Our History

McFarland Lioness/Lions Club History

In April of 1977, the McFarland Lions Club decided they would like to sponsor a Lioness Club. Invitations were sent to all the Lions' wives and an article placed in the paper. The women attending voted to organize a club with the help of Lion Glen Witthuhn, Lioness Liaison Chairman from the Lions Club. A charter was applied for and, the first meeting of the original McFarland Lioness Club was held September 12, 1977 at Conrad's Supper Club. The Charter with a roster of 47 members was presented to the Lioness Club President, Alice Beyer, by Lions Club Zone Chairman, Lion William Stone at a Recognition Night Dinner Program held at Quality Inn in Madison, November 4, 1977.

The Lions Club International Board of Directors made a decision to end all Lioness Clubs after June 30, 2021. Clubs were given a choice to disband, convert to a Lions club or join an existing Lions club. After a member survey and ongoing much discussion, McFarland Lioness Club members voted to form a new Lions Club at our December 2020 meeting and would be known as the McFarland Lioness/Lions Club.  Becoming a Lioness/Lions Club allows the club to continue with the many fundraising and service opportunities it is known for. The McFarland Lioness Club, originally chartered on September 12, 1977, held its last meeting on Monday, June 14, 2021. 

A Charter meeting for the newly formed McFarland Lioness/Lions Club was held on Monday, June 14, 2021, with an informal gathering due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions. The new McFarland Lioness/Lions Club is sponsored by the McFarland Lions Club. Jim Klubertanz, Bruce Voight, and Al Wheeler, members of the McFarland Lions were on hand to congratulate the new club along with Guiding Lion Brian McKay. During the meeting, District Governor Tammy Rockenbach presented the 34 members with the official charter and elected officers of the new club were inducted.

• Charter Club Officers inducted:
  President - Sandy Hall; 1st Vice President - Laura Bauer; 2nd Vice President - Wendy Motl; Secretary - Ann Riegert; Treasurer - Diane King; Membership Director - Colleen McCormick; Directors - Ronna Estock, Cinda Schwedrsky, Mary Wheeler; Marketing & Communications Chair - Sue Tuecke; Tail Twister - Carol Munch; Service Coordinator - Laura Bauer; Club Administrator - Diane King; and LCIF Coordinator - Sandy Hall. 

• Charter Members recognized:
  Janet Allwardt, Laura Bauer, Susan Bauer, Jean Blackmore, Pauline Boness, Ronna Estock, Pat Fuller, Janice Gallagher, Michelle Garvey, Sandy Hall, Heleen Hayden, Diane King, Cathy Kirby, Danita Lehnherr, Mary Link, Colleen McCormick, Roberta Mecum, Renee Metcalf, Wendy Motl, Carol Munch, Meggan O’Brien, Sue Richards, Ann Riegert, Cindy Schoenike, Gail Schwab, Cinda Schwedrsky, Nancy Sporer, Sara Sprang, Velma Strander, Sue Tuecke, Kim Van Brocklin, Jackie Voight, Mary Wheeler, and Pat Zapp.

Photo from the June 14, 2021 Charter Meeting