Helias will induct six individuals into the Helias Hall of Fame on Jan. 31. A special Mass begins the night at 4 p.m. for the inductees and their immediate families, followed by a social hour at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and the program for the evening at 7 p.m. in the Helias Commons.
In an effort to recognize outstanding individuals whose lives have helped to establish Helias Catholic High School, the Helias High School Hall of Fame began in 2008. This event is held in January to tie it in with the beginning of Catholic Schools Week.
New members are inducted into the Hall of Fame each year. Individuals must have graduated at least 20 years prior to induction, have demonstrated loyalty and service to Helias, distinguished him or herself in a chosen field and have exhibited moral standards to the credit of the school.
The public is invited attend and can contact the Helias Foundation at 573-635-3808 on or before Tuesday for tickets. Tickets are $25 per person, or a table of eight can be purchased for $200 and a table of 12 for $300.
Net proceeds from this event will be used to supplement the existing Helias Catholic tuition assistance program.
The 2016 inductees are:
James M. Huber
Huber was born in Jefferson City, the son of Herman and Sylvia Huber. He is married to Elizabeth Oswald Huber. They have two children, Michael and David Huber.
He graduated from Helias Catholic High School in 1977 and was involved in football, stage crew, lighting crew, choir, Boys State, yearbook, the Christmas musical and was president of the student body. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
His work history includes the Cole County Sheriff's Department and Caterpillar Tractor Company. He is currently the president and chief technology officer of Huber & Associates, Inc.
Huber is a member of St. Peter Catholic Parish, where he has donated countless hours helping with set construction, lighting and sound for school plays, and he is a strong supporter of youth basketball. He is involved with United Way, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls State, Vogelweid Learning Center, Boy Scouts of America, Samaritan Center and American Red Cross. Huber has received numerous awards for business and leadership excellence, and his business received the Outstanding Small Business award by the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce.
He continues to be involved with Helias Catholic High School as a Corporate Crusader sponsor, and he spends countless hours with lighting design and technical support for the spring musical; assists and lends technical advice regarding Homecoming float construction; helps with float teardown; and annually sponsors several Helias students for Missouri Boys and Girls State.
William J. Kremer
Kremer (awarded posthumously) was born in Jefferson City, the son of Alois and Margaret L. Kremer. He was married to Margaret A. Weiler Kremer. They have two children, Gregory Kremer (Virginia) and Jeffrey Kremer (Colleen), and two grandchildren.
He graduated from St. Peter Catholic High School in 1956 and was involved in National Honor Society, Boys State, Benildus Club, football, basketball, track and intramurals. He earned a bachelor's of science in chemistry and mathematics from Lincoln University.
Kremer participated in ROTC during college and served in the U.S. Army (1962-64), where he attained the rank of captain and served eight years in Inactive Reserves. He was employed by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department as a program coordinator.
He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish, where he served as an usher, greeter, lector, Eucharistic minister and attended daily Mass for many years. He was involved in the St. Joseph Cathedral Council 12992 Knights of Columbus, Dan Coppin 4th Degree Knights of Columbus - Faithful Navigator and Faithful Captain, Jefferson City Learning in Retirement, Jefferson City Marriage Encounter, Joy Small Community of the Jefferson City Marriage Encounter, American Red Cross and the Show-Me Games.
Kremer's involvement with Helias Catholic included the Jim Rackers Commitment to Excellence Award in 2000, Homecoming Parade Marshal, Athletic Booster Barbecue volunteer and Monday morning volunteer at Helias for many years. He also was a loyal and faithful fan of all aspects of Helias Catholic athletics.
Patricia A. "Pat" Seifert
Seifert was born in Jefferson City, the daughter of Richard and Anita Woods. She is married to George H. Seifert Jr. They have two children, Melissa Welch (Chris) and Jacob Seifert as well as four grandchildren.
She graduated from Helias Catholic High School in 1977 and was involved in band, orchestra, basketball, track, newspaper, yearbook, Pepettes and theater productions. She earned a bachelor's of arts in English education from William Woods University, a master of education degree in Secondary School Teaching from Lincoln University and an Applied Communications I certification from University of Central Missouri. She has taken continuing education courses at Washington University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Truman State University and University of Missouri Kansas City.
Her work history includes Chastain's Nursing Home, and she currently is an English instructor at Helias Catholic High School.
Seifert is a member of St. Peter Catholic Parish, where she serves as a fourth-grade PSR instructor, lector, Eucharistic minister, substitute Mass coordinator and substitute for perpetual Adoration. She also helps with funeral luncheons. She is involved with Delta Kappa Gamma Society, National Council of English Teachers, the Samaritan Center, Vitae and various charity walks.
Along with currently teaching Advanced Placement English at Helias Catholic High School, she is the assistant Speech Team coach and faculty backstage supervisor for the spring musical. She assists with Helias Foundation activities including the golf tournament, Homecoming 5K and the Hall of Fame.
Rita Mae Vanderfeltz
Vanderfeltz (posthumously) was born in Jefferson City, the daughter of Louis and Anna DeBroeck. She was married to Leon Vanderfeltz. They have eight children, Don Vanderfeltz (Jean), Mark Vanderfeltz (Mary Beth), Ann Mulholland (Eddie), Dan Vanderfeltz (Joan), Joan Plassmeyer (Jeff), Bill Vanderfeltz (Glenda), Mary Padgett (Kent) and Joe Vanderfeltz (Melinda); and they have 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She graduated from St. Peter Catholic High School in 1950, was involved in majorettes and was on the Homecoming court. She attended Central Missouri State University.
Her work history includes serving as a receptionist for Dr. Harold Stricker and a legislative assistant to Al Waites and Clarence Heflinand for the Missouri Secretary of State's Office.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City, where she served as a Eucharistic minister. She was a charter member of the Immaculata Club, serving as president and chairperson of the 25th and 50th anniversaries, and a 50-year member of the Daughters of Isabella. She served as a Cub Scout leader, Brownie leader and room mother for each of her eight children. She was also very devoted to the dairy business and co-chaired and hosted both the Missouri and National Holstein conventions.
Her involvement with Helias Catholic included being a founding member and president of the Helias Mothers Club, serving as president and co-chair of the football concession stands, assisting with the Helias Booster barbecue, assisting with football picnics and supporting numerous athletic events.
Helen Vossen
Vossen was born in Jefferson City, the daughter of Louis and Anna DeBroeck. She was married to John "Bud" Vossen. They have four children, Tom Vossen (Donna), Jim Vossen (Barb), Ron Vossen (Carol) and Susie Register (Chuck); 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She graduated from St. Peter Catholic High School in 1942 and was on the Homecoming court. She attended Jefferson City Junior College.
Her work history includes working as an accountant for William-Keepers, Adrian Material and the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City.
Vossen is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City, where she was a charter member and officer of the Immaculata Club, on the parish council and served as an officer, involved in Immaculate Conception Church Circle and served as an officer, and volunteered at the parish office. Her community involvement includes being a member and officer of the St. Mary's Auxiliary, the DEEF committee, Vitae Society fundraising committee, Diocese of Jefferson City Finance Committee and past president of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree Auxiliary. In 2006, she received the Cross Pro Ecclesis et Poniface award, a papal honor bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI.
Her involvement with Helias Catholic included being a founding member and the second president of the Helias Mothers Club, serving as co-chair of the football concession stands, keeping records in the early years of the Helias Foundation and fundraising. In 1988, she received the Helias Certificate for Distinguished Service.
Gary Wisch
Wisch was born in Jefferson City, the son of William L. and Mary Lou Wisch. He is married to Jackie Castrop Wisch. They have three children, Ryan Wisch (Kelly), Jordan Wisch, and Madison Wisch, and one grandchild.
He graduated from Helias Catholic High School in 1978 and was involved in basketball and stage crew. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master of science degree in engineering management from Missouri S&T. He works at DeLong's Inc., and he is the vice president of engineering.
Wisch is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City, where he is a RCIA inquiry team member. He is a past president of the school board and former capital improvement program chairperson. He is a Knights of Columbus member, the former treasurer of the Jefferson City Host Lions Club and past president of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers-Jefferson City chapter. He is chairman of the Linn State Technical College Design Drafting Advisory Council, is on the Columbia Career Center Advisory Board and is chairman of the National Steel Bridge Alliance Executive Council.
His involvement with Helias Catholic includes Athletic Boosters, long-range planning committee, building and grounds committee, building committee design team for the Rackers Fieldhouse, and design consultant for the Commons addition and current science addition.