Kukowski, a Lion at heart, gives back

Posted: March 9, 2010

Darold Kukowski is a true Lion at heart. A member of the Mukwonago Lions Club for the past 32 years, he truly believes in the mission of the Lions Club and strives to teach those principles to his children and grandchildren.

In the past 32 years, Kukowski has spearheaded a variety of events, including the Easter egg hunt, Mukwonago Summerfeste, the nativity scene in the square and food drives. He has also helped to construct various shelters in local parks. His hard work and his desire to give back to the community have shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Kukowski moved to East Troy in 1978, when he joined the Mukwonago Lions Club.

Over the years, Kukowski especially enjoyed working with various youth groups on club projects.

He would recruit football teams, track teams and Cub Scouts to help set up for various club events and says he enjoyed watching the kids learn what it means to be a hard worker.

When he first joined the Lions Club, he visited the Wisconsin Lions Camp, which works to "provide camping and recreational services to the handicapped of Wisconsin."

There, he observed kids staying busy with different activities.

"They seemed more active," he explained. "It's a fun week for them and a nice break for their parents."

Kukowski also served as a Cub Scout leader for four years and spent 15 years with the Future Farmers of America alumni, where he helped raise money for scholarships for kids in East Troy.

He hopes to pass along his strong work ethic to the children he works with as well as to his own children.

When asked why he volunteers, Kukowski grew emotional and explained there's just one reason: his family.

"When my grandchildren are playing at the park, they can say their grandpa helped make that," he said of the park shelters he has helped to build.

He feels a sense of pride knowing they look up to him in that way.

Not only does Kukowski volunteer in the Mukwonago area, but he also is a member of the Tomah Lions Club. Kukowski owns a place in Tomah and travels there for meetings twice a month.

"I joined to meet people in the community," he said. "I know everyone now."

Despite having to retire early due to a disability, Kukowski said he won't stop volunteering. He said he's taught his children to "pay it forward."

"He has shared (his) experiences with me and now with my children, who have learned by his example," said his daughter, Tamara Fesenmaier, in her letter nominating her father for the contest. "My father is retired and disabled, neither of which have kept him from making strong friendships and extending himself to helping out a friend or neighbor in need. He has made participation in the Lions organization and events in the Mukwonago community a full time activity and pleasure. I believe he truly represents the sprit of what the Five Who Give represents."

Kukowski said $283,000 has been donated to the Mukwonago area from the Lions Club since 1992.

Kukowski believes in what it means to be a Lion and wanted to share that motto:

"I am a Lion ... I am in parts of the world, throbbing with industry. I represent farms, forests, mountains and deserts. I am in quiet villages and cities that never sleep. You can look at me and see the golden rule. You can see me in the lights of Christmas and appreciate my yuletide baskets for the needy. I am a leader dog, a white cane and a business opportunity for the blind ... I am greatly interested in the schools and colleges of this great nation of yours and mine ... May I possess always, the integrity, the courage, and the strength to keep Lionism unshackled, to remain a citadel of freedom and service, always a beacon of hope to all parts of the world. My motto is 'We Serve.' "

Even though Kukowski has given the past 32 years to service in the community, he takes little credit for what he's done.

"I would like to thank the community for their continuous support and sponsorship of our Summerfeste," he said humbly. "Without the business and community support, we would not be able to put on the Father's Day parade and the rest of the events of the weekend."

Kukowski lives in East Troy with his wife, Monica. They have two children and four grandchildren.