The Gretna Citizen of the Year award began in 1980 by the Gretna Jayceettes. It has since been sponsored by the Gretna Women’s Civic Association, the Gretna Business Association, and now by the Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce. Past winners are below:
Nominate
Nominations are currently closed.
Winner Presentation
The yearly winner is presented with a plaque during the annual Gretna Days celebration.
2024 Recipient Janet Barna (Center) with Gretna Chamber Board Members
Past Winners
2024: Janet Barna
2023: Jim Warren
2022: Kathy Wendlandt
2021: Loren Katt
2020: Travis Mayer
2019: Dan Washburn
2018: Russel Mayer
2017: Rod Buethe
2016: Tim Gilligan
2015: Bob Ostdiek
2014: Dr. Kevin Riley
2013: Bill Lewis
2012: Kathy Iske
2011: Dr. Rich Beran
2010: Gretna Days Founders: Don Frederick, Ed Frederick and Marvin Killion
2009: Kevin Svec
2008: World War II Veterans
2007: Brad Stauffer
2006: Eleanor Pratt
2005: Joe Verbeek
2004: Bob Wollenburg
2003: Barton Fleck
2002: Anne Koch
2001: Jack and Gloria Koke
2000: Ron Sawyer
1999: Gail and Mary Lou Kopplin
1998: Members of the Gretna Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
1997: Emil and Barb Beyer
1996: Ben Gilligan
1995: Gretna Days Founders: Don Frederick, Ed Frederick and Marvin Killion
1994: Lawson “Jim” Sawyer
1993: Marilyn Martens
1992: Gail Kopplin
1991: Operation Desert Shield/Storm Veterans
1990: Gertrude Wilde
1989: Bess Schmidt
1988: No Award Given
1987: Chris Koch
1986: Leon Ruff
1985: Ron Suhr
1984: Catherine Royal
1983: Margaret Patterson
1982: Ed Frederick
1981: Mrs. Florence Mangold
1980: Gilbert Fleck