Kellens to chair 9th Annual Bishop's Dinner

By Renee Webb, Globe editor
June 16, 2005

ALTON - The Ninth Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education that is slated for Oct. 23 in Sioux City will be chaired by Joe and Liz Kellen of Alton.

The Kellens not only have been active in their parish - St. Mary's of Alton - but they have also been avid supporters of the Spalding Catholic School System.

"The commitment to Catholic schools exhibited by Joe and Liz Kellen is incredible. I'm grateful that Joe and Liz have graciously agreed to chair this year's dinner with the goal of helping all of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City," said Jim Wharton, director of stewardship and planned giving for the diocese.

Joe pointed out that their first child entered Catholic school in 1969 and the last child graduated in 1998. That means for almost 30 years, the Kellens had children at Spalding.

"All nine of the Kellen children graduated from Granville Spalding and 13 of their 16 grandchildren are students at Catholic schools with the other three ready to enroll once they are old enough! That is a great example of a family that understands the value of Catholic schools. We are honored to have Joe and Liz Kellen as our chaircouple for this year's bishop's dinner," said Wharton.

It is their belief in Catholic education, noted Joe, which motivated them to take on the role of chaircouple.

"Catholic education has been around a long time and I would hate to see Catholic education cease to exist on my watch," said Joe, who a 1956 graduate of St. Mary's Academy in Alton. "We are hoping that whatever we have to offer can help continue the interest in support of Catholic education."

The Kellens were pleased with the education their children received at Spalding and liked the fact that religion classes were part of their studies.

"I don't think religion is something that you put on only on Sundays. Everyday we should embrace it and let it be a part of our lives," said Joe.

Their children are Anne, Mary, Judy, Joni, Neal, Karl, Tony, Cari and Rick.

At Spalding, the Kellens served on the Spalding High School Board for three years, including the role of presidents in 1985-86. They also served on various committees for Parents Acting Together along with involvement in the Spalding Booster Club and Spalding Band Parents. They were also on the Spalding Gala general committee for three years in the early 1990s.

The Kellens are both Eucharistic ministers at St. Mary's. Joe, a retired farmer, has served as a lector for 40 years and is a past Grand Knight. Liz has served on the St. Mary's Finance Board, helped with the RCIA program for 10 years and served on numerous committees as well as guild and Rosary Society offices. She is presently a lay director for the parish and is serving a second term on the BCU Alumni Board.

The Kellens are also believers in the bishop's dinner. They have attended the dinner each year since its inception. Joe said they attended this diocesan event "to show support for Catholic schools and socialize with other people who have the same feelings about Catholic education."

The bishop's dinner is the major annual fundraiser for the Catholic schools in the diocese. Tickets for the dinner will go on sale later this summer.