Citizens of Honor - Vilkaviškio rajono savivaldybė

About Vilkaviškis

Citizens of Honor

Honorary citizens of Vilkaviškis district

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis District is awarded for the special merits of Vilkaviškis District and the Republic of Lithuania in the development of national awareness and patriotism, for help during natural disasters, for charity, education, science, culture, art, etc.

WINFRID GORTZ

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1997.

Winfrid Gortz was born in 1951. Since 1983 works for the German Maltese Helpline. 1991 established a cooperative relationship with the Vilkaviškis Order of Malta Helpdesk. Since then, people in Vilkaviškis region have been provided with humanitarian aid many times, and large amounts of charity have been brought.

GABRIELĖ KARALIENĖ

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1997.

Gabrielė Karalienė was born in 1932. in the beautiful Dzukija village, Giraitė village. After graduating in 1953 came to work in Vilkaviškis district. 1963 was appointed responsible for the work of regionalists in the area. Her concern was to describe the old villages and to collect a lot of museum material. 1963 the first exhibit of the collected material was opened. This day also became the foundation of the Regional Museum. 1997 for her diligent and honest work she was awarded the 1st Class Medal of the Order of Gediminas.

REINERT KERSTEN

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1997.

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KAZIMIERAS NOREIKA

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1997.

Kazimieras Noreika was born in 1926. Kybartai, Vilkaviškis district. He later lived in Germany for a long time. Even when he went abroad, he never forgot his native land, his people: he had been visiting his homeland for many years, constantly providing material assistance to the poor, and carrying many different kinds of charity. The honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district has been awarded for outstanding merits in the development of national self-awareness and patriotism, charity activities and fostering of culture.

Kazimieras Noreika died in 2004 September 20.

MAGDALENA BIRUTĖ STANKŪNIENĖ

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1997.

Magdalena Birutė Stankūnienė was born in 1925. Goat homestead, Šunskai parish, Vilkaviškis county. 1968 M.B. Stankūnienė organized the first solo exhibition at the Balzek Museum of Lithuanian Culture, Chicago. The artist organized her first exhibition in her homeland in 1980. M.B. Stankūnienė has donated thousands of her works and accumulated cultural treasures to museums, libraries and galleries, as well as files of various documents about other emigrants. She also provides support for orphans, various publications, and patronage of artists coming to the United States. M.B. Stankūnienė was awarded the Order of Gediminas.

STASYS ANKEVIČIUS

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1997.

Stasys Ankevičius was born in 1905. In Stanaičiai village, Vilkaviškis county. There was an orchestra who played the first violin, a bystander, an amateur. He worked as an educator and helped young people and farmers. 1941 was arrested and deported to Siberia. He returned to Lithuania in 1956. Dr. V. Kudirka organized a barn and opened a museum in his homeland. Became his custodian. Stasys Ankevičius is a true cultural enlightener. We regard him as a uniqueness of culture, a champion of the ideas of Vincas Kudirka, who lived the ideals of the National anthem and the Lithuanian national anthem.

Stasys Ankevičius died in 2002 May 11.

VYTAUTAS GUSTAITIS

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1998.

Vytautas Gustaitis, the canon priest, was born in 1954. In Alytus city. Since 1989 appointed pastor and dean of Vilkaviškis. Thanks to him, 1991-1998. the cathedral was restored, the parsonage was built, the parish house was renovated. 1996 can V. Gustaitis initiated the parish charity eatery, 1997. – Vilkaviškis Dean’s Family Center. 1995 For the first time in Lithuania organized the Vilkaviškis Dean’s Student Song Contest. He initiated competitions for readers of religious poetry and prose. Fr. can V. Gustaitis has been awarded the title of Honorary Citizen on the basis of his organizational and social merits in the religious, cultural and social spheres.

EGON MUTTERSBACH

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1998.

Egon Muttersbach was born in 1923. Paramoniškės village, Vilkaviškis district. Since 1958 lived in Germany. He returned to his homeland in 1992. This time he brought a huge van to charity. From that time on

Mr Muttersbach returned every year with gifts to his homeland. He communicated a lot with Vilkaviškis Hospital, brought various medicines and nursing supplies. The charity was transported not only to the hospital, but also to Caritas, the disabled, to individual families.

Egon Muttersbach died in 2003 December 24.

KAZYS KARUŽA

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 1998.

Kazys Karuža was born in 1908. 1944 moved to live in the US, but kept returning to his homeland, taking care of the memory of the countrymen, the Riflemen’s Organization, and published several books. He sent many museum treasures to the Vilkaviškis Regional Museum, supported the restoration of the Cathedral, monuments and Lithuanians studying abroad. 2002 By the decree of the President of the Republic of Lithuania K. Karuža was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas, for the historical values of the museum and for the continuous support of the shooters.

Kazys Karuža died in 2005 October 22.

BERNHARD HEYING

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2002.

Bernhard Heying was born in 1926. Heek-Ahle. Until 1976 worked in the municipality. He then worked as a municipal secretary for Ahaus until his retirement. Mr Heying’s knowledge included education, culture, social affairs and youth ministry. He also had many public responsibilities. B. Heying was chairman of the German-Dutch Eastern Contact Committee in Ahaus. Thanks to him, the Vilkaviškis district reached many consignments of huge charity, as well as friendly cooperation relations between Germany, Holland and Vilkaviškis district are being developed.

HINNE RIJPMA

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2002.

Hinne Rijpma was born in 1935. Sneek-Friesland / NL. From 1975 to 1982 was a member of the Haaksbergen Community Council. Since 1991 – Member of the Northern European Committee. Established cooperative relations with Ahaus, Hungary, USA. Thanks to him, the Vilkaviškis district reached many consignments of huge charity, as well as friendly cooperation relations between Germany, Holland and Vilkaviškis district are being developed.

HEINRICH HOLLEKAMP

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2002.

Heinrich Hollekamp was born in 1958. Ahaus. Since 1975 He started working on the social basis of the German Red Cross. Since 1996 elected leader of the Ahaus Red Cross. 1997 Contacts were also established with Vilkaviškis district. Since 1998 organizes and provides humanitarian assistance to the area annually. Thanks to him, a lot of huge charity was brought, as well as friendly cooperation relations were developed between Germany, Holland and Vilkaviškis district.

GERHARD JOSEF CARL

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2003.

Gerhard Josef Carl was born in 1956. In Germany. He studied economics and law at the university. He deepened his knowledge in the USA, Norway, Great Britain, Hawaii. 1990 started charitable work. 2001 organized charity for families with many children in Vilkaviškis district, whose living conditions are difficult. With the help of charity G.J. Carl has bought several houses for families with many children in Vilkaviškis district.

KAZYS BRADŪNAS

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2007.

Kazys Bradūnas was born in 1917. Kiršai village, Vilkaviškis district. 1944 In 1949 he left for Germany. – to the United States. He has edited periodicals, published books, written numerous articles on literature, art, culture, and reviews. After Lithuania regained its independence, K. Bradūnas returned to his homeland. An important place in the poet’s work is dedicated to Vilkaviškis region. For his creative work he was awarded the Order of Gediminas IV degree. The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis District was awarded for literary activities and merits to the culture of Lithuania and Vilkaviškis Region.

Kazys Bradūnas died in 2009 February 9.

ALGIRDAS BUTKEVIČIUS

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2008.

Algirdas Butkevičius was born in 1958. In Paežeriai village, Radviliškis district. He was a member of Vilkaviškis district municipality board and council. Since 1996 – Member of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. Constantly contacts and cooperates with non-governmental organizations of people with disabilities, disadvantaged people, rural communities, educational institutions, provides them with all kinds of support, helps to update their material base, improve safe and healthy environment, take care of youth employment, education, modernization of cultural centers, National Museum, etc.

ALFONSAS HOPINGAS

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2009.

Alphonse Hoping, who lives in Astrup, Oldenburg, Germany, first came to the village of Alvitas in Vilkaviškis in 1996. At that time, Alvitas Parish had reclaimed the building of the old parsonage, where the idea was to build an orphanage, with a special focus on children’s spirituality. The idea was welcomed by the guests, so in 1997 a partnership agreement was signed with Caritas Germany and a special foundation founded by Alfonso Hoping. Alphonse Hoping visits the delegation every year with Alvite, bringing clothes and other support. Alfonsas Hoping has been awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis District for his significant contribution and charitable work in helping the people of the district.

ANTANAS ZIEGORAITIS

The title of Honorary Citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2010.

Antanas Ziegoraitis was born in 1948. Since 1967 he was the artistic director of Kybartai Brass Band in Kybartai Cultural Center. Since 1994 – Kybartai K. Donelaitis gymnasium music teacher-expert. 1991-2009 – Chief of pupils and World Lithuanian Song Festivals conductor. His concern was to reconstruct brass bands in Virbal and Vištytis schools. He has regularly held educational or concert programs with professional performers. A. Ziegoraitis was awarded the medal of Gediminas Order of the GDL. The honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district has been awarded for cultural activities while promoting the traditions of the wind genre.

Antanas Ziegoraitis passed away in 2014 October 24

JONAS MAČYS

The title of honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2013. (after death)

Jonas Mačys was born in 1938 Igliškėliai village, Marijampolė district. 1978-1990

J. Mačys was a senior researcher at the Rumiquok Test Station. In 1980 he was awarded the title of Doctor of Agricultural Sciences. In 1988 he joined the Sąjūdis and was elected Chairman of the Sąjūdis in Vilkaviškis district. From 1990 to 1992 he was a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. In 1995–2003 he was elected a member of Vilkaviškis District Municipality Council, in 1995–1997 and 1997–2000 he was elected Mayor of Vilkaviškis District Municipality. Mr Mačys based his activities on high moral principles. In 2000 he was awarded the Lithuanian Independence Medal.

Jonas Mačys died in 2012 October 10.

JUOZAS IEŠMANTAVIČIUS

The title of honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2014. (after death)

Juozas Iešmantavičius was born in 1941. Beautiful. For many years he managed the company “Kybartų gelžbetonis”. J. Iešmantavičius was an active political and public figure in Lithuania and Vilkaviškis district municipality, he has been involved in self-government since 1965. He has been praised many times for his outstanding contribution and merit in working and serving the people of Kybartai city and the entire district. became Knight of the Profession. This title was given to him by the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists for his many years of work, loyalty to his profession and active public life. Numerous awards and thanks were given for their sincere help and support, for their consistent work and results, and for their support for sports and youth activities.

Juozas Iešmantavičius died in 2013 September 26.

RALPH HERBERT LEWIS SALINGER

The title of honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2018.

Ralph Herbert Lewis Salinger was born in 1946 in London. Since 2004 she has been researching Vilkaviškis Jewish history. R.H.L. Salinger has made a huge contribution to the history of Vilkaviškis and to the development of relations between Lithuania and Israel. Thanks to it, the Cultural Center-Museum was supplemented with unique historical material, which revealed the unknown historical facts of Vilkaviškis city. He raised funds for the publication of a book on Jewish cultural heritage in English, “The Footprints of the Lost Nation”, which spread throughout the world to Vilkaviskis Jewish diasporas. Two commemorative stands have been set up in Vilkaviškis on the site of the Jewish Holocaust by R. H. L. Salinger.

DONATAS KAZLAUSKAS

The title of honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2018.

Donatas Kazlauskas was born in 1958. Marijampole district In the village of Trakiškės. 1980 Graduated from Vilnius State Pedagogical Institute, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, where he acquired the specialty of mathematics teacher. In 1992 after the establishment of UAB “Olifėja” he became the Deputy General Manager of this company. Kazlauskas is indifferent to his country. He donated a fire truck to the Vištytis fire brigade, contributed to the renovation of the fire station, and thanks to his financial support, repaired the roof of the Vištytis Catholic Church, and financed a private purchase of Vištytis Mill. Since 2006 is one of the main sponsors of Vištytis P. Kriaučiūnas School-Multifunctional Center. For several years in a row, he has been financially supporting the Vištytis Summer Festival, organizing and financing the arrival of professional art groups on campus.

KOSTAS JANULAITIS

The title of honorary citizen of Vilkaviškis district was granted in 2019.

Kostas Janulaitis was the first in the district to start the revival Sąjūdis groups and to promote the ideas of the Sąjūdis, organized the work of the patriarch Jonas Basanavičius in Lithuania, and raised the idea to erect a monument to dr. On his initiative, J. Basanavičius raised funds for the construction of this monument. He worked extensively to publicize and commemorate the memory of the three priests killed in the Budavone forest, compiling lists of exiled people, and gathering knowledge of their fates. He initiated the erection of a monument to the Deportees and Victims of Bolshevism near the Vilkaviškis Public Library, raised funds and took care of the restoration of the monument dedicated to the 5th anniversary of Lithuania’s independence.