Remsen woman honored by Catholic School Foundation

September 30, 2004

Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, Administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City, has announced that Karen Waldschmitt has been chosen as the recipient of the Leadership in Catholic Education Award. The award will be presented to Waldschmitt at the 8th Annual Bishops Dinner for Catholic Education on Oct. 17 at the Sioux City Convention Center.

In citing Karen Waldschmitt for this prestigious award, Msgr. Augustine said the Remsen native's history of support for her church and parish school as evidence of her dedication to the work of the church.

"Karen has held leadership roles at St. Mary's in Remsen and with the Catholic School Foundation. There are many young men and women who have had the fortune of a receiving faith-based Catholic education because of Karen's generosity," said Msgr. Augustine.

Waldschmitt is a native of Remsen and graduated from St. Mary's grade school and St. Mary's High School. She is a registered nurse, earning her diploma in nursing from St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing. Karen went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Westmar College and a master's degree from the University of South Dakota.

Her career in nursing education and health planning have spanned many years at the Siouxland Health Planning Council, Iowa Health Systems agency and Marian (now Mercy) Health Center. At St. Mary's Waldschmitt serves on the finance committee of the parish and also is a lay director. In 2002, she served as the Chairperson of the 6th Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education.

She said her love of Catholic schools came from her parents.

"My mom and dad were aware of the importance of having an education based on faith. As a single person, I feel a responsibility to help other children who otherwise might not be able to attend a Catholic school", said Waldschmitt.

Previous recipients of the Leadership in Catholic Education Award include:

2003 Norman and Millie Olberding (posthumously)

2002Bob and Shirley Dahl

2001 Dr. George and Carol Spellman

2000 Russ and Marilyn Christiansen

1999 Bishop Lawrence D. Soens

1998 Msgr. James K. Lafferty

1997 Hugh and Genevieve Matt

Louis and Genevieve Pietig

The 8th Annual Bishops Dinner for Catholic Education will be held on Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Sioux City Convention Center. Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., will be the featured speaker at the dinner. Tickets are priced at $125 each and are available by calling (712) 233-7524. Proceeds are used to support all of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City.