A long time Cass County board member was recently awarded the Blue Diamond Community Service Award.
The late Lorenz “Skeez” Kleinschmidt was honored for his long term service to the area and his dedication to the community. The award originally was established four years ago. First National Bank President Kai Schnitker says it’s an honor to award the Kleinschmidt family.
“This year our winner was Lorenz Kleinschmidt, better known as Skeez. Life long resident of Arenzville, Illinois. He was very active in our community. He was a World World II veteran. He was elected to the Cass County Board and served on the board of review for a number of years. He was very active in our church, Trinity Lutheran Church, here in town. Skeez was also active on the school board in the 1960s and was instrumental in establishing the foundation for what is currently Triopia High School. Unfortunately Skeez passed away in January at the age of 91, but he was well remembered in our community for someone who was very active.” Schnitker explains.
First National Bank opens up nominations in December every year. Anyone may nominate someone and give a few short paragraphs on why they deserve the honor. Schnitker says Kleinschmidt’s family was excited for “Skeez
“His son Jim is also very active in our community and his three granddaughter were also very instrumental for putting together the information for the award. They were kind enough to sit for a picture for us. They were just very happy that we could award this for Skeez, he’s very well deserved.” Schnitker said.
Schnitker explains how much it means for him to be able to award the winners.
“It’s an honor for me to honor folks who give up their time. These are the kind of people who aren’t out for the recognition. They are the kind of people who like to volunteer and remain behind the scenes and do a lot of work. It’s very honoring for me to be able to highlight those folks and shine a spot light on what they do for our community.” said Schnitker.
Kleinschmidt will join the other recipients on the First National Bank wall in Arenzville. The 2018 Blue Diamond Community Service Award will open up nominations this December.