Weber earns state humanitarian award
Rodney Weber of Geneseo was named the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year by the Illinois State?VFW.
Weber received the award at the state?VFW convention in Springfield.
He was nominated for the award by members of the Don Cherry VFW?Post No. 5083 in Geneseo.
In their nomination letter, VFW members wrote, “Rodney Weber is a committed farmer, active community leader and shares his faith in God through all walks of his life.”
With his sons and grandsons, Weber farms land in rural Geneseo a mile from the spot where his great-grandfather built his original two-room log cabin after moving to the United States from?Germany.
Weber’s farm includes custom feeding of cattle and a grain operation. He has been involved in a number of farm activities and has served on the Henry County?Farm Bureau board.
Weber has been an active member of Loraine United Methodist Church for more than 60 years and has served as a Sunday School teacher and church trustee.
He also has served on the Farm?Home Administration Board and the Youth For Christ Quad City Board. Weber is a member of the Gideons Association and serves on the Good Shepherd board.
For the past 60 years, Weber also has conducted a jail ministry at the Henry?County Jail.
On Thursday nights, he conducts a Bible study with those incarcerated at the jail and conducts Sunday services in the various cell units.
In 1962, Weber and his wife, Doris, built a worship center “Maranatha” near their farm. The eight-acre site includes a lake, restrooms, trails and picnic area.
A one-room chapel was built on the site 14 years ago and has hosted nearly 100 weddings since that time.
“Rodney’s life has been and is one of dedication to the people God has placed in his path,” wrote VFW members in their nomination letter.?“Through his work, community involvement and ministry he has a rich life in eternity value. He knows his purpose and always looks forward to serving his fellow man.”
Weber is the first person from?Geneseo to receive the VFW’s state humanitarian award.