KEARNEY — Family, faith and friends: Gene and Marijean Methe, the 2006 Freedom Award winners in the religion category, said the three f’s are what they live for.

The Methes are active, especially in Prince of Peace Catholic Church. They have been members since the church’s beginning 20 years ago and helped raise funds to open it. Marijean is in charge of organizing funeral dinners in the church, and the couple have been involved in the Fall Festival for several years.

They also volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Knights of Columbus, and the entire Methe family serves a meal once a year at the Kearney Jubilee Center.

All that work earned them this year’s Freedom Award in the religion category.

The Rev. Mike McDonald of Prince of Peace wrote in his nomination letter, “The Methes are a couple who not only attend church on a regular basis but take seriously the gospel call to serve, to love and to care for others.”

Gene and Marijean have been married for 53 years. Together, they have raised nine children who also are contributing members of the community. Proudly displayed on the walls of their home are photos of their children, their 35 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Although Freedom Awards often are given to individuals, McDonald said it was unthinkable to separate the Methes.

“They are a team. They are devoted to their faith; they’re devoted to their family, but they’re devoted to each other,” he said. “And you don’t have to spend too much time around them to realize that they really care deeply for each other.”

The Methes, who both are retired, said they also volunteered for organizations while they were working: Gene worked as a meatcutter and Marijean for Educational Service Unit 10. In their spare time, they enjoy golfing, traveling and spending time with family.

“They’re well-known as not so much individuals but as Gene and Marijean Methe, a couple that really will show up and give 150 percent at any project,” McDonald said. “They will do just about anything they could for people whether they’re in the church or just in need here in town.”

The Methes said their decision to volunteer results from all of the blessings they received, and they plan to continue as long as they’re healthy.

“Any of the gifts that we receive — ” Marijean said as she started to cry.

“ — we need to pay back,” Gene finished.

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