Wyoming family wins ‘Family of the Year’

Phoenix, Ariz., Aug 6, 2009 / 08:26 am

The Vetter family of Torrington, Wyoming is this year’s recipient of the Knights of Columbus award for Family of the Year. The honor was presented to Leland Vetter, his wife and 10 children yesterday during the awards session of the Knight’s annual conference in Phoenix.

According to the Knights, the Vetters were chosen as recipients of the award for their “extraordinary record of service to the Church and their community.”

Leland, who has been a member of the Knights for 33 years, has held several leadership positions within his council and is well-known for his service to the community.  For example, when it snows in his hometown of Torrington, Wyoming, Leland spends his early mornings plowing the church parking lot.  In addition, he has raised funds for parish hall expansion, helps train parish altar servers and teaches at Eastern Wyoming Community College.

Leland was also recently appointed by the Governor of Wyoming to the state’s Community College Task Force on Education.  He also comes from a family who won the Family of the Year award in 1994 for the state of North Dakota.

Leland’s wife Mary Ann has also contributed to the vitality of the parish by setting up and organizing Thursday Eucharistic devotions at their church. A “Mom’s Group,” which spiritually assists mothers in their parish, was also started by Mary Ann.

Their 10 children, who range from ages two to 27, are also highly active volunteers in the Church and the community.