2020 - 2021

Bob Schlichting

Choosing a Knight of the year is one of the most difficult jobs of a Grand Knight. We have so many great Brothers who work so hard and dedicate so much time for our Council. Therefore, it is a duty that I do not take lightly.

As a grand Knight, I have the opportunity to work with many great men. There are those who will jump up and offer to work at the Walleye Classic. Others volunteer for the Hot-Dog Trailer or possibly the Rib Dinner. The person I have chosen as Knight of the Year for 2020 helps at all of these events. However, this year was different.

As the Grand Knight, I faced many issues this year. The struggles in the church as we dealt with many matters surrounding our priests and the investigation of our Bishop. Then there were the IRS fines, then Covid-19 came along and forced us to cancel the Walleye Classic and greatly altered our plans. As a Grand Knight, I needed everyone’s help and advice to work through these problems. I thank you all for the help you provided me.

Yet one person quietly stepped in to be the calming voice I needed during these turbulent times. That voice was our Brother Bob Schlichting. As a past grand Knight Bob understood the problems I was facing and offered very thoughtful advice that can only come from a senior statesman. Bob also is a very strong, but quiet Catholic who supports our parish in many ways. He is also one of the first Knights to volunteer when a Brother Knight is in need. He will do all he can to help. Bob helps in our community as well. Each week, he volunteers at the Food shelf to help those in need. In summary, Bob Schlichting is a great example of how a Knight of Columbus should act. For 2020, the Knight of the Year for Council 1544 is Brother Bob Schlichting.

2019 - 2020

Terry Belanger

Choosing a Knight of the year is one of the most difficult jobs of a Grand Knight. We have so many great Brothers who work so hard and dedicate so much time for our Council. Yet there can only be one Knight of the Year.

I had the honor of first working with this Knight as he taught math to my sons here at St. Philips. He really had his work cut out for him there. But there was always more than that. He became a mentor for many young men and women guiding them not just in Math, but also in the word of our Lord. He was also there on Wednesdays during faith formation classes. You’ll find him actively involved in church ministries through bible studies, Living stations of the cross, and more.

But there’s much more. Terry Belanger exemplifies what it means to be a Knight of Columbus. When Terry heard the Bemidji chapter of All Pro Dads was folding, he took it upon himself to resurrect this great organization with the help of the KC’s. Because of Terry’s leadership, more than 800 children had the opportunity to spend quality time with their fathers, grandfathers or uncles. Terry is also active on the KC board, and you will find him at nearly every Knights of Columbus event. His roll as the chairman of our KC Walleye Classic raffle and all his hard work provides us the opportunity to raise more than 35,000 for our council and charities. He is a good man and a great example for all Brother Knights.

2018 - 2019

Fr. Don Braukmann

Choosing the Knight of the year is a very difficult task. We have so many great brothers who all deserve constant recognition. Yet there is one who stands above all others, especially this year. For 2018, our Knights of Columbus Council 1544 Knight of the Year is presented to Father Don Braukmann. Since his arrival at St. Philips, Father Don has offered his unwavering support to the Knights of Columbus. At the same time, he has guided our council’s decisions while constantly keeping watch over his flock. During many council meeting Masses, Father Don’s homilies guided and challenged us as fathers, husbands, and men. He challenged us to be brave and to stand up for what is right and just. His powerful voice and support for the unborn is a model for each of us. Even in the face of his diversity, Father Don’s spirit stands strong. Father Don Braukmann, a powerful man, charismatic leader, and good friend to all Knights.

2017 - 2018

Joseph Czapiewski

When the Knights of Columbus needed to develop a strategic plan. Joe was there to lead the way. When we needed someone to lead the all new KC Walleye Classic Fishing Tournament, Joe stepped up to the task. His leadership on the Walleye Classic lead to state and supreme recognition of the tournament. Joe is a shining example setting the bar for all other members of the Knights of Columbus.

2014 - 2015

Joe Bofferding

Brother Joe Bofferding receives the Knight of the Year award at the 2014 Spring Social from Grand Knight Terry Belanger

2013 - 2014

David Maus

2012 - 2013

Ron Arel