Ron Spielman receives recognition from Kiwanis

Ron Spielman, center, was honored twice at the Monroe Kiwanis club installation event recently.

kiwanis spielman — Ron Spielman, center, was honored twice at the Monroe Kiwanis club installation event recently.

MONROE — Ron Spielman was recognized by the Monroe Kiwanis Thursday, receiving the Legion of Honor for his 50 years of membership. He also received the James Gordee Kiwanian of the year award for exemplary service to the youth in the area.

Jim Gordee’s daughter Jo Ellen Mosher and husband Dave presented the award recognizing Ron for his over 50 years of service in Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Community Foundation, Green County board of Supervisors, United Way, Monroe Arts Center, Main Street, Monroe Senior Center board, Monroe Clinic and Hospital Foundation, Blackhawk Technical College and more.

Ron and his wife Jennifer moved to Monroe in the fall of 1970 after graduating from UW law school. He has also had a commitment to the military. He joined the Art Benkert law firm where Benkert got him involved in Kiwanis. Spielman’s career changed to the trust department at what is now Wisconsin Bank and finally to a multitude of roles at the Monroe Clinic and Hospital. Ron was an early partner with Scott Thompson at Big Radio. In receiving the award Ron recalled serving with Jim Gordee in scouting and Kiwanis at the Youth Cabin and Youth Service Key Club and Builders Club.

The award was presented outside the Youth Cabin.

Nanci Valentino was presented with the Kiwanian of the Year award at the Monroe Kiwanis installation event.

Ron Spielman was honored twice at the Monroe Kiwanis club installation event. Spielman was awarded a Legion of Honor gold pin and certificate for his 50 years as a Monroe club member. He was also presented with the James R. Gordee award by David Mosher, right, and Jo Ellen Mosher, left. The Gordee award is the most prestigious award the local club presents. It is named after Jo Ellen’s father, who was a longtime member active in many youth activities and steward of the Youth Cabin. Jane Sybers of the Monroe Clinic Foundation also presented Spielman with a tribute for his many years of service to the Clinic.

Nanci Valentino was presented with the Kiwanian of the Year award at the Monroe Kiwanis installation event. Patrick Bodell, president, made the presentation. Valentino serves as a board member and has volunteered and prepared meeting lunches held weekly at the Youth Cabin during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club is kicking off observation of its 100th year of serving the Monroe Community in 2021. Receiving legion of honor recognition was Charles Kuch, not pictured.