The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Susan Towns, Quill Staff
May 18-24 is National EMS week and the Ambulance Service chose their monthly meeting date of Monday, May 19 to honor two long time volunteers for their service to the community. Ralph Tatge and Lee Klossing have been with the service since shortly after its beginning.
Both had worked with the ambulance service for Marlin Fisher, County Coroner and Mortician in Stronghurst, before the state passed legislation requiring that service be provided by individuals with specialized training. This change in regulations is what prompted the change in service providers.
Since receiving the required training, Ralph and Lee have been the longest serving volunteers for the Stronghurst service.
Each received the following awards:
A Certificate of Appreciation from Joseph Krug, M.D., director of the Galesburg EMS System; A Certificate of Appreciation from the Village of Stronghurst, presented by David Vancil representing the Village Board; a certificate from the State Department of Public Health naming each of them as Honorary EMT's; and a letter of appreciation from the Henderson County Board presented by its Chairman, Marion "Brownie" Brown.
Also in attendance were Marty Lafary and Curt Eisenmayer representing the Henderson County Ambulance Board.
Darlene Tatge and Barb Klossing received flowers from the Ambulance Service thanking them for their support of their husbands' activities with the Service.
Ralph Tatge was born on April 13, 1926 in Elgin. His mother died when he was 6 years old. Lulu and Walter Gregory of Oquawka took him into their family and raised him with their daughter Louise. Ralph credits his accomplishments in life to the Gregorys and to his sister Louise and her husband Vinnie Carlson.
He graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1944.
Ralph and Darlene Hustead were married November 27, 1948 and have 3 children - Jennifer (Ron) Schaley of Stronghurst, Carol (Don) Gardiner of Bloomington, Indiana, and Barb (Mike) Leatherwood of Chester, Virginia.
Jennifer is Activities Director at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst, Carol has her PhD in education and is an elementary school principal. Barb has traveled all over the world with her husband while he was an officer in the military service.
They enjoy their 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Ralph has no plans to retire from his volunteer service. Darlene says that he will probably go on his own ambulance run!
Lee Klossing graduated from Terre Haute High School. He and Barb have been married for nearly 43 years. They moved to Stronghurst in 1965.
Lee and Barb have 4 children. Monte (following in Lee's footsteps) is a volunteer fireman. Vicky and Boyd both live in Burlington and Tyler is at home. They have 3 grandchildren who are keeping them busy with T-ball and soccer. Another one is due in August.
Because of health complications, Lee is no longer an active member of the Ambulance Service or of the Fire Department, but he still attends the meetings of both. His experience is a valuable asset to both.
Besides the Ambulance Service and the Fire Department, Lee has served his community as a Deacon in the Christian Church, has been on the town board and is currently serving on the Zoning board.
Both men were surprised - by receiving the honor, and by their families who came to help them enjoy the celebration.
Lee's family members who attended were Monte Klossing, Vicki and Mike Bredar and children Dani and Matt, Boyd and Sue Klossing and Dylan. Tyler Klossing was unable to attend because of his work schedule. Ralph's family included Jennifer and Ron Schaley, Lisa and Brendan Schaley, Megan and Jenna, Mrs. Carol Gardiner, Alan and Ali, Krista Schaley-Timmerman, DeeAnn Schaley and Ron and Joan Stamp.
"Henderson County Ambulance Begins
Service June 1st"
If that headline looks familiar, it's because you read it on the front page of the "Graphic" on May 30, 1973. The original article follows:
"On June 1 the non-profit Henderson County Ambulance Service, Inc. will begin providing ambulance service. A 1973 Chevrolet Suburban is completely equipped and includes oxygen equipment.
"The unit has been on display to the public in Media, Raritan, Carman, Terre Haute and Stronghurst. Thursday night it will be in Lomax for area residents there to inspect.
"The corporation has a six man board. Current members are: Richard Knutstrom, President. Bob McFall, Vice President, Lyman Pendleton, Secretary-Treasurer, Don Moeller, Jack Schaley and Lawrence White.
"Stockholders will include all volunteers plus six at large members to be picked from each of the six townships so that each will be represented.
"The service will be provided by volunteers all of which will have completed advanced first aid training. Present volunteers include:
Don Cook, Dick Fiedler, Merlin Foresman, Deanna Mae Hoffeditz, Richard Knutstrom, Charles Lefler, Wes Long, Earl Mitchell, Don Moeller, Lyman Pendleton, John Richey, Jack Schaley, Rev. Marvin Snapp and Lawrence White. It is hoped to eventually have at least 20 trained volunteers. Anyone who is interested should contact Richard Knutstrom or Robert McFall.
"About $10,000.00 of the $17,000.00 necessary has already been collected or pledged. Your support is needed. You may send donations to Robert McFall or Richard Knutstrom.
"Oxygen equipment will also be available for rental through the Ambulance Service.
"Other services may be added as the need arises.
"A charge will be made for services which will cover some costs of operating the service."
Thirty years later, the Ambulance service is still serving the six township area with up-to-date equipment and dedicated volunteers.
There are currently 12 volunteers on the roster.
Some of the newer equipment includes a semi-automatic defibrillator, a nebulizer for treating respiratory problems, monitors for vital signs and immobilization and stabilization equipment.
-OPEN HOUSE-
The Ambulance Service will be holding an open house on Saturday, May 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the ambulance building. Punch and cake will be served and the public is invited.
Come, visit, see the facility and tour the ambulance, meet your volunteers, they appreciate your support.