Jose Pelaez named recipient of Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute

“Jose shows up for organizations across Winona. His support reflects a genuine commitment to helping organizations grow and ensuring people in our community feel connected and valued, all the while not seeking gain or recognition for himself,” wrote Shella Schneider in her nomination of Jose Pelaez for the Winona Health Foundation Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute.

Jose received the Community Service Tribute at a dinner held in his honor at Cedar Valley Golf Course on Wednesday, May 20.

The Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute is presented by Hugh Miller and RTP Company annually, through the Winona Health Foundation, to recognize a community member(s) for their exceptional generosity of time, talent, spirit or charitable gifts.

Hugh Miller with Jose Pelaez. Jose was recognized as the recipient of the Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute on May 20, 2026.

During the evening’s remarks, Shella Schneider shared that “If you know Jose, you know he is someone who naturally connects with people.” Shella concluded that “He shares ideas freely, encourages businesses, and supports others, even when they may be in the same line of work, because he truly believes a stronger community benefits everyone.”

Andrew Malovrh, owner of AMM Cyber Solutions, commented that Jose “represents the very best of the Midwest. He is the embodiment of the idea that our community is only as strong as the connections we forge between us.”

Jose was also recognized for his additional contributions to the Winona community including his service as a board member for numerous community organizations.

In accepting the honor, Jose thanked the Miller family, saying “This tradition your family has created is really special.”

During his acceptance remarks, Jose shared how surprised he was to receive this tribute; how he insisted on reading the nomination materials, and after doing so, realized that it was showing up, in person, that has the biggest impact. He concluded by honoring everyone in the crowd who shows up to support Winona, saying, “You’re the ones that show up…so tonight, I’m celebrating you. Thank you for showing up.”

Hugh Miller, Ben and Adith Miller’s son and RTP President and CEO, presented the award. This is the Tribute’s 38th year.

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 Pelaez’s honor.

In Fiscal Year 2025, 489 grateful patients received $527,371 in financial assistance from the fund. Since its inception in 1986, the Ben and Adith Miller Patient Care Fund has helped 8,953 individuals pay more than $16.7 million in medical costs.

Along with the Miller family and RTP’s gifts through the years, ongoing community generosity also makes this fund possible.

Those who would like to make a gift to the Winona Health Foundation in honor of Jose Pelaez, may direct their gift to the Winona Health Foundation by mail: 855 Mankato Ave., Winona, MN 55987, or online: winonahealth.org/foundation.

Those who have questions about the Winona Health Foundation may call 507.494.7384 or send a message via email to foundation@winonahealth.org.

Past recipients of the Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute (reflects year in which recipient was recognized.)
2025 Sandra Burke
2024 Ken and Sally Mogren
2023 Dick Dahl
2022 Dan Goltz
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