Dan Goltz named Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute honoree

Tuesday, May 24, at a dinner in his honor, Dan Goltz, PharmD, received this year’s Winona Health Foundation Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute at Cedar Valley Golf Course in Winona. Dani Holtzclaw, Winona Health Foundation director, welcomed guests to the evening’s celebration. The Tribute is presented annually by the Hugh and Vera Miller family and RTP Company through the Winona Health Foundation to recognize a community member for exceptional generosity in time, talent, spirit or charitable gifts. During his remarks, Brian Calteaux, a volunteer with Wilson Fire and Rescue who nominated Goltz for the honor, shared that they are grateful for Dan’s medical training, expertise and willingness to jump in and try new things, including obstacle courses in full gear along with people less than half his age. Calteaux said, “Whenever responding to a call, I show up and look for Dan’s Jeep. It’s often there. One of the things we learn when responding to emergencies is to be cool and calm and have a warm heart. Dan has that for sure. He is an inspiration to all of us.” Betsy Zeller, Winona County Public Health nurse, shared appreciation for Goltz’s steady guiding hand and his assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that he can always be counted on when needed, including spending countless hours giving COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics throughout the county. Ben Klinger, Emergency Management Director for Winona County recalled meeting Goltz for the first time as a high school student taking an amateur radio class Goltz taught. As Emergency Management Director, Klinger expressed appreciation for being able to rely on Goltz’s 44 years of experience volunteering with emergency management. He’s also been a National Weather Service Skywarn instructor since 1982. “We’re grateful for his calming presence whenever there are severe weather events,” Klinger noted, adding, “This is just scratching the surface of all he has done out of the goodness of his heart. Dan is a most humble and generous volunteer.” Hugh Miller, Ben and Adith Miller’s son and RTP President and CEO, presented the award to Goltz. This is the Tribute’s 34th year. In accepting the honor, Goltz began, “I just want you to know… this is terrifying.” But, like he does, Goltz forged ahead. He expressed his appreciation for the honor noting that, “Winona is a wonderful and wonderfully giving town.” In thanking Hugh Miller for his family’s support of the Patient Care Fund, Goltz shared his experience in working with Hugh’s father, Ben, on a local organization’s board and his inspirational leadership when it came to getting things done. Goltz also shared a moment that has influenced his life. “When I was a junior at Cotter High School, Father Paul Nelson challenged us to decide whether we just wanted to go along through life or if we would like to try to make a difference. I remember thinking that the world is a very big place and that I was a very small person. What can I do to give back to the community is some meaningful way to make someone else’s life better?” Goltz noted that he’s always felt so fortunate with having a loving family, a safe home, access to a great education and healthcare, a satisfying career. “I’ve always had access to everything I needed and more,” he said. “I feel privileged to be able to help others.” Goltz expressed gratitude for all the people he works and volunteers with noting “no one does these things alone.” In his messages of thanks, he said, “Let me tell you about my wife… fantastically supportive and tolerant … my enabler and supporter… thank you for helping me do the things that I love.” The family of Hugh and the late Vera Miller and RTP Company generously gave $25,000 to the Winona Health Foundation Ben and Adith Miller Patient Care Fund in Goltz’s honor. Along with the Miller family and RTP’s gifts through the years, ongoing community generosity also makes this fund possible. Since its inception in 1986, the Ben and Adith Miller Patient Care Fund has provided more than $14.7 million in relief to 7,409 local individuals with their medical bills. Those who would like to make a gift to the Winona Health Foundation in honor of Dan Goltz may direct their gift to the Winona Health Foundation by mail: 855 Mankato Ave., Winona, MN 55987, or online: winonahealth.org/foundation. Questions about the Winona Health Foundation may be directed to Katrice Sisson, Community and Donor Relations Manager, 507.474.3050 or ksisson@winonahealth.org. To learn more about Goltz’s story and his contributions of time and talent in our community visit winonahealth.org/foundation. # Past recipients of the Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute: 2021 Rachelle H. Schultz 2020 Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss 2019 Greg Evans 2018 Steve and Nancy Bachler 2017 Steve Groth 2016 Jon Kohner 2015 Dr. Chuck and Judy Shepard 2014 Dee Cipov 2013 Irene Renk 2012 Marlene Kohner 2011 Jenny Kahl 2010 Justin Green 2009 Nancy Iglesias 2008 Dennis Theede and Home & Community Options, Inc. 2007 O.J. and Karen Fawcett 2006 Donna Helble 2005 Kent Gernander 2004 Marilyn and Keith Schwab, Kim and Pete Schwab 2003 M.L. “Max” DeBolt 2002 Rose Andersen and Diane Barge 2001 Carol “Mickey” and Dan Barr 2000 Joette and Michael Gostomski 1999 Roger Metz 1998 Nancy and Mark Kristensen 1997 Dave Arnold and Dan Rukavina 1996 Pete Woodworth 1995 Dr. Frank and Ruth Bures 1994 Sue Cornwell 1993 Bob Kierlin 1992 Tom Graham 1991 Gary Evans 1990 Pauline Knight 1989 Tom and Judith Stark, Dr. Roger and Helen Hartwich, John and Helen David