The Manteno Historical Society is delighted to announce this year’s Manteno Co-Citizens of the Year – Nancy and John Kaufman and Gordon Hamann.
In addition, the Society also is pleased to announce the recipient of the Lucille Thies Personal Achievement Award – Timothy Salzman. (See accompanying article.)
On Sunday afternoon, August 25, the Manteno Historical Society will hold its 35th annual Heritage Banquet and honor their Co-Citizens of the Year and the winner of the Lucille Thies Personal Achievement Award. This year’s event will be held at the Manteno Sportsmen’s Club, 851 North Main Street, with a noon social and 12:30 p.m. dinner and program. Please contact Jeff Jarvis, at 815-933-2055, with any questions or to purchase tickets for the banquet and program. Tickets are $45 per person or $15 for children under 12 years.
John and Nancy Kaufman: Co-Citizens of the Year
by Gale Dodge
John and Nancy Kaufman are proud residents of Manteno. With their roots firmly planted in this small town, they’ve nurtured a legacy of service and dedication. Their household includes three children, who live in Chicago: Emily (Mike) Caffero, Haily Kaufman, and Ethan (Leigha) Kaufman.
John and Nancy, along with family members, are the driving force behind Manteno’s Ride4Life Cancer Run, a cherished event they’ve managed for more than two decades. As two of the founding members, they have raised nearly $1,000,000 with the support of family, friends, and local community volunteers. Ride4Life represents the top non-corporate sponsored teams in Kankakee County and the State of Illinois for the American Cancer Society.
They are active within the walls of St. Joseph’s Church, with Nancy serving on the Parish Council and as a previous Parish Council President. Both Nancy and John also lend a hand in many different organized events, such as the Turkey Dinner, Summer Picnic, and many other events and activities.
During their children’s school years in the Manteno School District, they both were greatly involved in the Athletic and Music Boosters. For years, they also were dedicated to the Manteno Wildcats organization, committed to fostering community spirit.
John is employed with Ricoh Worldwide as the Senior Marketing Product Manager, while Nancy is employed with the Manteno School District and is the Human Resources Director/Executive Administrative Assistant.
Gordon Hamann: Co-Citizen of the Year
by Donna Brown
Gordon “Gordy” Hamann has been a resident of Manteno since moving to Clara Mae’s dairy farm when he was in the seventh grade. It wasn’t long before he made a mark in town as a member of the 1960 State Champion Boys Baseball team, representing Manteno Junior High School. This year, the Manteno Historical Society is honoring Gordon Hamann as Co-Citizen of the Year for his various areas of service throughout the community over the years.
Gordon worked on the family dairy farm milking cows twice a day. He also worked in the high school cafeteria all four years while in high school. Gordy served his country in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam in 1966. Upon returning from Vietnam, Gordy began his career locally selling farm equipment, beginning with Isadore Ruder at Ruder Power Equipment. Following that he worked for Venny Voges and Dick Moran at County Line Sales, John Deere, Martin’s Implement in Orland Park, and Art Novak and Sons.
For 30 plus years, he worked diligently and created many Will County Fairground exhibits for the various farm implement companies. Gordy also has served fellow veterans through activities at the American Legion and the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno. Currently, Gordy spends countless time visiting veterans and participating in special events at the veterans’ home. He also has donated war memorabilia to both the American Legion and the Manteno Historical Society.
Through the years Gordy served in various volunteer positions, including coaching Little League, participating in various P.T.O. fundraisers, running the haunted house and, more recently, volunteering at the Manteno Interfaith Food Pantry. Along with Julia Link, he was co-chairman of the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration for the village. As part of that celebration, they organized the parade, painted the train depot on Main Street and the fire hydrants throughout the town.
Most important to Gordy is his faith and the work he and his wife have done raising their children and serving their church. Gordy credits his wife, Helen, whom he describes as a blessing, as a big part of his accomplishments. They are members of Manteno United Methodist Church. Gordy is very active in serving as a trustee for the church. One of his big projects, which runs throughout the year, is preparing for and helping run the Methodist Church’s annual Oktoberfest garage sale. He has devoted many hours to this project, which benefits many people. He is also a member of an Interfaith Bible Study, with community members from various churches in Manteno.
Congratulations to Gordon and his wife, Helen, and their three children – Pamela (Daniel) Huckins, Timothy (Holly) Hamann, and Jennifer (James) Best. In addition, the Hamann’s have nine grandchildren – Josiah (Amanda) Huckins, Justin (Leah) Huckins, Lucas (Shawna) Hamann, Olivia Hamann, Jessalyn Huckins, Tyler Best, Amelia Best, Austin Best, and Helena Best; three step-grandchildren – Hunter (Brett) Johnson, Hanna (Kyler) Yodts, and Haley Marzorati; and seven great-grandchildren – Elliana Huckins, Everett Huckins, Judah Huckins, Ethan Huckins, Jamie Huckins, Jesse Huckins, and Baby Hamann.