.
Scheufler thanked his family for allowing him the time to help with the community, and he said he appreciated all the athletes and others he has had the opportunity to work with.
The Scheufler family in attendance include, from left, daughter Kristin Mallory, son Dr. Steve Scheufler, Lenny, and daughter Sharon Scheurer. The late Beverly is the mother of the family. (Click to enlarge)
He has been in the Lions Club in Wellington for many years and recently received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award for Wellington Lion International. That is the highest award given by the Lions Clubs for lifetime service and achievement. He and his daughter, Kristin Scheufler Mallory, are both members of the Ottawa athletic hall of fame.
During the award ceremony, it was noted that many people may not have been aware of his athletic achievements. However, many people do still call him “coach” in Wellington. He is better known for being involved in many things and helping groups and people. In the DSA video, his friends noted his smile and his willingness to help in almost any endeavor.
2020 WACC award winners recognized. (Click to enlarge)
Last year’s winners were also recognized because the pandemic kept the banquet from happening last year. The 2020 DSA went to Mary Frances ‘Hankie’ Holefelder; the business of the year was Travelin’ Smoke; the young professional of the year was Joslyn Heersche, and the volunteer of the year was Debe Sisson.
Incoming chamber president Annarose White said she felt like she belonged as soon as she came to Wellington eight years ago. She challenged chamber members to decide what they will do to make 2022 a good year.
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The Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce board members were announced. Officers include Anna Rose White- President, Jan Grace – President-Elect, Susan Doherty – Secretary, Erma Ratliff – Treasurer, Danny Crittenden – Past President, and Jeremy Goodrum and Nick Struble as chamber board members.
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Here is the list of DSA winners:
1964 — Dwight Miller.
1965 — Raymond Schalk.
1966 — Raymond Frye.
1967 — Dr. Ward Cole.
1968 — Forrest Rogers
1969 — Charles Herzog.
1970 — Lynn Burris
1971 — Jimmie Little.
1972 — Kenneth Everhart.
1973 — Dee Dixon.
1974 — Ted Clark.
1975 — Eleanor Lee.
1976 — Kenny Larimore.
1977 — Jack Allen.
1978 — Evelyn Ostrander.
1979 — Dorothea Miller.
1980 — Julio Caudillo.
1981 — Dale Wilson.
1982 — John Stewart.
1983 — Dorothy Bunch.
1984 — Dr. J.C. Hill.
1985 — Olga Randel.
1986 — Bob Ewing.
1987 — John Garland.
1988 — Ed Hundley.
1989 — Bob Renn.
1990 — Connie Bales.
1991 — Linda Stewart.
1992 — Dr. Kenneth Rothrock.
1993 — Bob and Frances Cobean.
1994 — Ralph Elsass.
1995 — Ted Davis.
1996 — Vivian Hay.
1997 — Les Jacobs.
1998 — Ken Phillips.
1999 — Stan Gilliland.
2000 — Bob Leftwich.
2001 — Marvin White.
2002 — Francis Carr.
2003 — Brad Ewing.
2004 — Steve Sturgis.
2005 — Greg Renn.
2006 — Jim Chisholm.
2007 — Dr. Larry Anderson.
2008 — Jan Korte.
2009 — Jack Potucek.
2010 — David Carr.
2011 — Perry and Sherry Wiley.
2012 — Vince Wetta.
2013 — Corky Long.
2014 — Dana Anderson.
2015 — Ty Sober.
2016 — Jane Cole.
2017 — Chris Craig
2018 — Mike Wilmoth
2019 — Roger Stallbaumer, Jr.
2020 — Mary France ‘Hankie’ Holefelder.
2021 — Lenny Scheufler.
