By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Award winner Lee Wilke wears many hats

WOODRUFF -- A shy smile spreads across the face of Lee Wilke whenever someone congratulates him for receiving the Gloria Lang Award at this year's Fall Teacher-Catechist Institute in Rice Lake. Wilke, who is referred to by parishioners at Holy Family Parish as their "building and maintenance engineer," was recognized for his outstanding support in ministry.

Whether he's building props for religious education activities, taking on the role of barbecue chef at parish celebrations, setting up (and taking down) tables and chairs for parish events, or helping people start their cars in the parking lot on a cold winter morning, Wilke does the job with a big heart.

"He is a real community builder," says Diana Maki, coordinator of religious education. "He is always helping and encouraging us, and puts other people's needs before his own."

It was religious education teacher Ann Ertl who had nominated Wilke for the award; Maki made the presentation at the fall institute.

When Wilke was called forward, "I was a little nervous," he admits. "Nobody told me I would have to make a speech." He says he is much more comfortable just going about his daily chores behind the scenes, always wearing his trademark John Deere cap.

But figuratively, he wears a lot of different hats. "That is what makes this job interesting," he says. "It's not just washing windows and mowing lawns. To be in maintenance, you have to be able to do a little of everything."

Wilke has been at Holy Family for 13 years. He has previous experience as a mechanic and was a caretaker for an estate. He also worked in housekeeping at a hospital.

Housekeeping is still one of his favorite parts of the job. "He actually likes it when our classrooms are messy when the kids leave," says Maki. "For him, that means something was going on, and that makes him happy."

Then there's the church that needs to be cleaned regularly. That, too, he does with a smile, as he vacuums up the inevitable accumulation of Cheerios that have fallen out of little hands. He also finds an assortment of other items under pews, including an occasional hearing aid.

Whenever the church needs to be decorated, Wilke is there to offer a helping hand and ideas. He particularly remembers the Christmas when decorations included building and hanging swings for "angels" (children of the parish).

Wilke doesn't always have regular hours. He carries a pager and is on call 24/7, never knowing when something will come up that needs his immediate attention. He has also been responsible for some maintenance at two other churches in the parish cluster.

As Holy Family Parish breaks ground for a new church, Wilke is sharing his maintenance expertise as a member of the building committee. But he makes it clear that he doesn't want to do only maintenance at the new location. "I still want to wash windows and dust and help out with whatever needs to be done," he says.

Receiving the Gloria Lang Award was particularly meaningful for Wilke. Lang served as director of religious education for many years at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Parish (now part of Holy Family), and she was on the committee that hired Wilke.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005