(Le Mars) — Committee members of the Friends of the Gehlen Ball presented Gehlen Catholic administration officials Saturday evening with a check amounting to more than $264,000 during the annual event. The Gehlen Ball serves as the primary fund raising activity for the local Catholic school. The Peter J. Gehlen award was presented to Larry Freking in honor him and his late-wife Karolyn. Freking was honored to be recognized, but he credits his wife for the award.
Freking is a long time supporter of Gehlen Catholic, but he attended Remsen St. Mary’s as a youngster, and couldn’t resist taking a few jabs at Gehlen discussing the rivalry between the two Catholic schools.
Freking says the two schools may have been rivals on the field or court, but afterwards, they were great friends. He says many of the Remsen boys would often date the Gehlen girls.
Freking says his wife, Karolyn, contributed her time, talents, and resources to Gehlen. He says the couple began by donating $500 to the school back in the 1960’s.
Freking says that both he and his wife believe in a Catholic education. He says he is proud his children and grandchildren have gone to Gehlen Catholic school.
Freking did announce to the gathering on Saturday evening, that he has contributed funding to help purchase 25 computers for Gehlen Catholic school. The naming of the gym was awarded to Bob Campbell. This is the first time the gym has been named to the same person for two years in a row.
During the banquet event, Steve DeRocher spoke about what Gehlen Catholic means to him.
