Schnitzelburg’s #1 Citizen
Each year, members of the community are nominated to be recognized as the year’s #1 Citizen, an honor bestowed to a person who has provided outstanding service to the Schnitzelburg community.
The tradition began over a half a century ago. The first #1 Citizen, Kenny Schmied, quietly served Schnitzelburg each day, whether out in the street or in church, without asking for thanks or recognition. He did these things simply because he loved “ole Schnitzelburg.” Using Kenny as inspiration, a group of Schnitzelburger's decided to annually recognize one selfless individual.
Individuals can be nominated throughout the year and a push is made in the fall for nominations. Nominees don’t have to currently live in Schnitzelburg, although they must have a proven commitment to the betterment of Schnitzelburg at some point in their life.
A subcommittee of the Schnitzelburg Area Community Council reviews the nominations and determines the winner for the year. The #1 Citizen is announced at the #1 Citizen Dinner, without the honoree having any prior knowledge of winning.
The #1 Citizen Dinner is held in early November and is a celebration of the humble individuals who serve the community without asking for thanks or recognition.
Traditionally, a German-style dinner is served, an old-timey band plays, local dignitaries attend, and door prizes are given out. The #1 Citizen is honored with a certificate, an engraved Louisville Slugger baseball bat, and a personalized jacket.
The Schnitzelburg Area Community Council is honored to present the 57th Annual #1 Citizen Award to Paul Fussenegger.
Honored #1 Citizens
1966 Kenny Schmied
1967 Charlie Vettiner
1968 Alphonse Goss
1969 MSGR. John Dudine
1970 Jack McGrath
1971 Mike Lellman
1972 George Hauck
1973 Mo Mozzali
1974 Bob Hartstern
1975 Jim Peak
1976 Carl Russman
1977 John Buschermohle
1978 Joe Kamber
1979 J.D. Brecker
1980 Reverend Frank Fisher
1981 Marty Hornek
1982 Carl Suderfauf
1983 Harold Fow
1984 Kenny Young
1985 Bill Tinker
1986 Rich Huelsman
1987 Junie Miller
1988 Reverend Kenneth Kamber
1989 Godfrey F. Russman, Sr.
1990 Joe Hoffman
1991 Mel Meiners
1992 Mickey Breitenstein
1993 Millard Pierce
1994 Ed Schulz
1995 George “Yatz” Spayd
1996 Tom Schadt
1998 Bob Reddicks
1999 Andy Stothman
2000 John B. Patton
2001 Jerome V. Just
2002 George Ernst
2004 Julie Berrong
2005 Pat Ising
2006 Bill Tinker, Jr.
2007 Hazel Schadt
2008 Gary Allen
2009 Ben Snyder
2010 Jim Willinger
2011 Danny McMahon
2012 Mike Morris
2013 Don Haag
2014 Honorable Romano Mazzoli
2015 George Hauck (2nd honor)
2016 Steve Magre
2017 Judie Paul-Greiner
2018 Bonnie Koestel
2019 Mary Allgeier
2020 Jim Wayne
2021 Lisa Pisterman
2022 Jeff Walschon
2023 Ed Hulsman
2024 Paul Fussenegger
2025 ????
Nominate someone.
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in serving Schnitzelburg? Someone who has sought to uphold our community and the people in it? Nominate them today for Schnitzelburg’s #1 Citizen.
