Kiwanians recognized for outstanding service in Burlington with Leroy Awards
Two Kiwanians were recognized recently for their service to the Burlington community.
Jeff Rucker and John Bentler were presented with the Burlington Kiwanis Club’s Leroy Award during a ceremony in September.
The award was created in 2003 by Dave Vavroch, who served as president of Burlington Kiwanis Club from 2003-04, in honor of Leroy Pease for his years of service to the club and community. It recognizes similar contributions exhibited by its recipients.
Rucker joined Kiwanis in 1984 after his wife, Cathy, encouraged him. He became club president in 1990 and also joined the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Parish council and finance committee.
He also is past president of Burlington Golf Club, current president of the Southeastern Community College Booster Club, and serves on boards for the Burlington Bees and Bel Canto Chorale.
Rucker was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and moved to Burlington with his family in 1963 at age 11. He graduated from Burlington High School and earned a business administration degree from the University of Iowa.
He moved to Des Moines to go into business when he was introduced to his future wife, Cathy Leopold, at an insurance open house.
Rucker returned to Burlington in 1983 to join his father, Chuck, at Cady Insurance.
Bentler is a 33-year member of Kiwanis.
He learned to serve others at an early age and became a trusted volunteer, serving on the Notre Dame Foundation and serving nine years as school board president. In 1995, he became involved in the planning and construction of Notre Dame’s elementary school.
He also volunteers at Divine Mercy Parish, where he’s served on the parish council, building maintenance and finance committee for many years.
Bentler graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1996 and earned a bachelor's degree in education at Bradley University in 1970 and a master’s degree in education at the University of Illinois in 1979.
He went on to teach building trades and electronics for 10 years at Union High School in Biggsville, Illinois, before becoming principal there, a position he continued for two years.
When Bentler was 13, the unexpected death of his father spurred him to get a job at Kenny’s Roller Ranch to help support his family. He continued to work there throughout his college days and helped to rebuild the skating rink after the building was destroyed by fire in 1975.
What to know about Burlington Kiwanis Club and how you can join
The Burlington Kiwanis Club was formed in 1923 to help children in the community through community service and fundraising efforts. Each year, the club collects more than $50,000 to benefit area youth.
Fundraising activities include the annual pancake breakfast, the Santa Project and Shamrock Shuffle.
Kiwanis meets at noon each Thursday at Burlington Golf Club, 2124 Sunnyside Ave.
Newcomers and visitors are welcome.
Those wanting to join may contact Jim Corder by emailing redrocjc@gmail.com or calling (319) 750-2824.
For more information about membership, visit burlingtonkiwanis.com/membership.
This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: Meet the Burlington Kiwanis Club Leroy Award recipients
