Doug Sienknecht of Lincoln looks to his family in the audience after receiving the Iowan of the Day award at the Iowa State Fair this past Sunday in Des Moines. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

It was a well-deserved day of recognition for Lincoln resident Doug Sienknecht this past Sunday, August 14, at the Iowa State Fair. Just after 12 o’clock on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, Sienknecht was brought forward to receive one of just 10 Iowan of the Day awards for 2022.

In a moment that brought tears to the eyes of many of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation members gathered around him on stage, Sienknecht spoke to the crowd as a humble man who still could not quite wrap his mind around the accolades he was receiving.

After briefly thanking the foundation and those in attendance, Sienknecht himself began to choke up but was able to finish his remarks. “There’s a lot of people [inaudible] more deserving than I. So, thank you, everybody, for coming. And thank you for everything.”

The Iowan of the Day program was created by the Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1997 to honor those Iowans who have truly made a difference in their communities. Among dozens of nominations, the judges selected 10 Iowans who have demonstrated exceptional integrity, Iowa pride, hard work, and dedication to their communities.

During the ceremony on Sunday, Sienknecht’s nomination was read aloud by Brooklin Border, public relations intern at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Sienknecht’s full nomination is reprinted below.

Doug Sienknecht of Lincoln speaks to the large crowd gathered at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, August 14, after receiving the Iowan of the Day award from the Blue Ribbon Foundation. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

“Sienknecht is a man who is willing to help anyone who asks and even those who don’t. As a retired farmer and employee of the Iowa Veterans Home, Sienknecht has always found time to help those in his community. He is not only very active in [Salem Church of Lincoln] serving as Board President, but he has also spent several years on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, helped organize Vacation Bible School and even led a group of young adults on a mission trip. Active in the Lincoln AMVETS and Auxiliary, Sienknecht is also the Chairman of the Avenue of Flags Committee and enjoys being a member of the Gladbrook American Legion. He is a volunteer driver that gives veterans rides to doctor appointments. Sienknecht and his son built a Free Little Library near his church so members of the community could enjoy it. Doug has also been spotted volunteering at the Iowa State Fair selling water!”

Congratulations, Doug!

Doug Sienknecht accepts the Iowan of the Day award – one of just 10 bestowed this year – from Brooklin Border (left) with the Blue Ribbon Foundation on Sunday, August 14, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Doug Sienknecht of Lincoln listens on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage in Des Moines as he is introduced as Iowan of the Day on Sunday, August 14, at the Iowa State Fair. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Doug Sienknecht is congratulated by members of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation after receiving the Iowan of the Day award on Sunday, August 14, in Des Moines. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER