Forum Magazine - Summer 2021

Protection for Your Community & Causes

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75 years ago:

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GLEANER OFFERS A NEW BENEFIT FOR MEMBERS Create a will, a trust, a power of attorney and more!

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Gleaner Life Insurance Society (Gleaner Life) member benefits are non-contractual, subject to specific eligibility requirements, definitions and limitations and may be changed or canceled without notice.

LawAssure document preparation services are independently offered by Epoq, Inc. (Epoq) and are subject to its terms of service and privacy policy. Epoq is an online service that provides certain legal forms and legal information. This service is not available in Louisiana. Epoq is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney’s advice. Gleaner Life and Epoq are independent, unaffiliated companies. Gleaner Life does not provide, is not responsible for, does not assume any liability for and does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or results of any service, advice or documents provided by Epoq. Gleaner Life is not responsible and does not assume liability for any disclosure of personal data or information by Epoq.

www.gleanerlife.org

Contents

Summer 2021

Features 6

40th anniversary of “the big move” In August of 1981, Gleaner Life began a new era by opening its Home Office in Adrian, Michigan.

9

Board of Directors candidates Four positions for the Board of Directors will be voted upon at the 60th Biennial Convention.

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Protection for our communities, causes Life insurance makes our communities better, and can protect the charities we care about.

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The Gold Star Gleaners, Part 3 Honoring the 130 Gleaner Life members who died serving in World War II. Final claims were paid 75 years ago.

9 Do you enjoy searching for Gleaner’s wheat stalk?

It's hidden in every issue of Forum

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Magazine. Having difficulty finding the wheat stalk in this issue? Look on Page 26 for the answer.

@GleanerLife Forum Magazine is made from soy-based ink products and is recyclable.

17 www.gleanerlife.org

Make a small impact on conservation by recycling this publication or passing it on to a friend.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2021 \

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FORUM

Contents

Summer 2021 / V. 126 / No. 3 Senior Officers Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC President and CEO

D. Arell Chapman, CRISC, FLMI

Senior Vice President, Chief Operations and Technology Officer

Deborah K. Elliott, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Senior Vice President

Chief Human Resources Officer, and Secretary

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Anthony D. Golden, CLU, ChFC, RICP, FIC Senior Vice President, Sales Todd M. Warner

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Investment Officer

Kaylene S. Armstrong, FLMI

Korinne’s Korner

Vice President, Finance, Controller and Treasurer

Barbara Janowski, RN, ALMI, AALU Vice President, Insurance Operations and Chief Underwriter Jaime Linden, FIC

32

13 Proposed Constitution change

and Community Engagement Officers Tadd J. Brooket

At a glance

ack over the last 16 months, we have all & reviews o manageNews our lifestyles in new and different we “hopefully” begin to find our way out of 3 Thoughts from the president unnel into the light of day again, I’ve tried bout blessings and lessons learned.

Vice President, Member

Assistant Vice President, IT Systems and Security Manager

Adam, realized he needed a companion, andJudy created Lawrence, FLMI, ACS Eve. To say that finding my way back to this ministry Assistant Vice President, IT Development for our new Sunday morning ritual has been a true and Processing blessing would be an understatement.

National Headquarters Chuck Monahan, ALMI 5200 West U.S. Highway 223

Assistant Vice President, Marketing

With vaccinations increasing and the United States P.O. Box 1894 and Communications closing in on 49221-7894 some level of "herd immunity," our Adrian, Michigan Dawn Osborn, ALMI, ACS p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894 daily activities can graduallyAssistant resume, Vice President, Underwriting f 517.265.7745 or so we all certainly remain hopeful. and New Business www.gleanerlife.org For the first time in over a year, my forum@gleanerlife.org local book club met, and I've resumed Board of Directors playing pickle ball and tennis. AsTerry good L. Garner, Chair Hours Mark A. Wills, Vice Chair as it felt to be out and about, my heart Monday - Friday: Stephanie R. Andresen | Donna K. Baker | overflowed seeing my friends' faces 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. EST Russell E. Cunningham | Margaret M.S. Noe | and just catching up with our lives.

Daniel R. Sutton Nothing compares to "the power of Frank Dick, Chairman Emeritus one another.”

h services during the past year's COVID 31 50- and 75-year members c have largely been d in our church parking Giving r car listening byback radio.

I made a joint decision 19 Arbors in Action end in person again until uary was back open, Interests s being played, and ere being sung again. We 4 Upcoming events ed hearing our Sunday sermon, so I did some 32 Korinne’s Korner discovered our minister Supreme Arbor Officers n we lived in Kansas The recipe I am sharing was a gem 34 Benny’s Page Dick online service televised I found this winter. I combine it Hadden, Supreme Chief Gleaner Norma Garner, Supreme Vice Chief Gleaner every weekend. Adam with a salad dressing that I whip Linda Ruehrmund, Supreme Chaplain is the senior pastor of up in the kitchen, and it is good Deborah Rydberg, Supreme Conductor the Resurrection in for up to a week.

I will be taking Cheryl Jones, Supreme Guard Forum Magazine is produced quarterly at Gleaner’s Home Office by Dustin Everden, Mark Lenz, Chuck Monahan, Park, Kansas.

When we this to a luncheon/carry-in with my Julie Tison and Abigail Wright. For questions regarding this publication, please email forum@gleanerlife.org. ed with the congregation neighbor lady friends as we return to r 20 years ago, there was having monthly get togethers AND campus. However, as of experience the power of one another! t church family has multiplied into a total

Thoughts from the president Dear valued Gleaner members: Summer is here — hallelujah!

Since we last communicated, you’ve hopefully honored all the mothers and fathers on their special days, as well as honoring those who’ve served our military, protecting and defending us, on Memorial Day. You will also have celebrated the founding of our great country on Independence Day. Finally, at the end of summer, we will all celebrate the American worker on Labor Day. These are annual celebrations we look forward to with our families, and with our friends and co-workers. We really do need to step back and reflect on our many blessings as a people, a nation, and on being a member of Gleaner Life Insurance Society!

Through the month of June, our life sales as measured by both new first year and single premium, as well as face amount issued, are well ahead of 2020. Annuity sales have been coming on strong in May and June after a somewhat slower start to the year. We are especially pleased by the increased sales and strong performance of our Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity® for our members and agents.

agents/advisers in the COVID-19 environment. It is a huge undertaking, but well worth the effort for our future efficiency of operations and new business growth. And we have filed for admission to three more states — Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina — where we have identified further growth opportunities for the Society.

Our 60th Biennial Convention will be held October 2224 at Belterra Resort & Casino in Florence, Indiana, the Good Lord willing. See the information on our four board directors seeking re-election to new four-year terms, as well as a proposed constitutional amendment for delegates’ consideration, on pages 8-13. We hope we can count on your support.

Have a safe and healthy summer!

Fraternally, Kevin A. Marti President & CEO

Just when the vaccines became more widely available — while Gleaner still had about two-thirds of our employees working from home, and we were faithfully following the safety requirements — we had our first major outbreak of COVID-19 cases amongst our employee group in April.

Over 20 employees were impacted, but mercifully all are on the road to recovery at the time of this writing near the end of June. We had minimal disruption to our member and agent service levels. We are currently evaluating what our future work environment plans will look like post-COVID and looking forward to the day when we can welcome members and guests back to see us at the Home Office.

We have important goals and objectives for 2021. We want to continue to grow our life and annuity new business premiums. We are working on a brand-new series of whole life solutions with guaranteed premiums (single pay, 10 pay, 20 pay, or WL to 100) for introduction in September.

We are developing our first-ever electronic application to facilitate new business submissions from our independent

www.gleanerlife.org

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Enjoy member activities and get out again

The easing of restric�ons means more ac�vi�es. We’re warming up for the biggest events of 2021, plus something excep�onal for 2022

Alaskan Cruise Getaway in 2022 Don’t wait this summer to reserve your premium cabin and early bird special for our 2022 Alaskan Cruise Getaway. It’s an unforgettable adventure along Alaska’s famed Inner Passage, filled with picturesque wildlife, historical stops, and shipboard grandeur.

The roundtrip voyage Aug. 14-21, 2022, aboard the new Princess cruise ship Discovery departs and returns at Seattle.

After two days enjoying the newly launched ship’s magnificent amenities, entertainment and food, guests make their first stop at the colorful salmon fishing capital of Ketchikan.

From there, you enter Alaska’s famed Inside Passage and cruise the calm waters north to the long fjord of Endicott Arm, capped by the blue ice of Dawes Glacier. Afternoon and evening stops are scheduled for the state capital of Juneau and the British Columbia capital of Victoria, with nearly a full day in between at Skagway — the historic gateway to the Klondike for gold miners.

Gleaner guests will enjoy a package of toprate amenities including a premier beverage package, prepaid gratuities, unlimited wi-fi, and one specialty dining experience from among several options (gratuities not included). Gleaner members receive premier rooms in more desirable sections of the ship. A Premium Balcony room is $2,175 per person. A Premium Interior room is $1,550 per person. Both prices include port taxes and generous gratuities. Register online today at www.gleanerlife.org/alaska.

Dining on Discovery includes Alaskan specialties such as King crab, seafood chowder, pan-roasted steak, fish tacos and several restaurants. There also are optional excursions at seven different locations. These offer a wide assortment of activities such as fishing, glacier flightseeing, history tours, train rides, whale watching excursions and more.

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www.gleanerlife.org

60th Biennial Convention Gleaner Life’s big 60th Biennial Convention is scheduled Oct. 22-24 at the Belterra Resort Casino in Florence, Indiana. In addition to handling the business of the Society, the convention marks a major milestone. Few organizations have served members as well or as long since 1894.

Overlooking the banks of the Ohio River, the beautiful resort features 608 guestrooms (each with a large LCD television), a casino located on a docked riverboat, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, a swimming pool, the Shops at Belterra, laundry and dry cleaning services plus free parking.

Entertainment for the convention will be provided by magician Stuart MacDonald, who has performed internationally and succeeded in baffling world-famous magicians Penn & Teller on their show “Fool Us.” The musical show on Saturday night will feature 56Daze. The group plays a wide selection from the 1960s through recent hits.

Registration for the 60th Biennial Convention has begun. For a schedule of events, visit www.gleanerlife.org/convention.

For questions contact the Community Engagement Department at events@gleanerlife.org. www.gleanerlife.org

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Forty years ago this August, Gleaner Life took a bold step with its headquarters. It relocated operations from Michigan’s northern Detroit suburb of Birmingham south to agricultural Adrian, opened its new Home Office, and ushered in a fresh era.

Forty years later, it’s easy to overlook the significance of Aug. 13-14, 1981, in Society history. Operations continued. Members’ needs were met. The move, however, involved not just the thousand-plus boxes nor 87 years of business records, nor the bulky computers and miles of electrical cords, nor the dozens of new employees. It marked the Society’s long-sought return from the big city, with new emphasis on fraternal activities in the modern era.

The big move was well-planned. It had been set in motion more than two years before when Frank Dick was hired as Senior Vice President and Secretary to succeed retiring President George Ransford. Once President Ransford negotiated the sale of the existing building in Birmingham, President Dick was appointed and soon helped identify and purchase land for the new Home Office in Adrian. Groundbreaking occurred Aug. 4, 1980, and within a year final construction neared its end.

“Our board on construction was very wise,” President Dick said later of the building, which was drawn up with an early-American design.

“They said, ‘Build it right.’ We used top-grade brick. … We put quality into the building and the landscaping. It may cost a little more, but they did it right.”

Bill Warner, the fraternal vice president at the time, recalled how President Dick paid attention to detail. “Frank went down south with the architect to make sure it was as authentic as it could be,” Warner said. “The masons put in a mortar joint that Frank didn’t like. I told them they’d need to put in a ‘raked joint.’ The foreman said, ‘No we’re not.’ I told him that he might need to change when Frank heard about it. Frank came out and told him, ‘You’ll use raked joints or we’ll find someone else who will.’”

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www.gleanerlife.org

The move was a successful but bittersweet passing of the torch for many Birmingham employees who had chosen not to relocate.

They and the Lenawee Area VocationalTechnical Center worked together to find and train suitable new workers. The mixture of veterans and novices were ready on that overcast morning Friday, Aug. 14, when moving trucks pulled into the new driveway. Presidential secretary Jan Morris signed in employees.

Receptionist Jean Pfister took calls at her desk in the foyer and worked around painters and furniture assemblers while guiding visitors to different offices. Jean Miller and Debbie McNichols lined the kitchen cabinets with shelf paper. Wiring the devices in the computer room was a team of computer specialists under the instruction of Vice President Richard Livesay.

Approximately 600 numbered boxes filled with members’ records were brought in through the front and rear doors and organized under Vice President Harvey Raschke’s direction.

At 2:30 p.m., Shirley Dick served lunch in the relative peace of the courtyard — itself a symbol of the shelter and beauty of an arbor. Another busy staffer was Building Superintendent Dan Garcia, tasked with helping make the new building functional. In barely a month, the facility was ready for a Sept. 20 dedication ceremony attended by approximately 600 people. Such large, fraternal gatherings would have been impossible at any of the Society’s previous headquarters.

Four subsequent decades testify to the success of the move. New financial solutions and fraternal programs were introduced. Gleaner Life had $180 million of insurance in force in 1979, but by 1988 had exceeded half a billion dollars.

Assets kept pace, doubling in one decade from less than half a billion dollars in 1993 to more than $1 billion when 2003 ended. The Society’s history for the first time was showcased in a permanent room of its own, including photos from before and after “the big move.”

www.gleanerlife.org

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Report of the NOMINATING COMMITTEE The 2021 Nominating Committee of Gleaner Life Insurance Society meeting was held virtually on May 4, 2021. The committee was comprised of: •

Sherri Thorp, Chair, USA Arbor, MI

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David Briggs, Plank Road Arbor, MI

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Rose Peck, Ithaca Arbor, MI

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Ivelisse Rivera, Gulf Coast Arbor, FL

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Lisa Wendt, New Beginnings Arbor, OH

Senior Vice President – Chief Human Resources Office and Secretary Deb Elliott helped facilitate the discussions. The committee reviewed four incumbent applicants for the four open positions on the Board of Directors at the upcoming biennial convention in Florence, Indiana. The committee carefully considered the following seven rating criteria for each candidate: •

Skills/expertise to benefit Gleaner Life Insurance Society

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Business experience to benefit Gleaner Life Insurance Society

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Corporate or nonprofit board experience

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Strategic planning/visioning

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Leadership experience

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Community volunteerism/arbor experience

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Personal values/attributes

After completing the rating and evaluation process, the Nominating Committee unanimously voted that the four incumbent board members were all very qualified candidates, and recommended their names appear on the ballot to stand for election during the Saturday morning business meeting October 23, 2021. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the report of the Nominating Committee.

Respectfully submitted.

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www.gleanerlife.org

Stephanie Andresen

Hartline, became the Society’s first female Supreme Chief Gleaner in 2002. Stephanie followed in their footsteps by involving herself in the arbor, the Society’s Supreme Council, raising her own family and being a Gleaner sales representative (2008-2014). “I began thinking about running for the Board of Directors prior to the 2013 convention,” she said, noting that required her to first let her insurance license go inactive. Her subsequent career in system development faced the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her infrastructure team “built and implemented a plan to allow, with a moment’s notice, BCBSNE to lock our doors and enable 1,500 employees to work remotely.” This included a “hands on” upgrade of 3,000 workstations across 14 states on a tight schedule.

She and her husband, Steve, live in Omaha and are grandparents with two grown daughters.

ANDRESEN GIVES THREE REASONS WHY SHE WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT DIRECTOR FOR THE SOCIETY:

OCCUPATION: PRODUCT OWNER, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD NEBRASKA EXPERIENCE: •

As an infrastructure product manager/owner with major companies, she has experience with strategic goals, planning, budgeting, and measuring outcomes

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A lifetime of experience and volunteering with Nebraska’s Gleoma Arbor, with which she served as president twice (1988-1990 and 2002-2019)

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Sales and customer service as a licensed life insurance and annuity agent from 2008 to 2014

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Nebraska Fraternalist of the Year in 2010 (her daughter Shannon was Youth Fraternalist of the Year the same year)

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Current Board of Directors, Gleaner Life Insurance Society, one year

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Supreme Arbor of Gleaner Life Insurance Society, 2011-2017 (Supreme Conductor, Supreme Vice Chief Gleaner, Supreme Chief Gleaner)

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Fraternal Committee, Gleaner Life Insurance Society, 2005-2017

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Nebraska Fraternal Congress Board of Directors, 2006-2017; Board President, 2011-2015

“Dedicated to giving back: Throughout my lifetime, I have tried to follow the first rule I learned as a Girl Scout — ‘Leave a place better than when you found it.’ This mentality has evolved into a deep desire to help others, serve my community, and raise up those around me.

Over the last 40 years, I have volunteered through the Girl Scouts, my children’s schools, Omaha Food Bank, Special Olympics, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Hereditary Cancer Foundation, American Red Cross, and a lifetime of volunteering through Gleoma Arbor on behalf of Gleaner Life Insurance Society.”

“Positive Attitude: I prefer the glass half-full perspective.

Instead of saying ‘no,’ I like to think in terms of ‘yes, if …’ In my mind, this is the key to success. I have been working with my latest team for about three years. When I joined, they were broken. We spent more time looking back, telling me why we could not do the things that needed to be done because of things that happened in the past. We have stabilized our infrastructure, we have delivered on our roadmap, and we have planned and maintained our budget. I will not say in times of stress there is not some backsliding, but it never lasts long.”

“Conceptual: My Emergenetics profile is primarily Social and Conceptual; nearly 80% on each of them. It explains why I am so successful as a product owner/project manager. I am an idea person, a think-outside-the-box problem solving visionary. I excel at defining the steps needed to achieve a vision, to plan a program, and to drive a project to completion. Add to that my social skills and positive attitude, and I think it’ll be very useful in building a positive, collaborative Board of Directors.”

ABOUT STEPHANIE ANDRESEN: Stephanie Andresen grew up in Nebraska’s Gleoma Arbor and saw her parents’ leadership. Her mother, Trudy

www.gleanerlife.org

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Donna K. Baker

ABOUT DONNA K. BAKER: Donna Baker’s worth ethic is reflected in her career as a CPA, her variety of business interests, and her service to her community. Her accounting employment began in 1986. Today, she is certified in both Ohio and Michigan and her company with approximately 20 employees is the largest CPA firm in Lenawee County. She also has been involved in WorkForce PayHub that provides payroll, HR and other management services to 300 companies in 15 states; Tax Pro Filers, an income tax preparation service; and Sossego, a furniture import company. Active with her husband Kim on the Baker family’s 600 cow dairy farm, she participates in 4H, the Lenawee County Holstein Association and Farm Bureau with special emphasis on teaching “Ag in the Classroom” and similar agricultural education projects. She also has worked as a member of the Adrian Arbor in its community projects.

Her involvement with Clayton United Methodist Church includes teaching children in Bible Club, serving as VBS director, and assisting with the annual Turkey Supper and Potato Bake fundraisers.

BAKER GIVES THREE REASONS WHY SHE WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT DIRECTOR FOR THE SOCIETY:

OCCUPATION: OWNER, DONNA BAKER & ASSOCIATES, CPA

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“Strong work ethic: I was raised on a dairy farm. My family and I spent many long days working together to accomplish the tasks that were vital to the survival of the family farm. I learned at a very young age the rewards of hard work and the value of dedication and determination. Today, I live on a dairy farm, where my husband and I work to instill these values in our children.”

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“Team member with a cooperative spirit: Goals can be achieved if you build on the strengths and skills of all those involved. I have had the opportunity to participate on several ‘teams’ and have witnessed the interaction and motivation required for a team to be functional and productive and the great things that can be accomplished when people jointly utilize their talents.”

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“Commitment to community: I have a personal goal to always leave a place or organization better than before my involvement and to give back to the community whenever possible. I work to accomplish this through monetary donations, free financial services and volunteering.”

EXPERIENCE: •

WorkForce PayHub

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Associate professor of accounting and Chair of Master of Science in Accountancy, Adrian College, 2015-present

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Associate professor of accounting, Accounting Program Chair, Siena Heights University, 1990-2015

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Temporary faculty, Michigan State University, Accounting instructor and Accounting Internship Director, 1991-2001

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Launched full-service accounting firm in 2007

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Served 2010-2013 term on the IRS Advisory Committee as a public representative to discuss relevant tax administrative issues

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Current Board of Directors, Gleaner Life Insurance Society, six years

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Board of Directors of Bank Michigan and, prior, United Bank and Trust

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Treasurer, Dover Township Board (25 years) and Lenawee Christian School Board (20 years)

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Business consulting for a variety of companies to develop plans, achieve goals and stay financially stable

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www.gleanerlife.org

Russell E. Cunningham

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An Aaron + Hur supporter at Cornerstone Church in Findlay, Ohio

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Previously an usher, Sunday School teacher, teen mentor, building team member and financial team member at Maranatha Bible Church in Van Buren, Ohio

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Nine years coaching Upward youth basketball in Findlay, Ohio

ABOUT RUSSELL CUNNINGHAM:

OCCUPATION: CUNNINGHAM RENTALS, CF REFUSE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, CF AUTO EXPERIENCE: •

More than 30 years of sales and management experience — both corporate and private

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Managing a three-time winner of “Branch of the Year” for Konecranes in the Toledo area, producing doubledigit sales gains each year for a decade

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Co-owner of several different businesses including ones involved with real estate improvement, refuse handling, and property management

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President, North Baltimore Arbor

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Current Board of Directors, Gleaner Life Insurance Society, four years

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AFL-CIO negotiating committee member and union steward representative while employed at Equity Meats Group in North Baltimore, Ohio

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Organized fundraising and meetings with elected officials as part of Citizens Opposed to Petro Environmental (COPE), a community group opposed to a local Petro processing facility

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Personal development coaching and motivation to achieve excellence in sales

www.gleanerlife.org

Cunningham is from a family with multi-generational ties to Gleaner Life. He is a lifetime member of North Baltimore Arbor, holding numerous offices and currently serving as its president. His strategic planning has been evident also in business where he has managed a Toledo-area branch office for Konecranes — the world’s largest crane company with gross revenue of more than $2.2 billion. His branch has increased sales by more than 11% per year over the past 10 years, and has achieved “Branch of the Year” honors in three of those years.

One of his successful early private ventures involved starting a real estate partnership company in 1990 with the purchase of one triplex. That partnership is still in existence. Cunningham worked with his wife to expand and they currently own and manage properties with more than 60 tenants. Another venture was the 2006 purchase of a refuse business that was struggling to survive. Its total revenue was $204,000 with low margins. Under Cunningham’s management its current gross sales are more than $324,000 with margins increasing into double digits. “I have mentored and helped start up numerous small businesses for friends and family. I have a strong desire to see others live out their dreams and passions.”

He and his wife, Jamie, live in Van Buren, Ohio.

CUNNINGHAM GIVES THREE REASONS WHY HE WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT DIRECTOR FOR THE SOCIETY: •

“Project management and coordinating multimillion dollar accounts for the world’s largest crane company grossing over $2.2 billion with 11,000 associates.”

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“Wise financial stewardship established through many successful ventures.”

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“Strategic business planning to increase sales and margins from my years of experience and performance in the corporate and private sector.”

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Margaret Noe

OCCUPATION: PRIVATE ATTORNEY, RETIRED CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE

ABOUT MARGARET M.S. NOE: Since graduating as president of her law school class more than 35 years ago, hard work has distinguished Margaret Noe. “I opened my law office the same year as my husband and I adopted our son, took in my nephew when his mother died and gave birth to our son. Three sons, ages 12, 10 and newborn, and a law career was started,” Noe recalled. “I would not recommend this but it is certainly one of the greatest accomplishments in our personal and professional lives.” Prior to her Board of Directors experience with Gleaner Life Insurance Society, Noe served with several other boards including the Bank of Lenawee and, currently, is president of the Siena Heights University Board of Trustees. These led to search committee positions that helped recruit a university president, a county prosecuting attorney, and a director for a social service agency. “My experience as a board member of a bank taught me a great deal about the importance of managing the assets of others. Specifically, how to manage and assume a hands-on relationship as a trustee with an owner. The importance of not just wealth management but the care of their life, all the assets that belong in another’s portfolio.”

NOE GIVES THREE REASONS WHY SHE WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT DIRECTOR FOR THE SOCIETY: •

“Honesty and integrity are key values that are part of a person’s make-up. You learn early in life the value of your word and the importance of your ethical standards. Your ability to be honest is the key factor others must and will depend upon. I have earned the respect of others but only after I earned the respect of myself.”

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“Christian values are at the heart of my being. They make up the part of my life that challenges me the most and brings me the greatest joy. Fortunately, I was blessed with strong Christian values in my home at birth. Having eight brothers and sisters at home certainly helped provide lessons for us to learn from. I gained a great sense of humor and a hard work approach to my work and responsibilities.

These attributes have provided me much guidance and comfort along the way many times as a Board Member at Gleaner to date.”

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“Hard work is another value that was instilled in me at a young age. I started working at the age of 12 years as a babysitter. I have always sought to do the very best I could at every job I ever had. I have enjoyed every job I have ever had and found my work to be satisfying. I have always worked hard and performed well. That is true of my work as a Director for Gleaner, thus I seek this position, promising to serve to the very best of my capacity based on past performance.”

EXPERIENCE: •

Lenawee County Probate Court judge (2005-2008), Chief Judge, Lenawee County Circuit Court (retired in 2019)

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Current Board of Directors, Gleaner Life Insurance Society, eight years

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Board member Siena Heights University (board president since 2005), Bank of Lenawee, Bixby Medical Center Sage Advisory Board, Montessori Children’s House, St. Joseph’s Academy, Sexual Awareness Protection Center, Catholic Social Services

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Managed a private practice law practice (19 years) while raising a family with three boys

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Assistant prosecuting attorney (14 years)

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Adjunct faculty member at Siena Heights University, teaching Business Law and Courtroom Demeaner

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Lenawee Intermediate School District’s Strategic Planning Team

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Volunteered to take on specialty court duties as judge of Lenawee County Drug Court, providing alternatives to prison for drug criminals willing to complete the program

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Also volunteers with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and for 25 years as coordinator of a community radio program, “Ask a Lawyer”

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www.gleanerlife.org

Report of the

LAW COMMITTEE The 2021 Law Committee of Gleaner Life Insurance Society meeting was held virtually on May 4, 2021. The committee was comprised of: •

Vivian Quinones- Solano, Chair, Gulf Coast Arbor, FL

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Chad Fabbro, Vulcaneer Arbor, MI

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Sheree Kozel-Laha, Homer Twp. Oak Arbor, IL

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Tom Matuszewski, Mid Michigan Arbor, MI

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Robert Place, North Baltimore Arbor, OH

Board Director Margaret Noe helped facilitate the discussion regarding the proposed change to the Constitution, shown below.

Proposed revision of Section 1 of Article 2: ARTICLE 2 Officers of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society – Their Duties and Powers Sec. 1. The officers of the Society shall be the seven members of the Board of Directors and a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The seven members of the board shall be elected for a term of four years at regular meetings of the Supreme Arbor with installation at the biennial convention. The Board shall appoint the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and one or more Vice‐ Presidents, and such other officers as it deems appropriate, and may appoint a person to more than one office. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Board, non‐management positions, shall be elected on an annual basis by the members of the Board. In recognition of long‐term service, the Board may appoint a non‐voting Chairman Emeritus.

The Law Committee unanimously recommends the Supreme Arbor of the Society approve the Constitutional change to delete the sentence, “In recognition of long‐term service, the Board may appoint a non‐ voting Chairman Emeritus.”

The Board of Directors unanimously approved the report of the Law Committee.

Respectfully submitted.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Protection for our

communities & Causes Life insurance is generally thought of as one way to protect ourselves or our loved ones. While those are the most common reasons people purchase life insurance, its benefits also protect our communities and the groups that we hold dear. Here are 10 ways that life insurance protects our local area and causes: 1. Life insurance protects communities by easing the enormous costs of supporting survivors of a deceased member’s family. Before life insurance became widely available and affordable, survivors often were forced to rely on community charity. A few ways that states and counties tried to do this was by operating orphanages and poor houses — or by relying on church-run orphanages — for those in need. By taking responsibility for our own loved ones’ financial needs, life insurance eases the strain on local charities and government social services.

4. Life insurance protects our communities’ businesses that rely on key employees. The death of some employees, such as a company’s partner or chief operating officer, might add a fiscal crisis on top of a personal loss. The business might face liabilities, shortterm cash problems, or other instability. The business might not survive. In such cases of prospective financial hardship, a company may have an insurable interest that enables it to insure such key employees.

That helps protect the company’s future — plus its other employees’ jobs.

2. Life insurance encourages healthier behavior.

Certain activities put people at higher risk. Tobacco smoking is one example. Studies clearly show far higher cancer and death rates among people who smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Data also indicate “second-hand smoking” harms others. Charging higher life insurance rates for smokers wasn’t always popular, but life insurance companies led the change in how communities think about smoking and have helped dramatically reduce lung cancer and related deaths.

5. Fraternal life insurance groups help protect their members' well-being by providing social activities, and even local groups. Within the Society, these groups are called “arbors.” Activities might take various forms including celebrations, sightseeing trips, visiting shut-ins, dinners, attending baseball games, or contributing to assist elderly members, widows or orphans. Historic cases are recorded of arbors pitching in to harvest crops for a sick member. Fraternalism is a type of social capital that members enjoy, a cooperation that multiplies what each person alone might be capable of. Examples of current activities can be found in this quarter’s “Arbors in Action” section.

3. However, life insurance also protects important work that involves higher risks. Some risks are important for a society’s benefit. Who would ever sign up to be a tunnel builder, a submariner or a deep-sea diver if they knew their family would be left destitute if they died? While the premiums are higher in order to match the risk, life insurance for these more dangerous occupations is available. That facilitates completion of risky but important work, which in turn enables entire regions to progress.

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6. Life insurance societies plow earnings back into building up their communities. Because they are owned by members and not by stockholders, fraternal life insurance societies use their profits to benefit members’ communities. At Gleaner Life, this is done in several ways. One way is for individual members to use Give and Grow grants for local projects.

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Another way is through arbors, which help meet local needs with cash donations as well as community service projects such as cleaning up parks, providing student lunches, feeding the homeless, literacy projects, food drives, school supplies for underserved residents and more. For Gleaner Life, benevolent good works have been a primary function of the Society since it was chartered in 1894.

7. Life insurance can be used to protect our causes after we’re gone. Naming a group as the beneficiary of our policy’s death benefit can assist that group in continuing its good works. That may be especially important if the policy owner was a key volunteer whose death will leave a hole in its operations. This approach also gives the policy owner flexibility to change their mind. Before their death, they might choose a different beneficiary, or they might decide to use the policy in a completely different way.

8. Life insurance can also be used to protect our favorite causes while we’re alive. There are several ways to do this. One way is by gifting an organization with a paid-up whole life insurance policy. It could be a policy purchased especially for this reason, or it could be a policy the owner no longer feels they need. Changing ownership is not something that can be reversed, but if the group is a qualified non-profit the donor could be eligible for a tax deduction the year when the transfer occurs.

There also are solutions that enable a group of people who are members of the same non-profit to do this,

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protecting the non-profit with growing cash value that it can borrow from.

9. Life insurance can protect access to further education. One of a community’s greatest assets is its students, but that asset can go undeveloped if students can’t afford the education or training to put their talents and passions to best use. Life insurance can help. Whole life policies develop cash value that can be borrowed for college or training. Gleaner Life also offers a college-bound waiver on certain universal life solutions, helping to pay for college expenses by not imposing a surrender charge. Of course, if an insured family member dies, the death benefit can also help ensure that students need not abandon their education. In addition, the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships annually. Thousands of members have received scholarships over the decades.

10. Life insurance protects a community’s peace of mind. While some communities reflect a sense of anxiety and fear, other regions and organizations seem to possess calm and assurance. People in both places are aware that there will be difficulties and troubles ahead. The key difference is that one group is unprepared and spends its time worrying about impending disasters. The other group is prepared with solutions for unpredictable risks and challenges. The latter group can move ahead, living life to the fullest.

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Part 3: Honoring the Gold Star Gleaners

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Closing our tribute to 130 Society servicemen killed in World War II FOR 130 Society members, protecting the causes of freedom and democracy during World War II cost them their lives. Although many had Gleaner certificates with war exclusions, the Society felt honor-bound to pay each one just as it had done in two prior wars. The bodies of many of these servicemen were never located. Even today, more than 72,000 U.S. World War II service members remain unrecovered.

A few Society members received recognition, such as Army bombardier Lt. Wells A. Brayton, a college student whose efforts were featured in newspapers. He and his air crew later went missing and were declared dead. Most families, however, received little information from the War Department. In 1946, as more was learned, an honor roll listing the names of all 130 Gold Star Gleaners was published. This summer marks the 75th anniversary of the final war claim, paid for Marine Corps Pfc. Frederick C. Lutz who originally was listed as missing but had died in the sinking of a Japanese prison ship. The first 88 Gold Star Gleaners were included in the Forum winter and spring issues. These profiles pay tribute to the final Gleaner members who gave their lives to protect their communities and nation.

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Army bombardier Lt. Wells A. Brayton, left, was a Gleaner member noted for his 4-foot-11 height as well as his bombsight skills. He was pictured next to 6-foot-6 T. Sgt. gunner Edward W. Ericson for a 7th Air Force photo printed in newspapers. Brayton died a few months later aboard a missing B-24.

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“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” – Ernest Hemingway www.gleanerlife.org

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89. Glenn G. Blakeman, Pleasant Valley (MI) Army Pfc. Glenn G. Blakeman, 19, was killed in action March 10, 1945, in Germany. He was serving in Company C of the 417th Infantry Regiment, part of Gen. Patton’s Third Army, when reported missing. Confirmation that he died reached his parents two weeks later. Blakeman was a Petersburg, Michigan, native and Dundee High School graduate. He had been employed at Tecumseh Products Company when he entered the Army on March 24, 1943. He went overseas in November of 1944, one month after marrying his wife, Betty, at a Wisconsin USO. He also was survived by a stepson, Paul Roggenkamp; three brothers in Monroe County; and his parents, Perry and Clara Blakeman of Petersburg.

They had given him an Endowment at Age 65 Junior Gleaner policy. He joined Pleasant Grove Arbor in January of 1930. He is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Luxembourg.

90. John D. Patton, Liberty Center Arbor (OH) Army Sgt. John D. Patton died March 16, 1945, in action with the 395th Infantry Regiment (99th Infantry Division) as it expanded a vital foothold across the east bank of the Rhine River. It followed the Americans’ surprise capture of a bridge at Remagen nine days earlier and its crossing by the 99th Division. Patton was killed while securing Steinshardt (also spelled Steinhart), one of several small villages in the hills east of the bridge. Patton had been a farm worker when he enlisted July 20, 1943, at Toledo. He died six days after his 20th birthday. He was born and buried in Colton, Ohio.

He was survived by parents Edward and Bertha Patton; a sister, Mary Ellen; and a brother, Lawrence, who also served in the Army.

91. Norman P. Thomas, Temple Arbor (MI) Army Pfc. Norman Paul Thomas was shot and killed in handto-hand fighting the night of Jan. 13, 1945, in the Philippines. Thomas was serving with Company G of the First Infantry Regiment on Luzon Island as it liberated Lingayen Gulf. He was 25, and had been in the Army for 2½ years, working previously at the Culver Military Academy. He joined the Society when he was 17. He was survived by his wife, Anna; a son, Norman; a daughter, Jane Ann; his parents; one sister; and four brothers, two of whom also served overseas. He is buried in the Leiters Ford IOOF Cemetery in Leiters Ford, Indiana.

92. Russell Phelps, Rome Arbor (OH) Army Pfc. Russell R. Phelps was killed March 20, 1945, with the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. The 157th had broken through the Germans’ Siegfried Line and was capturing Homburg when Phelps was killed. Phelps, 30, was survived by his wife, Lucille, of Ashtabula, Ohio, where he is buried in Saybrook Cemetery. Phelps was wounded earlier in the war but returned to active duty. He had been a benefit member of Rome Arbor since age 19. Prior to the war, he worked at the Madison plant of Lake Erie Milling Co. and also the Industrial Rayon Corp. He enlisted in Cleveland on May 5, 1943, and went overseas in October, 1944.

93. Everett E. Edgerly, Temple Arbor (MI) Army Pfc. Everett E. Edgerly was killed in action April 9, 1945, in western Germany. He served with Company C of the 47th Infantry Regiment as it helped encircle more than 300,000 German troops in the Ruhr Pocket. Edgerly was 30 when killed. He had received a Junior Gleaner policy and his name on the Kalamazoo Arbor rolls when he was 13. His membership later was held

by Temple Arbor. He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands.

94. Forest G. Eaken, Middleport Arbor (IL) Army Pfc. Forest Glenn Eaken was killed in action March 6, 1945, on the Philippine island of Luzon. He was serving with the 130th Infantry Regiment in the 33rd Infantry Division which at the time was fighting in the rugged Caraballo Mountains on its way to liberate northern Luzon from the Japanese. Eaken was 24.

He was written for a Junior gleaner policy and membership in Middleport Arbor at age 6 by State Manager Eddie Fortin. Eaken was survived by his wife, Sarah; and his parents, Joseph and Georgia. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka, Illinois.

95. Floyd F. Craft, Portage Center Arbor (OH) Army Capt. Floyd F. Craft was killed in action March 30, 1945, near Heidelberg, Germany. He was with the 413th Field Artillery Group’s headquarters, and was awarded the Army Air Medal. Craft had been 11 when his parents gave him a Junior Gleaner policy, and was a member of Portage Center Arbor for 11 years. He later applied for and received an Endowment at 65 policy. Craft was buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery in Avold, France. His father died in 1943 while Craft was serving at officer training school in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was survived by his wife, June E. (Shockey) Craft; a daughter, Beverly; mother, Mrs. Alice G. Craft; and a married sister, Marie Kinney.

96. Kenneth C. Wall, Bushnell Arbor (MI) Army 1st Lt. Kenneth C. Wall was killed in action April 4, 1945, in the Philippines. He was with the 158th Infantry, the “Bushmasters” regiment, which was made up largely of Native American troops. The unit had landed days before at Legaspi to liberate the Bicol Peninsula of Luzon Island. Wall was 23. He had received a Junior Gleaner policy in 1940. In October of that year he left Cedar Springs, Michigan, with the Michigan National Guard. Wall was survived by his parents, Nathan and Rachel Wall; two sisters; and one brother. He is buried at Idlewild Cemetery in Kent City.

97. Harold L. Carlson, Hambden Arbor (OH) Army Air Corps Capt. Harold L. Carlson was killed in action July 20, 1944, in northern Italy with the 34th Bomber Squadron of the 17th Bomber Group. Carlson, 26, was aboard a B-26 along with the squadron’s commanding colonel on a special bombing mission against the Ostiglia Road Bridge near Corniglio, Italy. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, lost altitude, crashed into a mountain and exploded. Carlson and five others were killed in the crash. He had enlisted in January of 1942 in Franklin County, Ohio.

As a pilot, he earlier had successfully flown back to his base in the much-publicized “Coughlin Coffin” B-26 with only one engine running. He had joined Hambden Arbor at age 10, with his mother taking out a Twenty-Pay Life policy. He was studying optometry at Ohio State University when he enlisted. He was survived by his wife, Etha; a daughter, Linda Ann; his parents; and a brother, Lloyd. He is buried in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

98. Philip L. Rogers, Shiawassee Arbor (MI) Army Pfc. Philip L. Rogers was killed April 15, 1945, in the Philippines. He was serving in Company C of the 126th Infantry Regiment, the “Red Arrows,” of the 32nd Infantry Division, which at the time was battling Japanese defenders for control of the Villa Verde Trail in the Caraballo Mountains of northern Luzon. Rogers was 22. He became a Gleaner member at age 4 when a Twenty-Pay Life Juvenile Policy was taken out. He is buried in Pine Tree Cemetery in Corunna, Michigan.

99. Paris Hicks, Indiana State Arbor (IN) Army Technical Sgt. Paris E. Hicks of Lebanon, Indiana, was killed in action April 21, 1945, in Italy. He was with Battery C of the 27th Armored Field Artillery Battalion with the 1st Armored Division near Bologna, Italy, when his half-track struck a German mine. He was 26. Earlier, in 1943 in North Africa, Hicks had been awarded a Silver Star for valor when he guided his vehicle 20 miles behind enemy lines at night to rejoin his unit after being left behind during a retreat earlier that day. Hicks had joined Indiana State Arbor 10 years prior. He had farmed with his father before enlisting in September 1940. Hicks is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana. He was survived by his parents, Elza and Eva Hicks; five brothers, Army Air Corps Cpl. Claude E. Hicks, Army Engineer Cpl. G. Paul Hicks, Floyd E. Hicks, Delmar A. Hicks, and Charles G. Hicks; and two sisters, Dorris O. Hicks and Wanda G. Hicks.

100. Thomas A. Blanchard, Spring Hill Arbor (MI) Army Cpl. Thomas A. Blanchard was killed in action in Germany April 18, 1945, less than three weeks before the end of the war in Europe. He was serving with Company C of the 756th Armored Division Tank Battalion in the middle of a five-day battle to capture Nuremberg. Blanchard was 19. He had received an Endowment at Age 65 policy in Spring Hill Arbor when he was 12. Blanchard is buried at Flint Memorial Park at Mount Morris.

101. Gerald E. Obenauf, Cedar Creek Arbor (MI) Army Staff Sgt. Gerald E. Obenauf was killed by rifle fire in combat May 12, 1945, in the Philippines. He was a squad leader in action with the 136th Infantry of the 33rd Infantry Division on Luzon’s Nueva Viscaya province. Obenauf was 23. According to unconfirmed reports, he was awarded the Silver Star for heroism earlier in the year. He was survived by his father, Paul E. Obenauf, and a sister, Arleen Smith, both of Muskegon. He had joined Cedar Creek Arbor four years prior. He is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila.

102. Frederick J. Arheit, Toledo Arbor (OH) Army Pfc. Frederick J. Arheit was posthumously awarded the Silver Star after he was killed April 5, 1945, in southern Germany during the Battle of Heilbronn.

Arheit, 20, had been reported missing in action while with Co. K of the 398th Infantry Regiment as it fought to hold a bridgehead across the Neckar River. His parents, Fred and Gertrude Arheit, had given him a Junior Gleaner Twenty-Pay Policy at age 10 while living in Toledo. He attended Springfield High School and is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo.

103. Ray M. Beardslee, Pontiac Arbor (MI) Army Pfc. Ray M. Beardslee died in action March 19, 1945. He served with Company M of the 309th Infantry Regiment, which three days earlier had cut the German Autobahn highway just east of the Rhine river. Four months prior, Beardslee had fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was 23. Beardslee was survived by his wife, Grace, as well as by a sister and a brother.

He held an Endowment at age 65 Juvenile Gleaner policy taken out when he was 16.

Beardslee is buried at the New Albany National Cemetery in Indiana.

104. Elwyn Carleton Decker, Farmers Friend Arbor (MI) Army Staff Sgt. Elwyn C. Decker, the son of Michigan state Rep. Alpheus P. Decker, was killed in action May 6, 1945. He had graduated from Deckerville High School, worked in Lansing and then entered the Army in February 1943. He was part of Company F of the 132nd Infantry Regiment, the Army’s only regiment especially trained for jungle combat.

He went overseas 15 months later, and earned two Combat Stars while fighting on Bougainville and Leyte islands. Decker was killed May 16, 1945, on the Philippine island of Cebu. According to reports, his platoon was trying to knock out a heavily fortified enemy position when it became pinned down by mortars and grenades.

Decker, 23, was killed by an exploding grenade. He was survived by his family including one sister and six brothers, three of whom also were serving in the military.

He is buried in Downing Cemetery in Deckerville.

105. Robert E. Sosey, Delaware Arbor (OH) Army Pfc. Robert E. Sosey, 23, was killed in a medical evacuation plane crash on Leyte Island in the Philippines on March 10, 1945. Sosey served in Company K of the 126th Infantry Regiment. He was a patient aboard a C-46 transport plane with the 70th Troop Carrier Squadron that crashed on a mountain in bad weather. All five crewmen, two medical personnel and 30 passengers were killed. Sosey was a member of the Delaware Arbor for nearly six years. Robert was survived by his wife, Beulah, and an aunt, with whom they lived. Sosey is buried at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

106. Carl Raymond Smith, Branch Arbor (MI) Army Sgt. Carl Raymond Smith, 26, was killed in action April 6, 1945, in southern Germany. He was with the 397th Infantry Regiment in the 100th Army Division. He was killed during the third day of the nine-day Battle of Heilbronn as American troops fought their way across the Neckar River. Smith was a member of Branch Arbor and held two policies, including one with a war clause. Both policies were paid to his widow. Smith is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Custer, Michigan. Two of Carl’s brothers also served in World War II and one, Ivan, also was killed less than eight months earlier in Normandy, France.

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107. Rexford John Ostrom, Lapeer Arbor Arbor (MI) Navy Lt. Commander Rexford John “Ossie” Ostrom was an aircraft carrier fighter plane squadron commander whose valor earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He had been born Oct. 30, 1915, in Elba Township and was captain of the football team at Lapeer High School (Class of 1933). He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. He then attended flight school and served 14 months in the Aleutian Islands before returning to California to form two new fighter squadrons. He was a flight leader aboard the escort carrier USS Santee when his F6F Hellcat fighter was reported shot down on April 10, 1945, over the Okinawa island group. Ostrom, 29, was survived by his wife, Virginia Dahlgren Ostrom, and two daughters, ages 3 years and 11 months.

108. Donald W. Knight, Brunswick Arbor (MI) Army Pfc. Donald W. Knight died of meningitis and a brain abscess in a French hospital “somewhere in France” on June 12, 1945 — a month after VE-Day. He had enlisted in May of 1943 at Kalamazoo, working previously as a farm hand. He served with a service company in the 743rd Tank Battalion of the 30th Division. Knight was 20. He had a Juvenile Policy with Brunswick Arbor since age 8. He was survived by his parents, Denzil and Alice Knight; and a brother, Raymond.

109. Robert George Taylor, Bridgeport Arbor (MI) Navy Aviation Radioman Third Class Robert G. Taylor was killed May 2, 1945, in the Pacific when the carrier-based TBM-3 Avenger torpedo bomber he was aboard crashed while supporting ground combat on Okinawa. Taylor was in Squadron VT34 serving aboard the light carrier USS Monterey. He and the other two members of the crew are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Taylor had joined Bridgeport Arbor at age 16. He was 18 when killed, and was survived by his father, George Taylor of Bridgeport.

110. Carl R. Rahl, Romeo Arbor (MI) Army T. Sgt. Carl R. Rahl was accidentally shot and killed on May 30, 1945 — three weeks after fighting in Europe ended — in Kremze, Czechoslovakia. Rahl served with the Company G of the 104th Infantry Regiment. He had married Ardis Jean White on June 14, 1944, three weeks before he sailed for Europe. Rahl had received the Bronze Star during combat with the Third Army. He was survived by parents Frank and Mary Rahl of Armada, and a sister, Marjorie Buck. Rahl, who had received a Gleaner policy at age 7, is buried at the Romeo Cemetery in Romeo.

111. Arnold R. Alberts, Alpha Arbor (MI) Army Pvt. Arnold R. Alberts was killed in action July 13, 1945, during the liberation of the Philippines island of Luzon. He was 20 years of age and serving in the 145th Infantry Regiment. According to a letter from his company commander, Alberts was killed in the night when the enemy launched a banzai attack on the company’s perimeter at Baguio. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Louisa V. Alberts of Comstock Park, Michigan; and one sister. Alberts had been a member for just over two years. His $1,000 Twenty-Pay Life policy carried a war exclusion but was still paid in full. Prior to entering the Army, Alberts had worked in a Grand Rapids furniture factory. He is buried at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Comstock Park.

112. Floyd F. Price, Bowling Green Arbor (OH) Army Pfc. Floyd F. Price died of wounds July 25, 1945, while fighting on the Philippine island of Luzon. He was 26. Price served with the 127th Infantry Regiment of the “Red Arrow” 32nd Infantry Division. At the time, the 127th was vigorously mopping up Japanese units that were refusing to surrender and fighting to the end in the mountains near Sinipsip, north of Baguio. Price had been first written for a Gleaner insurance policy at age 15 by agent Harry Nixon into the Bowling Green Arbor.

He later took out additional insurance.

113. Frank Jemenko, Gary Arbor (IN) Army Pvt. Frank T. Jemenko was among about 3,000 Americans who died in the Japanese prison camp Cabanatuan in the Philippines. Jemenko was a Junior Gleaner with the Gary Arbor at age 13. The Washington High School graduate played American Legion baseball. In 1939, he joined the Army’s 17th Ordnance Company.

It was sent to the Philippines three months before Pearl Harbor to service Army tanks and halftracks. He survived the Bataan Death March but, under brutal conditions at the prison camp, died on July 31, 1942, of diphtheria. Jemenko, 20, was the second Society member to die in the war, a fact not known for three years. He was survived by his parents, Carl and Stella Jemenko of East Chicago; three siblings including a brother, Carl Jr., in the Army; his wife, Joella Jones, whom he had married before his Army company departed; and a daughter.

Jemenko’s name is included on the Cabanatuan Memorial.

114. Lee B. Kingsbury, Crystal Arbor (MI) Army Coastal Artillery Cpl. Lee B. Kingsbury died of disease on his birthday, July 27, 1945, in the Philippines. He was serving as a sight-finder with an anti-aircraft gun unit at Leyte when he died of jaundice. He was 32. He had joined Crystal Arbor in January 1937. Kingsbury had worked at Fisher Body Plant 1 in Flint for nine years. He entered the Army in 1942. He was survived by his wife, Frances; his father, Clare; and two brothers, Ceryl and Donald. Kingsbury is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Middleville.

115. Raymond R. Diemer, Deshler Arbor (OH) Actually the first Gleaner Life Insurance Society member to die during World War II, Pfc. Raymond R. Diemer of the Deshler Arbor had enlisted before Pearl Harbor.

He was with the Army’s 803rd Engineering Battalion, and had been assigned to the Philippine Islands. He was among troops who surrendered in the fall of Bataan and were force-marched by Japanese captors on the Bataan Death March. He survived but died in a prison camp at age 23 of malaria July 17, 1942. It took almost three years before U.S. officials learned of his capture and death and could notify his family. From Summer 1945 Forum: “Because his parents were never notified that he was a prisoner, nor until very recently of his death, they had kept his premium payments paid. In addition to the full face of his policy, they will also receive a refund of these advance payments between the date of his death in 1942 and the date the war department notified the bereaved parents of this sacrifice.” Diemer is buried in the Emanuel United Church of Christ Cemetery in New Bavaria. He was survived by his parents, Louis and Nellie Diemer; one sister; and four brothers, including three serving in the military, Army Pfc. Donovan Diemer, Army Cpl. Norman Diemer, and Army Pfc. Carroll Diemer. VFW Post 8847 in his hometown of New Bavaria, Ohio, bears his name.

116. James E. Hack, Chester Arbor (OH) Army Air Corps fighter pilot 2nd Lt. James Earle Hack was killed in action April 24, 1945, in Germany. At the time, he was based in France with the 524th Fighter Squadron with the 12th Tactical Air Force. He had flown more than 40 missions and was in a P-47 Thunderbolt, bombing and strafing in support of the 7th Army, when he was shot down and killed. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters and Purple Heart. Hack was 22 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Delaware, Ohio. He had enlisted Sept. 29, 1942. He was survived by his parents, Charles and Lottie; one brother, Carl; and a sister, Mary.

117. Donald E. Nelson, Foss Arbor (IL) Army Pfc. Donald E. Nelson was killed in a troopship mishap March 13, 1945, in the Atlantic Ocean. He originally was reported missing northwest of the Azore Islands. A mechanical problem caused a French aircraft carrier to collide with the ship Nelson was aboard, USAT J.W. McAndrew. The collision opened a gash in the McAndrew where 134 troops were quartered, and 81 were swept into the ocean. In the dark, only 13 were rescued. The rest were declared dead after three months. Nelson was 22. He received a Junior Gleaner policy in Foss Arbor at age 14 while earning spending money delivering newspapers. He is remembered on a memorial at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in Coton, England.

118. Ernest C. Belson, Rutland Center Arbor (MI) Army Technician 5 Ernest Cassius Belson died Aug. 13, 1945, of wounds suffered the day before. He was serving with the 248th General Hospital in the Philippines.

He was 28. He had joined Rutland Center Arbor six years prior, and entered the Army in April of 1942 at Fort Custer. Belson was survived by his parents, William and Lida Belson of Hastings; two brothers, Ross and Forest; and a sister, Mildred. Belson is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila.

119. Hal E. Brink, Ottokee Arbor (OH) Army Air Corps Staff Sgt. Hal E. Brink was a gunner on his 53rd mission when he was killed in action on April 24, 1945 — just two weeks before the end of the war in Europe. His B-26, “Stud Duck,” was with the 34th Bomb Squadron based at the time in Dijon, France. It was one of two B-26s in the flight shot down after they had bombed oil facilities at Schwabmunchen, Germany.

They were quickly attacked by three German Me-262 jets firing rockets, and were seen damaged and going down. Brink had enlisted in California while living in Colton, California. His death so near the war’s end was especially hard for his father, who wrote, “This was the hardest. Hal had such a lovable personality and was certainly a fine young man. We were very proud of him and I know the Gleaner Life Insurance Society will be too. I hope his sacrifice will stand as a memorial in the future and we will have no more wars. … I know Hal is at rest with his Lord.” Brink is buried at the Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette, Ohio.

120. Hilliard Smith Gilroy, Crystal Lake Arbor (MI) Army Air Corps 2nd Lt. Hilliard Smith “Smitty” Gilroy was co-pilot aboard the 347th Bomber Squadron’s B-17G Flying Fortress “Daisy Mae.” It was part of a May 18, 1944, mission to bomb the Romanian oil fields in Ploesti when cloudy weather aborted the mission.

Returning to its Italian base near Foggia, the plane was within sight of the Adriatic Sea when hit by an antiaircraft explosion that blew off its nose section at 16,000 feet near Mostar, Yugoslavia. Eight crewmen were killed while three escaped by parachute. Two were taken prisoner. Gilroy enlisted Oct. 13, 1942, just months after graduating from Frankfort High School. He had been 15 living in nearby Elberta when his father had signed up for a Twenty-Pay Life Insurance policy.

121. Vernon R. Brock, Temple Arbor (MI) Air Corps Technical Sgt. Vernon R. Brock was a member of the U.S. Army’s Eighth Air Force, reported missing in action Nov. 26, 1944, and declared dead one year later. He was born in Albion, Michigan, and enlisted March 26, 1943, in Kalamazoo. Brock, 20, was a flight engineer and top turret gunner on the B-24 “The Firebird.” It was part of the 491st Bomb Group’s 853rd (or 852nd, according to one record) Bomb Squadron during a costly raid on an oil refinery at Misburg near Hanover, Germany. Although the target was bombed, a large force of about 500 German fighter planes shot down 16 of the 28 bombers that the 491st sent over, including Firebird and all eight other B-24s in the formation’s upper-altitude squadron. Only two of the Firebird’s 10 crewmen survived. Brock’s plane crashed northwest of the town of Hildehseim. He and other squadron members are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Brock’s mother, living near Albion, was listed as his next of kin.

122. Frank L. Detrick, Gilman Arbor (IL) Army Pfc. Frank L. Detrick died of “non-battle” causes Oct. 12, 1945 — two months after the end of hostilities. He served with an Army Engineer company. He was listed as a machine shop worker when he enlisted Feb. 20, 1943, in Peoria, Illinois. Detrick, 22, originally was reported buried in Korea. He was reinterred in Gilman Cemetery. Illinois State Manager Ed Fortin wrote an Endowment at Age 65 policy for Detrick when he was 13. He was survived by his beneficiary, his mother, Lena L. Detrick.

123. Hugh Waldo Deetz, Wilmington Arbor (IN) Navy Petty Officer Second Class Hugh Waldo Deetz was killed March 26, 1944, when the submarine he was aboard was sunk, apparently by its own torpedo. He was serving on the USS Tullibee on its fourth patrol of the war off the Pacific’s Palau Islands when it surfaced and fired two torpedoes at a Japanese ship, only to explode minutes later. Information from the submarine’s lone surviving crewmember led Navy officials to conclude one of the ship’s torpedoes had run a circular course and hit the sub. Deetz was a Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class. He was 23 and a benefit member of Wilmington Arbor for a little more than eight years.

124. Robert N. Mitchell, Deshler Arbor (OH) Army Air Corps Sgt. Robert N. Mitchell died in action Jan. 9, 1945, when the stricken B-29 Superfortress he was aboard went missing. Mitchell was the tail gunner aboard the plane “Miss Behavin” with the 871st Bomb Squadron on a raid from Saipan to Musashino, Japan, near Tokyo. Another plane in the formation reported a Japanese fighter plane crashed into “Miss Behavin,” dropping it out of the formation near the coast of Japan where it was attacked by 15 other enemy fighters.

Mitchell, 20, held a Juvenile Endowment at Age 65 Policy in Deshler Arbor. He had been a member for 10 years. He enlisted Feb. 25, 1943, and was survived by his mother, Jennie V. Mitchell of Toledo. He is listed at the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial in Hawaii.

125. Wells A. Brayton, Temple Arbor (MI) Army Air Corps Lt. Wells Arthur Brayton of the 98th Bombardment Squadron was reported missing and presumed killed July 3, 1944. Brayton, 23, was the bombardier aboard the B-24 “War Bird,” missing on a mission from Eniwetok Atoll to Truk Island. Two months earlier, he was described in newspapers as being “about the smallest bombardier” in the Army at 4-foot-11 and 120 pounds. A photo of him standing with a 6-foot6 gunner was printed in newspapers. Brayton was a chemical engineering student at Michigan College of Mining and Technology (today, Michigan Tech) when he enlisted in the Aviation Air Cadets in 1942, and had been a GLIS member since age 16. He was survived by his parents, Ivan and Velna Brayton of Painseville, Michigan. He is listed at the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial in Hawaii.

126. Charles L. Haas, Delaware Arbor (OH) Army Cpl. Charles L. Haas died Feb. 20, 1946, at Vaughn General Hospital in Hines, Ill. Haas, 35, enlisted Feb. 5, 1942, but at a training base in Kentucky he suffered from cholecystitis. Despite operations and confinement at hospitals in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Battle Creek, Michigan, he died of the disease. Haas was in a combat engineers’ unit with the Fifth Armored. He first was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and later underwent training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was survived by his parents, Charles and Lillian Haas. He is buried at Saint Mary Cemetery in Delaware, Ohio.

127. Joseph Earl Chandler, New Castle Arbor (IN) Army Air Corps 2nd Lt. Joseph Earl Chandler was aboard a bomber reported missing Feb. 27, 1945, in the extreme southwestern Pacific. Chandler was the bombardier on the B-24 “My Irish Colleen.” It was part of the 371st Bombardment Squadron of the 307th Bomber Group, known as the Long Rangers due to their long-range missions. Other planes lost contact in bad weather with the B-24 on their way from Morotai Island in Indonesia to bomb a Japanese oil center at Tarakan, Dutch Borneo. Search efforts failed to locate any trace of the crew, officially declared dead in 1946.

Chandler enlisted in 1942 and was on his 29th mission. He received the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. A graduate of New Castle High School, he was a star runner in the 440-yard dash. He worked at the Chrysler Corp. plant prior to enlisting. He was survived by his mother, Goldie Chandler; a sister; and his grandmother.

128. Harold Edgar Snyder, Amber Arbor (MI) Army Air Corps Sgt. Harold E. Snyder — also a veteran of World War I — died in India on a volunteer mission April 9, 1945. About 20 men from Snyder’s unit (the 490th Bomber Squadron) had lost their equipment and urgently needed replacement supplies and clothes.

Snyder, 47, volunteered as the engineer aboard a flight to Ledo, India, to obtain equipment from a supply distribution point. The B-25 took off from its home base at Warazup, landed at a base in Shingbwiyang in northern Burma (today known as Myanmar), took off from there and was never heard from again. It is believed the plane crashed in the Naga Hills before reaching Ledo. Snyder was awarded the Air Medal. He had been a member of Amber Arbor in Ludington for more than 30 years. After serving in World War I, he had worked as a guard at the U.S. Treasury in Washington, D.C. He had been living in Medina County, Ohio, when he enlisted in 1942. A marker memorializing Snyder is in the South Victory Cemetery outside Ludington.

129. Walter S. Roper, Bowling Green Arbor (OH) Army Air Corps 2nd Lt. Walter S. Roper was declared missing and presumed killed June 22, 1945, on a bombing mission over Japan. Roper was the radar operator on the B-29 “Pappy’s Pullman” with the 421st Bombing Squadron on a mission from Tinian to Kagamigahara, Japan. Other planes observed the B-29 under attack by enemy fighters after appearing to have two engines knocked out. It was believed to have crashed 10 miles west of the target. Roper joined Bowling Green Arbor on Jan. 1, 1939. He was survived by his mother, Beth H. Davidson of Pemberville, Ohio.

130. Frederick C. Lutz, Gary Arbor (IN) Marine Corps Pfc. Frederick Clair Lutz died Oct. 24, 1944, after the Japanese prison ship Arisan Maru was sunk. The unmarked “hell ship” was between the Philippines and Taiwan when torpedoed by the unsuspecting U.S. submarine USS Shark, which in turn was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. The POWs aboard the Arisan Maru escaped, but none were immediately picked up by other Japanese ships. Only nine prisoners survived out of the 1,781 aboard. Lutz, 20, was not among the survivors. He had joined the Marines on Jan. 6, 1940, with K Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 4th Marine Regiment.

It arrived in the Philippines just nine days before Japanese forces attacked the Philippines after Pearl Harbor.

After a gallant but hopeless fight on Corregidor, the regiment was ordered to surrender May 6, 1942. Lutz was held at O’Donnell prison camp on Luzon prior to being put on the Arisan Maru. It was called a “hell ship” due to extremely inhumane conditions. Lutz is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines, and at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. He was the final Gleaner Gold Star of World War II.

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Arbors

in Action

Like spring’s varied weather, arbor activities reflected a variety of conditions as the COVID-19 pandemic showed signs of easing. Some arbors continued to meet entirely by Zoom meetings online. Others returned to in-person sessions. One arbor even held a drive-through Easter party to help its community remember the friends, holidays and other special moments lost during the previous year. Arbors each found opportunities to help in their own ways.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Alma Arbor (MI) conducted several activities.

Members participated April 3 in the Downtown St. Louis Easter Egg Walk. Packages with granola bars and candy treats were given from a table located along the downtown route. Earlier, at the Feb. 22 meeting, members took on a community outreach program.

Each was given the name of at least one person to contact. Many contacted extra community members in addition to the ones they were given. Cookies were baked, meals were prepared, boxes of essential items were distributed, cards were sent, gift cards were given, and phone calls were made. This was appreciated by many — givers and recipients alike.

Bavarian Arbor (MI) hosted a history and demonstration of how pretzels were made in Germany and continue to be a tradition in the U.S. The workshop was presented by JoanMarie Weiss. Members and guests arrived and departed at different times. All participated with the construction and baking of pretzels throughout the evening from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone also had a chance to eat pretzels after helping to bake them. The fraternal activity drew 18 members and 23 guests, and there were enough pretzels baked so that each person was able to take five or six home that evening. Another activity involved helping the Michigan Heroes Museum. More details about that are included under the Thumb Association entry.

Bay Area Arbor (FL) continued meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19 precautions, and attendance climbed to 42 members for the April call. The March 11 meeting featured guest speaker Debbie Caneen, a well-known area volunteer and winner of the 2019 Sustainable Business Award for Circle of Pond, a Tiny House program. She also is director of admissions for Sun Towers Retirement Community, and gave a presentation about things to look for in retirement communities titled “How Not to Become a Senior Hot Potato.” Following the sale of its old meeting place, the arbor also found a new location to meet in person once that can be done safely.

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Buckeye City Arbor (OH) members began getting out again in the Columbus, Ohio, community with a pair of Easter activities. The group followed up on a March request by the Choice Women’s Emergency Shelter seeking diapers of all sizes, bottle brushes, phone chargers, and women’s and girls’ shorts. Members filled those needs.

They also provided six large bags of candy for St. Paul’s church that was accepting donations. Members noted that the church gave the arbor a shoutout during Easter’s service.

Center Township Arbor (IN) members, in addition to working on projects, toured the Cultivate Food Rescue facility. It takes unused food from restaurants, the Notre Dame campus dining halls, grocery stores, school lunches, Gordon’s, Stanz Cheese and elsewhere, and cooks it into meals. It also takes prepared food and repackages it for weekend meals for school children. Cultivate’s meals are free, and it also helps supply northern Indiana food banks. The group is trying to raise $420,000 to supply student meals next school year. Seven members and 11 guests attended the tour. www.gleanerlife.org

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Entician Arbor (MI) members were out and about before Easter. They gathered March 1 at Stanton Park Apartments to provide 41 seniors with lunch consisting of individually boxed sloppy Joe sandwiches, bags of potato chips, individually wrapped cookies, a bottle of water and a Gleaner brochure. “It was the first time anyone had done something special for the apartment residents and they were most appreciative and surprised,” the arbor reported. The arbor also presented Easter baskets with all the trimmings to 21 children.

Florida Arbor (OH) members packed Easter baskets and handed them out to Hope Services people in need. Due to COVID-19, the arbor turned it into a drive-through event. As each family drove up, they were greeted by the Easter bunny, a Hope Services representative and Gleaner members. The charity group was very thankful to Florida Arbor for sponsoring the March 27 event.

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Floyd Arbor (MI) hosted a group of 25, including 16 guests, at its March 10 meeting. The group approved purchase of seedlings to be planted for Arbor Day, discussed Gleaner scholarships, the Society’s new LawAssure benefit, made plans for Memorial Day, and also awarded a $500 check to American Legion Post #165.

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Glen Arbor (MI) chipped in by purchasing a grill to be auctioned by the YMCA of Greater Flint at its Feb. 27 MASKquerade Virtual Fundraising Party. The event supports the Partner with Youth Program, which helps youth and families experience YMCA programs in the community. Arbor members also donated stuffed bears at the Clio Fire Department, which was in need of more bears to give them to young victims of fire or car accidents.

Grand Arbor (MI) hosted a tubing party for the Sparta community at Cannonsburg Ski Resort. A total of 42 guests joined seven members on the snowy day. Everyone seemed to enjoy the activity and were able to have hot chocolate afterward while they stood or sat around different fire pits. The arbor hopes to be able to host the event again next year.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Grand Blanc Arbor (MI) served 75 people on Feb. 23 when it hosted an “eating local” indoor dining event at the Grafted Root Eatery. The restaurant features local, farm fresh food and seasonal specialties, and it partnered with the arbor. The project was a success and new clients came in as well as regular customers. Six arbor members were there in addition to the guests.

Greater Flint Arbor (MI) completed several projects. In January, it purchased items for a craft project in which students make snowmen. In February, it provided flowers, candy, cards and CDs for residents of the Swank Home for delivery on Valentine’s Day. A grateful staff member texted photos of residents receiving their presents. In March, the arbor hosted a Police Officer Appreciation event to recognize the Flint Township Police Department’s 43 sworn police officers in uniform and 21 staff members.

Jasper Arbor (IN) facilitated a way for children to help senior citizens by sponsoring a wreath-making craft project March 25. Most of the wreath assembly was to occur at a local park to remain socially distanced. The children’s wreaths were then delivered to the Oak Grove retirement center for distribution.

The project was appreciated as the past year has been especially hard on senior citizens at various centers.

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Mid Michigan Arbor (MI) members shared January joy at the local hospital, McLaren Bay Region, presenting baskets of fruit and boxes of goodies. One of each was given for every nurses’ station at the hospital. “The smiles and thank you’s were so nice to see and hear. The head of the department, Lori Skrzysihski, said it was good timing for the health workers who have given us so much; it (the pandemic) is wearing everyone down,” the arbor reported. In February, the arbor also presented $500 to the volunteer group Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds children’s beds for use after disasters or domestic problems. “Their philosophy is that ‘No child should be forced to sleep on the floor.’”

Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI) was unable to have its regular bingo and ice cream social at Rosebush Manor in April so instead the arbor donated bags of bingo prizes and supplies to the assisted living homes in the community. Each bag included numerous snacks in addition to the prizes, and were dropped off by arbor members. This was in addition to other arbor projects.

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North Baltimore Arbor (OH) provided its annual Valentine’s Day meal with settings, food and candy at City Mission. The facility is the only emergency shelter in Hancock County. It is funded entirely through individuals, churches and businesses in the community, “Sheltering the Homeless, and Feeding the Hungry.” Six arbor volunteers decorated the tables with romantic centerpieces, then prepared the meal’s salads, cut bread, plated desserts and packaged to-go containers for those who came only for the Forum Magazine \ Summer 2021 \

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meal. They served 65 guests, and cut enough potatoes to feed 150 people the next day. The arbor also made a cash donation to City Mission, which was matched by an anonymous donor.

from Bavarian Arbor (MI). Officers from both the Thumb Association and Bavarian Arbor were pictured in the Frankenmuth News newspaper making their donations.

Riley Creek Arbor (OH) packed and delivered snack baskets for hospital and first responders. Baskets and bottled water were distributed to seven community departments including the hospital, fire, police, and EMS stations. The project was very well received. A total of five members and 40 guests participated.

Thumb Association (MI) officers donated $2,500 in February to the Michigan Heroes Museum.

Located in Frankenmuth, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Michigan men and women who served the nation in the military and space progams. One of the museum’s big projects was creating the “Heroes Next Door Educational Video Series” to help tell their story. The museum features more than 140 displays and has the largest Medal of Honor collection on display in the U.S. The museum’s video project also benefited from a $3,000 donation 26

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Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) was busy with several projects.

Members volunteered to stock shelves and deliver food with the Vassar Area Food Pantry, and went further by assisting each of the two pantries in the school district’s two buildings. In addition to food, the pantries were in need of clothing, hygiene products, shoes, coats and other items. The arbor filled both schools’ lists. Then, on April 17, arbor members cleaned up Vassar Township Park.

Did you find the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 23 in the Glen Arbor photo.

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USA Arbor (MI) drew 187 guests in addition to its 16 members for their Hawaiian Easter Drive Through party for the Social U group of Tuscola County. The arbor also invited friends with small children or homebound adults. “We had a blast, and so did the participants,” the arbor reported. Members decorated a huge barn. One side had a Hawaiian Easter motif including a pink bunny, flamingos, pineapples, flowers, butterflies, a tiki hut and other bright decorations. The other side was a blend of events that residents have missed during the past year including St. Patrick’s Day, baseball, Halloween, ice cream socials, a five-year anniversary party, and finally a tribute to those who have passed on. Members were socially distanced and passed out items including a lei, Gleaner sunglasses, coloring books, popcorn, hot dogs, potato chips, water, ice cream, marshmallow treats, cupcakes and a goodie bag.

www.gleanerlife.org

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White Pine Arbor (MI) was able to help out with Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day in its local community.

The arbor met in February at the Ogemaw Commission on Aging to deliver and package Valentines for all the shut-in and senior citizens as well as people who drive up to receive lunches. The arbor purchased Valentine teddy bears and chocolate long-stemmed roses to be given out. The arbor had a similar activity for St. Patrick’s Day, and played Leprechaun Bingo at the OCOA facility.

Chester Arbor (OH) introduced its Community Volunteer Recognition recipient for 2020, Lea Ann Maceyko. She presented her campaign of Love One Another and handed out yard signs. She also showed a flag that is being made to support the idea of spreading unity and peace, not only in the community but extending as far as possible. Among other things, the arbor also approved a project to benefit nurses and aides at the local nursing home facilities in honor of Nurses Week in May.

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Give and Grow with Gleaner Life.

It is more

to

GIVE

than to Acts 20:35 Gleaner’s Give and Grow program provides benefit members with a chance to make an impact through charitable service projects. Projects should include any activity that improves the community and directly involves members and their volunteers to make a difference.

Projects can include anything from beautifying a local citizen’s home in need to providing lunches for frontline workers. You pick the project; we’ll provide the resources! Gleaner’s Give and Grow projects give: •

The freedom to choose how you want to give and grow.

•

A prefunded $250 Visa card for your project.

•

Branded T-shirts for your team of volunteers.

•

Free resources for promoting your project.

Each quarter, members who apply for Give and Grow projects are entered into a drawing where one winner will receive $1,000 to be given to the charity of their choice.

Give and Grow projects are awarded to members age 12 and up who own a Gleaner life insurance or annuity certificate in our 16 licensed states*. Think about a need in your community and apply online at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

www.gleanerlife.org

#giveandgrow

*Gleaner Life Insurance Society is licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI & WV.

Protection for your entire family A family’s togetherness provides security and strength. Finding an affordable way to protect that bond is important.

With Gleaner Life Family Term, you can make sure life insurance coverage doesn’t fall to the wayside between baseball practice and date night.

Available in 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-year periods, Gleaner Life Family Term offers your entire family reliable protection. By bundling riders*, you can economically protect your spouse or your children with the simplicity of a single certificate and premium payment. Even more, these riders provide exchange options for spouses and conversion options for children, guaranteeing affordable coverage in the future.

Gleaner Life Family Term also features an Accelerated Death Benefit, Waiver of Premium rider* and the option to convert your term coverage to permanent, cash value life insurance.

Contact your Gleaner agent to learn how you can protect your family with Gleaner Life Family Term.

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI & WV.

www.gleanerlife.org

Gleaner Life Family Term form number ICC17-LGTERM (10-year guarantee) and ICC17-FGTERM (full guarantee) with state-specific variations. *Additional cost applies for riders.

Congrats!

Florida

Christina J. Whitmire, Winter Park

Illinois

Debra A. Biermann, Ashkum Katrina L. Haigh, Kankakee Reed D. Mott, Joliet Judy L. Owens, Bourbonnais

Arizona

Iowa

Colorado

Mary Kay Hull, Iowa City

Larry R. Leroy, Colorado Springs Gerald E. Nolan, Parker

Michigan

Florida

Sheila M. Furney, Coldwater Patrick Gerard Kruse, Pleasant Ridge Christine L. Martindale, Richmond Thad Warren Seaver, Clinton Township Sally I. VanSickle, Bay City Wayne E. Walker, Eaton Rapids

Ohio

Matthew Todd Prigge, Napoleon Laurie A. Zickefoose, Lima

www.gleanerlife.org

Carolyn E. Zeljak, Fremont

Signe D. Steen, Venice

Illinois Diana M. Gagnon, Watseka Kenneth R. Rohr, Chebanse Sandra J. Salm, Martinton

Indiana Richard J. Barrett, Indianapolis Paul W. Holderman, Bremen Neil F. Shultz, Fort Wayne

Michigan

Beth A. Bancroft, Kingsley Gerald Ralph Boss, Holland Janice C. Fitzgerald, Novi Sharon K. Hahn, Frankenmuth Saundra Lee Klockziem, Alanson Marlene J. Mathews, Montague Glenn Oppenneer, Watervliet Margaret Patterson, Burr Oak Melvyn G. Souders, Weidman Joyce Woodward, Lansing

Ohio

Linda Sue Burge, Swanton June E. Clouse, Xenia Harold W. Holland, Lyons

Wisconsin

Jo Ann Beutel, Brodhead

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Korinne’s Korner Looking back over the last 16 months, we have all learned to manage our lifestyles in new and different ways. As we “hopefully” begin to find our way out of the dark tunnel into the light of day again, I’ve tried to think about blessings and lessons learned.

Our church services during the past year's COVID pandemic have largely been conducted in our church parking lot, in your car listening by radio.

Kevin and I made a joint decision not to attend in person again until the sanctuary was back open, music was being played, and hymns were being sung again. We both missed hearing our Sunday morning sermon, so I did some research. I discovered our minister from when we lived in Kansas holds an online service televised five times every weekend. Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Overland Park, Kansas. When we worshipped with the congregation there over 20 years ago, there was one large campus. However, as of today, that church family has multiplied into a total of five campuses in the Kansas City area! The church estimates approximately 30,000 people listen online to their church service and Pastor Hamilton's sermon each weekend.

Adam Hamilton has authored numerous books, but one of my favorites is “Living Unafraid: Lessons on Hope from 31 of the Bible’s Most Loved Stories.” One of my favorite messages he shared this spring was a sermon titled: "The Power of One Another.” Pastor Hamilton spoke of a return to NORMAL post-COVID, and the God-given gift of each other, and how empowering it is to us all. God created the original

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Adam, realized he needed a companion, and created Eve. To say that finding my way back to this ministry for our new Sunday morning ritual has been a true blessing would be an understatement.

With vaccinations increasing and the United States closing in on some level of "herd immunity," our daily activities can gradually resume, or so we all certainly remain hopeful.

For the first time in over a year, my local book club met, and I've resumed playing pickle ball and tennis. As good as it felt to be out and about, my heart overflowed seeing my friends' faces and just catching up with our lives.

Nothing compares to "the power of one another.”

The recipe I am sharing was a gem I found this winter. I combine it with a salad dressing that I whip up in the kitchen, and it is good for up to a week. I will be taking this to a luncheon/carry-in with my neighbor lady friends as we return to having monthly get togethers AND experience the power of one another!

Enjoy!

Fraternally yours,

Korinne Marti, Wife of President & CEO Kevin Marti

www.gleanerlife.org

3/4 C. mayo 1/4 C. milk

1/4 C. white wine vinegar 1/8 C. sugar 2 T. poppyseeds 1/2 t. dry mustard Pinch of salt isk Combine all ingredients, wh or shake. Refrigerate until ek serving. Keeps for up to a we refrigerated.

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Hi Kids!

I hope you’re enjoying summer! I love getting outside where I can run freely and play in the sprinkler. Some of my favorite summertime activities are playing in the water on hot sunny days. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have fun on rainy days. I like to come up with new activities to try when I can’t play outside. Two of my favorite indoor activities are variations of tennis and bowling. See how to participate in these activities below and give them a try the next time it rains.

Indoor bowling Equipment needed: 10-15 plastic cups, a play ball or toy car Stack the plastic cups up in a pyramid or across the floor in a typical bowling triangle.

Take 10 steps back and roll your ball or car toward the cups. To make this feel more like bowling, do this activity in a hallway so it looks like a bowling alley.

Indoor tennis Equipment needed: plas�c spatulas and a balloon Two people, each holding a plas�c spatula like a tennis racket, hit the balloon back and forth to each other. If you let the balloon hit the floor, you lose a point.

PLastic cups Spatula

Balloons

These are just two ideas to help you have fun on rainy days!

Take care!

toy car or play ball

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Benny, The Benevolent Lion www.gleanerlife.org

M

BENNY’s PAGE

W

A

I

S

Hi, Kids!

I love celebrating, and I want to help celebrate your birthday! Have you heard about my birthday club? If you’re a Gleaner benefit member between the age of 0-11, it’s easy to join. Simply ask your mom or dad to fill out the form below and mail it in or visit www.gleanerlife.org/birthdayclub and fill out an online form. Then, during the month of your birthday, I’ll send you a special surprise to celebrate your big day!

K

E

A

H

BENNY

Take care!

BENNY The Benevolent Lion

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Benny’s Birthday Club registration Mail to: Gleaner Life Insurance Society, Attn: Community Engagement, P.O. Box 1894, Adrian, MI 49221 Child’s name: ________________________________________ Certificate number: _________________ Parent’s name(s): ______________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ City/state: ____________________________________________________ Zip: ____________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: __________________________________________

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOLINGBROOK, IL PERMIT NO. 594 5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

Grow with a local arbor

At Gleaner Life Insurance Society, our arbors have been making life better since 1894.

If you’d like a personal way to give back to your community — and have fun doing it — join a Gleaner Life arbor! Arbors are the service groups of Gleaner members who get together, identify local needs, and then use financial support from the Society to turn your ideas into better living. You can find names, a map and contact information for your nearby arbors online at www.gleanerlife.org/arbors.