Dick Hunhoff, the United Way & Volunteer Services December Volunteer of the Month, keeps quite busy with numerous volunteer activities in Yankton. These include transportation, church events, and other community actions.

Hunhoff grew up in Utica, South Dakota, where he attended a one-room school until eighth grade and then graduated from Scotland High School. He pursued his Bachelor of Arts from Southern State College and his Masters from the University of South Dakota. He taught high school math in Menno for 21 years and in Yankton for 15 years. He claims that he has always enjoyed helping someone who is in need and that it is quite rewarding to see the appreciation on their face.

Dick Hunhoff's long list of volunteering experiences begins with providing transportation, for those who are unable, to medical appointments in Sioux Falls and Sioux City. He assisted the Contact Center with the distribution of Christmas groceries and delivered mattresses and box springs for Slumberland's Christmas give-a-way.

Church related activities include serving as an officer of Catholic Aid, usher, Eucharistic minister, and funeral lunch committee member at St. Benedicts Church. He coordinates volunteers for lawn mowing and snow removal and he records and deposits the weekly collection for the church.

Hunhoff has helped with the construction of buildings around town such as the Sacred Heart Rectory and School, St. Benedict's Rectory, and the Broom Tree Retreat Center. He also assisted in shingling the chapel at the House of Mary Shrine.

Other actions he has taken around town include delivering materials for the Sacred Heart School Gala, as well as Meals on Wheels, working at the Elks Hoop Shoot Contest and soup kitchens, serving on committees for the Knights of Columbus and at Banquet. He volunteers at Riverboat Days activities, Yankton High School's track meets and football games, and also participates in Relay For Life.

According to Hunhoff, "Before my wife died three years ago, after a six year fight with cancer, many people did so many good deeds for us. Now I hope that I can repay some of that generosity." It looks as though Mr. Hunhoff has certainly come through for many people in our community, and we are proud to give him this honor.

Article Written by Volunteer Erika Carr