The Masons of Hancock Lodge #229 Free and Accepted Masons and the brothers and sisters of the Eastern Star Chapter #116 gathered together for their annual Mason of the Year banquet on Friday, May 20th at the Ellsworth Masonic Center in Ellsoworth.

After a fine dining catered by Cliffords Catering, the members and guests gathered in the lodge to enjoy the music of Hillcrest principal Tim Brunner. Brunner, who is also an accomplished song writer, sang and played guitar to some of his original compositions.

Mc for the evening was Junior Warden Steve Broton, who introduced Eastern Star Worthy Matron Dolores Waltz, who presented the Chapters "Shining Star" award to long time member Audrey Samuel. Waltz also introduced their newest member, William "Billie" Penn and his wife.

The Masons honored their 50 year members, John Reinkey and Phillip Hovde. Fourty year members Lou Chiquette, Carl Swanson, and Norris Berg were also recognized.

Both organizations paid tribute to members who had passed this year. In the lodge, the list included Wendell Bloomstrand, Gerald "Sully" Swanson, Gordon Johnson, CJ Hofmeister and Everett Biles. Joyce Swan recogized the passing of Star members Audrey Hoeser, Everett Biles, Gary Waltz, Dorothy Seifert, Willa Mae Jones, and Emma Lou Hovde.

Brother Broton also mentioned the many contributions of Scott Gulbranson for providing the Lodge with plaques and for plowing the lodge parking lot during the winter. He also noted the Faldes for hosting the upcoming Masonic Fishing outing on June 5th. This event is held for Masons and invited guests.

Before the presentation of the Mason of the Year, newly installed Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Jerry Bristol of Ellsworth and Worthy Master Bill Reed asked Dolores Waltz to come forward and receive Gary Waltz's Past Masters certificate from the Grand Lodge. In addition, Worthy Grand Patron Bristol presented Dolores with a special Widow's Pin along with an explanation of its meaning.

Brother Bristol and Worthy Matron Mary Rasmussen will serve as the head of all Eastern Star Chapters for the coming Star year.

Past Master Dennis Donath came forward to present this years Mason of the Year to Doctor Eugene Jonas, better known to everyone as just "Doc".

In his remarks Donath attempted to summerize Docs accomplished in the years he served the community of Ellsworth saying " If I mentioned everything we would be here all night."

Donath noted after graduation from Red Wing High School, he attended Lab and X-Ray school in Minnesota. He served 2 and and half years during the Korean Conflict in Alaska - spending the first year in tents.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jonas entered the premed program at the UofM, graduating the U of M school of medicine in 1960. After a stint as a rotating intern, he bought the existing practice of Dr. A. M. Aanes in Ellsworth where he practiced medicine until he retired in 1994. Doc continued to practice emergency and urgent care medicine throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin until he permanently retired on March 31st, 2010 - just short of being in practice for 50 years.

In Ellsworth Jonas was given an award by the Ellsworth Area Ambulance Service for 33 years of directorship. He served as President of the American Cancer Society - Wisconsin Division for two terms, after which he was given an Honorary Life Membership to the American Cancer Society. In 1982 he was awarded the A.C.S. Annual National Divisional Award Jonas became a member of the Hancock Lodge in 1971, later serving as Master of the Lodge. He also became a member of the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club and served as president of the club in 1975.

For nine years, Doc Jonas served on the Board of Medical Examiners for Nursing Home Administration for the state of Wisconsin. He also served as Chief of Staff for the new River Falls Area Hospital in 1990. He was an active member of the American Legion and the 40/8 Voiture, is a life time member of the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club as as Dennis noted, "He found time to be the Pierce County Coroner for 20 plus years. Jonas is the a supporter of the Pierce County Humane Society and is the adopted father of Blackie, the poodle as well as Tootsie, Sandy and Scottie. He is a licensed pilot, avid rock hound, and was named Ellsworth Business Person of the Year in 1985. Also he was named WCCO's Good Neighbor in 1985. Dr. ER "Doc" Jonas is the father of 5 children, Bill, Scott, Jeff, Tris and Lisa and grandfather of 10. He has been married to Theresa for 25 years soon to be 26 years.