George Raymaker
Most people would associate George with the Holy Name Society at St. Bernard before the Knights of Columbus, but he has been a part of the Knights almost since the beginning of the Council.  He can't remember exactly who talked him into becoming a part of the new Council 10243 about ten years ago, but it was either Richard Rebman or Ron Frosch.  Though it is usually impossible for him to make it to the Monday evening meetings of the Council, he has taken part in numerous activities including the Tootsie Roll drive, food stands and booyah.  He was also deeply involved in the pancake/porkie breakfast when the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus co-sponsored it.

George has been involved with the Holy Name Society since about 1980 and has served as president since 1992.  The organization as it operates at St. Bernard has 103 names on the roster but most are older men, and finding some who are willing to serve as officers is often very difficult to the point that they were going to dissolve at one point.  Many Knights of Columbus Councils face exactly the same problem, though Council 10243 has a good blend of men of all ages.  Many members of Council 10243 also hold membership in the Holy Name Society, and Father Mike Seis served as Spiritual Director as well as Chaplain of the Knights.  The Society has limited activities, taking part on Masses and corporate communions, but holding breakfasts afterward has been something of a problem.  They also try to get members to show their support for a deceased member at funerals.

George has been a life insurance agent since about 1970, working for National Mutual Benefits, a fraternal benefits life insurance company out of Madison.  His average day begins quite early, dealing with reports, calls to clients and the like.  He is out of town every third week calling on members as well.  With his wife, Joan, he serves on the board of the local branch, and the members have been involved in some activities similar to the Knights including grounds work and painting projects at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, NEW Zoo and the (Bay Beach) Sanctuary Society.  They also help to care for the homeless and senior citizens.  George is also proud to say that he has the chance to play Santa Claus every year. 

For relaxation he enjoys softball and has been a part of St. Bernard's team for the last ten years.  He also likes to golf and is an avid sports fan, especially following the Packers.  He has missed very few Packer games.  George and Joan will be married forty years this year and have three children: Dan, who resides in Green Bay, Rick in Oconto Falls and Kathy, who works for NBC Channel 3 in Las Vegas.  One of his other joys is visiting his daughter in 'Vegas and also visiting a few gambling establishments.  A native of Green Bay, George has lived in the area all his live except for a brief stint in Orlando from 1973-78.  He is a longtime member of St. Bernard Parish (since 1964) and has been involved in picnic planning and ushering at the parish. 

March 2001