Lawrence native, Bob and Pat Golka named Nebraska K of C Family of the Year

April 28, 2022

Bob and Pat Golka (center) are shown after receiving the K of C Family of the Year recognition at the Nebraska K of C Convention last Saturday in Kearney. To the left are Nick and Kati Ladenburger, State Family Directors. On the right is State Deputy and wife, Matt and Connie Richardson. The State of Nebraska has approximately 26,000 K of C Members.

The Nebraska Knights of Columbus organization held its first 'in-person' Convention in three years last weekend in Kearney. One recognition award, that of the "KC Family of the Year" was awarded to the family of Bob and Pat (Ostdiek) Golka of Grand Island. Pat is a Lawrence native and his lived most of her life in Grand Island where Bob and Pat raised a family of ten children.

The recognition award was announced at the Saturday luncheon with many of the family present. The nomination was made by Bob's KC Council in Grand Island and was read at the lunch as follows:

This year's Family of the Year:

This knight has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 58 years. He and his wife have been exemplary members of their local parish. They have 10 children that are all practicing Catholics, as well as a son that has recently been installed as the Bishop for the Dioceses of Colorado Springs!

They have two sons that are 4th Degree Knights and other sons/sons-in-law that are active members the Knights of Columbus. This fellow knight has assisted at funerals, attends daily Mass, is a 4th degree knight, and has held various officer positions on his local council such as being the Financial Secretary and Grand Knight.

His wife has made a career of teaching physical education and theology at the local Catholic school, as well as teaching religious education at the local parish.

Together this knight and his wife are members of a Rosary group that meets monthly and have served as Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. This family's commitment and love for their faith can easily be seen in the legacy that they are passing down to their children, family, and local parish.

This is why we have selected Robert and Patricia Golka as this year's Family of the Year recipient.

Council # 10387 St. Leo's

Grand Knight: Greg Hamik