I was saddened when I read that the Marshalltown PM Kiwanis Club was disbanding. But I was also filled with joy and love for the members of that group of dedicated people who meant so much in the life of my family. My husband John had been a member of the Kiwanis club in Moberly, Missouri before we moved to Marshalltown. When we arrived here, he joined the PM Kiwanis group.

From 1990, the PM Kiwanis have been like family. My boys would often accompany their dad to the Wednesday evening meeting where they could order whatever they wanted, but not only did they eat with the Kiwanis, they learned about respect, hard work, responsibility, generosity and doing for others. Whether they were picking up trash on Highway 14, lugging Christmas decorations up and down the Coliseum steps, raising flags at dawn on Memorial Day at the cemetery, buying things at the garage sale or Tiny Tim’s Tree Festival, or working one of the many other events the group sponsored, they learned from these men and women about service.

Not only did my kids benefit from the members of the Kiwanis Club, but John had a group of people who loved serving others as much as he did. I am sure he talked them into a number of projects that made the members think he was crazy! But they bought into it and John willingly joined in the activities proposed by other members of the group.

Today, one of the members dropped off some pictures from the group. These memories are of love. The PM Kiwanis group was never the flashiest group in town, but I would bet they were the hardest working!

Not only was this group like family while John was a member, but they have loved and supported our family since John died. I give a sincere and heartfelt “Thanks” to this special group of people. On Wednesday nights, the kids could choose to go with John to the meeting or stay at home and eat whatever they wanted for dinner! They often chose to go out and be with this special group of people! You will always be in my heart even if you are not meeting on Wednesday evenings. Thank you again for your service to my family and to the Marshalltown Community. You are the definition of service to others.