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 While born and raised in the Lake Fork area, Wally has spent
almost all of his adult life living in Mount Pulaski. He worked for
the local post office for many years and made a number of lasting
friendships in his career.
As a retiree, Wally became interested in serving the community by
serving as a volunteer at the local historic site. For nearly 20
years, Wally has been a mainstay at the Courthouse. He served as the
tour guide several days a week and was always on hand to share
stories of the Courthouse's rich history associated with Abraham
Lincoln.
Wally has always been very open about his battle with cancer. He is
a 13-year cancer survivor. In the past year, the cancer has
returned, and Wally has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment. He
admits this round of treatment has been pretty tough, but he takes
it all in stride, and spent time Wednesday with his friends with a
smile on his face. He did say that the treatment is affecting his
feet, and his ability to stand is not what it used to be.
Wednesday among the folks who stopped in to wish Wally well in his
retirement were Mount Pulaski Mayor Jim Fuhrer. Others included
members of the Mount Pulaski Genealogical and Historical Society
Museum, members of the Courthouse Foundation, and many owners and
employees of downtown businesses.
The members of the foundation board posed for a photo op with Wally,
then Board Chairman Tom Martin presented Wally with a commemorative
gift.
The gift is a gazebo stone that will be engraved in Wally’s honor.
Martin shared the following, "He has been a treasure to our
community and a blessing to everything he has been a part of. We are
here today because of all the work he has done on behalf of the
courthouse.
"Not to have Wally’s face going up and down the stairs all the time,
I am happy for that for him, but sad for all the rest of us. I hope
that he doesn’t walk away permanently from us, and I hope that he
will continue to serve with us at the foundation."
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The brick will be engraved to reflect the words Martin
shared.
Wally spoke just for a few minutes.
He began tongue in cheek saying, “as unaccustomed as I am to
speaking to people..." When the laughter subsided, he continued,
“I would like to say simply a ‘thank-you,’ but more than that
these 22 years have been one of the greatest joys of my life.
And, this comes from a person who in school hated history.”
Wally mentioned one mentor by first name, saying that Richard had
helped him through the initiation process as a courthouse volunteer.
He also mentioned all the people who have worked with him throughout
the years and noted that they were all special and important to him
and the courthouse.
Looking back on his tenure at the courthouse he spoke about how
amazing it was to meet the people who come to the courthouse, and to
learn where they are from. He noted that bus tours come through, and
the riders are folks from all over the country.
He remembered two groups specifically. “Two of the groups that I
will also remember is the group of the Polish Army that came. They
were guests in the community. They came to the courthouse, and that
was a great day. Then we had a group of German Rotary that came
through. They were very interesting. They invited me lunch that day,
and that was an enjoyable time too."
Wally concluded, "It has just been great to be a part of this and
thank-you."
After his speech, Wally was asked to cut the cake decorated with a
depiction of the Mount Pulaski Courthouse and “Congratulations on
your retirement Wally!”
Other refreshments included a selection of cookies, punch, and other
soft beverages.
Wally said that while he will no longer be a daily visitor to the
courthouse, he will be around. He said he intended to visit the
courthouse at least two days a month for as long as he is able.
Wally Kautz was recognized as a Personality of the Week on December
8, 2008 by Lincoln Daily News. Here is the link to that article:
Wally Kautz: Mount Pulaski is his home and its
people are his family.
[Nila Smith]
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