Vol. 121, No. 6
InsIde Read about the November Board meeting ➤ Pgs. 4 & 8
Why Camp is so beneficial to children ➤ Pg. 13
Schools of dance schedule spring recitals ➤ Pg. 14
hermannsonslife.org
April 2018
Event highlights grief support camp SEGUIN – Members of Hermann Sons Life came to Seguin on Saturday, March 17, to attend the “Leading With Heart” statewide event. The 259 attendees included the board of directors, Home Office officers and employees, committee members, lodge officers and agents. The highlight of the event was a presentation on the first Hermann Sons Life Camp Grief Support Session held last summer in Comfort. Vice President of Member Benefits Kim Krueger thanked those who had made the session possible before introducing two of the participants – Morgan Steubing and Alex Eads (pictured at right) – who shared their personal stories about the session and what it meant to them. Turn to Page 7 to read their story. Kim reported that lodges and individuals had responded in a big way to an invitation to donate to the 2018 Grief Support Session. The final tally for money raised in conjunction with the event is $7,270. The event started with three education sessions held simultaneously. Chair of the
Board Sandra Jones and President and CEO Buddy Preuss led a session titled “Building Leaders for Our Future.” Vice President of Member Benefits Kim Krueger and Members Benefits Coordinator Cecily Kelly led a session titled “Dollars and Sense for Lodge Reporting.” The third session was led by Communications Director Kathie Ninneman and Community Service Coordinator Laura Adams. It was titled “Make Your Lodge the Heart of Your Community.” After the catered meal, everyone got to hear from Chair of the Board Sandra Jones who shared her Hermann Sons Life story and how she and husband Sam became members before they even got married at the urging of family members who already were members. See EVENT, Pg. 7
Cook-off fun in Comfort
The 29th Retirement Home Chili Cook-off was held March 10 at the Home outside Comfort. Chili and bean cooks from around the area took part in the event. Thanks to them and everyone who purchased a prize drawing ticket more than $7,000 was added to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund. Major donors included Prinz Solms Lodge, Debra Hundley and Glenn Marvin and Suzanne Hildebrand who made her donation in honor of the Retirement Home and Member Benefits Department staff. Taking part in the event this year was the Best of the Best (BOB) Team pictured at left. Home resident Elsie Anderson, second from right, and her children and grandchildren make up the team that took first place in amateur showmanship. The BOB Team name was chosen to honor the memory of Bob Anderson, Elsie’s husband, who passed away recently. He also was a resident at the Home. For more photos and results from the cook-off, turn to Pages 15-17.
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
HERMANN SONS LIFE
President’s Message
USPS 242200 Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, Texas Published Monthly by
Camp makes us different and it makes a difference
HERMANN SONS LIFE 515 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 DIRECTORS Sandra Jones, Chair Mike Beam Suzanne Hildebrand David Noak Stan Steiger David Wolf OFFICERS President and CEO Allan W. “Buddy” Preuss Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Vice President of Finance and CFO Harry Werland Vice President of Marketing Timothy P. Kolbe Vice President of Member Benefits Kimberly A. Krueger Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker LAWS COMMITTEE
Norma Bruns Tommy Daum Agnes Dreibrodt Lillian Franckowiak Debbie Gold Charles Knibbe David Lewis Jeanette Preuss
Robert Prewitt Tim Salge Steven Schellenberg Marlin Tanneberger Ronald Wiatrek Janet Zabransky Gerald Ziemnicki
MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Bradford Boehme Frank Brandon Shirley Faske Tammy Kelley
Bradley Klein Ed Kurtz Laura Thigpen
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Elizabeth Byron Tammy Haecker Marsha Kocurek Sayra Martinka
Sherry Rakowitz Lisa Rozacky Irene Schwertner
BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Brad Dietrich Robert Herridge Tammy Jones Edward J. Muehlbrad
Doug Saathoff Laura Tiffin Lori Todd
A Hermann Sons Life sales agent received a phone call from a parent who was unfamiliar with our organization. She had heard great things about our Camp from her daughter’s friend at school and wanted her daughter to attend. The agent responded that mom would first have to purchase a life insurance policy for her daughter; to which mom replied, “That must be a dangerous camp!” This is a true story – and proof that our combination of life insurance and Camp is truly different. It is member benefits, like Camp, that makes us different from other insurance companies. When we return profits to our members in ways like this, we strengthen community. It is through the purchase of a life insurance certificate that
one becomes a member of Hermann Sons Life. And it is almost 70,000 members that make it possible for Camp to be offered at a below-cost price. Life insurance provides valuable protection for the child’s future and in turn, the child’s membership affords top of the line member benefits, like Camp, and the ability for us to reinvest our profits into community service. Of course, Camp is the safest
of environments. Just ask Executive Camp Director Katie Miller about the precautions and safeguards we take and you will be amazed at the detailed planning and standards that are followed. And Camp is fun and exciting for our young participants. But also, Camp makes a difference with our children. Talk to any child who has attended Hermann Sons Life Camp and you will hear stories of new things learned and new friends made. Some of the most impactful ways Camp makes a difference is through community living. Through living in cabins together, eating meals family style and sharing traditions at night like telling the positive events of the day in small groups, children gain the social and emotional skills to be strong lead-
ers and community members when they leave Camp. It’s all of these new and different situations Camp creates that help children to grow in such profound ways. And it is the longevity and excellent practices that are part of what make our Camp so extraordinary. Camp and life insurance. When you look at how both strengthen community and make a difference, it is quite obvious why these are combined and why they make us a better kind of different. I hope you will spread the word about the value of Hermann Sons Life membership and our Camp so we can make a difference in the lives of even more children. – Buddy Preuss President and CEO
Golfers will raise scholarship money during tourney SAN ANTONIO – The eighth annual Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament will be played at the Golf Club of Texas located at 13600 Briggs Ranch in San Antonio on Saturday, April 7. Cost to play is $100 per player. The fee covers green fees, range balls, one Mulligan and a lunch during which awards will be pre-
sented. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The format will be a four-person scramble. Sponsorships are available. An individual can sponsor a hole for $100. A corporation or business can sponsor a hole for $175. Awards will be presented
to the first, second, third and fourth place teams and to the man and woman with the longest drive, the golfer closest to the pin and the golfer with the most accurate drive. Hole-in-one opportunities are available on four holes. Any golfer making a hole-in-one will go home with a $100 prize. All proceeds directly benefit
"Hugs from Home"
Give us the name and address of someone in the military who is deployed overseas and we will add them to our "Hugs from Home" list of care package recipients. Name ______________________________________ Address Line 1 _______________________________ Address Line 2 _______________________________ Address Line 3 _______________________________ Deployment Dates ____________________________ Mail to: Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941, Attention: Member Benefits Dept.
the Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund. Shannon was a camper and counselor who lost her battle with leukemia in December 1998 at the age of 21. Entry and payment deadline is March 31. The tournament brochure and online registration are available at hermannsonslife. org/golf.
Donations made for more ‘Hugs’ SAN ANTONIO – Donations continue to be made so that “Hugs from Home” can be sent to military personnel serving overseas. The most recent donors were Hondo Victory Lodge, McGregor Lodge, MissionAlamo Lodge, Karnes City Lodge and Henrietta Fenner. Send donations to: Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941, Attention: Member Benefits Department.
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Processing of forms continues SAN ANTONIO – The Home Office staff continues the work necessary to process the more than 11,000 Member Information Forms received since early January. Members received the forms as part of the Name Change Endorsement required by the Texas Department of Insurance. Members received an endorsement for each of the certificates they have and are asked to attach the endorsement to them. In addition, they were asked to complete the Member Information Form so that their records at the Home Office could be updated. “We are overwhelmed by the response,” President and CEO Buddy Preuss said. “We are so grateful to our members who took the time to return their forms. “We ask for your patience as we continue to process the
Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe and his staff, Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley, left, and Marketing Analyst Ana Vasquez, right, review the Member Information Forms that members returned indicating that they wanted to speak to an agent. forms. As you can imagine, reviewing 11,000 forms takes time and we want to make sure we are handling the forms and the
information on them in the best way possible so that we can provide the best customer service possible,” he said.
Underwriting Director Amy Heinsohn sits behind stacks of Member Information Forms that members returned over the past several weeks. Home Office personnel continue to process the more than 11,000 forms.
Events APRIL 14 – Braun Hall, 9721 Braun Road, will host a 7 – The Eighth Annual Hermann Sons Youth dance from 7-11 p.m. featuring music from the
Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament will be held at Golf Club of Texas. Cost to play is $100 per person. The tournament will use a four-person scramble format. Entry and payment deadline is March 31. Register online at hermannsonslife.org/golf. Call Jan Stone at 210-422-1952 for more information. 7 – Seguin Lodge will host a Spring Flea Market at the hall, 2918 W. Kingsbury St., Seguin, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Inside spaces are $15 each. Outside spaces are $25 each. To reserve a space call Vernelle Jones at 830-379-9943. 7 – Braun Hall, 9721 Braun Road, will host a public dance with music by The Countrymen. There is a $10 cover charge. Call the hall at 210-688-9241 for more information. 7 – Bandera County Lodge is hosting a Senior Fun Day at the Retirement Home starting at 2 p.m. The afternoon will include an ice cream social and refreshments. The Ukuele Ladies and Gents will perform.
70s, 80s and 90s. There will be a $10 cover charge. Beer, wine, soft drinks and set-ups available at the bar. Food trucks on the grounds. Call the Hall at 210-688-9241 to make a reservation. 21 – Braun Hall, 9721 Braun Road, will host a public dance with music by Borderline. There is a $10 cover charge. Call the hall at 210-688-9241 for more information.
21 – The Goodtime Polka and Waltz Club of New
Braunfels will host a dance from 7-11 p.m. at Eagles Hall, 257 South St., New Braunfels. Music will be by The Red Ravens Orchestra from El Campo. Guests are welcome. Memberships available at the registration table. Call 830-660-0437 or 830660-4866 for more information. 22 – The 16th annual Fruehling Saengerfest will be held at Concordia Hall in Bellville beginning at 11 a.m. with a German-style meal. Choral groups will provide entertainment. There will be vendors, children’s activities and an outdoor dance and sing-a-long. Admission is free.
If you would like to see your lodge’s event listed here and in the Events section of the Hermann Sons Life website, call Kathie Ninneman, 210-226-9261, ext. 273, or 1-800-234-4124, ext. 273, or email kathien@hermannsonslife.org.
Editor/Communications Director Kathie Ninneman 210-226-9261, ext. 273 email: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Elaine Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor, Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication. The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of Hermann Sons Life. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the President and CEO, and the President and CEO shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons Life as editor and/or business manager thereof (Art. 38, Grand Lodge Laws).
Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Board reports on November meeting actions
The Board of Directors met on Monday, Nov . 20, and Tuesday, Nov . 21, to discuss the business of Hermann Sons Life . Reports of the Audit and Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management Committees and an update of the Strategic Planning Committee were presented . The Enterprise Risk Management Committee reviewed its committee charter and a Parkway Advisors article on ERM . They also had a conference call with Theron Holladay, president and CEO of Parkway Advisors . Surplus was discussed in depth and the major threat list was
viewed . The committee agreed to have a low tolerance on federal and state regulatory compliance and a conservative investment policy . The committee will be working with Vice President of Finance and CFO Harry Werland to develop a risk appetite statement . The Audit and Compliance Committee reviewed receipts for the company American Express account, the 2017 Agent Awards Banquet and special representative reimbursements . In all, nothing was found to be out of order however, the committee recommended improve-
ments in standardized rules for receipts and a re-evaluation of agent awards . The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed the plan and highlighted several topics including the Policy Administration System, evaluation of the new Commissioners Standard Ordinary (CSO) Mortality Tables and the 2017 subsidy letter to lodges . The Board approved the strategic plan . The Board heard the report of the President and CEO . During his report, Buddy Preuss presented the final version of the Local Lodge Ritual that was
derived from meetings of a Ritual Committee (appointed by the President and CEO), Grand Lodge Convention delegates and the Bylaws of Local Lodges Committee (made up of the four vice presidents) . The Board accepted the final version of the Local Lodge Ritual . Brother Preuss informed the Board that a letter had been sent to lodge presidents empowering them to install all other officers at their first meeting of 2018 . This same letter acknowledged that the local lodge subsidy given each year is not guaranteed and that lodges should
budget based on the possibility of a lower subsidy . The letter also previewed the upcoming annual event in March . President Preuss reported the three standing committees, Member Benefits, Member Engagement and Business Operations, had all met recently to introduce members to their duties . The Board was especially intrigued with the new Business Operations Committee and requested to attend its next meeting . With this in mind, the next meeting of the Business OperaSee BOARD, Pg. 8
Inside Lodge Reports Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Coupland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Deanville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dunlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Edelweiss-Magnolia . . . . . .25 Ellinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Fredericksburg . . . . . . . . . . .27 Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Haskell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . .27 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Kerrville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Kypfer-Salge . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
La Vernia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . .19 Marion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Maxwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Mission-Alamo . . . . . . . . . . .18 New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Old Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Paige . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Paul Vogt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Plum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Richland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Schulenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Schwertner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Shelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Shiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Siemering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Womack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Monthly Features 2 2 3 9-10 11 11 11 12
President’s Message Donations made to send ‘Hugs’ Calendar of Events Pioneer Members Retirement Home News Memorial Donation Form Memorial donations In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members
1 & 6-7 1 & 15-17 2 3 4&8 11 11
“Leading With Heart” event held in Seguin Chili Cook-off held at Retirement Home Tournament will raise money for scholarships Staff processing Member Information Forms Synopsis of November Board meeting Bandera County Lodge hosting Senior Fun Day Braun Hall site of Retro Dance
5 5 5 6 31
Single premium plans have good growth potential Recommenders listed SAFE Plan features outlined Lodges recognized for meeting new member goals Listing of agents
13 13 14 14 14 18 32
Why Camp is important for children Jobs available at Camp Scholarship deadlines approaching Dance recital schedule Answers to puzzle on Pg . 32 Hondo Victory Lodge offers cash to graduates Shining Stars
New This Month
Marketing News
Youth in Action
Marketing
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
Growth potential of single premium plan hard to beat By TIM KOLBE Vice President of Marketing At the “Leading with Heart” event in Seguin, I was visiting with local lodge members and grandparents who make it a tradition to buy all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren a whole life product with Hermann Sons Life. There was a real sense of pride displayed in that statement, and it’s no wonder; Hermann Sons Life is the best family-friendly, community-based organization in the State of Texas, but maybe I’m a bit biased. I asked the grandmother how they pay for the insurance, and she said that they only buy single premium products. These grandparents are very smart about how they ensure the legacy of Hermann Sons Life protection for those children. They deftly avoid the scenario we all-too-often see at the Home Office. Now what do you suppose would happen if both grandparents passed away, or found themselves unable to pay the premiums? Would the parents of the insured continue paying premiums or the insured themselves for that matter?
There are lots of unanswered questions with this scenario. There is a way to ensure that the untimely death or incapacitation of the policy owner will not be an issue, and that is a single premium whole life product. Generations of youth begin their life-long membership as junior members of our organization. Not only do they benefit from our “living benefits,” but also some very smart parents and grandparents bestowed upon them the gift of whole life insurance. This protection for life is obtained at a young age, when premiums are low and health allows for the best underwriting conditions, providing for a premium that cannot be matched later in life. That gift of insurance is best conveyed in our single premium whole life products. If budgets allow and funds are available, the single premium product is the best value for these reasons: • Pay once and you’re done. No further premiums are due for the life of the insured giving the buyer peace of mind that the insured is covered. • No early surrender charge on the initial deposit. • Single premiums go to work
immediately, earning interest and cash values. • Competitive rates of interest. Gains are tax deferred and the death benefit is tax free. (Transfer of ownership may cause a taxable event.) • Lodge dues are assessed, a feature of any fraternal. Your membership dues support your lodge and the great work it does in the community. To illustrate how the cash value grows in a single premium whole life product, consider the following example. For a 10-year-old male, a $25,000 Flex Life single premium product will cost $3,335.75. Using the current non-guaranteed rate of 4.5 percent credited to the accumulation account, the cash value at age 60 could be $20,850. That same 10-year-old who gets a $50,000 product for $6,421.50, could have a cash value of $42,723 at age 60. The accumulation grows taxdeferred and the death benefit is tax free to the beneficiaries. Plus, there is opportunity for growth in the face value as time passes and product accumulation values increase. In addition to future financial
Hermann Sons Life Senior Adult Final Expense Plan (SAFE) • Policy amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000 • Modified underwriting can accommodate some medical conditions (but this is not a guarantee issue plan) • The plan grows 2.5% annually on the face value (For example, a $10,000 plan grows by $250 each year the certificate is in force)
• Death benefits are paid tax-free to beneficiaries (Convert those bank CDs to a tax-free payout life insurance plan)
• Single premium. Pay once and you’re done. (Except for annual lodge membership dues)
Other plans are available that may suit your needs.
Contact your agent or the Home Office at 877-437-6266 or 210-527-9113 www.hermannsonslife.org
protection, membership in Hermann Sons Life provides living benefits to junior members by offering reduced rates for dance instruction, a summer camp for boys and girls, a day at the water park for our Shining Stars and college scholarships for our young adults. Camp registration is now in full swing and weeks are beginning to fill! Register now and invite a friend! If dance is more your thing, then sign up now to become a junior member and get a head start on the rush once the new dance season registration be-
gins in June! We have single premium plans for adults also. Leave a lasting legacy for those loved ones in your life with a gift of a single premium life insurance product, AND just by being a member, provide for the common good in communities across Texas. Your local Hermann Sons Life agent can help explain the features and benefits of our single premium plans. Look for the agent locator feature on our website – hermannsonslife.org or call us at 800-234-4124. Our Marketing Department folks will be happy to assist.
Hays wins $100 gift card The Marketing Department is recognizing 30 recommenders for the month of February. That makes 54 members recommending 73 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2018. The winner of the $100 gift card for February is Mary E. Hays from Boerne Lodge. Congratulations to the following February recommenders Recommender Agent Kathleen Willmann, Spring Branch Lodge Gloria Gass Emma Blanchette, Prinz Solms Lodge Teresa Saathoff Nathan Alfaro, Harmonia Lodge (*) Carol Krauss Korbin Ray Benes. Seguin Lodge Carol Krauss Abigail Blanchette, Prinz Solms Lodge Teresa Saathoff Malford Brehm Jr., Cibolo Lodge (*) Dan Boenig Jackson Elley, Seguin Lodge Diane Terp Jennifer Fishbeck, Seguin Lodge Annette Roecker Jessie Lee Gutierrez, Poth Lodge Eulla Krueger Mary E. Hays, Boerne Lodge Eulla Krueger Donna Henke, Fredericksburg Lodge Dennis Henke Suzanne Hildebrand, Mission-Alamo Ruth Bailey Kailynn Hysell, Castroville Lodge Eulla Krueger Christopher Jahn, New Bielau Lodge Terrel Maertz Susan S. Jimenez, Dunlay Lodge Emma Moya Mildred Johnston, Weesatche Lodge Laura Tiffin Chealsie Kuhaneck, Vineta Lodge Roxy Pruski Rania Boelter Lange, Seguin Lodge Carol Krauss Kassidy Leal, Gonzales Lodge (*) Bobbie Polasek Galen A Moeller, Rowena Lodge (&) Teresa Saathoff Benjamin Haywood Moss, Austin (&) Shirley Faske Lucille Novak, Poth Lodge (*) Marlin Tanneberger Addison Leigh Seidel, Seguin Lodge Diane Terp Jason James Simpson, Giddings Lodge Loretta Chilek Elaine Marie Soto, Seguin Lodge Carol Krauss Lisa Mae Tinney, Comfort Lodge Norma Bruns Keira Kaye Tondre, Helotes Lodge Glenford Boehme Jana Lindsay Williams, Fort Worth Lodge Sandra Jones Darlene Wollney, Kirby Lodge Judy Schulmeier Thelma Zwicke, Marion Lodge Lorene Bielke (*) Recommended 2 new members (&) Recommended 4 new members
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Grief Support Session ‘Leading with Heart’ donors The following made a donation to the Hermann Sons Life Camp Grief Support Session as part of the “Leading with Heart” event.
A total of 48 lodges met or exceeded their new member goal in 2017. Of those, 16 also had an overall increase in membership. Representatives of most of those lodges are pictured above with Chair of the Board Sandra Jones, President and CEO Buddy Preuss and Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe. See below for a list of the lodges.
Representatives of the 32 lodges that met or exceeeded their new member goal in 2017 are pictured with Chair of the Board Sandra Jones, President and CEO Buddy Preuss and Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe. See below for a list of the lodges.
Lodges recognized for meeting goal Forty-eight lodges met or exceeded their 2017 new member goal. The first 16 lodges (first column) listed also had an overall increase in membership for the year.
Bernardo Bexar Columbia Hondo Victory Jackson County Jourdanton Karnes City Lone Oak Marion Mission-Alamo Needville New Braunfels Paige Nixon-Smiley Round Top Stockdale
Anton Wenzel Bellville Brenham Castroville Comfort Coupland Dallas Deanville D’Hanis Dunlay Edelweiss-Magnolia El Campo Ellinger Flatonia Fort Worth Gay Hill
Hondo Kerrville Kirby Lockhart New Bielau Niederwald Old Glory Paul Vogt Richland Round Rock Shelby Shiner Stern Vineta Weesatche Yorktown
Steiger Insurance Agency, Inc. Terrel and Robin Maertz Vic and Eulla Krueger Betty and Ed Kurtz • Douglas Buck Rutersville Lodge Fredericksburg Lodge Schulmeier Family Moulton Lodge Niederwald Lodge Roy Merz • Annette Roecker David and Pamela Wolf Hunter and Katie Miller • Sandra Duncan Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Anton Wenzel Lodge Bexar Lodge Darrell and Karen Woody Castroville Lodge Pearl Hunt Schwertner Lodge Carol Krauss • Kerry Ginn Stockdale Lodge Karnes City Laubach Lodge Alice Golla • Calvin Lamensky Jack and Catherine Manchack Joe and Cindy Ledwig Camp Staff in Honor of Stephanie Garza Lone Oak Lodge John and Diana Moreno Suzanne Hildebrand Tracy Campos • Bonnie Cypert Goliad Hermann Sons Home Association Tammy Jones • Rebecca Henley Alexandra “Marbles” Eads Jim and Linda Mattocks Boerne Lodge Jackson County Lodge New Bielau Lodge Lillian Franckowiak Loretta Chilek • Delores Bayer Norma and Dusty Bruns Comfort Lodge Linda Migura • Bonnie Cypert Hermann Sons Life Manchaca Hermann Sons Life Shive Robert and Sarah Spencer David and Mary Noak Shirley and Ben Faske Sam and Sandra Jones Nancy Walraven • Ruth Bailey Stephen and Linda Schellenberg Darlene Bohmfalk • Pat Saunier Debbie and Ray Pfefferkorn Beth Cutsinger Thomas Pardue Jr.
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
Speakers share their personal stories of healing SEGUN – Two of the participants in the first Grief Support Session ever sponsored by Hermann Sons Life at its Camp in Comfort stood before more than 250 people on March 17 and shared their very personal stories of tragic loss and their path to healing. Morgan Steubing was a camper at the first session in the summer of 2017. She was there because in February of that year she lost her 19-year-old sister, Rylan, following an epileptic seizure while the family was living in South America. Alexandra Eads was a counselor at the first session. Alex works in the television news industry in Corpus Christi so she was able to videotape the four-day session and create a video about it that was played for the audience. But she was there also to heal as she had lost her stepfather and uncle
in 2015 in a car accident. Morgan, who is now 16, told everyone the story surrounding her sister’s death and how she has been dealing with that loss. “Grief is a road that no human on the face of the earth can tell you how to walk down. It is uncovering a new secret every day. It is sadness and hardships and it is loneliness but it also is a blessing. It is different for everyone, and no one’s grief can compare to someone else’s,” she said. As she spoke about the Grief Support Session and the healing circles in particular and how the experience had helped her, she said, “I felt like people actually genuinely cared about how I was doing.” She added, “And for the first time it made me feel not so alone in my grief. I felt validated and I felt comforted.”
Before she got to the Grief Support Session, Morgan had written a song about her sister. She didn’t bring her guitar with her to the session but she borrowed one from another camper and played the song for everyone. It is the background music for the video that Alex created. In closing, Morgan talked about what the Grief Support Camp meant to her. “The impact that is has on a broken heart is indescribable, and even though grief is a never-ending journey, this session made me realize that I had others walking that journey with me and that is priceless.” For Alex, the session wasn’t just about her grief journey. It was also about the path her sister was walking as she dealt with the grief she was going through after losing her father. While Alex and her mother were
open about their grieving – sharing memories, pictures, videos and random heavenly visits on Facebook, Morgan became quiet and withdrawn. Nothing Alex and her mother did was working. “Then we went to the Grief Support Session,” Alex said, “And everything changed. What she’d been missing was having another child to talk to about what she was going through. Seeing her laugh, and cry, and share with these other kids made it all very clear that this is what she needed.” And she said the healing has continued. “She’s starting to get back to the little girl she was before.” She ended by thanking Hermann Sons Life for sponsoring this special camp. “You have made a tremendous difference in so many children’s lives. I am so thankful to have
Morgan Steubing is pictured with her family, parents Stephanie and James Steubing and little sister Maren. been a part of this session and so glad that this session will be able to continue providing healing for many summers to come.”
Leaders address crowd Cont’d. from Pg. 1 She talked about how they have kept the Hermann Sons Life tradition alive in their family. Their daughters are members and so are their grandchildren. She thanked everyone for coming and reminded them that she and the rest of the board of directors are available to help members in any way they can. President and CEO Buddy Preuss thanked Sandra for sharing her story and noted that everyone in the room has a story of tradition. “The people in this room are rich with stories of tradition which when woven together create the fabric of our organization,” he said. “Our greatest strength is in our collective story. ‘We strengthen community’ is more than a tagline, it is essentially who we are.” He urged everyone to help the organization grow by sharing their story with others and spreading the word about the good work that Hermann Sons Life is doing for families and communities. “Within each of us is the power to make an impact and to secure our organization’s future,” he said.
Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker was introduced at the beginning of the program to give the invocation. He thanked the board of directors for creating the new vice president position and pledged to those assembled that he is committed to moving the organization’s technology forward. He said that doing so will make doing business with Hermann Sons Life easier and smoother for members, agents and lodges. He cautioned that this will take time but assured everyone that he and his team are working hard to make it happen. Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe was the last person to speak. He talked about the financial strength of Hermann Sons Life and that increasing membership is always the number one goal of the Marketing Department. He applauded his sales team for its work and added that everyone can help increase membership by recommending new members. He also recognized the 48 lodges that met or exceeded their new member goal for 2017. After the program, members were able to dance to the music of Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band.
Vice President of Member Benefits Kim Krueger, standing at right, and Member Benefits Coordinator Cecily Kelly, seated, talk to lodge officers about how to complete lodge forms for submission to the Home Office.
Community Service Coordinator Laura Adams, left, and Communications Director Kathie Ninneman led a session on how to successfully run a communitiy service project and the importance of raising community awareness of Hermann Sons Life.
President and CEO Buddy Preuss and Chair of the Board Sandra Jones address lodge presidents and others attending the session titled “Building Leaders for Our Future.”
The Marketing Department staff was available to answer questions and accept applications and referrals for membership. The staff includes, from left, Special Representatives Teresa Saathoff, Eulla Krueger and Becki Carley and Marketing Analyst Ana Vasquez.
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Board provides synopsis of November meeting Cont’d. from Pg. 4 tions Committee will be Aug. 6 so Board members may attend a portion of the meeting during their continuing education session. President Preuss gave a report on the various topics discussed at the Staff Development Summit held in September including the staff’s role in strategic planning, ensuring the privacy of our members and maintaining a strong Home Office team (which included several changes to the Home Office employee’s handbook). The Board expressed concerns that the change to allow employees to wear denim might reflect adversely on the management in the eyes of the customer. The administration realizes this is simply the direction the world is moving but understands it must continue to monitor such rules while focusing on exemplary customer service. The Board was briefed on the Impact Report that is being designed to reflect how Hermann Sons Life is impacting lives. The report will be a center pullout piece in the May issue of the Hermann Sons Life newspaper. The Board expressed the need for greater publicity in local news outlets. It was described as missed opportunities to share what we do. President Preuss assured the Board he and Communications Director Kathie Ninneman would focus on development in this area. The Board briefly discussed the possibility of having a Vice President of Information Technology rather than just a director of the department under the Vice President of Operations and promised it would be discussed further at the next meeting. Brother Preuss spoke about recent conversations he had with the San Antonio Conservation Society about finding ways to focus on Hermann Sons Life and its impact on German heritage during San Antonio’s tricentennial in 2018. Vice President of Finance and CFO Harry Werland reported the company is performing better financially than last year due to smaller advertising costs because
of the name change, low medical expenses, reduced death claim volume, greater capital gains on mutual funds and convention costs coming in under budget. He explained that asset and liability matching continues to be a priority and a challenge. He also reported that annuity income is down slightly and he has kept very little liquid funds available in the last six months. Vice President Werland continuously updates the watch list and reviews investments with stale market strategies. Vice President Werland indicated that he would like to seek alternative conservative investment opportunities and the Board approved. Vice President of Member Benefits Kim Krueger gave her quarterly report. She distributed a list of all 2018 event dates to the Board and reported that the Sutherland Springs Fund continues to grow. She also detailed that, due to a recommendation from the human resources advisor, dance instructors will be transitioning from contract labor to part-time employees. In addition, each teacher’s pay schedule will be converted to a 12-month cycle, similar to the way school teachers are paid. Vice President Krueger gave an update on options for wastewater treatment at Riverside Camp in Comfort. She also passed out maps showing that Hermann Sons Life owns many of the roads bordering the Camp and Retirement Home properties that offer easements to the county. Vice President Krueger reported she has been working with lodges that are struggling with participation and attendance. Some of these lodges have chosen to merge with stronger lodges while others continue to restructure. The Board complimented Vice President Krueger on her media interview when presenting Hurricane Harvey relief donations on behalf of Hermann Sons Life. Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe gave his quarterly report to the Board. He began by reviewing third quarter production and explained that an online dance portal was tested and 13 leads for
adults came in leading to three dance class pizza parties. It was reported that 37 lodges have met their new member goal for the year. There was a lengthy discussion about our agents. It was pointed out that many of the agents are not producing. Vice President Kolbe explained that all agents were given goals for 2017 and will be evaluated in the coming year. Vice President Kolbe indicated that next year the cost of continuing education weekend will be based on production and that roughly 25-30 percent of field agents are meeting goals. There was a similar discussion about special representatives. It was agreed that higher standards and goals for special representatives should be set. The general consensus was that special representatives are needed, but the whole system needs to be revamped with more supervision, a better defined job description and more self-motivation and scrutiny. Vice President Kolbe reported the updated float was ready for events. He also complimented Marketing Analyst Ana Vasquez who was instrumental in the name change filings earlier in the year. He also pointed out that since the Department of Labor is ever-changing, it will most likely be about another 18 months before fiduciary rules are in place with changes. President Preuss commented that Vice President Kolbe and Vice President Krueger have been talking about agents attending dance class recitals and increasing their prominence in the community. Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier and Information Technology Director Matt Walker were called upon to give a presentation on our future technology needs and detailed information on a new Policy Administration System proposal. IT Director Walker presented an historical accounting of the research and discussions held over the past 18 months regarding the future of the Policy Administration System along with his recommendation to perform an
extensive upgrade to the existing system. He explained that he feels the overall goals to reach and service customers, connect to and interact with members and onboard prospects will all be met by the proposed upgrade. Customers will be able to receive service through online portals, members will be able to be engaged through multiple channels and agents will have the option of using electronic applications. The objectives he is striving to meet were identified during Strategic Planning. Board members feel very positive about the proposal and will consider it with the overall budget proposal. Vice President Schulmeier explained that she had recently participated in several teleconferences with a Wells Fargo’s Relationship Manager and their Wholesale eReceivables Consultant in order to further define the logistics of offering online payment options to members. She also detailed that the preliminary fieldwork had begun to determine what would be required to implement software from Citrix Systems that would allow electronic signatures on applications and transactional forms. Vice President Schulmeier let everyone know that the Bylaws of Local Lodges had been updated to reflect changes made during the convention in May, as well as, verbiage excluding felons from being eligible to serve as lodge officers due to a thought provoking request from one of the lodges. She let everyone know that through Vice President Werland’s dealings with the non-profit tax status of lodges, legally a dissolution clause must be added and the Board of Directors agreed that it should be included in the Bylaws as presented. It was also reported that the search for an underwriting assistant had come to an end and that Mercedes Granados had begun serving in her new position on Nov. 6. Future plans for the Underwriting Department were also laid out for the Board. The Board appreciates the work of the officers and requested that minutes of Executive Committee meetings be made available to
them. Detailed discussion on the proposed 2018 budget followed. There were questions about the value of our relationship with the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). President Preuss explained that there is great value in the involvement specific to leading trends in the industry and education. It was suggested to limit involvement to one Hermann Sons Life representative to attend each of the three 2018 AFA meetings. Questions were raised about certain expenditures and the company accounts to which they were charged. President Preuss gave a detailed run-down of expenses for standing committees. Concern was voiced about maintaining certain certifications/ designations for employees. A request for a more cost efficient Agent Awards Banquet was discussed. The Board required that money be set aside in reserves to cover contingency items and requested to review an updated copy of the 2018 budget before approval. The Board discussed travel reimbursements. President Preuss shared how expenses are currently handled for standing committees and the Board collectively agreed that a standard policy was necessary. After much more discussion, it was agreed that Hermann Sons Life will not pay spousal airfare or alcohol expenses however any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the President and CEO. The Board discussed the 2018 Home Office holiday schedule, which the Executive Committee sets annually. The Board recommended that the Executive Committee consider adding Veteran’s Day as a Home Office holiday. It was suggested that for its February education, the Board visit the Hermann Sons Life Camp and Retirement Home complete with a walk through by Executive Camp Director Katie Miller and Retirement Home Manager Brenda Gunnink followed by lunch at the Home. Many Board members expressed how much they liked the idea and commented on how beneficial the visit will be in putting things in perspective.
75 Years
mildred j. meyer La Vernia Lodge
70 Years
glenn ray boeck Converse Lodge leland k. kruse Coupland Lodge
60 Years
terry lee ray Anton Wenzel Lodge richard lee boenig Bexar Lodge mary e. hays Boerne Lodge
letha mae borgfeld Da Costa Lodge
mary l. hohlt frances lehmann linda k. ruether Brenham Lodge
armin c. bendele Dunlay Lodge
linda diana ray Brunhilde Lodge
rita ann sPotts Fort Worth Lodge
traVis milton nelson Cat Spring Lodge
lyndon la w. neese Gruenau Lodge roger Van henry metzger lee moritz mueller mark a. mueller william e. taylor Harmonia Lodge karen joyce botter ernestine h. owings Helotes Lodge mary b. schulz Karnes City Lodge helen l. Paddie Louise Schuetze Lodge thomas r. Pruski Mission-Alamo Lodge eVerett grosgebauer New Braunfels Lodge emil l. Vorwerk Richland Lodge charles r. eckermann Schwertner Lodge
bobbye jean brasher Columbia Lodge florence marie kott bencker karen kay bourland darel alton burow hollis Paul flach Comfort Lodge judy kay mueller Cuero Family Lodge willie durham Deanville Lodge dennis w. Patterson rea roy stolz Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge clyde w. treybig Ellinger Lodge inajo gray dianna f. tutle Fort Worth Lodge george jacob lambkin michael l. odowd richard louis roe Harmonia Lodge sheryl jean summers Houston Lodge
atlee erwin fritz Seguin Lodge
bruce wayne bomba Karnes City Lodge
mary j.a. nitsch Vineta Lodge
scott a. muehlstein Kerrville Lodge
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
Pioneers calVin w. coldewey La Vernia Lodge john reynolds guess Lockhart Lodge barbara jean klein Louise Schuetze Lodge donna faye balin Pershing Lodge janice kay dietzmann Round Rock Lodge ollie dean rose Rowena Lodge bertram e. beecroft elizabeth P. beecroft San Marcos Lodge debra sue bartz melVin d. bartz roylene edwards San Patricio County Lodge kathleen muenster bowman Schulenburg Lodge edward l. schneider Shelby Lodge tim s. balin Siemering Lodge janice kay baird jane marie underwood Vineta Lodge Pamela joyce kettler shirley joyce kettler mary Patrica marVin Waco-Robinson Lodge
50 Years
william w. schmidt darryl ross surman Anton Wenzel Lodge kenneth w. frank Bernardo Lodge trent w. metzger douglas craig mzyk Bexar Lodge darrell s. noah earl lewis noah Boerne Lodge
el gene h. schulle jean arlys schulle Brenham Lodge karla l. laValley Brunhilde Lodge linda lenz boatman daryl wayne lenz Bryan Lodge marilyn f. bond Burton Lodge deborah rae gouard troy darren griggs becki marie hans michelle d. johnson amy jo wiley Castroville Lodge ronald r. brehm tina b. ynfante Cibolo Lodge lance c. sorrels Columbia Lodge jarret wade marquart dale eugene mathews janice kay Pfeiffer Comfort Lodge kenneth w. dolgner steVen d. dolgner karan l. duggan Corpus Christi Lodge bradley h. lenz Coupland Lodge kimberly m. zella alice k. zePlin DaCosta Lodge susan marie guthrie carolyn e. huggins johnny w. meusel margaret a. winkle Dallas Lodge sue ann krenek Deanville Lodge russell b. boehle daVid august boehme Pat e. brawner jr. marsha l. Poerner Dunlay Lodge ronald wayne mache Priscilla c. martin arthur lee may gary michel scott Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge
jeffery j. dugie El Campo Lodge cynthia r. dominey kenneth w. fritsch Patricia a. geistmann nancy fritsch mcelroy nancy untermeyer Philabaum james c. untermeyer Ellinger Lodge mary ann doehring Flatonia Lodge rodger edgar gee Fort Worth Lodge kimberly kay drews bradley lee fischer Gay Hill Lodge marVin d. crutchfield General Bee Lodge annie jenke timothy jenke linda kay owens ronda renee simmang Giddings Lodge john c. birdwell jeffrey d. krahn susan y. mccormick wilbur a. wimberly jr. Goliad Lodge Valeria alex Gruenau Lodge frederick h. green richard lee huePers Gulf Lodge john josePh hoog jeffery ray james shawn lee krause brett s. schuh Preston j. streicher j.w. white Harmonia Lodge mark w. kossaeth Patti schwarz nelson Helotes Lodge carl d. Paben thomas l. Paben Hillboldt Lodge wesley a. breiten Hondo Lodge continued on Pg. 10
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
50 Years CONTINUED FROM PG. XX hElEN k. wITTE Hondo Victory Lodge SaNDRa k. RIPPSTEIN Karnes City Lodge CaROl jaNE akERS Kirby Lodge CONNEll l. baDING Kypfer-Salge Lodge ElIzabETh E. McGEhEE La Grange Lodge STaCEy haNCOCk Laubach Lodge SaMUEl S. kRavITz La Vernia Lodge PaTTI G. RUThERFORD Lockhart Lodge NORa O. bOllMaN bRENDa kay GOODRICh kaRIE M. hazEN DONNa RENE SMITh Louise Schuetze Lodge baRbaRa j. jENTSCh Marion Lodge DaRla F. EhRlICh Maxwell Lodge SUSaN DIaNE aNDERSON FlORENCE hIGGINS GENE a. jONES jaMES E. lySSy ShaNNON lEE SwaN jOhNNy waClawCzyk SR. Mission-Alamo Lodge CONNIE MaRIE NOvOSaD Moulton Lodge jEFFERy DalE hEDT lOIS Fay hEDT MElvIN wayNE hEDT Ray allEN hEDT Needville Lodge lEROy hENRy PavlIk New Bielau Lodge GlENN Ray jUNG ThOMaS jOhN NEwTON New Braunfels Lodge
DaNIEl P. CORyEll DONalD S. GOMbERT ClaUDIa lyNN MIllER laNCE ThOMaS wRIGhT Paul Vogt Lodge SUzaNNE M. STOCkING Pershing Lodge l.j. haTFIElD jR. jOEl hazEl haTFIElD kENNETh lEE haTFIElD jOE DEl wESSElS Plum Lodge ClIFTON j. hENkE wENDy C. MIllS DENNIS w. REMMERS Poth Lodge DIaNE P. RaINS Priddy Lodge alvIN NEal SChUlTz Richland Lodge TaMIE kay M. SMITh Roscoe Lodge RUSSEl j. abSChNEIDER DONalD l. vOGElSaNG Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge GREGORy w. bEaCh haRvEy j. kalINa ChaRlES R. MOEllER DavID jaMES MOEllER GalEN a. MOEllER Rowena Lodge
Pioneers jEFFREy E. PaPE Spring Branch Lodge bETTy aNN SChRIEwER TRaCEy C. SChUEhlE Stern Lodge RUSSEll h. wIlSON Stockdale Lodge STEPhEN blaNE jaNkE NaNCy aNN ROhlaCk CaRla SUE TOCqUIGNy Taylor Lodge Gay lyNNE GONzalES SaNDRa lEE kUbICEk RObIN D. STaUFFER kaREN M. whITE SaNDRa h. wIllIaMSON PaMEla jO wINNINGhaM Vineta Lodge
Harold C. Weyel of New Braunfels has received his 70-year membership pin. Harold is a member of New Braunfels Lodge. He joined June 2, 1947.
Raymond W. Cracknell of San Antonio has received his 70-year membership pin. Raymond is a member of Pershing Lodge. He joined July 16, 1947.
jOhN hENRy bakER PaUla jaNET SChwaRTz Washington Lodge GaRy DON FREEMaN bETTy RUTh hOlDER Wichita Falls Lodge CaThy aNN wOlPMaN Yorktown Lodge
RIChaRD a. PERCEFUll wIllIaM D. PERCEFUll aNDREw S. wIllS San Marcos Lodge vIRGIN DEaN SChIlhab Schulenburg Lodge
RODNEy j. MORGaN kaREN SUE SChRaM DONalD k. SqUIRES MaRk G. SqUIRES GEORGE T. TOwERS Siemering Lodge
Margie Pruski of Floresville has received her 70-year membership pin. Margie is a member of Poth Lodge. She joined Oct. 17, 1947.
ShaRIlyNN lOvEly DakIl RONalD aNDREw RObERTS Waco-Robinson Lodge
RhONDa l. FISChER jOaN C. hEINSTSChEl Ruteresville Lodge
bETTy jEaN blOCh wIlbERT a. blOCh NaNCy j. bROwN kEvIN w. lUENSMaNN Seguin Lodge
Lucille Ballowe of Arlington has received her 70-year membership pin. Lucille is a member of McGregor Lodge. She joined Dec. 8, 1947.
Charles K. Anselmo of Santa Fe, Texas, has received his 60-year membership pin. Charles is a member of Gulf Lodge. He joined July 14, 1957.
Gloria Hewlett of Dallas has received her 60-year membership pin. Gloria is a member of Pershing Lodge. She joined April 3, 1957.
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Retirement Home
Resident celebrates birthday in New Orleans COMFORT - Guest at the Home in February was Bill Hinkston from Bastrop and a member of Giddings Lodge. Celebrating February birthdays were Cleo Merchant, Roland Naumann and Janice Holley. Julie Sheldon reports that resident Roland Naumann enjoyed his birthday celebration held this year in New Orleans. He arrived there Feb. 23 with his daughter and granddaughter for a five-day stay in the French Quarter. The weather was great for
strolling around the historic city. But Roland said what was really fun on this trip was riding on the Hop On/Hop Off double decker city tour buses to sightsee in the various areas around town. The guides provided very interesting information about the different city locations of interest. One stop included a visit to Mardi Gras World to learn about how the massive parade floats are created. Eating at different locations, listening to music on the streets and just people watching were favorite
activities of the family. Although he has visited New Orleans many times, Roland shared that there is always something fun to enjoy when you go. Janice Holley’s son brought her a bouquet of balloons and a cake for her to share with residents to celebrate her birthday. Anglican Priest David Guthrie conducted chapel service and Holy Communion on Feb. 26 with Kathy Bender and Al Schroeder assisting. – Helen Widner
Resident Roland Naumann, right, spent five days in New Orleans in February to celebrate his birthday. He was accompanied by his daughter and granddaughter, Julie Sheldon and Michelle Sheldon.
Donations Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of: benjamin alfons hajovsky ella kramer william odell stein billie j. ferguson Donor: Brenham Lodge
Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks & Set-Ups Available Food Trucks Wear your retro attire! (optional) Call Julie at 210-688-9241 to pre-purchase tickets.
MEMORIAL DONATION FORM Name of Deceased:
Please print
Acknowledgement from Retirement Home
Camp
Retirement Home Scholarship Fund
Camp Scholarship Fund Grief Support Session at Camp
to go to: Name:
Please print
Address: City, State, Zip: Donor:
Please print
Address: City, State, Zip: Date:
Amount: $ Clip and mail with your memorial contribution to: Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941.
otto sChulZ kenneth b. otto evelyn gorka Donor: Needville Lodge henry l. (verne) sChaefer Donor: Lockhart Lodge
daniel t. braun martin burrell Donor: Bexar Lodge evelyn l. ilse vernon roesler Donor: Ellinger Lodge la verne klesel Donor: Da Costa Lodge hilda P. morris Donor: Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
Donations to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: melvin m. joCheC joyCe marie kelly lloyd ZuerCher harold weyel Donor: New Braunfels Lodge
Donations to the Camp in Memory of: benjamin alfons hajovsky ella kramer william odell stein billie j. ferguson Donor: Brenham Lodge
otto sChulZ arnold dorr wesley oberhoff Donor: Needville Lodge sanford sChmid Donor: La Grange Lodge
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members vella mae whisenant Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died July 16, 2011 • Age 90
Peggy lynn warden La Vernia Lodge Died Nov. 5, 2017 • Age 57
colleen edna bohnert Comfort Lodge Died Dec. 25, 2017 • Age 84
laura jane hurt Corpus Christi Lodge Died Jan. 11, 2018 • Age 81
margie ann schultze Vineta Lodge Died Jan. 23, 2018 • Age 87
Peter warren ingenhuett Comfort Lodge Died Aug. 31, 2014 • Age 69
roy elmore hranicky Orange Grove Lodge Died Nov. 7, 2017 • Age 90
mary r. theis Pershing Lodge Died Dec. 26, 2017 • Age 99
dorothy k. Powell Houston Lodge Died Jan. 11, 2018 • Age 95
rhandee e. lewis Hondo Victory Lodge Died Jan. 26, 2018 • Age 26
marion h. seamon Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died May 3, 2015 • Age 90
lola goss smith Vineta Lodge Died Nov. 10, 2017 • Age 89
james l. duran Da Costa Lodge Died Dec. 26, 2017 • Age 83
alma june fimPle Siemering Lodge Died Jan. 12, 2018 • Age 88
alvin a. tessmann jr. Siemering Lodge Died Jan. 26, 2018 • Age 79
lajoyce v. brennan Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died May 11, 2016 • Age 88
marilyn e. logan Da Costa Lodge Died Nov. 17, 2017 • Age 80
harry s. rogers jr. Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Dec. 27, 2017 • Age 54
brenda b. treiber Comfort Lodge Died Jan. 13, 2018 • Age 67
henry l. schaefer Lockhart Lodge Died Jan. 26, 2018 • Age 84
oPal schwarzkoPf Seguin Lodge Died Sept. 3, 2016 • Age 84
mabel joyce haufler Comfort Lodge Died Nov. 27, 2017 • Age 86
melvin m. christian Da Costa Lodge Died Dec. 28, 2017 • Age 95
jason c. shiPman Nixon-Smiley Lodge Died Jan. 13, 2018 • Age 33
eldred irvin schneider Spring Branch Lodge Died Jan. 29, 2018 • Age 94
mathilda i. boehl Goliad Lodge Died March 28, 2017 • Age 95
fred mollenkoPf jr. Siemering Lodge Died Nov. 30, 2017 • Age 83
janet j. mccoy Da Costa Lodge Died Dec. 31, 2017 • Age 87
gerry lee riske Yorktown Lodge Died Jan. 15, 2018 • Age 74
annie l. rogers Austin Lodge Died Jan. 30, 2018 • Age 91
arbie f. muegge jr. Houston Lodge Died June 7, 2017 • Age 71
betty sue matsler El Paso Lodge Died Dec. 3, 2017 • Age 83
vernon f. kelley Siemering Lodge Died Jan. 1, 2018 • Age 82
nellie m. schwartz Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 15, 2018 • Age 89
hugo w. fater jr. Siemering Lodge Died Jan. 31, 2018 • Age 87
helen f. ferguson Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Aug. 8, 2017 • Age 100
ella s. brown Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Dec. 15, 2017 • Age 84
eldie lee koehler Deanville Lodge Died Jan. 4, 2018 • Age 85
sammy frank scrivano Harmonia Lodge Died Jan. 15, 2018 • Age 71
carl l. tindle Nixon-Smiley Lodge Died Jan. 31, 2018 • Age 83
Pauline a. PosPisil Brunhilde Lodge Died Sept. 18, 2017 • Age 86
harold sPenrath Comfort Lodge Died Dec. 15, 2017 • Age 90
jerome r. wild Cuero Family Lodge Died Jan. 4, 2018 • Age 71
darrel v. stockinger Bandera County Lodge Died Jan. 15, 2018 • Age 78
genell rohde Round Top Lodge Died Feb. 2, 2018 • Age 90
bernita jo zvonek Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Sept. 19, 2017 • Age 84
james s. brown Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Dec. 15, 2017 • Age 91
wesley f. oberhoff Needville Lodge Died Jan. 5, 2018 • Age 87
scott m. mckinley Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Jan. 17, 2018 • Age 58
benjamin alfons hajovsky Brenham Lodge Died Feb. 3, 2018 • Age 89
eugene P. wiederhold Brenham Lodge Died Sept. 19, 2017 • Age 82
charleen l. kooPmann Plum Lodge Died Dec. 18, 2017 • Age 87
Patsy jo downey Gonzales Lodge Died Jan. 7, 2018 • Age 90
chester w. kolmeier Spring Branch Lodge Died Jan. 17, 2018 • Age 100
james lee benke Helotes Lodge Died Feb. 3, 2018 • Age 79
william h. harris Pershing Lodge Died Oct. 27, 2017 • Age 82
janie mae cravy Gulf Lodge Died Dec. 19, 2017 • Age 84
charles d. mount Seguin Lodge Died Jan. 8, 2018 • Age 82
kenneth dale leck Matagorda County Lodge Died Jan. 19, 2018 • Age 69
debra kay moore Shelby Lodge Died Feb. 4, 2018 • Age 61
roy b. lehmann Giddings Lodge Died Oct. 30, 2017 • Age 89
emil j. kocian Gonzales Lodge Died Dec. 20, 2017 • Age 84
james william gest Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 9, 2018 • Age 88
william m. mcclain New Bern Lodge Died Jan. 20, 2018 • Age 80
cynthia m. krueger San Marcos Lodge Died Feb. 5, 2018 • Age 59
mauldine l. schubert Cat Spring Lodge Died Nov. 2, 2017 • Age 82
milton r. gavlick jr. Siemering Lodge Died Dec. 21, 2017 • Age 76
Pamela nichols Mission-Alamo Lodge Died Jan. 10, 2018 • Age 54
carolyn hoPkins Biry Lodge Died Jan. 21, 2018 • Age 16
ella mae halamicek Fredericksburg Lodge Died Feb. 10, 2018 • Age 92
r.l. mueller San Patricio County Lodge Died Nov. 5, 2017 • Age 85
alan w. garrison Dogwood Trail Lodge Died Dec. 22, 2017 • Age 70
ignatz sczePanik jr. Poth Lodge Died Jan. 11, 2018 • Age 75
scott e. schwarz Helotes Lodge Died Jan. 22, 2018 • Age 56
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
nolberto farias New Braunfels Lodge Died Dec. 23, 2017 • Age 86
charles f. borgfeld Weesatche Lodge Died Jan. 23, 2018 • Age 59
Camp News
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
Why your child needs to go to Camp By KATIE MILLER Executive Camp Director Camp IS FUN. The friends that you make, the activities you do and the experience you have are all part of the FUN that camp offers. It is what we think of first when we are asked about our camp experience. If camp wasn’t fun would anyone return for another summer? But, fun is not our main mission for camp. It just kind of happens when you spend a year planning for the summer and every detail of the experience. The camp experience is something that I truly believe every child should have at some point in their lifetime. It is a life experience that you cannot quite recreate anywhere else. Summer camps across the world have played a big role in positively impacting the lives of their campers. While there are many reasons for sending your child to camp, here are some of my reasons why it is a great choice. Campers are part of a community. While at camp, campers are assigned a dorm for their session with other campers about their same age. The dorm is filled with diversity and is led by the dorm counselors who serve as role models to the campers. Our goal at camp is for campers to create new friendships and to connect with others who they may have never met otherwise. Each individual plays an important role in the community during the week and it is a great model for the future. Being a part of a community is not always easy, but at camp individuals are able to see what it is like to be a part of a positive community. Camp provides campers with an opportunity to grow their people skills and learn how to build genuine relationships with individuals their own age as well as adults. Campers have a chance to “unplug” and enjoy the moment. In today’s society it seems like
we always have to go from place to place and are constantly in a hurry to make sure we get everything accomplished in the day that we are supposed to. While at camp, our campers and staff have the opportunity to slow life down and simply enjoy the moment. Whether it be sitting and enjoying the wildlife, star gazing at night with others from their dorm, or enjoying a walk in the woods, it brings us the opportunity to take a breath and enjoy the present. Being at camp also allows our campers and staff to “unplug” from the real world and leave technology at home. I will never forget the first summer I spent as a counselor. I had no no clue what was going on in the rest of the world. It was refreshing not watching the nightly news and seeing what was happening. The opportunity to “unplug” and enjoy the moment is good for the soul and for our well-being. Camp teaches campers and staff 21st century skills. I am a huge believer in teaching campers and staff members skills they need to be successful in today’s world. The experience at camp is much bigger than the three and a half or six days spent with us. I want to help inspire and teach individuals how to be successful in society for the rest of their lives. With tougher standards being required in the school system, educators no longer have the opportunity to dedicate specific time to teaching things like communication, critical thinking skills, collaboration, etc. on a regular basis. I know there are great educators out there who still make this a priority, but overall there is simply not enough time for it. This is why camp is so important. Campers and staff have an opportunity to learn and develop these skills daily while they are at camp. Campers learn acceptance. While at camp, our campers and staff have the opportunity to be who they are. In today’s
society there is a lot of pressure to be something we are not because that is what we are told to do. At camp we appreciate each individual for who they are. We work hard to create a welcoming environment which starts with our cabin team meetings on Sunday where we create that culture together as a group. We appreciate each individual for who they are and what they contribute to the group. At camp the pressures of living up to someone else’s expectations are replaced with “being me is awesome” and “being my best ME” is something to strive for. Making mistakes is totally okay. Society today has unfortunately instilled a sense of perfectionism. We constantly have to be our best and when we make a mistake it’s a bad thing. However, at camp we teach that making mistakes is totally okay. It is important that both campers and staff understand that failure is not always a bad thing and we can learn from it. Camp provides individuals an opportunity to try a wide variety of things in a safe environment. We are firm believers at camp that you might trip, but you just have to dust yourself off and try again and I guarantee there will be a group of friends ready to cheer you on when you try again.
If your child is eligible for camp this summer, I hope you will consider allowing them the opportunity to attend. Not only is there a
good chance they will have fun, but they will more importantly learn some skills that they will be able to use for the rest of their life.
Summer Camp Jobs Hermann Sons Life Camp is seeking highly motivated men and women for summer employment. Summer Positions Available: Counselor Food Service Worker Food Service Manager Maintenance Worker Come live the adventure of camp for a rewarding summer experience! For an application or more information visit our website at
www.hermannsonslife.org (Click on the Contact Us tab and then Camp Employment)
For more information contact Katie Miller, Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons Life Camp P.O. Box 629 Comfort, TX 78013 830-995-3223 katiem@hermannsonslife.org
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Scholarship deadline nears SAN ANTONIO – The deadline to apply for the Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home Scholarship is April 1. Five $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to one student from each of the five Hermann Sons Life regions. Each applicant must be a member of Hermann Sons Life for a minimum of five years and have a certificate of insurance and local lodge dues paid up on the date of the filing of the application. High school grades will have no bearing
Answers to puzzles on Pg. 32
on who receives these scholarships. Students must write an essay of 300 words or less on what Hermann Sons Life means to them. Scholarships will be awarded to first-year college students only and may be used at any four-year university, two-year community college or trade school of the student’s choosing. The online application can be found at hermannsonslife.org/programs/scholarships.
2018 Dance Recital Dates School of Dance
Date
Bandera County May 19 Boerne May 20 Castroville May 19 Cibolo May 5 Comfort May 19 Corpus Christi June 2 Cuero April 28 Da Costa May 5 Devine May 19 Elgin May 12 Ganado April 21 Goliad May 12 Gonzales April 28 Hill Country June 2 Hill Country June 2 Hochheim-Prairie May 12 Hondo May 26 Jourdanton May 19 Karnes City May 6 Kirby May 12 La Vernia June 2 Lee County May 26 Lone Oak May 12 Luling May 5 New Braunfels May 20 New Braunfels May 20 New Braunfels May 20 Nixon-Smiley May 20 North West Bexar Co. June 2 Poth-Floresville April 21 San Antonio June 2 Schulenburg May 5 Schulenburg May 5 Seguin May 6 Stockdale May 26 Yorktown April 21
Time
Place
TBA 3 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. 4 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 or 4 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. 12 Noon TBA 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. TBA 4 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 12 Noon 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. 4 p.m.
Bandera High School Auditorium, 474 Old San Antonio Hwy., Bandera Boerne Middle School North, 240 Johnson Rd., Boerne Medina Valley Performing Arts Center, 8365 FM 471 South, Castroville Jackson Auditorium, Texas Luthern University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin Comfort High School Auditorium, 143 Hwy. 87 N., Comfort Tuloso-Midway High School, 2653 McKinzie Rd., Corpus Christi Yorktown High School Auditorium, 416 W. 4th St., Yorktown Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive, Victoria Lytle High School, 18975 FM 2790, Lytle SPJST Hall, 702 Texas 95, Elgin Ganado High School Auditorium, South Seventh Street, Ganado Goliad High School, 749 N. Tiger Lane, Goliad Gonzales Junior High School, 926 St. Lawrence, Gonzales Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Yoakum High School, 104 Poth St., Yoakum Medina Valley Performing Arts Center, 8365 FM 471 South, Castroville Doug Williamson Auditorium, Pleasanton ISD, 900 West Adams St., Pleasanton Karnes City High School, 400 N. Hwy. 123, Karnes City Kirby Middle School, 5441 Old Seguin Road, Kirby La Vernia High School Auditorium, 225 Bluebonnet Rd., La Vernia TBA La Vernia High School Auditorium, 225 Bluebonnet Rd., La Vernia Luling High School Fine Arts Building, 218 E. Travis St., Luling Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Nixon-Smiley High School Cafetorium, 800 N. Rancho Road, Nixon Edgewood Theatre of Performing Arts, 402 Lance St., San Antonio Floresville High School Auditorium, 1813 Tiger Lane, Floresville Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th St., San Antonio Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje Ave., Schulenburg Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje Ave., Schulenburg Jackson Auditorium, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin Stockdale High School Auditorium, 502 S. Fourth St., Stockdale Yorktown High School Auditorium, 416 W. Fourth St., Yorktown
Address
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Retirement Home residents host bean, chili cook-off
Home resident Billie DeSalme, second from right, and her helpers traveled the grounds selling items including walking sticks made by resident Eddie Butts and jewelry featuring hot chili peppers and hot crackers made by other residents. All of the money went into the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund.
Brett Schneider was part of the Harmonia Misters Team that took third place in amateur showmanship. Brett finished in first place in the bean competition.
Each year the Retirement Home residents sell prize drawing tickets to make money for the Scholarship Fund. All of the prizes are donated so that 100 percent of the proceeds can go towards scholarships.
One of the cooks provided a ring toss game to entertain passersby. It was a big hit with the children.
Shirley Stateczny, standing, gives a table of judges instructions as they prepare to start tasting the amateur chili entries.
These three sisters cooked side by side. Two of them placed in the top 10 and the other one finished in 11th place in the CASI chili competition.
Dennis Ninneman, left, and Tim Kolbe from New Braunfels, who cooked side by side, get ready to turn in their chili. Tim placed 10thh but Dennis did not place this year. Both have taken first place in the amateur competition in the past.
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Retirement Home cook-off winners earn accolades
The top three winners in the amateur chili competition were, from left, Y.A. Niemietz, third; Cindy Crittell, second; and Cathy Schmidt, first. All three are from San Antonio.
Placing in the amateur chili competition were, from left, Phillip Boxwell from Poteet, sixth; Ann Spaeth from San Antonio, fifth; and Rich Spaeth from San Antonio, fourth.
Finishing in the top 10 in the amateur chili competition were, from left, Amy Gross and Richard Zgabay from College Station and Deanville Lodge, seventh place; Jeff Anderson and Chris Hosinski from Yorktown Lodge, eighth place; Mary Boxwell from Poteet and representing Comfort Lodge, ninth place; and Tim Kolbe from New Braunfels and representing Seguin Lodge, 10th place.
The top three bean cooks this year were, from left, Rich Spaeth from San Antonio, third; Ben Brown from Floresville, second; and Brett Schneider from San Antonio, first.
Finishing in the middle of the pack among the bean cooks were, from left, Y.A. Niemietz, sixth place; John Shipley, fifth; and Will Smith, fourth.
The top 10 bean cooks included, from left, Ann Spaeth from San Antonio, 10th; Phillip Boxwell from Poteet, ninth; Pete Hernandez from San Antonio, eighth; and Amelia and Bryan Schneider of San Antonio, seventh.
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
Retirement Home names annual cook-off winners
The top three CASI chili cooks were, from left, Lisa Stone from Kempner, third; Ruby Ross from Marble Falls, second; and Teri Fass from Kerrville, first.
Three of the top 10 ten finishers in the CASI chili competition were, from left, Elaine Garza from San Antonio, fourth; Carrie Kinnison from Marble Falls, fifth; and John Goforth from Comfort Lodge, sixth.
Earning themselves a place in the top 10 in the CASI chili competition were, from left, Tammy Wier from Johnson City, seventh; Mary Ellen Gillam from Boerne, eighth; Al Deam from Johnson City, ninth; and Jim Stateczny from Comfort, 10th.
The CASI showmanship winners were, from left, Kathy L’Huillier from Comfort, first place; Sam L’Huillier from Comfort, second place; and Debbie McNutt, third place.
Debra and Glenn Marvin represented Columbia Lodge in Dallas with their Grassy Knoll Chili and placed second in the amateur showmanship competition.
Harmonia Misters was the name chosen for their team by the representatives of Harmonia Lodge in San Antonio. The team took third place in showmanship and several members of the team placed in the amateur chili and bean competition.
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Mission-Alamo welcomes two new junior members SAN ANTONIO – Two new junior members were welcomed at the February meeting of Mission-Alamo Lodge. They are Elijah Alton Morales and Emmett Charles Morales. The lodge’s new member goal for 2018 is 34. Bernice Vogel presented each member present with a prize drawing ticket being held as part of the Retirement Home Chili Cook-off. Members bought additional tickets to support the event and hopefully win one of the prizes. Suzanne Hildebrand reported that the Home Association’s Fiesta medals were available for purchase. She passed around
a medal to entice members to purchase one. Suzanne also discussed the need for members to help a member who was wounded in the Sutherland Springs shooting. Chris Workman was left paralyzed and is in need of help to restructure his house to accommodate his wheelchair. Discussion followed on plans to help him. The jackpot winner was Michael Dexter. After the meeting, a potluck dinner was enjoyed. Jack and Dianne Larned provided the main dish. The meal was followed by games. – Georgia Hall
Sylvia Schulmeier celebrated her birthday in February. She is president of Mission-Alamo Lodge.
Jack and Dianne Larned, from left, and Georgia and John Hall celebrated wedding anniversaries in February. They are members of Mission-Alamo Lodge.
Members of Hermann Sons Life Hondo Victory Lodge Graduate Cash Drawing Hondo Victory Lodge will hold a drawing and award up to THREE $200 prizes to eligible 2018 high school graduates who are female graduate members of Hondo Victory Lodge. The prize will be in the form of a check. Names will be drawn on June 1, 2018. The winners only will be notified and are encouraged to attend the June meeting to accept their check. For more information, call Verlie Nietenhoefer at 830-426-2847. To enter, the form below must be completed and received on or before May 31, 2018. Mail to: Verlie Nietenhoefer, Secretary Hondo Victory Lodge 1204 32nd St. Hondo, TX 78861 Please send a cap and gown picture for publication in the newspaper. (Photo will not be returned). The photo is not a requirement for the drawing, but will be appreciated.
Katie and Hunter Miller were celebrating two special occasions at the March Comfort Lodge meeting – Hunter’s birthday and their first anniversary.
Comfort Lodge will meet April 9 for social, meeting COMFORT – Comfort Lodge will meet Monday, April 9, at the VFW Hall in Comfort. The social hour and games will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed with a meal and meeting at 6 p.m. The meal will be provided. A potluck meal was shared before the March 12 meeting, also held at the VFW Hall. During the meeting, members voted to make a $100 donation to the Grief Support Session during the statewide event held
March 17 in Seguin. In addition members voted to donate $100 to the Boys and Girls Club of Comfort and to sponsor a hole at the upcoming Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament. As always, for the most up to date and latest news for Comfort Lodge go to Facebook and search for Hermann Sons Life Comfort. – Katie Miller
Graduate Cash Drawing Entry Form Name Address Phone Number Name of High School School Address
School Phone Number
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Siemering to celebrate Fiesta with loteria, food SAN ANTONIO – Siemering Lodge celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and its past presidents at the March meeting. Among the past presidents is Buddy Preuss who is now the president and CEO of Hermann Sons Life; Ron Bara who was the youngest to serve; and Donald O’Connor who traveled the farthest each time. The oldest past president, Frank Matias was not able to be there. He just celebrated his 95th birthday, is recovering from a broken leg and lives near Austin. All of the past presidents are special in their own way. Each past president was presented with a certificate letting
them know a donation in their name would be made to the Hermann Sons Life Camp Grief Support Session. In addition to this donation, the lodge’s portion of split-thepot from January through May will go to the Grief Support Session. Looking ahead, in April members will celebrate Fiesta, play Loteria and enjoy good food. In May, the lodge will celebrate its anniversary, honor mothers and recognize pioneer members who will be invited to receive their pins. Reservations need to be made for this meeting by calling the lodge office at 210-2266831 or Sharon Fite at 210-259-
Celebrating birthdays at the Siemering Lodge meeting were, from left, Melrose Bendele, February, and Donald O’Connor and Lloyd Markell, March. 6522. You can also email Sharon at sefite.siemering@gmail.com. – Augusta Fite
Past presidents of Siemering Lodge were honored at the March meeting. They include, from left, Sally Hertzberg, Buddy Preuss, Ron Bara, Donald O’Connor and Sharon Fite, in front.
Louise Schuetze Lodge will meet on April 10 SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze Lodge will meet April 10. A potluck salad meal is planned. Members are reminded to bring items for donation to God’s Dog Rescue in observance of Join Hands Day. Items needed include dog food, blankets and towels. The lodge will donate $100 to the organization. At the March meeting, members celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. The lodge will be collecting books in observance of Make a Difference Day. The lodge will make a $50 donation to buy
books. Lisa McCorquodale-Robalin will replace JoAnn Massengale as one of the lodge’s representatives on the Home Association Board. Members were reminded that a party for the Hermann Sons medal being sold by the Home Association will be held March 29 from 6-8 p.m. The lodge purchased two of the medals and gave them away as door prizes. The winners were Lloyd Markell and JoAnn Massengale. – Reporter
Celebrating February birthdays at a recent meeting of Louise Schuetze Lodge were, from left, Mary Beam, Linda Muehlstein and Lisa Robalin. President Janice Schwab presented each lady with a birthday card.
Alice Naughton, left, was the winner of the split-the-pot cash and the attendance prize at the March Louise Schuetze Lodge meeting. She is pictured with Carol Grill. Both ladies wore their green St. Patrick’s Day headpieces to the meeting and dressed in green.
Schulenburg plans Mexican meal for April Poth welcomes new member SCHULENBURG – A Mexican food meal is planned for the April 11 meeting of Schulenburg Lodge. The meal will include enchiladas, beans, rice and desserts. Members are reminded that the lodge meets at the Schulenburg Community Center on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and 7 p.m. for dinner and the meeting. President Ed Moeller prepared the brisket for the March meeting. Welcomed as a new member was McCoy Anthony Krupala. Douglas Zappe has transferred to Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge. Members approved a dona-
tion to Relay for Life and to the VFW for flags to be placed at local cemeteries on Memorial Day. Grace Baylor reported a sympathy card was sent to Mrs. Nelson Jochen following his passing. A thank you card from Bill and Mildred Bohlmann was read. Bill Bohlmann is now at the Regency Nursing Home. Bill and Delores Michalke made donations to the scholarship fund for Georgia McBride, Mildred Sternadel and Walter Brock. Winner of the Arlan’s gift card was Chelsea Moeller. Bill Fleeger won the Hermann Sons Life bag and Clinton Ellebracht won the Easter candy. – Junette Rodecap
Rene Sustr, left, celebrated her birthday in February and Kitty Dittrich celebrated hers in March. They are members of Schulenburg Lodge.
POTH – Poth Lodge will not meet in April because Easter falls on the regular meeting date. Welcomed as a new member at the March meeting was Chloe Luciana Gutierrez. Members also approved the transfer of Al Kollodziej into the lodge. Pat Lowak brought the items to be completed by Cloe Bostick and presented to the dance students as a token of the lodge’s appreciation. The recital will be held at the end of April. Pat spent 12 hours altering the dance costumes to fit each girl. Virginia Maha and Lawrence Maha won the monthly door prizes. The three people whose
Virginia Maha celebrates her birthday in March. She is a member of Poth Lodge. names were drawn for the kitty were not there to claim their winnings. Frito pie and Dutch apple pie were served and then games were played. – Beth Cutsinger
Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Paul Vogt to host speaker from Easter Seals April 3 VAN RAUB – Paul Vogt Lodge will meet April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Amy Chavez from Easter Seals. The Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center (ESRC) is a non-profit organization that provides early intervention services to children with special needs/developmental delays/ disabilities and their families. ESRC works in partnership with families and communities to ensure that those infants and toddlers that exhibit delays and disabilities have the resources they need to reach their goals. Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in
their communities. “Holiday Cheer” was created to offer assistance during the holidays to families served by Easter Seals that tend to struggle throughout the holiday season. Families are provided with an outfit, sweater or jacket, books and a toy for each child in the family. Each family also receives a $20 gift card to HEB to assist with the holiday meal. Gifts are provided for the enrolled child as well as all siblings under the age of 18 in the household. The lodge is planning to collect coats and sweaters for this program as its Make a Difference Day project in October. Members can contact Pamela Poulk for more information. The lodge will award a $500
scholarship to one 2018 high school senior. The award will be presented at the May 1 meeting. The lodge is looking for volunteers for its Join Hands Day project. The lodge will volunteer in the warehouse at Hill Country Daily Bread on May 12 from 9-11 a.m. All volunteers are required to go online at hillcountrydailybread.com/get-involved/ and complete a volunteer registration form. The form takes less than five minutes to complete. Minors will need parent information on the form. Contact Pamela Poulk to add your name to the list as a volunteer that day. Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. The location
Celebrating birthdays at the February Paul Vogt Lodge meeting were, from left, Betty Friar, Bill Barnard, Pearl Barnard and Jay McClure. is 38 Cascade Caverns, Boerne. Members are reminded that the lodge meets on the first Tuesday of each month begin-
ning at 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall located on Dietz Elkhorn Road. – Reporter
Brenham Lodge has new membership goal of seven BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge President Jeanette Preuss announced at the February meeting that the lodge’s new member goal for 2018 is seven. Special Representative Gary Falkenberg was in attendance and discussed the SAFE Plan and the Flex Life Plan. Contact Gary for more details. Agent Robert Herridge from Bellville spoke briefly. A thank-you note was read from the family of Charles Mosley for the donations made in his memory. The Cheer Committee reported mailing get-well cards to Shirley Ganske, Benjamin Hajovsky, Raymond Walker, Edward Longhofer Jr. and Edward
Lorenz. Get-well wishes were extended to Evelyn Harmel. Sympathy cards were mailed to Victor Arlitt following the passing of his wife, Dot; to Louise Hajovsky and family following the passing of husband and father, Ben Hajovsky; to Edward Longhofer Jr. following the passing of his mother-in-law, Beulah Fordham; and to the relatives of Ella Kramer including Wilfred and Gerdine Blome and Ida Mae Wubbenhorst. Members voted to have Schovajsa cater the 2018 Christmas dinner. The menu will include turkey, dressing, ham, buttered potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, cole slaw and another vegetable. The Robert Zien-
Celebrating birthdays in February from Brenham Lodge were, from left, Aubrey Harmel, Jason Preuss, Shirley Rowan, Carol Jaster and Ed Zientek.
Bennie and Gloria Hanath of Brenham Lodge recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
ner has been cancelled. Ronald Bentke, Kyle Bentke and Karl Goessler prepared the
beef stew and trimmings meal. Members brought desserts. – Lena Mae Goessler
tek Band will perform for the dance. The October drive-thru din-
Columbus Lodge will meet on April 9 Stern plans May 6 meeting COLUMBUS – The next meeting of Columbus Lodge is set for April 9 at 7 p.m. President Doug Lilie installed the 2018 officers at the February meeting. Agents Terrel and Robin Maertz spoke briefly. They encouraged everyone to recommend new members and spoke of the agents’ workshop they
were scheduled to attend in Sealy. Elsie Kahlden reported sending a sympathy card to John and Elena Holub following the death of John’s father, Johnnie Holub, and a get-well card to Adrian Fritsch. Members who celebrated birthdays in January and February were Wendy Page, Kenton
Lilie, Anne Faichtinger, Carolyn Barten, Eric Peters, Nancy Jo Williams, Bradley Gordy, Breanna Meyer, Sara Hickey and Brady Bennett. Elsie Kahlden won the Valentine’s Day guessing game. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment led by the Fritsches and refreshments. – Reporter
SEGUIN – The next meeting of Stern Lodge is scheduled for Sunday, May 6. There will not be a meeting in April. The March 4 meeting was held at the American Legion Hall. Everyone enjoyed a barbecue meal with all the trimmings and dessert. Newly formed committee members discussed options
for day activities and overnight trips. The scholarship program also was discussed. Applications must be turned in by May 1, 2018. Applications may be obtained from lodge President Rick May. Attendance prizes were awarded to Rick May, Miles Engelke and Reno Reiley. – Reporter
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21
Pershing needs volunteers for parade chair set up SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will hold its next meeting April 4 in the Home Association meeting room beginning at 7 p.m. Members are asked to bring sandwiches, salads or desserts. Volunteers are needed for parade chair set up and take down for both parades on April 27 and April 28. Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe attended the meeting and congratulated the lodge on its 98th anniversary. He then presented a $500 Matching Funds check to Blair Ortmann, development officer of SAMMinistries. President Beth Warne presented a $1,000 check on behalf of the lodge. The money represents the proceeds from the lodge’s annual spaghetti dinner fund-raiser. Chaplain Tony Valek reported on the passing of Mary V. Friesenhahn, William H. Hoeke, Alex Jacobs Jr., Frank E. Moak III and Russell Puckett. Carolyn Valek reported prayers are needed for Janilla Kilborn, Jeanelle Tabor, Darth Rigdon, Amanda Deicke, Jim Gerhard, Rosie Hollingsworth and Betty Mettke. Past presidents of the lodge were honored and were presented with a rose bud vase by President Beth Warne. Dorothy Pawlik won the $25 attendance prize and Tony Valek won the split-the-pot drawing. Terri Armstrong reported a trip to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle
The proceeds and Matching Funds from the Pershing Lodge spaghetti dinner fund-raiser were presented to SAMMinistries at the March meeting. Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe presented the Matching Funds to Blair Ortmann from SAMMinistries. Lodge President Beth Warne, right, presented the lodge’s donation.
Past presidents of Pershing Lodge were honored at the March meeting. They are, seated, from left, Joan Lichtenberg, Lillian Franckowiak, Carol Krauss, standing, from left, Mike Armstrong, Amy Barfell, Alice Golla, Amanda Deicke, Marilyn Hoster and current President Beth Warne.
On a recent visit to Charlotte, Barbara Pass, right, and, not pictured, Don Pass and Carol Krauss, visited with longtime Pershing Lodge member Connie Barth, left. While there they enjoyed a bowl of Connie’s chicken and dumplings.
Celebrating March birthdays at the Pershing Lodge meeting were, from left, Betty Opiela, Dorothy Pawlik and Helen Alberthal. All three went home with some birthday cash. Casino in Eagle Pass is planned for Thursday, May 10. Cost will be $15 for members and $20 for non-members. She can be con-
tacted at 210-378-0319 for more information or to make reservations. Three names were drawn for
the $200 Progressive Pot. Sydney E. Saenz, James Joseph Rohler and Randall B. Riedel were not present to claim the prize.
The lodge wishes to thank members of other lodges who attended this special meeting. – Dorothy Pawlik
Kirby Lodge will hold new member event April 7 KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet Monday, April 2, at 7 p.m. The lodge will provide brisket and members are asked to bring other side dishes and desserts. The lodge is sponsoring a new member event on Saturday, April 7, from 3-7 p.m. All new members and their families are welcome to attend. There will be lots of games, prizes, pizza, salad, popcorn, an ice cream bar and more. To attend or help at the event please RSVP to Youth Coordinator Angela Netherton
at 210-831-1293. A special thank you goes to the lodge dancers, youth and parents who prepared and served the taco bar meal, desserts and drinks at the March meeting to kick off Fiesta. Thanks also go to those who decorated the lodge hall. Sympathy is extended to the families of Darlene Manka and Harriet Barosh. Get well wishes go to Leroy Muehlstein. Celebrating a birthday was Carol Gloor.
M.J. Netherton passed on the door prize and it went to Judy Schulmeier. The $25.00 attendance prize winner was supposed to be Kaycie Stanton but she wasn’t present at the time of the drawing so Tammy Haecker was the winner. Don’t forget to pick up the lodge’s 2018 schedule at the April meeting. The lodge has several fun events planned for the year and all members are welcome to attend. – Reporter
Members of Kirby Lodge line up at the taco bar prepared by the dancers and the youth of the lodge for the March meeting.
Page 22 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Harmonia will hold cemetery clean up SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge members and guests enjoyed a steak dinner prior to the February meeting. Past Grand President Steve Prewitt, Past President Mike Beam, Vice President Albert Ranzau and Home Office Maintenance Director Terry Haecker grilled the steaks. Vice President of Finance Harry Werland was in charge of the baked potatoes. Members mourned the passing of Kenneth Leland Evers,
age 87, who passed away Dec. 22, 2017, and had been a member since 1947; J.D. Jones, age 84, who passed away Jan. 10 and had been a member since 1963; and Sammy Frank Scrivano, age 70, who passed Jan. 15 and had been a member since 1974. The lodge’s representatives on the San Antonio Home Association noted that Fiesta medals are being sold for $10 each to help raise money to pay
property taxes. The lodge’s Join Hands Day project this year will be to clean up the lodge’s cemetery located at Palmetto and Paso Hondo streets just off of East Commerce Street. Maps will be provided at the April 12 meeting. Ernie De Winnie, who recently transferred into Harmonia Lodge, was welcomed at the meeting. Also attending was Jordan Perez, grandson of longtime Harmonia Lodge member
Mike Gumpp. Celebrating February birthdays were Steve Prewitt and J.W. White, who is now a young 92. Celebrating February anniversaries were Bill and Ginger Bernhard and Jim and Ann McNeel. Bill Witteman and Steve Prewitt won the attendance prizes and split-the-pot was won by Alfred Stremmel Jr., son of former Outer Guard Al Stremmel. – Reporter
Alan Cobb, left, accepts his splitthe-pot winnings from President Matt Kraus at the March meeting of Harmonia Lodge.
Cibolo has two new members
Javion Campos dressed as a leprechaun for the March meeting of Cibolo Lodge. He was not pleased when he lost his pot of gold.
Dorothy Schneider celebrates her birthday in March. She is a member of Cibolo Lodge. Isabel Pellerin, not pictured, celebrated her 88th birthday in February.
Seguin Lodge will present award during Summer Fest SEGUIN – Officers were installed before the February meeting of Seguin Lodge officially got under way. Past President Vernelle Jones installed those elected and appointed officers who were present. Members were informed that the scholarship letters to prospective graduating seniors would be going out in February. The date of the meeting in November needed to be changed because it was originally scheduled to be the day before Thanksgiving. That date is now Nov. 14. Members were informed that the Humanitarian Award would now be presented at the Summer Fest on Aug. 12 and not in December. Members are asked to begin thinking about someone they would like to nominate. A committee was to be ap-
pointed at the March meeting. Seguin Lodge welcomes all members from Zuehl Lodge and reminds them that meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month beginning around 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Allen Gescheidle and Arlene Christmas. Franklin Huebner, Cheryl Kolbe, Velma Huebner, Jeremy Huebner and Evelyn Neumann won attendance prizes. Edith Lange won split-the-pot. Allen Gescheidle won the Valentine candy jar guessing game. The name drawn for the Progressive Pot was that of Joy Baumann however she wasn’t present to win so the dollar amount goes up for the next drawing. – Reporter
CIBOLO – Cibolo Lodge welcomed two new members at the March 1 meeting held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Universal City. They are Brian Bentley Beck and Brian Bandit Beck. The lodge is looking for a worthy charity to be its Matching Funds recipient this year and would like to help an organization impacted by Hurricane Harvey. If you know of an organization, contact the
lodge through its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/cibolohermannsons. The March meal was buildyour-own sub sandwiches and the side dishes provided by members. Pictures can be seen on the lodge’s Facebook page if anyone would like to get a glimpse of some of the deliciousness members enjoy each month. Tracy Campos’ potato salad was chosen as the best side
dish and Joy Brown’s fresh apple cake was voted the best dessert. Tracy Campos and Nell Shepherd won the adult attendance cash awards and Cheyanne Kuhlman won the junior cash award. Special drawing winner would have been Jerome Baumann but he was not present. Next month the drawing will be worth $43. – Tracy Campos
Old Glory Lodge will meet May 6 OLD GLORY – A good crowd attended the Old Glory Lodge meeting on a warm and windy March 4 afternoon. Members decided not to meet in April since the regular meeting date is Easter Sunday. Chub Richards was thanked for having the United States and Texas flags cleaned. Congratulations were extended to junior member Brody Letz for earning Reserve Grand Champion with his entry
in the swine show in San Antonio. Congratulations also go to Kyle Vahlenkamp for winning the Skittathon in the Senior Division and Rylee Vahlenkamp for winning the Skittathon in the Junior Division. Justin Corzine won the door prize. Members celebrating March and April birthdays were Lou Corzine, Carm Letz and Betty Weise.
Celebrating an anniversary were Justin and Amber Corzine. Following the meeting the group enjoyed games and a hamburger supper with all the trimmings and lots of desserts. The next meeting will be held Sunday, May 6, at 4 p.m. Fried chicken will be furnished and members are asked to bring a vegetable and dessert for the evening meal. – Reporter
Womack plans fish fry fund-raiser WOMACK – Womack Lodge will meet May 6 beginning at 5 p.m. A covered-dish supper will be served. At the March 4 meeting, it was announced that the 2018 new member goal for the lodge is two. Perhaps you have a family member or acquaintance you
could recommend. The Matching Funds Fish Fry Fund-raiser to benefit the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department is scheduled for June 23. Mark this date and plan to help and/ or attend. “Happy Birthday” was sung to James Dreyer and Calvin Rueter
who celebrate March birthdays. Mary Sue Crawson was the winner of the 50/50 drawing. Joyce Dreyer was the attendance-prize winner. There will be no meeting on April 1 due to the Easter holiday. – Nadine Rueter
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23
Round Top Lodge to host country store ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge will not meet in March because of the antiques fair. The next meeting is set for April 26. At the February meeting, members briefly discussed the Country Store the lodge will host at the Round Top-Warrenton Fireman’s Feast. This will be the lodge’s Join Hands Day project. Agent Linda Mattocks spoke
about the agent workshop she would be attending Feb. 28 in Sealy. She also discussed the advantages of the SAFE Plan. Valentine and other cards were sent to members. A get well card was sent to Lana Limmer following her knee surgery. Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Genell Rohde and Ora Lee Levien. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Genell and a dona-
tion was approved in her memory to the Round Top-Warrenton VFD. Douglas and Sedalia Ullrich observed their 54th wedding anniversary on Feb. 15. Attendance prizes went to Mary Rauch, Ted Stardig, Melanie Rauch, Linda Mattocks and Leonard Meinkowsky. Lila Garlin and Orville Glaesmann won door prizes. A meal of sandwiches, side
dishes and desserts was enjoyed by all. Thanks go to the outgoing serving committee of Jocie and Floyd Braun, Jim and Linda Mattocks, Max Baranowski, Jeanette Hancock and Virgie Hall. The April, May and June committee includes Barney and Doris Georges, Ted and Margie Stardig, Barton and Lila Garlin, Randy Wied and Cordell Levien. – Reporter
Linda Mattocks celebrates her birthday in March. She is a member of Round Top Lodge.
Marion summer picnic June 21 MARION – Marion Lodge welcomed two new members at the Feb. 15 meeting held at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Weston Brunner and Hudson Grimm are both fifth generation members. Hudson was at the meeting with his family. The 2018 officers were installed. Members voted to award five $150 cash prizes to graduating high school seniors. The students will be required to submit an entry form to be eligible for the drawing. Lorene Bielke gave a report on the agent workshop she at-
tended. Thank you cards were read from Bobbie Ray, the family of Doug Heinemeyer and the Retirement Home. Members voted to continue meeting at St. John Lutheran Church. Attendance prizes were awarded to Alice Heinemeyer, Hudson Grimm, Byron Grimm and Morris Vader. Snacks and drinks were served. The June meeting will include the lodge’s summer picnic. It will be held at the Marion Bowling Club on June 21. – Reporter
Weston Brunner is a new member of Marion Lodge.
Houston to hold Family/Pioneer Day
Baby Hudson Grimm is pictured with his family at the February meeting of Marion Lodge.
La Vernia plans April picnic LA VERNIA – La Vernia Lodge will hold its annual picnic on Saturday, April 28, from noon6 p.m. at the lodge building. A barbecue and potluck meal and refreshments will be served. Members and guests are welcome. Reservations including the number attending need to be made with Sharon Tanneberger at 830-779-4641 no later than April 21. Before the Feb. 18 meeting, lodge officers and committee
appointees met to review the revised Local Lodge Bylaws and discuss their adoption. In preparation for the upcoming lodge workday, members discussed updating building security (smoke detectors, fire extinguisher and outside lighting). Guest Harold Schott offered to purchase and donate the smoke detectors and fire extinguisher for the lodge building. – Lucy Schott
HOUSTON – Houston Lodge will host its annual Family/Pioneer Day on Sunday, April 8, at Sokol Hall, 1314 W. Patton, from 2-5:30 p.m. There will be games, door prizes and a free meal for Houston Lodge members. All members are urged to attend to get acquainted with other lodge members. Note that there will be no meeting on Monday, April 9. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held Monday, May 14. Members planning to attend
are urged to contact Catherine Manchack at 832-443-0469. At the most recent meeting, Agent/Special Representative Gary Falkenberg talked briefly about the SAFE Plan and the benefit it offers with the annual increase in the death benefit. It offers a modified medical analysis. He can be contacted at 713899-4138 for more information. Doris Falkenberg reported that Milton Fuchs is still in rehab at Brookdale Heights but may be moving. She also reported that Roy Dueitt recently had sur-
gery but is doing OK. Members discussed ways to increase attendance at meetings. Suggestions included occasional meetings at local restaurants or having more activities at some of the lodge meetings. No final decision has been made. Doris Falkenberg, Pat Bushman, Jack Manchack, Jackie Bushman and Catherine Manchack won attendance prizes. Members are encouraged to attend all lodge meetings and activities. – Reporter
Coupland to meet June 3 for meeting, games COUPLAND – Coupland Lodge will meet Sunday, June 3, at 2 p.m. at the Coupland Fire Station. Everyone is asked to bring finger foods. After the meeting, activities will include games, refreshments and fellowship. All
members are encouraged to attend. The most recent meeting was held March 4 at the Coupland Fire Station. After the meeting, there was for good fellowship, fun and refreshments.
Everyone had been asked to bring finger foods to share. Charlotte Albert prepared a White House Trivia activity. The 2018 officers were installed. – Reporter
Page 24 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Kypfer-Salge plans ham meal for April 6 meeting CLEAR SPRINGS – Kypfer-Salge Lodge will meet April 6. Kerry and Kathy Noble will prepare the ham and members are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert. Fried fish, side dishes and desserts were served at the May 2 meeting. Thanks go to Fran and Chuck Weed for picking up the fish and everyone who helped prepare the food and tables. Members observed a moment of silence in memory of Nolan Koepp Get well cards were sent to Jim Sureddin and Barbara Pizel. Members are reminded to notify Nelrose Koepp if someone is sick or has passed away so a card can be sent. The Annual Valentine Bunco Party was a success with 30 people in attendance. Hope Hospice of New Braunfels will be receiving the proceeds along with a Matching Funds check from the Home Office.
Celebrating March birthdays from Kypfer-Salge Lodge were, from left, Celeste Salge, Margaret Krueger and Chuck Weed. The monthly $50 donation was presented to the Conservation Society. Attendance prize winners were Darline Preiss, Oran Koepp, Colleen Jenke, Tammy Seiter and Fran Weed. If you know someone who does
not drive, offer to pick them up for the next meeting. If you know someone who would like to join Hermann Sons Life or is thinking about joining, bring them to a meeting/social time. Guests always are welcome. – Darline Preiss
Kypfer-Salge Lodge President Tim Salge presents Margaret Krueger with her 70-year membership pin. Margaret has been a member since March 10, 1947.
Shiner presents Humanitarian Award SHINER – Shiner Lodge has presented its 2017 Humanitarian Award to Helen Spann in recognition of her work at the Shiner Senior Citizen Center. Helen has worked at the center since April 1995 after working at Torel from 1987 to 1994. She says she loves her job be-
cause the seniors tell all kinds of stories and they have some good laughs. She is known for her generosity with game prizes and snacks which the seniors love. She also decorates the Senior Center for each season. She enjoys trips to Coushatta,
Helen Spann, second from left, is the recipient of the 2017 Humanitarian Award for Shiner Lodge. The presentation was made by lodge President Lee Roy Boedeker, Financial Secretary Bernice Jalufka, left, and Recording Secretary Lorene Nollkamper, right.
Celebrating March birthdays at the Austin Lodge meeting were, seated, from left, Elo Toll and O’Neal Weigelt and, standing, from left, Frances Albert, Kimberly Lindsey and Billie Harris.
Austin will meet on April 8 AUSTIN – Austin Lodge will meet Sunday, April 8, at 2 p.m. This is the second Sunday instead of the usual first Sunday because of Easter. Members are asked to bring food including desserts for the potluck meal. Members and friends enjoyed hamburgers prepared by Kimberly and Billy Lindsey after the
March meeting. Members provided chips, dips and desserts. The Cheer Committee reported that Howard Anderson was still in the hospital. The good news was that Margie Estes has gone home from rehab. Maurice Maluschka won the attendance award and Frances Albert won the “kitty.” – Reporter
loves polka music and watches Molly B every Saturday night. Helen married Louis Spann in October of 1967. He passed away last year. She has one daughter, Cheryl, and two granddaughters, Madison and Mallory. – Reporter
Maxwell Lodge moves meeting to April 8 MAXWELL – Due to the Easter holiday, Maxwell Lodge will meet Sunday, April 8, instead of April 1. A potluck meal will be served. The Luling School of Dance will hold its spring recital Sat-
urday, May 5, at the Luling High School Performing Arts Center. Several members will attend and have dinner afterward. At the March 4 meeting, members voted on a new outside sign.
The Home Office will provide the sign. Charles Croley will make the trip to San Antonio to pick it up. There will be no meetings in June and July. – Reporter
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 25
Anton Wenzel plans casino trip
Dunlay Lodge installs officers Dunlay Lodge officers were installed at the February meeting. Pictured are, from left, Trustee Virgil Krenmueller, President Joyce Krenmueller, Trustee Tom Zuberbueler, Vice President Stan Meyer, Secretary-Treasurer Dolly Meyer and Trustee Morris Baxter.
SAN ANTONIO – Anton Wenzel Lodge is planning a trip to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino on Sunday, March 25. Members and guests will meet behind the San Antonio Home Association Building at 7:30 a.m. The bus will leave at 8 a.m. and return at 8 p.m. Contact Merlinda Elizondo at 210-815-3468 as soon as possible to make a reservation. Cost is $35 per person. The casino will give each person a $15 credit on their player’s card. The lodge will provide the fried chicken for the April 3 meeting. Members are asked to bring a covered dish. The annual Fiesta Hat Contest will be held at the meeting. Volunteers are needed to park cars for Fiesta from Monday, April 23, through Saturday, April
Elida Silva and Edward Reid from Anton Wenzel Lodge celebrate their birthdays in March.
The split-the-pot winner at the March Anton Wenzel Lodge meeting was Edward Reid. Doris Aichner presented him with his winnings.
28. Call Merlinda at 210-8153468 if you can help. Lester W. Johns would have won the membership drawing but he was not at the March meeting to claim the prize, so his
name was put back in the barrel. Anyone interested in becoming a member is asked to call Agent Emma Moya at 210-3443935. – Elizabeth Dorrell
Giddings Lodge welcomes new agent
Edelweiss-Magnolia presents donation Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge recently presented a donation to the Mamie George Community Center. Jerry Ziemnicki, left, the lodge’s community coordinator and agent, presented a check to David Preng, assistant project director at the center located in Richmond. The Mamie George Community Center serves low income and senior residents in Fort Bend County through various social services programs including a food bank and senior wellness programs.
Helotes will meet June 12 HELOES – Helotes Lodge will not meet again until June 12 at 7 p.m. at Braun Hall. A meal will be provided and $20 cash door prizes will be awarded to five lucky Helotes Lodge members in attendance. Discussion will include a community service project for 2018. Look for details in the near future. The semimonthly dances at Braun Hall are roaring back! On rotation are The Countrymen on the first Saturday and Bimbo
and Borderline on the third Saturday. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 14. Dance the night away while DJ Toby Nimitz will be playing music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Food trucks will be on site selling a variety of foods. See Page 11 for more information. Come on out to a family friendly dance hall! Call Hall Manager Julie at 210-688-9241 to confirm the schedule. – Letty Fragoso
GIDDINGS – Agent Loretta Chilek introduced new Giddings Lodge member Bill Hinkston and wife Bonnie at the February meeting. Bill is a new Hermann Sons Life agent serving the Giddings area. The meeting opened by saluting the American flag and Texas flag at the hall now called “The Silos of 77.” The theme was Valentine’s Day and a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs
was served. Each member received a Valentine mug. All graduates from the lodge planning to attend college are reminded to submit an application for a scholarship. Members will be voting on applications at the April 12 meeting. Members agreed to have a dinner at the September meeting to honor all membership pin recipients. Invitations will
be sent. Mark it on your calendar. A sympathy card was sent to Mr. Bigon following the passing of his mother. The $5 drawing winners were Pat Abell, Edmundo Delarosa and Bill Hinkston. Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited. The food is always great. – Reporter
Vineta to celebrate Mother’s Day May 3 SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will celebrate Mother’s Day on May 3 with a meal from Little Italy. Members are asked to call Ruth Bailey at 210-602-5147 by May 1 if they plan to attend. A potluck meal will be served at the April 5 meeting. On April 18 members will have a social and play games. The meal will be a surprise. New members welcomed at the March meeting were juniors Lauren Leong, Catherine Marquart and Averie Young. Split-the-pot winner was Jerome Kraus. Attendance award winners were Emily Roberts, Frances Bara, Cynthia Holliday
Celebrating a March birthday at the Vineta Lodge meeting was Carol Bielke, left. President Debbie Jordan presented her with a birthday card from the lodge. and Carol Bielke. The lodge mourns the passing of Edna Jackson, a member for 71 years; Wanda Side, a
member for 64 years; and Lola Goss Smith, a member for 57 years. – Reporter
Page 26 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Fort Worth installs officers, plans annual picnic FORT WORTH – The year is off to a good start for Fort Worth Lodge. At the first meeting of the year, officers were installed, plans were made for the annual picnic and members talked about projects for Join Hands Day on May 5. Welcomed as a new junior member was Allie Williams. Allie is the daughter of Lindsey Williams who is a member of the lodge. The Youth Committee members reported that they are receiving responses from junior members who will be attending Hermann Sons Life Camp. If your child is going to Camp and has not received a letter, contact Ronnie Jones at 817-229-5722. If your
child has received a letter and is planning to attend Camp, make sure Ronnie Jones gets their shirt size. Thanks go to all those who have already sent their shirt size to him. If you recommend a junior member who is going to attend Camp, let Ronnie know so they will receive a shirt. If you have a child who would like to attend Camp, your child has a friend he/ she would like to attend Camp with or you know of a child who would like to attend Camp, give Sandra Jones a call at 817-7817155. Milestone makers this month are Louis Latham, John Oneill and Patricia Creed. All three of
these members are now 50-year members. Hope to see them at the picnic in June so their pins can be presented in person. All of the 50-, 60- and 70-year members for 2018 are invited to attend that day. Come and bring your family and friends with you. Happy Anniversary wishes go to Ronnie and Kim Burns who celebrated their 15th anniversary on March 8. Happy Birthday wishes go to Sam Jones, Katelyn Kassler, Sheila Kime, Kimberly Leblanc, Garrett Martin, Gene Pierce, Sherry Pierce, Matthew Schick, Gracie Stephenson, Lyndall Thompson, Jaxsen Voss and Ronnie Walters. – Reporter
Congratulations to Bill Lane of Fort Worth who bowled a 300 game on March 5 at Watauga in the BWI League. His team members and lodge brothers had good games as well. Donnie Burns rolled a 206 and Vince Wos had a 233.
Schwertner Lodge installs 2018 officers Ellinger SCHWERTNER – Schwertner Lodge installed the 2018 officers and adopted the revised Local Lodge Bylaws at the January meeting. The meal consisted of two soups prepared by Margaret Jones and Irene Schwertner. Campbell Soup can flower arrangements decorated the
will meet April 16
tables. Irene thanked Gayle and Margaret Jones for the new flags they presented to be used in the Schwertner Community Club. David Marek, Linda Schillenberg, Shirley Fischer and Jeannie Dillard won door prizes. – Reporter
Door prize winners at the January Schwertner Lodge meeting were, from left, David Marek, Linda Schillenberg, Shirley Fischer and Jeannie Dillard.
The 2018 officers for Schwertner Lodge include, seated, from left, Margaret Jones, Irene Schwertner, Mona Rieger, standing, from left, Charles Gersbach, Tommy Krueger, David Marek, Randall Schwertner, Gayle Jones, Mike Hovatter, Cynthia Gersbach and Betty Lum.
Haskell discusses future events HASKELL – Haskell Lodge met in the home of Jerry Don and Phyllis Klose in March. Members were glad to see those who have been on the sick list and are doing better. Discussion concerning future lodge events was held.
Members are waiting for warmer weather to carry out those plans. Martin Rueffer won the door prize. Members enjoyed a meal after the meeting. – Reporter
Margaret and Gayle Jones donated new flags to Schwertner Lodge.
ELLINGER – Ellinger Lodge will meet April 16 at 4 p.m. at the Ellinger Fire Station. At the Feb. 19 meeting, Agent Judy Schulmeier gave a report on activities at the Home Office. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Evelyn Ilse. She was the oldest member of the lodge. A donation in her memory was sent to the Retirement Home. A donation also was sent in memory of Vernon Roesler who passed away in 2017. The attendance-prize winner was Audrey Krenek. The lotto winner was Rosalie Tobias. Others in attendance won door prizes. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Ruth Martinak and Gerald Schulmeier. Everyone enjoyed the hot dog meal furnished by James and Audrey Krenek and Bessie Hoffmann. Tuna sandwiches, chips, dips, brownies and apple pie also were served. The lodge furnished drinks. – Reporter
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 27
Fredericksburg will meet April 3 FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Lodge will meet April 3. The lodge will furnish the chicken spaghetti. Members are asked to bring a side dish. A salad meal was served at the March meeting. Lily Grace Swanner was welcomed as a new junior member. In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge will take part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Members have
been asked to help with the set up for the walk, which takes place Friday, May 3, at the Fredericksburg ISD football field. Agent Dennis Henke reported he attended a workshop for agents President Hans Enderlin suggested the lodge consider an increase in hall rental fees to remain competitive with facilities in the area.
A condolence card was sent to the family of Ella Mae Klein Halamicek who passed away Feb. 10. Attendance prizes were awarded to Lola Enderlin and Dennis Henke. For more information on future meetings, contact Hans Enderlin at 830-895-1343 or Windy Duecker at 830-9972983. – Reporter
Celebrating March birthdays at the Fredericksburg Lodge meeting were, from left, Marissa Weinheimer, Hans Enderlin, Geneva Tatsch, Delores Staudt and Katherine Cornehl.
Shelby will donate bears for children
Norbert and Denise Jeschonnek from Germany were guests at the March meeting of Shelby Lodge. Mary Jane Schwab receives her 60-year membership pin from New Braunfels Lodge President Tommy Daum during the March meeting. Mary Jane has been a member since June 2, 1957.
New Braunfels will hold picnic supper for May 6 NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will not meet in April because Easter falls on the lodge’s regular meeting date. The next meeting will be held May 6 and will include a Salute to Summer with a picnic supper. The lodge met March 4. The hall was decorated with Texas flags to honor Texas Independence Day. Some
members wore green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Agent Shirley Huebinger reported 21 area agents attended the workshop held in New Braunfels. After games and refreshments, Dennis Schwab hosted a chicken fried steak with gravy dinner. Members furnished the side dishes and desserts. – Sandra Guenther
Social hosts for the March meeting of Shelby Lodge were, front, from left, Judy Pieper, Lollie Dittmar, Betty Huebner, second row, from left, Marie Voelkel, Don Huebner, back row, from left, Roy Pieper and Oscar Voelkel.
Hochheim-Prairie meets April 8 YOAKUM – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will meet Sunday, April 8. At the March 4 meeting, members welcomed Carol and Annette Jungman as members by way of transfer. Get-well cards had been sent to Ruth Carter and Kathy Langhoff and a sympathy card was sent to the Lorea Schaffner family. The lodge’s 4-H Club members
sent notes thanking the lodge for its donations to their projects. Members who celebrated birthdays in January, February and March were recognized. That includes Janet Zabransky, Mary Pargmann, Tommy Wenzel and Charlie and Carolyn Hoepfl. The attendance prize winner was Debbie Zinke. – Reporter
SUNDAY – Shelby Lodge will meet Sunday, April 8, at Harmonie Hall. Visiting and games will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by the meeting and a meal featuring baked ham. Members are asked to bring a side dish and a small to medium sized teddy bear. The bears will be donated to local emergency medical service personnel who in turn will give them to children who have been involved in an accident. Visitors at the March 11 meeting included Denise and Norbert Jeschonnek from Germany. Denise is the daughter of former member Myron Bruening. Kenneth Kaase’s name was drawn for the progressive door prize but he was not in attendance. Other door prize winners were Perlie Klaus, Doris Klingsporn, Flora Marek, Marie Voelkel and Don Huebner. Serving grilled pork steaks with side dishes were Lollie Dittmar, Judy and Roy Pieper, Marie and Oscar Voelkel and Betty and Don Huebner. – Reporter
You can read Hermann Sons Life online at Celebrating a March anniversary from Shelby Lodge were, from left, Joylene and Ken Mathis. Celebrating a March birthday was Warren Meischen.
hermannsonslife.org
Page 28 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Richland will clean cemetery on May 6
Celebrating special occasions at the March meeting of Rutersville Lodge were, from left, JoAnn Heintschel, Linda Mattocks and James Svrcek, a birthday; and Allen and Joyce Faldyn, an anniversary.
cital will be held May 12 at the SPJST Hall on Hwy. 95 in Elgin. Members are encouraged to attend. Members voted to collect personal hygiene items in observance of Make a Difference Day. These items will be donated to the Circle of Hope program that benefits Pflugerville ISD families. On Sunday, Oct. 7, Richland Lodge will host a gathering for lodges in Districts 15 and 16. A potluck-style meal will be served and everyone will be
able to play dominos and other games and have a chance to win a door prize. More information will be sent to the presidents in these districts. Mike Kelley was thanked for cooking. Marvin Graw won the attendance prize. After the business meeting, members bagged flowers and flags for the Join Hands Day project. Hope to see all members on May 6. – Reporter
Celebrating March birthdays from Corpus Christi Lodge were, from left, Michelle Ballard, Betty Ballard, Urijah Cruz, Shelly Hunt and Kerry Ginn.
Goldie Beal and Joel Mcpheeters were the door prize winners at the March meeting of Corpus Christi Lodge.
RICHLAND – Richland Lodge will NOT meet in April due to the Easter holiday. On Sunday, May 6, members will gather for the Join Hands Day project. All members are encouraged to arrive at St. John-Richland Church Cemetery around 1 p.m. to help set up before the Cele 4-H Club members arrive at 1:30 p.m. At the March meeting, members unanimously approved the revised Local Lodge Bylaws. The Elgin School of Dance re-
Rutersville to meet April 4 RUTERSVILLE – Rutersville Lodge will meet April 4. The lodge will provide the meat and members are asked to bring side dishes. Visitors always are welcome. At the Wednesday, March 7, meeting it was announced that the annual Family Fun Night is planned for June 23. Membership pins will be presented. Agent Linda Mattocks spoke about the SAFE Plan for those between the ages of 50 and 90.
The lodge’s new member goal for 2018 is six. A sympathy card was sent to Loretta Brugger following the loss of her grandson. Attendance-prize winners were Margie Svrcek, Cheryl Kuhn, Jo An Heintschel, Jim Mattocks and Glen Hartmann. After socializing, everyone enjoyed a meal of chili, side dishes and desserts. – Reporter
Dallas Lodge to present pins at El Fenix Restaurant on May 20 DALLAS - Dallas Lodge’s next gathering will be held Sunday, May 20, at 1 p.m. at El Fenix Restaurant, 1601 McKinney Ave. There is free parking in downtown Dallas. Members are encouraged to attend this luncheon. The lodge’s 13 pin recipients for 2018 will be honored. The lodge will pay for lunch. Reservations need to be made by calling Andy Schellenberg at 972-313-0058. Celebrating a membership anniversary in April will be Johnny Meusel, Margaret Winkle, Susan Guthrie and Carolyn Huggins. Members are reminded that no regular meetings are planned for April and May, unless necessary. The lodge’s new member goal for 2018 is 10. By reaching that goal, the lodge will re-
ceive $100. Help your lodge by recommending new members. Then you will be eligible for a monthly drawing prize of $100. The lodge’s 2017 new member goal was five. The lodge actually welcomed eight new members thanks to recommenders. The most recent new member is James A. Sandy of Dallas. Members extend sympathy to the family of Georgianna Spurlock. She passed away Feb. 25, 2018. Her mother was Carol Hufford. Volunteers are needed for the lodge’s Join Hands Day project. On May 12, members will gather at 9 a.m. at City Square, 1650 S. Malcolm X Blvd. 350, Dallas 75226. They will be stocking food. Members are asked to confirm their attendance with Andy. – Reporter
Corpus Christi to honor pin recipients
Corpus Christi Lodge celebrated Valentine’s Day with a party on Feb. 10. Director David Noak and wife Pam, from left, are pictured with Darlette and Frank Brandon. Members and guests donated more than $270 to the Epilepsy Foundation through the 50/50 drawing.
Frank and Darlette Brandon celebrated 47 years of marriage on March 27. They are members of Corpus Christi Lodge.
CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Lodge will meet April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilltop Community Center. A covered dish dinner will be served and members will play games. At the May 7 meeting, those receiving their membership pins in 2018 will be honored. The Corpus Christi School of Dance will hold its recital June 2 at Tuloso Midway High School Auditorium. The March 5 business dinner and meeting was held at Land and Sea. The next six months of 50/50 winnings will be going to The Ark, a local organization that helps low income families and foster children. Megan Hunt won the 50/50 cash. The door prize winners were Goldie Beal, Joel Mcpheeters and Greg Blankenship. – Brittny Mcpheeters
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 29
Lockhart to honor seniors with party on April 8 LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge will honor its graduating high school seniors on Sunday, April 8. The party will begin at 6 p.m. at Henry’s Restaurant. A hamburger meal will be served. Graduates and their parents are invited to attend. The lodge met March 4 and made final plans for the celebra-
tion. Members stood for a moment of silence in memory of Henry Laverne Schaefer who passed away Jan. 26 at the age of 84. He had been a member since June 1987. President Ann Schroeder reported that the lodge’s new member goal for 2018 is 10.
Correspondence included a thank-you note from the family of Laverne Schaefer for the donation made to the Retirement Home and from the Salvation Army and Seton Care-A-Van for the lodge’s recent donations. Celebrating a birthday was Carol Schuelke. – Reporter
Deanville will hold egg hunt March 25 Members of Lockhart Lodge who showed rabbits in the Caldwell County Stock Show included Logan Till, McKenzie Hess and Bethany Visage.
DEANVILLE – Deanville Lodge members remembered Barbara Sablatura at the February meeting with a moment of silence. Barbara passed away Feb. 9. Barbara was a longtime and faithful member of the lodge who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Most recently she donated tables for the lodge hall.
Sympathy is extended to her family and to the family of Eldie Koehler who passed Jan. 4. An Easter egg hunt will be held on Sunday, March 25, at 1 p.m. at the hall. The Easter Bunny will assist in the Easter egg hunt and be available for pictures with the children. The lodge meeting will begin at 2 p.m. Members approved the re-
vised Local Lodge Bylaws. The lodge’s new member goal for 2018 is six. Everyone is encouraged to recommend a member to Agent Donnie Blinka so he can contact them and explain the benefits of being a member of Herman Sons Life. Members were informed that Larry Maresh fell and broke his hip. – Reporter
Plum plans next meeting for April 9 Door prize winners at the Lockhart Lodge meeting in March were, from left, Ann Schroeder, Dickie Rutherford, Lil Pfefferkorn and Debbie Pfefferkorn.
Bernardo installs officers BERNARDO – Officers were installed at the Feb. 21 meeting of Bernardo Lodge held in the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department meeting room. The lodge did not meet in January because of bad weather so the installation was postponed until the February meeting. The officers are president, Terrel Maertz; vice president, Beatrice Hill; secretary/treasurer, Robin Maertz; trustees, Joan Trojacek, Joe Trojacek and R.W. Maertz Jr.; Finance Committee members, Arlene Trojacek, Billy Hagen and Emily Frank; reporter, Arlene Trojacek/Robin Maertz and Cheer Committee member, Beatrice Hill. Four new members were welcomed. They are Windom Beason Etheridge, Piper Leete Etheridge, Addison June Kennedy and Amu Windom Etheridge.
Agents Terrel and Robin Maertz announced that they would be attending a workshop scheduled for Feb. 28 in Sealy. Beatrice Hill reported sending a get-well card to Joe and Arlene Trojacek. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Jerome Wicke, a longtime member who passed away recently. A thank you note was received from Arlene and Joe Trojacek for the poinsettias that were delivered to them during the holidays and for the food that was brought to them as well. June 9 is the date for the annual barbecue. More details will be available at a later date. The Christmas social is set for Dec. 12 with more details also available at a later date. Ruby Belle Henneke and Beatrice Hill won attendance prizes. – Reporter
PLUM – Plum Lodge will meet April 9. The menu will be announced in the local newspaper prior to the meeting. The lodge meets every second Monday of the month. The social hour begins at 5 p.m., a buffet meal is served at 6 p.m. and the business meeting begins at 7 p.m.
The lodge’s February meeting was held at the La Marina Restaurant. Most everyone wore red in honor of Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the cupcakes that Linda Poncik brought. Membership Coordinator Genelda Stahmer reported
sending get-well cards to Donald Hagemann and Thomas Jurk and a sympathy card to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Stahmer following the passing of her sister. Winning the lodge’s door prizes were Gene Wessels, Donald Hagemann, Genelda Stahmer and Gloria Raschke. – Verlene R. Hobratschk
Columbia to hold pancake breakfast DALLAS – Time changes everything. Bob Wills sang that song, and every spring we change the clocks. Time waits for no one and it won’t wait for you and me. So get on down to the Dallas Hall and see what is going on. The Columbia Lodge St. Alphonso Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, April 7. The report from the Retirement Home Chili Cook-off reveals that the lodge’s own Glenn Mullah Marvin took second place in showmanship but still no trophy for his most excellent chili. Glenn did get to entertain the faithful and pick some tunes with the Hill Top Trio. The Hall continues to evolve and there is always work to be
done to keep the Hall in working order. Mark Martinek is heading up the House Committee and they are working to make the Hall even nicer than it already is. There is always work and a need for volunteers to help with projects at the Hall. Consider spending some time to make sure your children and their children will have a place to call home. The Hall will have a busy April with the Deep Elm Arts Festival headquartering out of the Hall again. Hopefully the kitchen will be serving pulled pork sliders. As usual, volunteers are needed to staff the Hall on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Note that Columbia Lodge will
meet on Sunday, April 15, at 3 p.m. due to Easter being on the first Sunday of the month. Plan to attend. Plans are to have an email newsletter going soon so up-tothe-minute notices about ongoing activities can be shared with members. Several members helped out at the monthly White Rock Lake cleanup in March. This was led by Cecilia Phillips and included Sean and Anni Howe and Cecilia and Gilbert Shelby. Thank you for helping to make a difference. Bobby Wilbanks is talking about doing a blood drive again, possibly in conjunction with a lodge meeting. – Dave Moynihan
Page 30 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
San Marcos to donate care packages to campers SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Monday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. at La Vista Clubhouse, 1615 Redwood Rd., San Marcos. Larry, Evelyn and Bruce Moreau will prepare ham for the meal. At this meeting, members will prepare the 75 care packages the lodge is donating to the children attending the Grief Support Camp in observance of Join Hands Day. Lodge members were encouraged to donate to the cause and tell their neighbors and friends about the project. The lodge is contributing $150 to help purchase the bags and the items that will go in them. The Social Group from Texas State University is helping with the project. Lillian Cargil is coordinating the project for the lodge. Mothers will be honored at the May 7 meeting with a brunch/lunch at the Golden Corral in New Braunfels. The meeting begins at 10:45 a.m. The lodge held its annual
The family of Clifford Dean Gourley attended the memorial service held as part of the March San Marcos Lodge meeting. Pictured are Leola Gourley, David Gourley, Peyton Price and Becky Gourley.
Taking part in the memorial service held at the March San Marcos Lodge meeting were, from left, Mary Jane Smith, Janet Boehringer and Janice Kuhen.
memorial service as part of the March 5 meeting. Family members of the nine deceased members were invited to take part in the service. A flower was removed from the bouquet of flowers surrounding a cross adorned with greenery and then placed on the table in remembrance of the loved who had passed. Those remembered were the
75; Billy Joe Hageman Sr. who passed away June 2, 2017, at the age of 89; Bob W. Dobie who passed away July 20, 2017, at the age of 87; Norma Brittan Roberts, who passed away July 2, 2017, at the age of 85; and Adeline Frieda Laechelin who passed away Aug. 11, 2017, at the age of 89. Members were informed of the passing of Cynthia M.
Rev. Eva Nell Linebarger who passed away Feb. 3, 2017, at the age of 91; James Wilburn Ragsdale who passed away Feb. 6, 2017, at the age of 96; Clifford Dean Gourley who passed away Feb. 15, 2017, at the age of 78; Louis Edwin Brister who passed away April 11, 2017, at the age of 78; David Boehringer who passed away April 23, 2017, at the age of
Paige Lodge presents donation to 4-H Club PAIGE – Paige Lodge will furnish hot dogs for the April 8 lunch. The meeting will feature an Easter theme. Members are asked to bring chips, dips and desserts. Members are reminded that the May meeting will be held May 20, the third Sunday, so Mother’s Day can be celebrated with family. Members and guests enjoyed a potluck lunch prior to the Feb. 11 meeting with a Valentine’s Day theme. President Chelle Dube presented a check from the lodge and a Matching Funds check from the Home Office to the Loblolly 4-H Club. The money was raised during the lodge’s Chili Supper in November. Accepting the checks for Loblolly 4-H Club were Paige Barrington, Charlie Barrington, Josh Dube and Kelsey Dube. The schedule of events and meetings for 2018-2019 was
President Chelle Dube, far right, presents a check from Paige Lodge and a Matching Funds check from the Home Office to, from left, Paige Barrington, Charlie Barrington, Josh Dube and Kelsey Dube of the Loblolly 4-H Club. The lodge sponsored a chili supper on Nov. 11 for the 4-H Club. approved as follows: May 20 Mother’s Day lunch and meeting; June 10 – Father’s Day lunch and meeting; July 8 – hamburgers, members bring chips, dips
or dessert, Fourth of July red, white and blue theme; Aug. 12 – potluck lunch and meeting; Sept. 9 – sandwich potluck and meeting; Oct. 14 – potluck
lunch and meeting; Nov. 11 – Thanksgiving lunch, meeting and election of officers; Dec. 9 – Christmas lunch and meeting. Bring a wrapped gift if you want to participate in the “Rob Your Neighbor” game; Jan. 13 – potluck lunch and meeting; Feb. 10 – potluck lunch and meeting with Valentine’s Day theme. Jed Dube won the attendance prize and Michael Dube won the dollar pot. Kelsey Dube, Jed Dube and Bernice Basward won Valentine heart candy boxes donated by Debbie Harmon. Michael Dube won a Valentine heart themed drinking glass donated by Sandy Botkin. Debbie Harmon donated bags of Valentine chocolate candies for each member and guest present. Congratulations to Otis and Shirley Marburger on their move to their new home in Giddings. – Sandy Botkin
Krueger on Feb. 5 in New Braunfels. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Krueger, and daughter, Heather Krueger, and husband, Michael Bolanos of Austin. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Marshall Smith and Evelyn Moreau. Larry Moreau and Janice Kuhen won attendance prizes. – Reporter
Kerrville will meet April 4 KERRVILLE – Kerrville Lodge will meet Wednesday, April 4, in the Wells Fargo Bank Community Room. There will be an Easter theme with ham being provided by Boyce and Juanice Grona. All members attending are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Final plans will be made for Join Hands Day. The lodge will either join with The American Legion on a project or do a food drive to benefit the Hill Country Veterans Center. Plans for Flag Day also will be discussed. Members are mourning the loss of Membership Coordinator Gordon Oehler who passed away recently. Other meeting dates for 2018 include June 6, Aug. 1, Oct. 3 and Dec. 7 (Christmas party at Buzzies BBQ). All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. – Juanice Grona
April 2018 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 31
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Abilene Diane Marie Smith 325-665-2253
Cibolo/Schertz Tracy Campos 210-860-6675
George West Tracy Caron 361-449-0348
La Grange Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988
Adkins Alayna Menzer 210-413-0001
Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938
Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678
La Vernia Sharon Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-0526
Giddings Loretta Chilek, FIC 979-542-2806
Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229
Roxy Pruski 210-218-6204
Comfort Norma Bruns, FIC 830-995-3980
Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975
Corpus Christi Frank Brandon 361-241-5593
Bandera Stephanie Brown 210-621-3891
Pearl Hunt 361-241-0940
Bastrop William Hinkston 512-284-1684 Bellville Robert Herridge 979-865-3222
Troylyn Sisneros-Gonzalez 361-232-7413 Cuero Laura Tiffin Wayne Tiffin 361-275-8421
Linda Kieschnick, FIC 979-542-5224
Lubbock April Behnke 806-797-3585
Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317
Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380
Greg Polasek 830-540-4812
Marshall Donald Robinette 903-690-3193
Graham/Wichita Falls David Wolf 940-550-5202
Dallas Helen Tyson Brown 214-796-0668
Hondo Stacy Saathoff 830-444-9160
Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727
Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483
Houston Anna Larie Keith 281-259-6337
Boerne/Fair Oaks Carl Behrendt 210-422-1159
Devine Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409
Sarah Spencer 361-550-1883
Boerne/San Antonio Carl Behrendt 210-422-1159
Edna/Jackson County Sam Matlock 361-782-3206
Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306
El Campo Dennis Wigginton 832-278-9636
Marilyn Vogt, FICF 210-630-9874
Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger 210-325-6667
Bernardo/Columbus Robin Maertz 979-732-1687
Caldwell Donnie Blinka 979-596-1309 Canyon Lake Sandra Duncan 830-905-3233 Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC 210-219-9792 A list of agents also is available online at hermannsonslife.org
Floresville Lynn Wiede 830-393-4660
Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001 Jourdanton Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598 Katrina Wiatrek 210-326-9505 Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982 Russell Swize 830-780-4053
Fort Worth Sandra Jones, FIC 817-295-2666
Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293
Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale 830-997-2130
La Coste Tanya Crisp 830-985-9230
Dennis Henke 830-997-5290
Maxwell Charles Croley 512-357-6638 Needville Melissa Kostelnik 713-304-1692 Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127 New Braunfels Kathryn Green 830-463-9455 Shirley Huebinger 830-822-1942 Tim Salge 830-625-4816 Nixon-Smiley Diana P. Moreno 830-379-2244 Orange Grove Paula Gebert 361-384-2375 Paige RaChelle Dube 512-740-3518 Pflugerville Julius Dubcak 512-272-8393 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven 361-552-9403
Marketing Department Staff
210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667 Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe timk@hermannsonslife.org Marketing Analyst Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley gladysr@hermannsonslife.org Special Representatives: Dan Boenig - 210-705-1815 danb@hermannsonslife.org Becki Carley - 361-550-9358 beckicarley@yahoo.com Gary Falkenberg, FICF - 713-466-6069 • 713-899-4138 gfalken908@aol.com Eulla May Krueger - 210-863-0546 • 830-985-3643 eullak@hermannsonslife.org Teresa Saathoff - 210-276-0361 • 210-422-6996 teresaasaathoff@gmail.com Alfred Stryk, FICF, LUTCF - 281-485-4095 alstryk@sbcglobal.net
Rockdale Judy Marie York 512-446-5914
Seguin/San Antonio Carol Krauss, FIC 210-725-4106
Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988
Seguin Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724
San Antonio Philip A. Abell 210-771-1213
Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973
Ruth Bailey 210-602-5147
Diane Terp 830-305-3564
John Hoog 210-226-8801
Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405
Darlene Irwin 210-392-2649
Lisa Lanphere 830-221-8128
Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142
Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek 830-996-3005
Jim McNeel 210-601-2097 Emma Moya 210-344-3935 San Marcos/Lockhart Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431 Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312 Schwertner Irene Schwertner 254-527-4470
Victoria Jason Hybner 361-652-6924 Victoria/Yoakum Laura Thigpen 361-676-8307 Yoakum Mary Koenig 361-293-1743 Yorktown Judy Wolf 361-564-2452
Page 32 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2018
Shining Stars CAIDEN VASQUEZ is a member of New Braunfels Lodge. She is in the sixth grade. Her favorite food is French toast and her favorite TV show is “Stranger Things.” Caiden has a pet dog, Macy. Her activities include painting and drawing.
Sign up to become a Shining Star! Members 17 and younger can become Shining Stars! Shining Stars are featured in Hermann Sons Life each month and receive a fun packet in the mail. Shining Stars and their families are invited to a special event each year. In the past, Shining Stars have visited Sea World, Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn.
Shining Star Registration Form Just send us a photo of yourself (that we can keep) and fill out this form and send to: Tammi Sutherland, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. The form is also available online, hermannsonslife.org. Photos of our Shining Stars also are featured online. Name:
EMILY VASQUEZ is a member of New Braunfels Lodge. She is in the third grade. Chinese food is her favorite and her favorite TV shows are on “Animal Planet.” Emily has a pet dog, Macy. Her activities include painting and drawing.
FAITH VASQUEZ is a member of New Braunfels Lodge. She is in the second grade. Her favorite food is ice cream and her favorite TV shows are “Kim Possible” and “Littlest Pet Shop.” Faith has a pet dog, Macy. Her activities include listening to music and playing on her tablet.
Easter Word Search Find these words! Basket
Fun
Bonnets
Good
Bunny
Happy
Candy
Jesus
Children
Pictures
Chocolate
Pink
Church
Rabbit
Coloring
Religious
Cross
Risen
Decorations
Spring
Home Phone:
Ducks
Sunday
Daytime Phone:
Eggs
Yellow
Birthday:
Address: City:
Help the Easter Bunny find the basket.
Zip:
E-mail Address: Grade in school: Favorite Food: Pets: Favorite TV Show: Activities: It is OK with my parents that I am featured as a “Shining Star” in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper, website and any other advertising publications. Parent’s Signature: I am a member of
Lodge No.
Certificate No.______________________________________________________ Answers on Pg. 13