Gilbert E. "Gil" Spisak

State Deputy

StateDeputy@IndianaKofC.org

Home Council: 9114 - Nativity of Our Savior, Portage, IN
Home Assembly: 240 - Father Sorin, Valparaiso, IN

Worthy Brother Knights,
State Convention (Recap) (April 17–19, 2026)
Wow, what a truly great time was shared at the Indiana State Convention, held April 17th – 19th, 2026, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. The 125th Annual Meeting of the Indiana State Council brought together Brother Knights and their wives from across the state for a weekend of fellowship, learning, and renewed commitment to the growth of our Order.
In addition to the business sessions, there were many great events that took place over the weekend, including many breakout / training sessions on Leveraging Electronic Payments for Councils by State Treasurer Ryan Grill, How to effectively run a meeting by State Program Director Dave Negrete, Insurance Event with our General Agent Phil Stackowicz, Gibault Informational meeting with CEO Michele Madley and Fund Development Director Melissa Reed, and the Sacred Heart Icon by Deacon Jacob Miller. The Financial Secretaries held their Annual Meeting sharing much information and training.
There were many display tables throughout the main hallways with a lot of great information in the displays along with literature/handouts. We had the Gibault Raffle Drawing on Saturday and many great speakers throughout the weekend. There was a collection for the Women’s Care Centers (WCC) and Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) programs.
We had our Friday Vocations Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception celebrated by our State Chaplain Rev. Gregory Bim-Merle along with several other Clergy members, and we were blessed to have Bishop Rhoades celebrate Mass with us at the Cathedral on Saturday, and then speak to us at the dinner.
There were many great speakers over the weekend, including Deacon Jacob Miller from the Lafayette Diocese, who will soon be ordained to the priesthood. We also had Fr. Zane Langenbrunner, Parochial Vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Fort Wayne. Monica Kelsey of Safe Haven Baby Boxes also delivered an inspiring presentation following the Bishop’s remarks and again to the ladies on Sunday morning.

Congratulations to the State Officers Elected for the 2026–2027 Fraternal Year:
• State Deputy Elect – Robert “Bob” Zielinski
• State Secretary Elect – Ryan Grill
• State Treasurer Elect – Jeff Emminger
• State Advocate Elect – Dave Negrete
• State Warden Re-Elect – Mike Lewis

Gibault Board of Trustees (3-Year Term)
• Steve Lutz – Board Chairman
• Jesse Guadiana
• Steve Chatot

We would like to recognize several of the following Knights who stepped up to help out at the Convention:
Mike Kovacs who worked on the Registrations and the Credentials for the State Secretary.
Roger Reuss who was the man behind the scenes working the A/V at the convention.
PSD Steve Ziemba who stepped up to help with the membership portion/speaking at the convention.
Jim Oates who did a Great Job as the Parliamentarian!
The Knights who helped our State Treasurer Ryan Grill at the registration tables.
A special note of appreciation goes to Dawn Spisak who stepped in as the 1st Lady, along with her team of Ladies for organizing and delivering an outstanding program for the ladies in attendance over the weekend.
There are many more who played important roles that are too numerous to list, but each contribution was of great value — THANK YOU all for your dedication and service!
Congratulations to all award winners recognized during the weekend. Please watch the State website for a listing of honorees.
THANK YOU to all the councils and assemblies that brought their banners to help decorate the hall!
A Special Thank You to those who sponsored a Seminarian or Priest for the Vocations dinner, and to those who purchased an advertisement for the convention book to help with the costs. Your generosity is deeply appreciated......

To download my Full Newsletter click HERE

Vivat Jesus and God Bless!

Gil Spisak
Indiana State Council - Knights of Columbus
State Deputy
statedeputy@indianakofc.org
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