Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award

This prestigious award has recognized Seven Rivers Region faith-filled people of action for 38 years. Named in honor of the late Carl Iverson and the late Bishop Frederick Freking.

Through their leadership and with the involvement of many others, Bethany St. Joseph Corporation was established in 1976 as a cooperative ecumenical effort sponsored by the Christian Communities of the greater La Crosse area.

Ecumenism: Working towards the acceptance of and an openness to people of all faiths and accepting their faith as value, using as a base that we are all one in the Spirit of God.

The Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award was created by Bethany St. Joseph Corporation to acknowledge and recognize the dedication of people to ecumenical activities and community building. The Award reflects unselfish dedication to foster and promote ecumenical endeavors based on mutual respect of all faiths, highlighted by cooperation, communication and service to others.

Nominations are accepted in September/October and honorees are announced in mid-December. Select for Iverson Freking Award Cover Letter and Iverson Freking Nomination Form
(pdf versions available: pdf Nomination Cover Letter & pdf Nomination Form )

The award is based on one or more of the following:

• Spiritual example
• Respect for the faith of others
• Participation in a spiritual congregation, and
• Commitment to community

To date, 88 awards over 38 years have been awarded to deserving community members. The annual honors banquet is held in January and the next banquet luncheon is scheduled for January 28, 2026, in La Crosse, WI, at the Radisson Center (11:30am reception).

Contact 608-788-5700 or MArnold@bsjcorp.com for reservation information.

2025 Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award Banquet