Virgil Klein named 2026 “Citizen of the Year”

The Dell Rapids Citizen of the Year (COTY) award committee is pleased to announce it has chosen Virgil Klein as 2026 Citizen of the Year. Klein was nominated by Carolyn Drew and Robert Wiarda, who cited his sharing of time and talents as a volunteer for numerous community service organizations.

“Virgil has been a role model,” wrote Drew. “He encourages others to be involved in church and community, and he shows how much he cares every day.”Klein’s nomination cited his service to the City of Dell Rapids Planning and Zoning Committee,
Optimist Club/Dells Forward Youth, Padre’s Thrift Store, Dell Rapids Museum, Furniture Mission of South Dakota, Catholic Order of Foresters, and Dell Rapids Senior Citizen Center.

In addition, it was noted that Klein volunteers his time and energy mowing grass for St. Mary Church and School, mowing and preparing for guests at LifeScape River Camp, and serving as treasurer and board member of the Storehouse Food Pantry.

“Virg is devoted to his family and community. He honestly tries to make Dell Rapids a great town in which to raise a family, and he continually help others with their own individual service and charitable initiatives,” wrote Drew and Wiarda.

“This is the fourth year for the COTY award,” said committee member Barb Littel. “There are so many worthy nominations, and the final decision is never easy. Virgil’s nomination stood out because of his involvement in multiple avenues of community service.”
Dell Rapids Mayor Marsha Symens presented a certificate to Klein at 7 p.m., Monday, June 15, at City Hall, proclaiming June 27th “Virgil Klein Day” in Dell Rapids.

Klein will be honored at several events during Quarry Days, June 26-28:
— Toss out the first pitch at “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” 8 p.m., Friday, June 26, Rickeman
Field
— Parade Marshall, 10 a.m., Saturday, June 27
— Award presentation 6 p.m., Sunday, June 28, City Park Band Shell
In addition, Klein will light the City’s Christmas tree lights ahead of the “Christmas in the Dells” parade on Main Street in December and participate in the Easter Egg Hunt.
Behind this award
In late 2022, the Dell Rapids Lions Club established the Citizen of the Year award. The club, active in the community since 1944, adheres to the motto of Lions Clubs International: WE
SERVE. Members wanted to honor local citizens “who serve the community, contribute to social progress and the creation of happiness, and are an inspiration to others.” The Club was soon
joined in this effort by the Chamber of Commerce, and the first award recipient, Norene Frederickson, was chosen in 2023, followed by Casey McCoy in 2024 and Carolyn Drew in 2025.
COTY committee members choose a “hometown hero” from nominations received from the public. They look for someone who is generous with their time and talents in helping others; those special people who pitch in, often behind the scenes, to lend help to someone in need or to a project that benefits the whole community. They look at nominees who help the community through their volunteer efforts and personal involvement. A nominee’s leadership abilities, significant achievements, community activities, greatest strengths, and special qualities are also considered.
2026 COTY Committee:
Amber Larson and Doug Nohava representing the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce; Barb Littel and Tom Schwebach, representing the Dell Rapids Lions Club; Fran Ruesink, representing the Dell Rapids City Council; Dustin Berg and Connie Fitzgerald, members at large.