Klinke named Citizen of the Year

The Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet at Hog Cabin Bar-B-Que on Sunday night, with Pat Klinke being named Citizen of the Year.

“This year’s recipient of Greenwood’s Citizen of the Year has a very strong sense of adventure, caring for others, and giving back that has spanned her entire life,” Tonia Wuethrich of the Greenwood Chamber said in the award presentation.

Klinke was born in the Greenwood area and graduated from Greenwood High School. She attended Marion College in Fond du Lac for nursing and was a registered nurse in Madison for over 40 years.

Before returning to Greenwood, Klinke participated in nine self-funded medical mission trips, eight to various under-privileged locations in Ecuador and one to Texas to help after Hurricane Katrina. Five of her nieces shared these valuable experiences by tagging along at different times over the years.

“Her selfless influence encouraged three of the five girls to go into the medical field,” Wuethrich stated.

Klinke returned to her hometown of Greenwood in 2015 to live in her family home. Although she was technically retired, she continued taking care of those around her. She stepped up to become a caregiver to multiple people on their endof- life journey, spending an incredible amount of time wading through their medical and legal needs.

Klinke’s leadership and willingness to serve caused her to quickly become more involved in her community. She joined Saint Ann’s Society in her church, took over as organizer of the Greenwood blood drives, and is currently president of the Greenwood Main Street Committee.

“I have had the honor of getting to know this sweet lady through the Main Street Committee. Her dedication to detail and willingness to go above and beyond has inspired our group to achieve wonderful things,” said Wuethrich. “Some of the highlights are the colorful bikes in the spring, the return of the scarecrows in the fall, and the new, soon-to-be-installed ‘Welcome to Greenwood’ signs.

“Her leadership helps to ensure Greenwood looks its best for all seasons, which helps attract new residents and businesses to our little town.”

Klinke was surprised by family members at the banquet and received a plaque of recognition of her award.

Pat Klinke (center) was named Greenwood Citizen of the Year at the Greenwood Chamber banquet Sunday night. She is shown with (from left) her brother-in-law Tom Behrens, sister Mary Lou Behrens, sister Joan Hoeper, and brother-in-law Jeff Hoeper. For more photos from the banquet, please see page 3.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO