Sy Baune Inducted into the MN Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame

Sy Baune has been posthumously inducted into the Minnesota Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame. Sy, who passed away on February 21st of this year, was honored for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Knights of Columbus as well as for his service to his community and nation.

Sy was a member of the local 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council P.J. Casey #2029 and of the 4th Degree Shepherd of Souls Assembly #3604. He served as Grand Knight of the Litchfield P.J. Casey Council # 2029 on two separate occasions, and held additional offices.
 
Sy’s work in the 3rd Degree included work in the repair, remodeling and maintenance of the K of C Council home since the 1990’s, leading rosaries for deceased brother Knights since year 2000, assisting with the moving of the Council storage building, serving as a recruiter for both the 3rd & 4th Degrees throughout his long career and attending numerous state conventions on behalf of both the 3rd and 4th degrees.

In 2006, Sy Baune introduced, chaired, organized and ran the 1st Annual K of C Fish Fry and served an estimated 350 people on that first occasion. The Fish Fry now serves over 2200 people annually. Sy also put together a coalition of K of C Councils to purchase and maintain a fish fry trailer which moves amongst 4 Councils. The Fish Fry is the primary fundraiser for K of C Council #2029 and funds many of the Council Projects as well as providing support for a number of additional charitable causes.

Sy Baune was recognized as Knight of the Year twice – in 1989/1990 and again in 2001/2002. Sy & Barb were also recognized for the Family of the Year in program year 2005/2006 and again in 2011/2012. Sy was also involved in numerous community and church endeavors including delivering holiday meals to the less fortunate, and organizing the hamburger stand at the annual St. Philip’s Church Bazaar and at the Songs of Summer Festival. Sy served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 and spearheaded efforts to install U.S. Flags at several area cemeteries.

Sy & Barb raised 3 children – Denise, Dawn and Nick. They have 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Sy spent his working career at 3M in Hutchinson. He passed away on February 21st at the age of 81. 

While attending the Spring Exemplification of the Minnesota District of 4th Degree Knights of Columbus in St. Paul, Pat Becker accepted Sy’s Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame award the weekend of April 18 & 19.