Michigan Family Honored with International Award

It’s a well-known fact among Michigan councils and parishes that when there’s charitable work to be done, the Weingartz family can be called on to help. The tradition of service runs across generations and is expressed in terms of funds raised and hours donated.

For their strong family values, devotion to the Catholic faith, pro-life commitment, and service to the needy, Ron and Peggy Weingartz and their five grown children received the International Family of the Year Award on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5, at the 133rd Supreme Convention. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and his wife, Dorian, conferred the honor during the annual Awards Session which recognizes the Order’s leaders in membership growth, fraternal programs, charitable initiatives and insurance excellence.

Ron Weingartz has held nearly every elected and appointed position, including grand knight, for St. Mary Magdalen Council 12295 in Brighton, Michigan.

“For my council to nominate us for this award is just overwhelming,” he said. “We have a great council that works together and really lives out its commitment to charity, unity and fraternity.”

His wife, Peggy, is involved in many council activities and is also active in their parish’s religious education efforts.

Council 12295 does “so many great programs, it’s just such a privilege to be able to take part and help out,” she said. “The Knights of Columbus is like a family to us. Our children have grown up in the Knights and they have learned how to serve because of that”.

Ron’s father, father-in-law, two brothers and his son are all members of the Order.

Ron and Peggy spearhead a program that works with the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative to place ultrasound machines at pregnancy centers. Together with their children, they were the driving force behind a parish “Kids Against Hunger” campaign, raising funds to purchase food and organizing volunteers to re-package it into meals for distribution to hungry families.

In addition, Ron and Peggy own two family businesses, one of which is a banquet facility that hosts many fund-raising events.

In all their good works, they follow the example of Ron’s father, Ray, who years ago established the Weingartz Family Foundation, which contributes to a number of church and community causes.