Heritage & History Fellowship to Virgil Ufkin

The new Rotary District D5610 Governor Steve Harrington of Sioux City IA, made his first official presentation Thursday night.

And it was a special one.

Harrington awarded Minneota's Virgil Ufkin the, "Rotary Heritage & History International Fellowship Hall of Fame," for over 50 years of service to Rotary.

"This was my first one and it was special," smiled Harrington. Actually, Ufkin has given 63 years of service to the Minneota Rotary and was a charter member of the organization.

On hand was the Minneota Rotary Club — who were gathering to bestow their annual Community Service Award. Minneota Rotary President Cindy Potz said Ufkin’s, “Photo and profile will be on display at Rotary International Conventions with 177 other Rotarians worldwide.”

She added, “We know that Virgil is one of the Rotarians with the most years of membership. He means a lot to us and has been a great support for all of us fellow club members.”

As a charter member of the Minneota Club, Ufkin began in February 9, 1954. As an owner of Ufkin’s Furniture and Appliance since 1941, “Virgil assisted in the development and construction of the Minneota Manor Health Care Center and assisted living, where he now resides.”

He also promoted the establishment of the community swimming pool. He’s always been best known for heading up the Rose Sale fundraiser. In fact, he always sold the most roses.

Proceeds went toward Minneota High School Scholarships. His list of community service is long — including fundraisers, auctions, talent shows and many other events. In 1976, he was awarded the community service award.

Minneota Rotarians present were: Wayne Hennen, Jack Hennen, Byron Higgin, Allan Dovre, Terri VanKeulen, Cindy Potz, Monica DeSmet, Rick Bot, Bill Ufkin and Dennis "Swede" Swedzinski.