Vol. 120, No. 6
InsIde
Get a preview of the 47th Grand Lodge Convention ➤ ➤ Pg. 2
What to expect on the first day of Camp
April 2017
Meet the CANDIDATES
➤ ➤ Pg. 15
Chili and Bean Cook-off held at Retirement Home ➤ ➤ Pgs. 18-20
Stan Steiger
Doug Saathoff
Marla Heger
David R. Noak
Suzanne Hildebrand
hermannsonslife.org
David Wolf
Brad Dietrich
Michael Beam
Glenn Altwein
Sandra Jones
Joseph Figo
Gerald Ziemnicki
Laura Tiffin
See Pages 6 & 7
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017 USPS 242200 Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, Texas Published Monthly by ORDER OF THE SONS OF HERMANN
515 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: Hermann Sons Life P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 HOME OFFICE:
515 S. St. Mary’s Street P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, Texas 78297-1941 210-226-9261 or 1-800-234-4124 Fax: 210-226-3055 Hermann Sons Life-Camp 830-995-3223 GRAND LODGE OFFICERS PAST GRAND PRESIDENT
Leroy Muehlstein PAST GRAND PRESIDENT
Stephen R. Prewitt GRAND PRESIDENT/CEO
Allan W. “Buddy” Preuss GRAND VP-SECRETARY/TREASURER
Mary Beam GRAND VP-INVESTMENTS
Harry Werland GRAND VP-MARKETING
Timothy P. Kolbe GRAND VP-FRATERNAL
Kimberly A. Krueger GRAND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Wilburn Pargmann Sandra Jones Janice Kuhen Paul Heath Jack Larned RETIREMENT HOME COMMITTEE Ruth Bailey Frank Brandon Norma Bruns Jean Dueitt Calvin Lamensky GRAND PHYSICIAN Dr. Richard Hannigan YOUTH ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Janice Fait Debbie Jordan Tammy Kelley Ed Kurtz Amanda Deicke Grand Guide Bob Jungman Grand Inner Guard Stan Steiger Grand Outer Guard LAWS COMMITTEE David Lewis Glenn Altwein James Lowak Donnie Blinka Jeanette Preuss Glenford Boehme Calvin Rueter John Bradley Howard Saathoff Agnes Dreibrodt Tim Salge Lillian Franckowiak Don Saunders Debbie Gold Andy Schellenberg Karen Harborth Irene Schwertner Robert Herridge Joe Trojacek Milton Ihlo Lee Vogel Jerry Don Klose Ronald Wiatrek Oscar Kuehner Billy Lehde
President’s Message
Choosing our Board of Directors A Board of Directors will be elected at the 47th Grand Lodge Convention in May, pending approval of proposed law changes by delegates. Electing directors to the board is the ultimate and most important example of a representative form of government and an important duty of delegates. Directors provide missionbased leadership and set strategy for the organization to ensure that necessary financial, human and other resources are in place to meet its objectives. They provide the obvious and necessary governance but they also provide value to the officers with their varied core competencies, experiences and understanding of trends occurring in and out-
side our industry. The deadline for candidates to apply has passed, and those candidates are now featured in this edition of Hermann Sons Life and will be highlighted on our website. I’m very pleased to see the desire these candidates have to represent and serve our organization.
All of these candidates have been reviewed by a Vetting Committee and meet minimum requirements to be a board candidate. In addition to membership requirements, the Vetting Committee reviewed essential core competencies including business judgment, vision, strategic insight, management skills, leadership skills, industry knowledge, financial literacy, financial accounting skills, professional communication skills and the ability to navigate current technology. Delegates will consider the candidate’s background and how he/ she will meet the needs of our organization as we move into the future. Six candidates will be elected to the Board of Directors in May.
Delegates also will elect a Chair of the Board from among those elected to the Board. When it comes time to elect a chair, delegates should be choosing someone who would be a strong leader to preside over board meetings and the Grand Lodge Convention. Even if you’re not a delegate, you can still talk to your lodge’s delegate(s) so your opinions can be considered. Delegates are representatives of their lodges and are charged with acting in the best interest of our organization. Our future looks like it will continue to be bright with a strong slate of leaders ready to serve on our Board of Directors. – Buddy Preuss Grand President/CEO
Agenda set for 47th Grand Lodge Convention SAN MARCOS – The 47th Grand Lodge Convention will be held April 30-May 3 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. Delegates will attend committee meetings and general sessions during the day and enjoy fellowship each evening. Registration will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 30. Those
attending their first Grand Lodge Convention are invited to a FirstTimer Orientation from 4:30-5 p.m. hosted by Engagement Director Jennifer Cernosek. A welcome reception and dinner will be held that evening. This year the memorial service will be part of the Sunday night event. The candidates for the Board of Directors also will be
introduced that evening. On Monday and Tuesday mornings after breakfast and before the general session convenes, delegates will be invited to attend a morning gathering from 7:45-8:30 a.m. On Monday they have two choices. They can attend a session titled “Gatherings Across Generations” hosted by Engagement Director Jenni-
"Hugs from Home"
Give us the name and address of someone who is serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and we will add them to our "Hugs from Home" list of care package recipients. Name ______________________________________ Address Line 1 _______________________________ Address Line 2 _______________________________ Address Line 3 _______________________________ Deployment Dates ____________________________ Clip and mail to:
Hermann Sons Grand Lodge P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 Attention: Fraternal Department
fer Cernosek that will focus on ways to increase lodge engagement across generations. The other session that morning is titled “What’s On Your Mind?” A panel of experts will be available to answer questions about governance, branding, technology and other initiatives. See CONVENTION, Pg. 4
Donations make ‘Hugs’ possible SAN ANTONIO – Donations continue to be made so that more “Hugs from Home” can be sent to military personnel serving overseas. The latest donors to the program were James Muecke, Louise Schuetze Lodge, Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge, Highland Lakes Lodge and Hondo Victory Lodge. If you would like to make a donation, send it to: Hermann Sons Grand Lodge, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941, Attention: Fraternal Department. If you know someone serving overseas and would like for him/ her to receive a care package, fill out the form to the left and mail it to the same address.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Official Bulletin - Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer
Delegates will be headed to San Marcos soon Grand Lodge Convention time is nearing. Congratulations to all the elected delegates who will meet in San Marcos April 30-May 3. Important decisions will be made during this time and we know our delegates will do what is best for our Order and its membership. The Quadrennial Book of Reports has gone to press and delegates will be receiving a copy prior to the Convention. Delegates should review the book, read the reports and decide which committee meetings they would like to attend during the Convention. Delegates will be able to give input and offer suggestions for improvement to any committee report. Hotel and Convention information has been mailed to all delegates. Delegates are reminded to send in their registration fee of $50 and make their hotel reservations as soon as possible. Individuals who are not delegates may attend the Grand Lodge Convention as a guest. Guest registration is $100 per person and includes breakfasts (Monday through Wednesday), meeting attendance, lunch on Monday and social events each evening, which include cocktails and full-course meals.
Hotel accommodations can be made at the Convention hotel (at the convention rate) but are the responsibility of the guest. JUNIOR MEMBER INFORMATION Camp information has been mailed to all eligible junior members who are paid current with premiums and local lodge dues. The annual Camp Open House will be held June 10 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. This is an excellent time to get acquainted with the Camp staff, see what activities are offered and have all your questions answered. Camp is fun and a learning experience where you also have the opportunity to make lasting friendships and memories. The schools of dance are preparing for their annual recitals. The dates, times and locations of these recitals are listed on Page 14 of this issue. If possible, attend one of the recitals and support our stars of tomorrow.
tunity for lodges to bring youth and adults together to plan, organize and implement a community project. Since 2000 Join Hands Day projects have beautified parks and cemeteries, organized food drives, provided care packages for those in need and provided nursing home visits while developing relationships across generations. Our lodges contribute so much on this day and bring awareness to the power of caring for one another. Keep up the good work. MEMBERSHIP It is never too late to recommend your friends, neighbors and relatives to our great organization. Life insurance is important to protect the financial future of our families. And the benefits offered through Hermann Sons make this a win-win situation. Recommend today. Easter blessings to all of you.
JOIN HANDS DAY Saturday, May 6, will be our annual national day of community service. Join Hands Day offers the oppor-
Fraternally, Mary Beam Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer
Events APRIL 1 – The annual Hermann Sons Youth Camp-Shannon
Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament will be held at Northern Hills Golf Club in San Antonio. The event begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost to enter is $95 per player or $380 per team. Lunch will follow and there will be prizes for the top teams. Online registration is available at www.hermannsonslife.org/golf.
1 – The deadline to apply for the Retirement Home Scholarship is today. Go to hermannsonslife.org/programs/scholarships to complete the online application. 1 – Seguin Lodge will hold its Spring Flea Market at the Seguin Lodge Hall, 2918 W. Kingsbury St. from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and drinks will be for sale. To reserve an inside space for $10 or outside space for $20, call Vernelle Jones at 830-379-9943. 8–
The 37th Annual St. Alphonso Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Dallas Lodge Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This event is sponsored by Columbia Lodge. Also this weekend, the Dallas Lodge Hall will be a part of the Deep Elm Arts Festival.
20 – Pershing Lodge members and their guests will board the bus headed for the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass. Call Terri Armstrong at 210-378-0319 for more information. 22 –
The Goodtime Polka and Waltz Dance Club will hold a dance from 7-11 p.m. at 257 E. South St., New Braunfels.
The Red Ravens Orchestra from El Campo will provide the music. Call 830-620-6787 or 830-660-4866 for information. Guests welcome. No shorts please. Memberships available at the sign-in table.
23 –
The 15th annual Fruehling Saengerfest will be held today at the Concordia Hall in Bellville. The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. with a German-style meal. A number of choral groups will provide entertainment by singing German songs. Other events in the afternoon will include vendors, children’s activities and an outdoor dance and sing-along. Admission is free.
APRIL-MAY-JUNE The 32 Schools of Dance sponsored by Hermann Sons will hold their end-of-year recitals. Turn to Page 14 for a complete schedule.
APRIL-MAY 30, 1-3 – The 47th annual Grand Lodge Convention
will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Marcos. Delegates will attend committee meetings and business sessions during the day and enjoy fellowship in the evenings. For more information, turn to Page 2.
JUNE 10 – The annual Open House at Hermann Sons-Camp
will be held today. Open House offers campers and their parents a chance to tour the facilities and take part in Camp activities before the summer season begins. The pool will be open and lunch will be served. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you would like to see your lodge’s event listed here and in the Events section of the Hermann Sons Life website, call Kathie Ninneman, 210-226-9261, ext. 273, or 1-800-234-4124, ext. 273, or email kathien@hermannsonslife.org.
Editor/Communications Director Kathie Ninneman 210-226-9261, ext. 273 email: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Elaine Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor Hermann Sons Life P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication. The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of the Order of the Sons of Hermann in the State of Texas. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the Grand President, and the Grand President shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons as editor and/or business manager thereof (Art. 38, Grand Lodge Laws).
Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Convention agenda offers new morning gatherings Cont’d. from Pg. 2 There also will be three sessions on Tuesday morning . The first will be called “Empowering Your Lodge Coordinators .” Communications Director Kathie Ninneman and Community Service Coordinator Laura Adams will lead it . Attendees will learn how to incorporate the new appointed positions into their lodge . The second session is called “Using Technology to Streamline Lodge Processes .” Engagement Director Jennifer Cernosek will talk about utilizing the website
and email to stay in touch with members . The third session will be called “Committee Structure and Getting Involved .” Grand President Buddy Preuss will talk about the functions of the Member Benefits, Community Engagement, Business Operations and Laws Committees . The first general session begins at 9 a .m . on Monday morning . It will recess at 10:30 a .m . for open committee meetings . During these meetings, delegates will be able to choose which committee meetings they wish to attend . They will not be as-
signed to a committee meeting as in the past . Box lunches will be available starting at 11:30 a .m . so that delegates can attend committee meetings . The general session reconvenes that afternoon for committee reports . After a group picture, the evening reception and entertainment will begin . Dinner will be served at 7:15 p .m . The theme for the evening is “Sights and Sounds of San Marcos .” Committee reports and elections will continue the next
morning and afternoon . Delegates will be on their own for lunch that day . That evening’s reception and banquet will begin at 5 p .m . Dinner will be served at 7 p .m . The entertainment that evening will be by The Countrymen Band . If there is more business to conduct, a general session will convene at 9 a .m . Wednesday morning . Otherwise, delegates will be free to leave after breakfast . During the Monday night and Tuesday night events delegates and guests will have access to a photo booth where they can
have their photo taken for a cost of $10 each . The money will be donated to the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer . The photos will be available before delegates leave on Wednesday morning . Lodges and individuals can also make donations to the Grief Support Session at any time during the Convention . The dress code for delegates and their guests will be business casual . Coats for men are acceptable but not required . No shorts or flip-flops please . The dress for the Tuesday night banquet is semi-formal .
Inside Lodge Reports Albert Kypfer . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Bellville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Bexar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Brunhilde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Cuero Family . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 DaCosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Fredericksburg . . . . . . . . . . .27 Gay Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Haskell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . .21 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Kerrville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
La Vernia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . .34 Maxwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Mission-Alamo . . . . . . . . . . .23 Montgomery County . . . . .23 Moulton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Paige . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Paul Vogt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Prinz Solms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Schulenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Siemering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Spring Branch . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Twin Sisters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Wichita Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Monthly Features 2 2 3 3 8 8 10-11 12 12 & 14
Grand President’s Message Donations made to send ‘Hugs’ Calendar of Events Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer’s Bulletin Memorial donations Form provided for making donations Pioneer Members In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members Medical Notes
1 & 6-7 2&4 8 9 11 13 17
Meet the Candidates Agenda set for Grand Lodge Convention Lodge officers attend installation ceremonies Lodges recognized for reaching membership goals Employees reach service awards Golf tournament raises money for Camp session Members take part in Fraternal Alliance tourney
5 5 5 5 35
TOP Recommenders Recommender campaign announced for Convention Our newest 100% Families Current interest rates Listing of agents
14 15 16 16 16 16 16 36
Dance recital dates listed What to expect on the first day of Camp First grief support session set for July Comfort offering camperships Summer jobs available at Camp Hondo Victory Lodge offering cash prizes Answers to puzzles on Pg . 36 Shining Stars
New This Month
Marketing News
Youth in Action
Marketing
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
Recommend and win during Convention By TIM KOLBE Grand Vice PresidentMarketing Did anyone see this early spring coming? I was traveling all across the state in February and saw wildflowers that were blooming a full month earlier than usual. Most of the areas I visited were green with trees leafing out early as well. As things accelerate this spring, we are all mindful that the 47th Grand Lodge Convention is upon us. Soon we will be meeting in San Marcos to carry on the business of our Order. I look forward to visiting with our delegates who are tasked with making important decisions relevant to our future. Given a chance to involve the Marketing Department with this event, we want to present to our
delegates and guests a special Convention opportunity to recommend new potential members. In last month’s Hermann Sons Life, I mentioned that our current members are our greatest resource for bringing in new
members for our Order. At the Convention we will have a display table set up to accept referrals for membership. In the spirit of our 2017 campaign “We Strengthen Community Through Financial Protection
City West
100% Family City Hollingsworth Family San Antonio Robert Rosa
who submits insurance or annuity applications within the week prior to or at Convention, will be entered into a special drawing for a $100 gift card. At the Marketing table at Convention we will have referral cards, pens, literature and a map of Texas, where we will track the areas where our members are referring and our agents are writing insurance. We will be proud to provide a visual roadmap of recruitment and production activity for all to see. Don’t let your region be vacant or sparsely represented. Plan on bringing referral information (or insurance applications) to the Convention and let your pride for Hermann Sons shine through. The entire Marketing staff will be on hand.
Ging, Haby win gift cards
Hermann Sons welcomes our new 100% Families! 100% Family Maertz Family Colby Lacey Blair Marie
and Service,” the Marketing Department offers not one, not two, but three ways to win at Convention. No. 1 – Any member who brings in a good solid referral for membership will be entered into a special Convention drawing for a $100 prize to be awarded at the Tuesday night banquet. A solid referral is a person who is ready to speak to a Hermann Sons agent. No. 2 – In the sprit of the new lodge membership campaign, we will award the lodge that submits the most referrals at Convention a $100 gift card. This is separate from the annual lodge campaign, which recognizes all lodges that make their membership goal. No. 3 – Any field agent, whether a Convention delegate or not,
Lodge Bernardo Lodge
Agent Terrel Maertz
Lodge Pershing Lodge
Agent Teresa Saathoff
Current Interest Rates on New Life and Annuity Plans Flex Life Single and Modal Premium Products Current Non-Guaranteed Rate on Accumulation Account: 4.5% Current Guaranteed Rate: 2.5% Senior Adult Final Expense (SAFE) Plans Paid-up Additions on the Face Value: 2.5% Simple Qualified and Non- Qualified Annuities 5-Year Annuities* Current: 2.6% Contact a local agent or the Home Office at Guaranteed: 1.5% 877-437-6266 or 210-527-9113 9-Year Annuities** for more information on these and other Current: 2.8% products offered by Hermann Sons. Guaranteed: 1.5% * Refers to the surrender period in which penalties apply for early surrender ** Certain exceptions to early surrender apply; call home office for details
Two recommenders will be receiving $100 Wal-Mart gift cards as part of the “We Strengthen Community Through Financial Protection and Service” Campaign. Lena Ging from Coupland Lodge was the winning recommender in January and Phoenix Stone Haby was the winner in February. Recommender Agent Wanda Uecker, Kirby Lodge Judy Schulmeier Joan Crider, Bexar Lodge Lisa Ann Rozacky Brynn Marie Currie, Boerne Lodge Carl Behrendt Eleanor Genger, New Braunfels Lodge Shirley Huebinger Alice Golla, Pershing Lodge (*) Carol Krauss Phoenix Stone Haby, Castroville Lodge Glenford Boehme Jake Douglas Hooker, Prinz Solms Lodge Teresa Saathoff James L. Hyvl, Brenham Lodge Gary Falkenberg Bryce Garrison Kopeck, Mission-Alamo Roxy Pruski Lola Ann Landua, Nagel Lodge Gary Falkenberg Willard John Laubach, Prinz Solms Lodge Clifton Klabunde Gary Michael Lewis, La Vernia Lodge (*) Marlin Tanneberger Colby Lee Maertz, Bernardo Lodge Terrel Maertz Mark Kevin Martinek, Columbia Lodge Helen Brown Thomas J. Parker, Boerne Lodge Marilyn Vogt Elizabeth J. Preuss, Comfort Lodge Norma Bruns Jeanette L. Ruff, Louise Schuetze Lodge Dan Boenig Robert S. Sullivan, Columbia Lodge Helen Brown Katherine Sutherland, Bernardo Lodge Terrel Maertz James L. Taylor, Poth Lodge (*) Marlin Tanneberger Presley Isabelle Vera, Prinz Solms Lodge Teresa Saathoff Kinsey L. Vollbrecht, Albert Kypfer Lodge Tim Salge Ridge D. Vollbrecht, Albert Kypfer Lodge Tim Salge Linda L. Wehmeyer, Bexar Lodge Lisa Ann Rozacky Leslie Dawn White, Pershing Lodge (*) Darlene Irwin Sarah D. Williams, New Braunfels Lodge Shirley Huebinger Sandra Giesler, Giddings Lodge Loretta Chilek Tammy Lou Jones, Deanville Lodge Donnie Blinka Ava Lee Norris, Rosenberg-Richmond Joyce Lamensky Richard Raska, Da Costa Lodge Jason Luke Hybner (*) Recommended 2 new members
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Meet the Candidates for the Board of Directors
In May, during the 47th Grand Lodge Convention in San Marcos, delegates will be asked to ratify changes to the Grand Lodge Laws that will modernize the way Hermann Sons is governed. If approved by delegates, the current Grand Committee structure would be exchanged with a Board of Directors. There are 13 candidates vying for six positions on the board. The candidates appear here in a random order determined during a drawing conducted by the Vetting Committee. You can read about each of the candidates on this page and the next. More information on each candidate is available on the Hermann Sons website. Go to hermannsonslife.org/candidates.
STAN STEIGER
Stan Steiger was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from Holy Cross High School and Valparaiso University. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served 23 years on active and reserve duty. He started a career in the life and property and casualty insurance business in 1979. During that time he was president of the Steiger Insurance Agency Inc. and is now the vice president and managing partner of Independent Insurance Center Inc. He married Karen Weber Steiger in September 1977. They have two children, Andrew and Elizabeth. He has been a member of Hermann Sons since July 1956. He has held every position in Harmonia Lodge except trustee. He is currently serving on the lodge’s Finance Committee. He served as chairman and
vice chairman of Hermann’s Happiness for two years each.
DOUG SAATHOFF Doug Saathoff has been a Hermann Sons member since he was a child. His wife, Teresa, and their four children, ages 18-26, are members. Doug has been an agent for many years. He joined JB Internet Holdings Inc. as its chief financial officer in 2016. He also is president and managing member of Video River Networks LLC, a provider of IPTV equipment and services formed in January 2011. From 2003-2010, he was the chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Nighthawk Systems Inc. From 1994-2002, he served as chief financial officer for ATSI Communications Inc., as well as a board member of ATSI’s publicly traded subsidiary, GlobalSCAPE Inc. from 1997-2002. Prior to joining ATSI, he served as the accounting manager, controller and financial reporting manager for U.S. Long Distance Corp. from 1990-1993.
MARLA HEGER Marla McGee Heger is a near lifelong resident of Caldwell County and an almost 30-year member of Hermann Sons. She and husband, Ryan, and their son live outside of Lockhart. Her daughter, a former Hermann Sons dancer and camper, lives and works outside of Dallas.
Marla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture production and management and a Master of Education degree in agricultural education, both from Texas State University. She has 18 years of experience working for a 200,000plus member financial services not-for-profit. In February 2017, she began applying her formal education in agriculture to ranching fulltime on her family’s farm in rural Caldwell County. She is a lifetime member of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo serving on the Agricultural Mechanics Committee.
DAVID NOAK David Noak was born in La Grange and graduated from La Grange High School in 1968. He is a third-generation member of Hermann Sons and is an active member and past president of Rutersville Lodge. He entered the U.S. Air Force in May 1969 and served for more than 25 years. He was assigned to remote site duty during the Vietnam conflict and is a veteran of Desert Storm. He returned to La Grange where he served two terms as mayor and four years as a county commissioner. He then became employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. In his current capacity as district coordinator, he serves five counties and advises mayors and county judges on all issues pertaining to disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. He is married to the former Mary D. Lemmons. They have two children and seven grandchildren.
SUZANNE HILDEBRAND
Suzanne Hildebrand lives in Live Oak near San Antonio. She is a member of Mission-Alamo Lodge. She is familiar with the internal workings of the Home Office having spent 16 years working for the Hermann Sons corporate counsel. After her mother’s death at the hands of a drunk driver, she formed the first Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in San Antonio. As president, she was responsible for the formation of 106 other chapters across the nation and wrote Senate Bill 1, the first new DWI legislation passed in Texas in many years. After her husband suffered a debilitating stroke in 2008 and she discovered the lack of care available for stroke patients in San Antonio, she launched an effort to force the San Antonio hospitals to come into compliance with normal standards. A year later the Baptist Hospitals and University Hospital came into compliance and the Methodist Hospitals followed two years later.
DAVID WOLF David Wolf lives in Graham and is president of Wichita Falls Lodge. Since 1998 he has worked as a licensed professional counselor. This year he retired from fulltime work and now works parttime as a licensed agent for Her-
mann Sons, as a social worker in a long-term care facility and on the farm that he and wife Pam own. He was instrumental in the revitalization of Wichita Falls Lodge and in 2016 the lodge was recognized for achieving its new member goal. His community involvement has included service on several boards including the Archer County MUD, Young County Rodeo Charities and Graham Civic Services. And he is a member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus. He and Pam have been married for 29 years and have three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
BRAD DIETRICH Brad Dietrich has been a member of Harmonia Lodge for more than 30 years. He has served as a lodge officer for many years including president. He is currently a member of the lodge’s Finance Committee and co-chairs the lodge’s annual benefit golf tournament. And he is a member of the Grand Lodge’s Fraternal Activities Committee. He has spent more than 30 years in the marketing industry and the last two years in real estate. He has served as an account executive, senior account executive and vice president of sales in the marketing, printing and mailing industry. He is a member of the San Antonio Conservation Society and has served as staging coordinator for that organization’s major fund-raiser in April (Night in Old San Antonio). He also has served as a homeowners association board member.
March 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
Meet the Candidates for the Board of Directors
MICHAEL BEAM
Michael Beam has been a Hermann Sons member for 40 years. He currently serves as president of Harmonia Lodge. He also is a member of the board of directors of the San Antonio Home Association. In 1988, he was appointed to the Grand Finance Committee and served for 10 years. He and his wife, Mary, have three children. They are a 100% Hermann Sons Family. He holds a degree in business administration from St. Mary’s University. After graduating from college, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served for three years. Upon his return home, he joined the Army National Guard. He served for 29 years, 25 of those as a fulltime officer. After military retirement, he took a position with Bowhead Holding Company and served in executive positions from 20042008.
GLENN ALTWEIN
Glenn Altwein has served his lodge as a delegate, a member of the Finance Committee and trustee. He has held positions in leadership, management, accounting and finance, administration and education and has experience as a public speaker. He has gone through training on many levels starting with high school. He has graduated with honors from universities
and the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School and has attended technical schools. He also has been a teacher and instructor. He was licensed to sell life and health insurance in Texas for 15 years and did that part-time. He served as an internal auditor for two companies and was a manager for three central warehouses. He has served as the manager of the Community Development Department for a utility company and as the manager of a utility office.
SANDRA JONES
Sandra Jones is a member of Fort Worth Lodge where she serves as secretary-treasurer. She is a 51-year member of Hermann Sons and is currently serving on the Grand Finance Committee. She previously served on the Fraternal Activities Committee, the Laws Committee and the Retirement Home Committee. Her work experience was in the insurance industry, accounting and tax departments. She served as accounting manager with a staff of 15. She worked as a tax compliance specialist for Acme Brick where she dealt with state officials, vendors, banks, the plant manager, sales managers, field office personnel and internal departments. She volunteers for AARP doing tax returns. An avid bowler she is the secretary and tournament director of the annual Hermann Sons State Bowling Tournament. She and husband Sam have been married for 51 years and have two children and three grandchildren.
JOSEPH FIGO
Joseph Figo has lived in Texas for decades and calls Central Texas home. He became a Hermann Sons member in February 2010 and was soon elected to serve on the Home Association Board representing Anton Wenzel Lodge. He now serves as president of the Home Association. He had served as vice president since 2011. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University, Joseph worked for MCI in Chicago. He was then promoted to management where his work focused on the retention and growth of MCI’s small business customer base. In 2000, Joseph relocated to Texas and stared his career at Dell Computers. He has held positions ranging from sales to partner management, business development and demand generation marketing. All in all, he brings 20plus years of professional business experience to his current roles. Joseph enjoys outdoor activities and strives to stay balanced in his career, non-profit work and keeping up on the never-ending list of home improvement projects at his home in Round Rock.
GERALD ZIEMNICKI
Gerald Ziemnicki joined Hermann Sons 11 years ago at the suggestion of Special Representative Al Stryk. He is a member of Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge where he serves as a trustee and the community coordinator. He also serves as a Hermann Sons agent. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Marquette University. He and wife Aida have four children and they are a 100% Hermann Sons Family. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 57 years and has held many positions in that organization. He also is active in Boy Scouting and has been a trained and registered leader for 22 years. He is the proud father of two Eagle Scouts. He is a founding member and board member of The Park People of Houston, a non-profit group advocating for more parks and recreation space for Houston and Harris County. During his 35-plus years as a registered representative with the New York Stock Exchange and NASD firms, he attended more than 360 hours of courses in personal finance.
LAURA TIFFIN Laura Tiffin lives in Cuero where she serves as president of Cuero Family Lodge and as a Hermann Sons agent. She is a third-generation member of Hermann Sons and joined more than 50 years ago. Husband Wayne and daughter Allison also are members. She also serves as a member of the Grand Lodge’s Fraternal Activities Committee. As an agent her sales production has qualified her for the Million Dollar Club and Executive Club. She has worked at the Cuero Regional Hospital for 37 years. She started as a switchboard operator and worked her way up in the business office and finance departments. She currently serves as general accounting manager which includes doing payroll for approximately 400 people and accounts payable for the hospital, five clinics and the home health and fitness center. Her community work has included serving on the board of the Cuero Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Pilot Club of Cuero, Pilot International and numerous school organizations while her daughter was in school.
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Read more about the candidates for the Board of Directors at hermannsonslife.org/candidates And you can read a preview of the 47th Grand Lodge Convention by turning to Page 4.
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Lodge officers attend district installation ceremonies
Niederwald Lodge hosted the installation ceremony for District 12 at the Maxwell Social Club. Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam was the installing officer. She was assisted by Niederwald Lodge representatives Harry Schriber, left, and Don Dailey. Other lodges in that district include San Marcos, Lockhart and Maxwell.
Ronald Wiatrek, left, served as the installing officer for the installation ceremony hosted by La Vernia Lodge. He is pictured with La Vernia Lodge President Charles Stork. Officers from the lodges in Districts 3 and 4 were installed. That includes Jourdanton, Karnes City, La Vernia, Nixon-Smiley, Poth and Stockdale.
Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland, right, installed officers in District 8 during the installation ceremony hosted by Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge. He is pictured with Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge President Calvin Lamensky. Other lodges in that district are Brazosport, DaCosta, El Campo, Jackson County and Needville.
Memorial Donations Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of: MARY KATHLEEN CASTLE RONALD LEE PORTER Donor: Houston Lodge
Sandra Jones, center, a member of the Grand Finance Committee installed officers at the installation hosted by Dallas Lodge. She is pictured with Andy Schellenberg, left, from Dallas Lodge and Bobby Wilbanks, right, from Columbia Lodge. Officers from Dallas, Columbia and Fort Worth lodges were installed.
Comfort Lodge hosted the installation ceremony for Districts 21 and 22. Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland installed the officers with help from Connie Spenrath, Comfort Lodge president. Other lodges represented at the installation were Boerne, Fredericksburg, Highland Lakes, Kerrville and Paul Vogt.
MEMORIAL DONATION FORM Name of Deceased:
Camp Camp Scholarship Fund Grief Support Session at Camp
to go to:
Please print
City, State, Zip: Date:
DOLORES SCHUMANN Donor: New Braunfels Lodge
EDWARD JOSEPH PAWLIK LARRY TSCHOEPE Donor: Carol Krauss HOWARD LAAS Donor: Hallettsville Lodge
BERNICE EMSHOFF MAE OLA GREBE Donor: Brenham Lodge
LILLIAN M. WALKER Donor: Houston Lodge
DORIS B. DENTON Donor: Houston Lodge
City, State, Zip: Address:
EARL R. MONK Donor: Houston Lodge
Donations to the Camp Scholarship Fund in Memory of:
Please print
Donor:
Donations to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of:
Donations to the Camp in Memory of:
Retirement Home Retirement Home Scholarship Fund
Address:
JIMMY K. WARD Donor: Roscoe Lodge
Please print
Acknowledgement from
Name:
BERNICE EMSHOFF MAE OLA GREBE Donor: Brenham Lodge
Amount: $ Clip and mail with your memorial contribution to: Hermann Sons Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941.
Visit us online!
www.hermannsonslife.org
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
Lodges recognized for reaching membership goals
Three lodges from the San Antonio area were recognized for meeting their new member goals in 2016. Grand President Buddy Preuss, left, presented the Certificates of Achievement to, from left, Janice Schwab from Louise Schuetze Lodge, Sally Hertzberg from Siemering Lodge and Carl Gass from Helotes Lodge. Helotes Lodge also had an overall increase in membership in 2016.
Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger, right, presents Certificates of Achievement to Linda Taft, left, from Waco-Robinson Lodge and Doris Mooney from McGregor Lodge. These two lodges met their 2016 new member goal and were recognized at the installation ceremony held in McGregor. Red Kelly, right, accepts Fort Worth Lodge’s Certificate of Achievement for reaching its new member goal in 2016. Making the presentation at the installation ceremony held in Dallas is Andy Schellenberg, a member of the Grand Lodge Laws Committee.
Bobby Tschirhart, right, accepts a Certificate of Appreciation for Hondo Lodge during the installation ceremony hosted by the lodge. Making the presentation is Wilburn Pargmann, a member of the Grand Finance Committee. Lodges that met their new member goal each received a certificate.
Agnes Dreibrodt, left, president of San Marcos Lodge, accepts her lodge’s Certificate of Achievement for reaching its new member goal. The presentation was made by Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam during the installation ceremony hosted by Niederwald Lodge.
Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam, right, presents Ann Schroeder, president of Lockhart Lodge, with her lodge’s Certificate of Achievement for meeting its new member goal in 2016. The presentation was made at the installation ceremony held in Maxwell and hosted by Niederwald Lodge.
Catherine Blackard, right, president of Maxwell Lodge, accepts her lodge’s Certificate of Achievement for reaching its new member goal in 2016 from Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam. The presentation was made at the installation ceremony held in Maxwell and hosted by Niederwald Lodge.
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
75 Years
august h. duelm La Vernia Lodge
albert c. schroeder Yorktown Lodge
60 Years w.e. koehler jr.
marilyN k.P. zolkoski Anton Wenzel Lodge Poth Lodge leoN t. corso Rio Valley Grande Lodge
70 Years moNty d. mcdoNald Anton Wenzel Lodge
a.r. suelteNfuss barbara vogt Boerne Lodge
alviN Paul bormaNN jr. Brenham Lodge Patricia aNN carter Brunhilde Lodge
robert w. culPePPer Cuero Family Lodge
steveN m. kaPchiNskie Bryan Lodge
fraNk l. berNhard Dallas Lodge
PeNNy elaiNe comPtoN Cibolo Lodge
leoNard r. mikesh jr. Gonzales Lodge
carl PhilliP borchers mary lou brauN briaN victor burow liNda lilliaN real thorNe william albert wiedeNfeld jr. Comfort Lodge
bobby w. martiN Patrick ray mcdoNald Harmonia Lodge jerry w. zahN Haskell Lodge barbara juNe daNiel Lampasas Lodge geNeva quebe barse jerry edwiN thaNe McGregor Lodge Peggy jaNe weise Nordheim Lodge roscoe fred beicker fraNces ruth traylor Poth Lodge saNdra jo keilers Rutersville Lodge homer deaN heNry h.w. schwertNer iii Schwertner Lodge harris h. luetge Shelby Lodge
Nix o’brieN boddeN Cuero Family Lodge roNald j. migl DaCosta Lodge
Pioneers dixie evelyN baNe Peggy ruth doyal fraNces krawczyNski Patricia l. Neely edNa g. sherlock Louise Schuetze Lodge cyNthia ruth saldaNa Macdona Lodge georgia tabor-hall Mission-Alamo Lodge rita kay hedt Needville Lodge beNNie joe tomecek New Bern Lodge gail P. eNgler New Braunfels Lodge kareN kay duke gloria m. hewlett viviaN lyNN smasal Pershing Lodge marilyN d. gest Rutersville Lodge keNNeth ray grimm Seguin Lodge cyNthia j. friedrich sheree dale laNge Shelby Lodge
rebecca aNN maddox Flatonia Lodge
terry lea browN judy g. eastwood judy ruth myers Vineta Lodge
NaNcy lyNNe adams General Bee Lodge
william c. heNkelmaN Womack Lodge
kerviN earl reuter Giddings Lodge
50 Years
h.c. schmidt jr. Gonzales Lodge jackie lee kleiN Harmonia Lodge ciclie aNN ede Knippa Lodge maNNie w. fritsch La Grange Lodge
betty jeaN kreutler Cibolo Lodge
raNdy d. schulze Poth Lodge
briaN fraNkliN Porter Comfort Lodge
jo aNN holcomb Rio Grande Valley Lodge
waNda kay crow edwiN NelsoN staNge DaCosta Lodge
tammy marie fleck richard a. kuhN Rutersville Lodge
johN w. meusel jr. Dallas Lodge
PhiliP blaNe oujezdsky shawN eric oujezdsky Schwertner Lodge
keviN m. daugherty loretta j. daugherty desiree kay miller richard j. zissa Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge coNNie diaNe richter Gay Hill Lodge margaret a. dixoN Giddings Lodge lyNda rose frazier jaN mccullough Gonzales Lodge william johN boNewitz todd a. lubiaNski raymoNd max otto Harmonia Lodge sheila d. hise Haskell Lodge
roy charles PiePer Shelby Lodge matthew d. burNs Siemering Lodge debra aNN kreNek Taylor Lodge NaNcy Page matthews Twin Sisters Lodge molly doughtie sharoN kay miller Washington Lodge mary m. gwosdz Yorktown Lodge
thomas e. swaNey jr. Hochheim-Prairie Lodge david alaN fohN Hondo Lodge kathleeN e. reavis Hondo Victory Lodge audra aNN barba raelyN aNN stolowski Kirby Lodge
alleNe joyce Porter Bellville Lodge
doNNa j. meNdoza terri b. miller oliva b. moeller debra l. smith mary jo towers Louise Schuetze Lodge
NiNa f. ruNge Brenham Lodge
katheriNe k. arP Lubbock Lodge
stePheN a. bourquiN leoN f. tschirhart jr. Castroville Lodge
ciNdy a. stockiNg New Braunfels Lodge
lewis a. herber Anton Wenzel Lodge
michael a. mccall sr. Seguin Lodge
Floyd Trefny has received his 60year membership pin. Brother Trefny lives in Bandera and is a member of New Bielau Lodge. He has been a member since March 16, 1956.
Pioneers
H. Landis Schriewer has received his 70-year membership pin. Brother Schriewer lives in Columbia, Mo., and is a member of Laubach Lodge. He joined Hermann Sons on June 4, 1946.
Susan Ruth Sliva of Livington has received her 60-year membership pin. Sister Sliva is a member of Karnes City Lodge. She joined May 1, 1957.
E.M. Kotzur Jr. of Shenandoah has received his 60-year membership pin. Brother Kotzur is a member of Karnes City Lodge. He joined Hermann Sons on Sept. 26, 1957.
Malford Brehm has received his 60-year membership pin. Brother Brehm lives in Cibolo and is a member of CIbolo Lodge. He joined Hermann Sons on March 27, 1956.
Margaret Sutton of Houston has received her 60-year membership pin. Sister Sutton belongs to Karnes City Lodge and has been a member since July 12, 1957.
Gayle Z. Wagener of Houston has received her 60-year membership pin. Sister Wagener is a member of Karnes City Lodge. She joined Hermann Sons on Oct. 3, 1957.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Employees receive service awards
Three Home Office employees were honored for a combined 85 years of service to Hermann Sons at the end of 2016. Pictured with Grand President Buddy Preuss, left, and Grand Vice President-Investments Harry Werland, right, are, from left, Controller Joey Fisher, 30 years; Custodian LaWanda Gibbons, 15 years; and Custodian James Smith, 40 years. Two members of the Marketing Department staff were honored for their years of service at the end of 2016. Pictured with Grand President Buddy Preuss, left, and Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe, right, are Special Representative Marilyn Vogt, 10 years; and Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley, 15 years. Grand Vice President-Secretary/ Treasurer Mary Beam, from left, honored two of her employees for their years of service at the end of 2016. They are Carol Swan from Member Services and Administrative Assistant Samantha Schulmeier. Both have worked at the Home Office for 10 years. Also pictured is Grand President Buddy Preuss.
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Medical Notes
There can be benefits to growing older Many people are quick to think of growing older in a negative light. Although there certainly are some side effects of aging that one may wish to avoid, people may find that the benefits of growing older outweigh the negatives.
Seniors are a rapidly growing segment of the population. In the United States, the Administration on Aging states that the older population – persons 65 years or older – numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available). With
so many people living longer, it’s time to celebrate the perks of getting older rather than the drawbacks. Here are some great benefits to growing old. • Higher self-esteem: The insecurities of youth give way as one ages, and older people
have less negativity and higher self-esteem. A University of Basel study of people ranging in ages from 18 to 89 found that regardless of demographic and social status, the older one gets the higher self-esteem climbs. Qualities like self-control and altruism
can contribute to happiness. • Financial perks: Seniors are entitled to discounts on meals, museum entry fees, movies and other entertainment if they’re willing to disclose their ages.
janice Petray Vineta Lodge Died Jan. 22, 2000 • Age 49
kathryn seiPP Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Sept. 29, 2016 • Age 57
tommie e. mcelwee San Patricio County Lodge Died Nov. 30, 2016 • Age 89
kathryn jane buske Old Glory Lodge Died Jan. 2, 2017 • Age 93
canyen white Cibolo Lodge Died Jan. 22, 2017 • Age 19
randy g. haug Seguin Lodge Died Jan. 29, 2015 • Age 63
winfred j. haegelin Castroville Lodge Died Sept. 30, 2016 • Age 92
marvin t. mitschke Giddings Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2016 • Age 87
ellen l. wible Cat Spring Lodge Died Jan. 3, 2017 • Age 65
anna belle behrends Fredericksburg Lodge Died Jan. 25, 2017 • Age 84
llewellyn l. stokes Harmonia Lodge Died Dec. 18, 2015 • Age 92
elvera j. giPs Cuero Family Lodge Died Oct. 5, 2016 • Age 96
mary j. schmidt Seguin Lodge Died Dec. 9, 2016 • Age 84
Patrick j. mcgraw sr. D’Hanis Lodge Died Jan. 5, 2017 • Age 85
nolan george nitsche Brenham Lodge Died Jan. 25, 2017 • Age 92
earl w. wolchik Cat Spring Lodge Died Feb. 14, 2016 • Age 90
george f. shelton Kirby Lodge Died Oct. 8, 2016 • Age 85
cheryl a. morrisey Anton Wenzel Lodge Died Dec. 16, 2016 • Age 58
domingo valdez Kirby Lodge Died Jan. 6, 2017 • Age 87
herbert vahlenkamP Old Glory Lodge Died Jan. 27, 2017 • Age 93
Paul wayne gainey Bryan Lodge Died Feb. 20, 2016 • Age 60
kenneth e. seiPP Siemering Lodge Died Oct. 11, 2016 • Age 63
evelynn m. ackermann Spring Branch Lodge Died Dec. 16, 2016 • Age 90
mable h. emshoff Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Jan.10, 2017 • Age 97
vivian l. graham Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 28, 2017 • Age 89
betty jean dunn Prinz Solms Lodge Died March 5, 2016 • Age 74
emma knaPP garnett Brenham Lodge Died Oct. 28, 2016 • Age 80
Peggy e. dahlstrom Fredericksburg Lodge Died Dec. 19, 2016 • Age 89
eugenia joe holland Sealy Lodge Died Jan. 10, 2017 • Age 73
jacob j. tschirhart Castroville Lodge Died Jan. 29, 2017 • Age 82
dorothy d. rose Pershing Lodge Died May 27, 2016 • Age 85
norbert a. fritz Fredericksburg Lodge Died Oct. 31, 2016 • Age 95
wendell h. rudloff Shelby Lodge Died Dec. 23, 2016 • Age 76
margaret a. boon Hondo Victory Lodge Died Jan. 12, 2017 • Age 87
david otto kveton Needville Lodge Died Feb. 2, 2017 • Age 64
glenn m. ondrusek Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died June 21, 2016 • Age 60
janice h. ward Vineta Lodge Died Nov. 14, 2016 • Age 97
keith e. nebgen Paul Vogt Lodge Died Dec. 24, 2016 • Age 56
bernice l. nobra Shelby Lodge Died Jan. 13, 2017 • Age 87
charles hinze jr. Bellville Lodge Died Feb. 2, 2017 • Age 79
elizabeth m. wurzbach Dunlay Lodge Died Aug. 30, 2016 • Age 87
rosalie i. Pfeiffer Paul Vogt Lodge Died Nov. 14, 2016 • Age 81
randa lee shuford Zuehl Lodge Died Dec. 26, 2016 • Age 79
verna r. mckelvey Goliad Lodge Died Jan. 15, 2017 • Age 86
nell f. linebarger San Marcos Lodge Died Feb. 3, 2017 • Age 92
wilbert otto gully Rowena Lodge Died Aug. 31, 2016 • Age 96
mary t. wardwell Vineta Lodge Died Nov. 15, 2016 • Age 95
stanley e. rihn Castroville Lodge Died Dec. 26, 2016 • Age 78
jacqueline l. grubbs Deanville Lodge Died Jan. 16, 2017 • Age 74
david brietzke La Vernia Lodge Died Feb. 4, 2017 • Age 89
margaret j. harris Rutersville Lodge Died Sept. 10, 2016 • Age 89
dan trace detmar jr. Harmonia Lodge Died Nov. 23, 2016 • Age 31
ora lee lamensky Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Dec. 31, 2016 • Age 87
eugene j. Pauler Schulenburg Lodge Died Jan. 17, 2017 • Age 75
james w. ragsdale San Marcos Lodge Died Feb. 6, 2017 • Age 96
william m. Porter jr. Harmonia Lodge Died Sept. 21, 2016 • Age 64
william moore bennett Harmonia Lodge Died Nov. 27, 2016 • Age 91
larry c. tschoePe Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 2, 2017 • Age 76
kurt voss sr. Harmonia Lodge Died Jan. 20, 2017 • Age 94
catarina r. reyes Castroville Lodge Died Feb. 13, 2017 • Age 69
See MEDICAL, Pg. 14
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
Golf tourney raises funds for Grief Support Session COMFORT – Comfort Lodge joined hands with Comfort High School Athletics on Feb. 25 to host a golf tournament benefitting the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. More than $2,530 was raised during the tournament. That means that the lodge will be able to sponsor five children to attend the Grief Support Session. The Grief Support Session is for children ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the loss of a parent or sibling. During a half-week session July 5-8 at Hermann SonsCamp in Comfort, children will work with licensed therapists in groups and individually. They also will experience traditional camp activities with other children who also have suffered losses. Many believe that children who attend a camp session like this can progress much faster than they do in an office setting where treatment may never be completed. Numerous Comfort Lodge members volunteered before and during the event. Whether promoting the event or baking cookies for the awards lunch,
Finishing in first place during the Comfort Lodge golf tournament was the team of, from left, Aaron Guzman, Mario Martinez, Brandon Cernosek and Leo Guzman. Brandon is a Comfort Lodge member.
Michael Beam, from left, Mike Tope, Stephen R. Prewitt and Jerry Goodman participated in the tournament. Michael and Stephen are Harmonia Lodge members.
Comfort Lodge members were excited about the beneficiaries of this project and were eager to help. Coach Joey McQueen of the Comfort Independent School District arranged for students in the Athletics Program to volunteer for the tournament. Harmonia Lodge, Kerrville Lodge and Pershing Lodge also
The Buckhorn Golf Course, You Name It Specialties, The Wash Tub, Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club, Kuhlman Cellars, Kendra Scott, Vineyard Photography, Stray Grape Urban Winery, Connie and David Spenrath, Jennifer and Brandon Cernosek, Katie Klohn Miller, Norma and Dusty Bruns, Buddy and Elizabeth Pre-
were represented with golfers and volunteers at the event. Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss gave a sendoff message to the golfers and Executive Camp Director Katie Klohn Miller spoke about the Grief Support Session during the awards reception. Special thanks go to all of the prize donors and hole sponsors:
uss, Barbie Pfeiffer, Dale Wenzel, Santikos Theatres, SERVPRO of the Hill Country, Stephen R. and Julie Prewitt and Stone Accounting Services. Contributions made by individuals are tax deductible. Donations can be made by going to www.texashermannsons.org/ donate.
The team Sponsored by SERVPro of the Hill Country included Brandon Reyes, Jesus Ocana, Bryce Sorbel and Maddie Maltsberger. Brandon, Jesus and Bryce have all worked at Camp. Jesus is the assistant director at Hilltop. Brandon had the longest drive for the men and Maddie had the longest drive for the ladies.
Boyce Grona, right, from Kerrville Lodge played in the tournament with Blake Hartford. They placed third. Some of the tournament volunteers are pictured here. They are, front, from left, Loren Nevers, Caitlin Contreras, Makayla Aldrich; middle, from left, Alice Golla (Pershing Lodge), Katie Klohn Miller, Jennifer Cernosek, back, from left, Tammy Aldrich, C.B. Chenault and Bobbye Burow.
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
School of Dance
Date
Bandera County May 13 Boerne May 21 Castroville June 3 Cibolo May 21 Comfort May 20 Corpus Christi June 3 Cuero May 13 Da Costa May 6 Devine May 20 Elgin May 13 Ganado April 22 Goliad May 6 Gonzales May 6 Hill Country May 21 Hill Country May 21 Hochheim-Prairie May 6 Hondo May 27 Jourdanton April 22 Karnes City May 7 Kirby May 13 La Vernia May 6 Lee County May 13 Lone Oak May 13 Luling May 6 New Braunfels May 7 New Braunfels May 7 New Braunfels May 7 Nixon-Smiley May 21 North West Bexar Co. June 3 Poth-Floresville May 13 San Antonio June 3 Schulenburg May 21 Schulenburg May 21 Seguin June 3 Stockdale May 20 Yorktown April 22
2017 Dance Recital Dates Time
Place
Address
2 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. 4 or 5 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 4 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m. 4 p.m.
Bandera High School Auditorium, 474 Old San Antonio Hwy., Bandera Boerne Middle School North, 240 Johnson Rd., Boerne Medina Valley Performing Arts Center, 8365 FM 471 South, Castroville Jackson Auditorium, Texas Luthern University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin Comfort High School Auditorium, 143 Hwy. 87 N., Comfort Tuloso Midway Middle School, 9768 La Branch, Corpus Christi Cuero High School Auditorium, 920 E. Broadway, Cuero Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive, Victoria Lytle High School, 18975 FM 2790, Lytle SPJST Hall, 702 Texas 95, Elgin Ganado High School Auditorium, South Seventh Street, Ganado Goliad High School, 749 N. Tiger Lane, Goliad Gonzales Junior High School, 926 St. Lawrence, Gonzales Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Yoakum High School, 104 Poth St., Yoakum Medina Valley Performing Arts Center, 8365 FM 471 South, Castroville Doug Williamson Auditorium, Pleasanton ISD, 900 West Adams St., Pleasanton Karnes City High School, 400 N. Hwy. 123, Karnes City Kirby Middle School, 5441 Old Seguin Road, Kirby La Vernia High School Auditorium, 225 Bluebonnet Rd., La Vernia Giddings High School Cafetorium, 2337 N. Main, Giddings La Vernia High School Auditorium, 225 Bluebonnet Rd., La Vernia Luling High School Fine Arts Building, 218 E. Travis St., Luling Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Smithson Valley High School, 14001 Hwy. 46 West, Spring Branch Nixon-Smiley High School Cafetorium, 800 N. Rancho Road, Nixon Edgewood Theatre of Performing Arts, 402 Lance St., San Antonio Floresville High School Auditorium, 1813 Tiger Lane, Floresville Antonian High School, 6425 West Ave., San Antonio Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje Ave., Schulenburg Schulenburg Civic Center, 1107 Hillje Ave., Schulenburg Jackson Auditorium, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin Stockdale High School Auditorium, 502 S. Fourth St., Stockdale Yorktown High School Auditorium, 416 W. Fourth St., Yorktown
Attend a dance recital in your area! You’ll be glad you did!
Medical Notes Cont’d. from Pg. 12 Discounts are available through an array of venues if one speaks up. Seniors also can enjoy travel perks, with slashed prices on resorts, plane tickets and more. The U.S. National Park Service
offers citizens age 62 and older lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for just $10 in person ($20 online or via mail). • Reasoning and problemsolving skills: Brain scans reveal that older adults are more likely to use both hemispheres of their brains simultaneously – some-
thing called bilateralization. This can sharpen reasoning skills. For example, in a University of Illinois study, older air traffic controllers excelled at their cognitively taxing jobs, despite some losses in short-term memory and visual spatial processing. Older controllers proved to be
experts at navigating, juggling multiple aircrafts simultaneously and avoiding collisions. • Less stress: As people grow older, they are able to differentiate their needs from wants and focus on more important goals. This can alleviate worry over things that are beyond one’s con-
trol. Seniors may realize how little the opinions of others truly mean in the larger picture, thereby feeling less stress about what others think of them. Growing older may involve gray hair or wrinkling skin, but there are many positive things associated with aging.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
What to expect on the first day of Camp By Katie Klohn Miller executive Camp Director When campers show up on the Sunday (full-week sessions) or Wednesday (half-week sessions) for their stay at Hermann Sons-Camp, a member of the Camp staff will greet them at the front gate. It is important that you bring your camper’s health history form and checkout form with you. But if for some reason you do forget it, staff will have extra copies at the gate for you. From there, it will be time to park and go to the pavilion (Riverside) or the Activities Center (Hilltop). The registration times are staggered at the camps to allow families ample time to get campers settled at both sites. The gate at Riverside will open at 2 p.m. and the gate at Hilltop will open at 3 p.m. The opening meeting will include some helpful reminders for you and your camper. The meeting begins at 2:40 p.m. at Riverside and 3:40 p.m. at Hilltop. Following the opening meeting, cabin lists get posted! This is when campers find out where they will be living for the week. Cabins are assigned based upon requests campers make on their Camp applications and on the number and age of campers attending that week. There are nine cabins (Mosquito, Jackrabbit, Catfish, Mockingbird, Fox, Bobwhite, Rattlesnake, Horned Toad and Hawk) at Riverside and five cabins (Armadillo, Bobcat, Coyote, Road Runner and Whitetail) at Hilltop. Campers could be in the same cabin two summers in a row or they may be in a different cabin each summer! Once campers know where they will be living, they can go to their cabins and find the bed selected for them. Camp staff spends a lot of time selecting the perfect bed for each child. Beds are assigned based on information the campers listed on their applications. Campers are not guaranteed a top or a bottom bunk, but the staff
members try to give as many campers their preference as possible. If you are making a request for a bunkmate for your child, list that child’s first and last name. If for some reason a bunkmate request cannot be met due to age, one of the staff members will phone you prior to your arrival at Camp. Many people ask what campers should bring to Camp to hold all of their belongings. Is a trunk, a suitcase or a plastic drawer set the best option? That decision should be based on personal preference. Trunks may hold more but maybe the plastic drawer set is easier to keep organized. Campers bring all kinds of luggage items! Check the packing list for specific items to bring. The packing list can be found on-
line via the website. If a camper chose Outdoor Living Skills as one of his/her top 10 choices on the Camp application, then he/she should be sure to pack a pair of jeans. Riverside campers in OLS will be required to wear jeans. Hilltop campers are not required to but they may choose to. If the camper is coming with medications he/she will need to take during the week, then parents will need to go to the clinic to check-in the medications with the health manager. It is very important that all medications be in their original containers. If it is a prescription medication, the prescription information must be on the bottle. Camp will not accept expired medications or medications in another person’s
name. Please do not send medication in medication planners because nurses need to verify the medication in the original container. When the parents, grandparents, other family members and friends leave, counselors hold cabin meetings. Campers can expect introductions, tours of camp, supper and skits by counselors that evening! Riverside campers will take their cabin photo on Sunday while Hilltop campers take theirs on Monday. All campers will receive a copy of the cabin photo on Saturday when they check out. Meals at Camp are served family-style. At breakfast, cereal is always an option along with the meal being served. At lunch and supper, campers can choose to eat from the salad
bar or have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in addition to the served meal. At supper on Sunday, campers will be able to choose to sit at any table in the dining hall. The table they choose will be the table where they continue to sit for the rest of the week. Snacks are served twice during the day - once in the afternoon and once in the evening. Because Camp provides all of the food, campers should not bring any snacks with them to Camp. The Camp excitement begins at Open House on June 10 and the first week of camp is June 11-17. It’s not too late to register, but the sooner the Camp application is completed online, the more likely a camper will get his/her top choice of week to attend!
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017 Application for Summer 2017 Campership
This application is for children who need financial ssistance in ofor rder o attend H Campership Aapplication Stummer 2ermann 017 Sons-‐Camp. The application can be completed by a parent/guardian, but the short answer portion should be completed by the child. This application is for children who need financial assistance in order to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp. The application The bHe ermann Sons bCy omfort Lodge camperships half of the pcortion amper should fee ($137.50 is half obf y the fee for the full-‐week can completed a parent/guardian, but the psay hort answer be completed the child. session and $90 is half of the fee for the half-‐week session). Five camperships are awarded to Comfort Lodge members in good standing and one campership is awarded to haalf ny o Hf ermann Sons fm in giood standing. The camperships The Hermann Sons Comfort Lodge camperships pay the camper ee ember ($137.50 s half of the fee for the full-‐week being awarded omfort Lodge members are awarded on Five a first-‐requests-‐received basis and there Lis no am pplication session and $90 tio s hCalf of the fee for the half-‐week session). camperships are awarded to Comfort odge embers deadline. in good standing and one campership is awarded to any Hermann Sons member in good standing. The camperships being awarded to Comfort Lodge members are awarded on a first-‐requests-‐received basis and there is no application The campership awarded to any member is based on application evaluations by the Campership Committee and the deadline. application postmark deadline is May 4. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not they were selected by May 11. campership awarded to any member is based on application evaluations by the Campership Committee and the The Campers who receive cdamperships rom Lodge still complete the online pplication but will need o ay mail application postmark eadline is Mfay 4. CAomfort pplicants will m be ay notified as to whether or naot they were selected by tM 11. their payment along with the check from Comfort Lodge. Campers who receive camperships from Comfort Lodge may still complete the online application but will need to mail Camper Information: their payment along with the check from Comfort Lodge. Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Camper Information: Date Noame: f Birth: ___/___/______ Lodge: _First ____________ Last ________________________ Name: ____________________ Mailing ddress: ____________________________ City: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Date of BAirth: ___/___/______ Lodge: _____________ Mailing Address: ____________________________ City: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Primary Parent/Guardian Information: Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ____________________ Primary Parent/Guardian Information: Phone Number: _________________________ First Name: ____________________ Last Name: ________________________ Email ANddress: Phone umber: _________________________ ________________________ Does tAhe camper intend to attend a full-‐week session or the half-‐week session? ________ Email ddress: ________________________ Short tA nswer Written by to Child (Use separate session page, if Does he camper intend attend a faull-‐week on r eeded) the half-‐week session? ________ Why do you want to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp this summer? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Short Answer Written by Child (Use a separate page, if needed) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why do you want to attend Hermann Sons-‐Camp this summer? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail to: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hermann Sons Life-‐Comfort Attn: Jennifer Cernosek Please mail to: P.O. Box 1S941 Hermann ons Life-‐Comfort San AJntonio, 78297 Attn: ennifer TCX ernosek P.O. Box 1941 Questions can be directed to Jennifer Cernosek at 210-‐859-‐7966 or jenniferc@hermannsonslife.org. San Antonio, TX 78297
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Cernosek at 210-‐859-‐7966 or jenniferc@hermannsonslife.org.
First Grief Support Session set for July 5-8 COMFORT – Hermann SonsCamp will host its first Grief Support Session this summer. The session will be held July 5-8 at the Hilltop site. Volunteers will be needed to help staff the Grief Support Session. An application for this opportunity will be available soon
on the Hermann Sons website. Volunteers will be required to go through a screening process as well as some training. If you know someone between the ages of 6-17 who would benefit from attending this session a form is available on the Hermann Sons website
(hermannsonslife.org/community-service). Applicants for the session will be accepted on a first-come basis and will go through an interview session with someone from the Children’s Bereavement Center before being accepted.
Answers for word search, maze on Page 36
Members of Hermann Sons Hondo Victory Lodge Graduate Cash Drawing Hondo Victory Lodge will hold a drawing and award up to FIVE $200 prizes to eligible 2017 high school graduates who are female graduate members of Hondo Victory Lodge. The prize will be in the form of a check. Names will be drawn on June 1, 2017. The winners only will be notified and are encouraged to attend the June meeting to accept their check. For more information, call Verlie Nietenhoefer at 830-426-2847. To enter, the form below must be completed and received on or before May 31, 2017. Mail to: Verlie Nietenhoefer, Secretary Hondo Victory Lodge 1204 32nd St. Hondo, TX 78861 Please send a cap and gown picture for publication in the newspaper. (Photo will not be returned). The photo is not a requirement for the drawing, but will be appreciated.
Graduate Cash Drawing Entry Form Name Address Phone Number Name of High School School Address
School Phone Number
Summer Camp Jobs Hermann Sons-Camp is seeking highly motivated men and women for summer employment. Summer Positions Available: Counselor Food Service Worker Food Service Manager Maintenance Worker Housekeeper Also, Nurse positions for one week or more are available. Come live the adventure of camp for a rewarding summer experience! For an application or more information visit our website at
www.hermannsonslife.org (Click on the Contact Us tab and then Camp Employment)
For more information contact Katie Klohn Miller, Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons-Camp P.O. Box 629 Comfort, TX 78013 830-995-3223 katiek@hermannsonslife.org
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
Members take part in Fraternal Alliance tourney The Hermann Sons ladies swept the prizes for high game and high series during the Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament held March 4 in New Braunfels. Marsha Schulze, left, finished in first place in high series and in second place in high game. Loretta Corkran finished in third place in high series and in first place in high game. Pam Griffin, not pictured, finished in second place in high series and in third place in high game. All three are members of Zuehl Lodge. Hermann Sons finished in second place in the overall competition. The men from KJT once again took home the traveling trophy.
Representing Hermann Sons at the Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament were, from left, John and Cecily Kelly from Lone Oak Lodge and Dustin Krueger and Eileen and Alton Schneider from Stockdale Lodge. Kirby Lodge was well represented at the Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament. Bowlers from the lodge included Judy Schulmeier, Tammy Haecker, Mary Pruitt, Melisa Alvarez, Linda Lambrecht, Angela Netherton, Margaret Osburn and Jimmy Scheibe.
Representing Zuehl Lodge at the Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament were Anna Dell Luensmann, Marsha Schulze, Loretta Corkran, Pam Griffin and Tammy Zook.
Anton Wenzel to hold annual Fiesta hat contest SAN ANTONIO – Anton Wenzel Lodge members enjoyed a fish dinner at the March 7 meeting. At the April meeting, the lodge will provide the fried chicken. Members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert. The annual Fiesta Hat Contest will be held with first, second and third place winners being chosen. Be creative! Welcomed as a new member was Donald Heeney. The lodge would like to thank all those who volunteered for the garage sale that was held March 18 and those who made donations. The Home Association is asking for volunteers to help with parking the week of April 24. You can sign up for any day that is convenient for you. – Salina Barrientes
Elida Silva and Edward Reid celebrated their March birthdays at the Anton Wenzel Lodge meeting. That’s lodge President Edward Elizondo in the background.
Doris Aichner, left, presents Veronica Galloway with her split-the-pot winnings at the March Anton Wenzel Lodge meeting.
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Cook-off fun in Comfort!
Residents Kathy Bender and Al Schroeder provided musical entertainment during the Chili Cook-off. It put some passersby in the mood to dance (below).
The annual Chili and Bean Cook-off was held at the Retirement Home in Comfort the weekend of March 10-11. More than $6,850 was raised for the Scholarship Fund during the event. Billie DeSalme and her crew (Manager Brenda Gunnink’s granddaughters) walked around selling hot crackers and walking sticks to add to the total. That’s Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe on the left. He won first place in the amateur chili competition and has bragging rights for the next year.
Among those cooking for Hermann Sons were representatives of Columbia Lodge in Dallas (above) and EdelweissMagnolia Lodge in Houston (right). Pictured far right is Ella Embry playing a game for a chance to win a prize. Judging took place in the Recreation Room at the Home. First step was to turn in the entries (far left) before the judges, including resident Harvey Tegtmeyer, left, Grand President Buddy and Engagement Director Jennifer Cernosek started their work.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Top chili, bean cook-off winners named
The top three winners in the amateur chili competition were, from left, Ann Spaeth of San Antonio, third place; Rick Spaeth of San Antonio, second place; and Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe of New Braunfels, first place.
Finishing in the top three in the bean competition were, from left, Jimmie Cernosek (with grandsons Connor and Max Cernosek), third place; Brett Schneider, second place; and Doyle Smith, first place. All three men are from San Antonio.
Taking first place in the amateur showmanship competition was Team Yahtzee from St. Hedwig. Sissi Ormsby and Steven Payton allowed guests to play the game for a prize. Winning the CASI chili competition were, from left, Ruby Ross of Marble Falls, third place; Mary Ellen Guillen of Boerne, second place; and John Goforth of Comfort, first place.
Sam and Kathy L’Huillier from Comfort took first and second place in the CASI showmanship competition.
The Grand Lodge Pot O’ Good Chili Team took second place in the amateur showmanship competition. Activities included a photo booth with proceeds benefiting the Scholarship Fund.
The Bandera County Lodge Rock ‘N Roll Team took third place in the amateur showmanship competition. The musicians played a variety of songs for everyone’s enjoyment.
Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Retirement Home Chili and Bean Cook-off winners
Winners in the amateur chili division included, from left, Dennis Ninneman (and granddaughter Ella Embry) of New Braunfels, sixth place; Sissi Ormsby and Steven Payton of St. Hedwig, fifth place; and Y.A. Niemietz of San Antonio, fourth place.
Finishing in the top 10 in the amateur chili division were, from left, Mary Boxwell of Poteet, 10th place; Brandon Cernosek from Comfort Lodge, ninth place; Jacob Todd of Yorktown, eighth place; and Brett Schneider of San Antonio, seventh place.
The top 10 bean cooks included, from left, Susan Hillje, Bandera County Lodge, sixth place; Philip and Hunter Boxwell of Poteet, fifth place; and Rick Spaeth of San Antonio, fourth place.
Also finishing in the top 10 in the bean competition were, from left, Sam L’Huillier of Comfort, 10th place; Dennis Ninneman (and granddaughter Ella Embry), ninth place; Y.A. Niemietz, eighth place; and Ann Spaeth of San Antonio, seventh place.
CASI chili cooks who finished in the top 10 included, from left, Kathy L’Huillier of Comfort, sixth place; Cindy Pittman of San Antonio, fifth place; and Bucky Selig of Fredericksburg, fourth place.
Finishing in the top 10 in the CASI chili competition were, from left, Randy Pittman of San Antonio, 10th place; Sam L’Huillier of Comfort, ninth place; Joyce Jowers of San Antonio, eighth place; and Shirley Stateczny of Comfort, seventh place.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21
Hochheim-Prairie pioneers receive membership pins HOCHHEIM PRAIRIE – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will meet at 5 p.m. on April 2 at Turner Hall. At the Sunday, March 5, meeting, special guests were Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam and husband Mike. Sister Beam presented 70-year membership pins to Kenneth Gerdes, a member since Jan. 23, 1947, and John Langhoff, a member since May 1, 1947. Luella Havlik is also a 70-year pin recipient but was unable to attend. She has been a member since Feb. 2, 1947. The lodge welcomes four new members, Alden Bohac, Mia Garcia, Rason Garcia and Emily Munoz. President Janet Zabransky read a letter from Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe stating the lodge’s goal for new members in 2017 is 48. Tamara Rogers, Parents’ Club president, gave a brief report on the school of dance. There are 55 dancers who are learning tap, ballet, jazz and hip-hop. The ages range from 3-13. The dance recital will be held May 6 at 3 p.m. at the Yoakum High School Auditorium. Birthday honorees were Charlie and Carolyn Hoepfl and Mary Pargmann. Sister Beam, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, thanked Wilburn Pargmann, Grand Finance Committee member, for all his years of service and thanked the lodge for all its service to the community. – Reporter
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge member Kenneth Gerdes receives a 70year membership pin from lodge President Janet Zabransky, center, and Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam at the March meeting.
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge member John Langhoff receives a 70year membership pin from lodge President Janet Zabransky, center, and Grand Vice President-Secretary/Treasurer Mary Beam at the March meeting.
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge junior member Gage Dicke won third place in rabbits at the Yoakum Livestock Show.
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge junior members were winners at the Yoakum Livestock Show. Pictured are Kaci Herman who won Grand Champion steer and Lisa Seidenberger who won Grand Champion rabbits.
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge junior member Ashlyn Dicke won eighth place in rabbits at the Yoakum Livestock Show.
Wichita Falls to meet July 1 WINDTHORST – Wichita Falls Lodge met March 4 at the Windthorst Federal Credit Union in Windthorst and everyone enjoyed a meal of hamburgers grilled by President David Wolf. A discussion was held on the upcoming Grand Lodge Convention in May and the importance of having a delegate represent the lodge. President Wolf is seeking a seat on the board of directors. Activities for the next few months were discussed. Treasurer Pam Wolf suggested numerous ideas to promote fraternalism
Members have been asked to invite people from the community to lodge meetings. Most members are from Windthorst so that is who attends meetings. Deann Smallwood is from Wichita Falls and she made the drive down. The lodge is grateful to the Credit Union for providing a meeting place. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 1 at the Wolf farm. Air conditioning will be provided. Hope to see lots of members there. – Reporter
On April 8
Columbia plans annual breakfast
DALLAS – Columbia lodge held a lively meeting with lots of discussion in early March. The lodge will host its annual Saint Alphonso’s Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 8, from 8 a.m. until noon. The cost is $8 and includes all the pancakes, eggs and sausage you can eat. For an additional charge you can have fresh orange juice or milk or coffee. Mrs. Butterworth will be there and she has a special pancake
recipe to share with everyone. Everyone is urged to come for the pancakes and stay for the day as the Hall will host the Deep Elm Arts Festival that weekend as well. The Home Association is always busy keeping the Hall looking good and up to hosting the many events that happen weekly, monthly and on special occasions. Everyone is welcome to visit on First Friday or for the lodge
meetings or for some square dancing or swing dancing on a Wednesday evening or maybe to pick and grin with the campfire pickers on a Thursday. There is plenty to keep you entertained at the Sons of Hermann Hall. And you can volunteer to help keep the Hall beautiful. The next lodge meeting is scheduled for 3:20 p.m. on Sunday April 2. – Dave Moynihan
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Round Top Lodge planning annual family picnic ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge will meet April 27. The Country Store plans for the Fireman’s Feast will be finalized and plans will be finalized for the family picnic at the park. Plans for a fund-raiser were made when the lodge met Feb. 23. A hamburger drive-thru lunch will be held Aug. 13. The meal will include a hamburger, chips and cookie at a cost of $8. President Linda Mattocks reported that the lodge’s new member goal for 2017 is eight. Margie Stardig was presented the Humanitarian Award for 2016. Sister Stardig joined Hermann Sons in 1987 and has
been an active member serving on committees and as an officer. She has volunteered with the Round Top Family Library, the Round Top Do Your Duty and the Round Top-Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department. She is a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Rutersville where she is an active member serving as vice president of the WELCA and as a member of the quilting group. She volunteers at Second Chance and the AMEN Food Pantry. A big thank-you goes to the food committee for the first two months of the year. Serving on the new committee are
Houston to celebrate Family Day on April 9 HOUSTON – Houston Lodge will celebrate Family Day on Sunday, April 9, at the Sokol Hall. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served starting at 1 p.m. There will be games, door prizes and more. All Houston Lodge members are invited. Contact Gary or Doris Falkenberg at 713-4666069 if you plan to attend. There will not be a meeting on Monday, April 10. The lodge’s Join Hands Day project will be a shift at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday, April 29, starting at 8 a.m. For members who cannot attend a regular meeting this is a great opportunity to help the community and meet other Hermann Sons members. The Houston Food Bank is located at 535 Portwall, near North Loop 610 East at the I-10 East Freeway. The next regular meeting will be held May 8 with sandwiches and desserts provided by members. At the February meeting, Gabriel Marcus Royall was welcomed as a new member. The new member goal for 2017 is 10. Members are asked to make it their goal to recommend a
Celebrating February birthdays from Houston Lodge were Diane Weikel, left, and Darlene Ellison. new member this year. Contact Special Representative Gary Falkenberg. Deceased members Earl M. Monk, Doris B. Denton, Ronald L. Porter, Mary K. Castle and Lillian M. Walker were remembered. Door prize winners were Kiera Thomason, Reuben Heldberg, Peggy Haas, Sheila Lee and Samantha Thomason. To keep up-to-date with lodge events, meetings and more go to www.hermannsonslife.org/lodges/HOUSTON. – Reporter
Ted and Margie Stardig, Barton and Lila Garlin, Barney and Doris Georges, Randy Wied and Cordell Levien. Fritz and Jeanette Schoenst celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Feb. 3. Margie Stardig, Virgie Hall, Jim Mattocks, Lila Garlin and Jeanette Schoenst won attendance prizes. Orville Glaesmann, Barton Garlin, Floyd Braun, Bob Porter, Linda Mattocks, Jocie Braun, Betty Porter and Ted Stardig won door prizes. Food and fellowship followed. – Reporter
Round Top Lodge President Linda Mattocks, right, presents the 2016 Humanitarian Award to Margie Stardig.
San Marcos Lodge will meet April 2 SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Sunday, April 2, at 1 p.m. at the Texas Educational and Heritage Center in the Pecan Museum on Cordova Road in Seguin. The lodge will provide the ham for the meal that will be served at 1:15 p.m. Members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. The lodge’s John Hands Day project in conjunction with the Social Group from Texas State University will be completed during this Spring Fling meeting. The project involves preparing goody bags for the children who will be attending the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. Members will receive an email with more details.
Evelyn Moreau celebrates her birthday in March. She is a member of San Marcos Lodge. The lodge met Monday, March 5, at Mamacita”s Restaurant. President Agnes Dreibrodt announced that the lodge’s new
member goal for 2017 is nine. Members mourned the passing of Dean Gourley and James Ragsdale with a moment of silence. The Cheer Committee reported sympathy cards had been sent to Leola Gourley and family following Brother Gourley’s passing, to the family of the Rev. Nell Linebarger following her passing and to Marshall and Florence McQuaig following the passing of Marshall’s sister. Get well cards were sent to David Boehringer and Billy Preuss. The summer picnic was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, July 15. Janet Magin won the attendance prize. – Reporter
Dallas to volunteer at food bank in May DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will hold its next meeting on April 23 at 1 p.m. Officers encourage all members to support the lodge with their attendance. The lodge met Feb. 26 and discussed plans for the Join Hands Day projec to be held May 6 at the North Texas Food Bank. Members are asked to participate by attending or making a donation. For details contact Steve Schellenberg at 972-790-5014
or schell413@gmail.com. Two members celebrated 60 years of membership in February. Carl J. Schwab joined Feb.1,1957. James M. LeCour joined Feb.19,1957. Both reside in Dallas. No business meeting is planned in May. Instead a luncheon will be held May 21 at 1 p.m. This is for members and their guests. Membership pins will be presented. The location will be announced soon.
Clint Homes won the attendance prize. He provided the food served after the meeting and shared with the agents who were there for a regional training event. Grand Vice PresidentMarketing Tim Kolbe and wife Cheryl were in attendance. Members are reminded that the First Friday events are for members and guests. Pizza and drinks are served from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Reporter
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23
Mission-Alamo Lodge welcomes new members SAN ANTONIO – The 2017 San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo has come and gone but in keeping with the theme most members attending the February meeting of Mission-Alamo Lodge wore their Western duds and boots. Bernice and Lee Vogel prepared the stew for the meal that was served with homemade bread and lots of sides and desserts. The evening ended with games. Logan Joseph Kopeck was welcomed as a new member. Sylvia Schulmeier was the split-the-pot winner. The “Hugs from Home” program will get the lodge’s half. Names drawn for the big jackpot were those of Morgan Lange and Katherine Juarez but neither was present. Welcomed as new junior members at the January meeting were Abigail Jordan Pruski and Beckett Lee Posey. A moment of silence was observed in memory of James Williams who died Sept. 29 at the age of 88 and Destiny Nichols who died Oct. 19 at the age of 30. Brother Williams had been a member for 50 years. Sister Nich-
Wearing their Western duds to the February meeting of Mission-Alamo Lodge in honor of the San Antonio Rodeo were, from left, Don and Sylvia Schulmeier, Laura Peck, Joyce Kneupper, Denise Wright and Georgia and John Hall. ols had been a member for 29 years. Ruth Bailey was the split-thepot winner and the “Hugs from Home” program received the lodge’s half. The names drawn for the big jackpot were those of Stephanie Sarro and Faye Bettis but neither one was present. Members are reminded that the lodge will not meet in April because of Fiesta. – Reporter
Twin Sisters Lodge will join Boy Scouts for food drive TWIN SISTERS – Twin Sisters Lodge will meet Sunday, April 2. The Marcus Ethridge family will provide the barbecue brisket and sausage. The other food will be provided by Georgia Hartmann, German potato salad; Nancy Weber, beans; Debbie Knoll, deviled eggs; Tanja Tomlinson, bread; Marilyn Weidman, sweet rice; Helen Knoll and Helen M. Knoll, dessert; and Jennifer Ethridge, barbecue sauce. At the Feb. 5 meeting, President Phil Hartman talked about the importance of recruiting new members and reported on the successful grounds cleanup. He thanked the men who were able to participate. Anniversary pins will be presented at the June meeting. In observance of Join Hands
Day, the lodge will partner with the Blanco Boy Scout Troop to hold a food drive benefitting the Blanco Good Samaritan food bank. Tanja Tomlinson will coordinate the event. Celebrating February birthdays were Marcos Ethridge, Debbie Knoll and Tanja Tomlinson. Celebrating in March were Jennifer Ethridge and Rich Weidman. Celebrating February anniversaries were Herman and Nancy Weber, 36 years, and Tanja and Duan Tomlinson, 20 years. Magnus Ethridge and Helen Knoll won the door prizes. Everyone enjoyed the meal featuring tamales, Spanish rice, pinto beans, chili, bread and several desserts. – Reporter
Allen and Laura Adams celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in November. They are the proud parents of John, who attended his first Mission-Alamo Lodge meeting in January.
Celebrating November, December and January birthdays at the January Mission-Alamo Lodge meeting were, from left, John Adams (with proud father Allen), Kathy Wilson and Don Schulmeier.
Georgia and John Hall celebrated their wedding anniversary in February. They are members of Mission-Alamo Lodge. Jack and Dianne Larned also celebrate their special day in February.
Sylvia Schulmeier, left, receives a birthday card from MissionAlamo Lodge President Carol Swan at the February meeting.
Columbus Lodge will meet on April 10 COLUMBUS – Columbus Lodge will meet at 7 p.m. on April 10. At the Feb. 13 meeting, the lodge welcomed guests Hubert and Dolores Odstrcil. Elsie Kahlden of the Cheer Committee reported sending a get-well card to Marjorie Brune. President Douglas Lilie read correspondence from the Grand
Lodge highlighting the benefits of Hermann Sons and the 2017 marketing campaign. The lodge’s new member goal for this year is two. Join Hands Day was briefly discussed. Elsie Kahlden will check on a possible project and report back at the April meeting. Members celebrating birthdays in January were Wendy
Page, Kenton Lilie, Anne Marie Faichtinger and Carolyn Barten and in February celebrants were Eric Peters, Nancy Jo Williams, Bradley Gordy, Breanna Meyer, Sara Hickey and Brady Allen Bennett. Douglas and Virginia Lilie led the entertainment and then everyone enjoyed refreshments. – Reporter
Montgomery to serve potluck in April CONROE – A potluck meal will be served at the April meeting of Montgomery County Lodge. A potluck meal also was served at the Feb. 20 meeting. Members voted to increase the lodge’s annual donation to
the Montgomery County Food Bank to $400 and will ask the food bank to apply the donation to the school backpack program. Marlene Smith had questions about Hermann Sons-Camp and
discussion followed. Her grandchildren will be attending for the first time this year. Karen Locke won the door prize. – Reporter
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Kirby will volunteer at 5K Run for Join Hands Day KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet Monday, April 3. The lodge will provide brisket and beans. Members are asked to bring other sides and/or desserts. A big thank you goes to the Kirby School of Dance parents for the meal they prepared and drinks members enjoyed at the March meeting. The lodge will take part in Honor 22’s first H.E.R.O. (Honor/Exercise/Reintegrate/Overcome) 5K Run in observance of Join Hands Day. Members who would like to volunteer to help with registration, passing out water and other duties or who are interested in running or walking, are asked to contact Vice President Samantha Schulmeier at the Home Office at 210-226-9261, ext. 233. Honor 22 is a free exercise and community involvement group dedicated to helping active
duty military, veterans and their families transition into a healthy life once they separate from the military. The group organizes weekly, free exercise groups in various locations across San Antonio in order to bring together veterans, families, friends and community members to promote a more active lifestyle to help build selfconfidence and self-worth. At least once a month, the group organizes competitive groups to run in various 5ks, 10ks, bike marathons and obstacle course races located in and around the San Antonio area. Honor 22 believes that exercise is only half of the process to successful transition. Building a better community is the other half. The lodge’s next outing will be a day trip by bus to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass.
The date is July 16. More information will be announced soon. The lodge’s Make a Difference Day project will be donations to the Fisher House at SAMMC. Judy Schulmeier will provide a list of the items needed at the April meeting. That will give members time to start collecting the items. Tinley Grace Stuman was welcomed as a new junior member. Celebrating March birthdays were Carol Eardley and Carroll Gloor. Members extend their condolences to the family of Irene Rittimann. Sister Rittimann turned 100 on Feb. 13 and passed away on Feb. 26. She was the oldest Kirby Lodge member. Don’t forget to pick up your 2017-2018 schedule at the April meeting. – Tammy Haecker
The students and parents from the Kirby School of Dance served a taco dinner at the March meeting in celebration of Fiesta.
Cuero Family Lodge will meet at Santi’s on April 4 CUERO – Cuero Family Lodge will meet April 4 at Santi’s beginning at 6 p.m. At that meeting it will be determined whether or not to have a meeting in May since the president and secretary will be attending the Grand Lodge Convention. At the March 7 meeting held at Santi’s Restaurant, President Laura Tiffin reported dance classes are going well. The re-
cital is set for Saturday, May 13, at 5 p.m. at the Cuero High School Auditorium. Sister Tiffin reported that the Grand Lodge has set the lodge’s new member goal for 2017 at 30. If you know of anyone who needs insurance, contact agents Wayne and Laura Tiffin. Scholarship applications have been taken to the high school
for distribution to seniors. The lodge is planning to host a dance at the VFW Hall on Aug. 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The dance will be open to the public and admission will be $5 per person. Children under the age of 12 will get in free. A patriotic theme is planned. Reporting for the Cheer Committee, Karlyne Tiffin said a birthday card was sent to Lou-
Vineta to celebrate Mother’s Day SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will celebrate Mother’s Day on May 4 with a meal from Olive Garden. Call Ruth Bailey at 210602-5147 by May 1 if you will be able to attend. The meal for the April 6 meeting will be fish and the trimmings. On April 19 a social gathering will be held and members will play games. Frances Sultenfuss will furnish the meal. Thanks go to President Debbie Jordan for preparing the meal for the February meeting and for donating the dessert in
honor of her birthday. The split-the-pot winner was Emily Roberts in February and attendance award winners were Ron Bara, Cecilia Padalecki, Beth Byron and Irene Kace. Split-the-pot winner in March was Yvonne Anderson. Attendance award winners were Genny Kraus, Frances Bara, Irene Kace and Gladys Garrett. The lodge mourns the passing of Mary T. Wardwell, a member for 50 years, and Mary Edna Campbell and Gwen Ruth Carroll, both members for 54 years. – Reporter
President Debbie Jordan, left, receives a birthday gift from Vineta Lodge. Making the presentation is Vice President Emily Roberts.
ise Buchhorn and a get-well card was sent to Juanita Peters. She was asked to send a get-well card to Marvin Bade who is currently in the Cuero Nursing Center. It was great to have Juanita Peters back at the meeting after being absent several months. Members celebrating birthdays were Sarah Aronstein, Alice Scheibe, Pat Wanjura, Jerry
Wanjura and Allison Tiffin. Door prize winners were Elroy Peters, Pauline Kueker, Lawrence Hotz, Allison Tiffin and Harold Tiffin. Following the meeting, members dined on either a chicken fried steak or a hamburger steak served with either fries or baked potato, salad, roll and tea. – June Guenther
La Vernia meets April 23 LA VERNIA – La Vernia Lodge members took part in a work day at the lodge hall on March 18. The hall’s ceiling was recently replaced and new light fixtures and fans were installed. During the work day members cleaned the interior of the building and worked on the yard and parking areas. Refreshments and lunch followed. At the Feb. 19 meeting, members made plans for the Join Hands Day project on May 6. Members will meet at the Immanuel Lutheran
Church Cemetery at 8 a.m. where they will work to clean up the cemetery until 12 noon. Also discussed was the Home Office’s Join Hands Day project in support of the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. Members discussed supporting this worthy cause. The lodge’s next business meeting will be held April 23 at 4 p.m. Pizza will be served. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. – Lucy Schott
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 25
Corpus Christi to meet April 3 for dinner, games CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Lodge will meet April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilltop Community Center for a covered dish dinner and games. The lodge conducted its Join Hands Day project on March 18 when it partnered with the Salvation Army to feed more than 300 homeless people in the Corpus Christi area. During the March 6 business meeting, held at Peoples Restaurant, members voted to donate half the winnings from the 50/50 game each month to the local Palmer Drug Abuse Program. Michelle Ballard took home the 50/50 prize in March. Door prize winners were Michelle Ballard, Kacey Mueller and Kiersten Hunt. In February, members gathered at the Hilltop Community Center for a covered dish dinner
and games. Apollo James Atkinson-Hernandez was welcomed as a new junior member. Door prize winners were Betty Ballard, David Garcia and Shalynda Carrillo.
The Kairos Prison Ministry sent a note of thanks to the lodge for its donation in 2016. The lodge’s half of split-the-pot each month was donated to the prison ministry. -Brittny Mcpheeters
Darlette and Frank Brandon of Corpus Christi Lodge celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary in March.
Joann and Paul Hood of Corpus Christi Lodge celebrated 28 years of marriage in February.
Kiersten Hunt was the split-thepot winner at the February Corpus Christi Lodge meeting.
Celebrating February birthdays from Corpus Christi Lodge were, from left, Christian Carrillo, Bob Stephenson and Frank Brandon. Pearl Hunt and Frank Brandon play a candy cane game at the February Corpus Christi Lodge meeting.
Celebrating March birthdays at the Corpus Christi Lodge meeting were, from left, Urijah Tamez, Shelly Hunt, Michelle Ballard, Betty Ballard and Kerry Ginn.
Rutersville to serve ‘breakfast for supper’
Paul Vogt recognizes birthday honorees Celebrating birthdays at the February meeting of Paul Vogt Lodge were, from left, Betty Friar, Bill Barnard and President Pearl Bernard.
RUTERSVILLERutersville Lodge will meet Wednesday, April 5. “Breakfast for supper” will be served. The lodge furnished the Sloppy Joes for the March 8 meeting. Members brought side dishes and desserts. Agent Linda Mattocks asked members to send her the names of prospective new members so the lodge can reach its new member goal of nine in 2017. The Cheer Committee reported sending get-well cards to Jeannette Keilers, Eric Naumann and Carter Weyand and sympathy cards to Frankie and Lorine Kopecky following the loss of a brother-in-law and to
Celebrating March birthdays at the Rutersville Lodge meeting were James Svrcek and JoAn Heintschel. Clarence and Nancy Pietsch following the loss of a brother-inlaw. Attendance door prize win-
ners were Linda Mattocks, Kirby Keilers, Dorothy Keilers, Delores Schmidt and Glen Hartmann. – Reporter
Page 26 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Paige invites dancers to egg hunt
Comfort to hold picnic at Home May 8 Comfort Lodge will host a picnic at the Retirement Home on May 8. Members are asked bring a loaf’s worth of sandwiches to the event. The lodge still has one campership to award to any Hermann Sons member (you do not have to be a member of Comfort Lodge). At the March meeting, from left, Connie Spenrath, Jennifer Cernosek and Tammy Aldrich presented proceeds from the lodge’s recent golf tournament to Katie Klohn Miller and Grand President Buddy Preuss. The money will be used to support the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. For the most up-to-date information, visit the lodge’s Facebook page.
Bexar Lodge to hold May 7 meeting at Wehmeyer home SAN ANTONIO – Bexar Lodge will meet May 7 at 3 p.m. at the Wehmeyer home. Members are asked to bring a grocery bag filled with non-perishable food items. For more information, call Linda Wehmeyer at 210-590-1499. The last meeting was held Feb. 5 at the Stoddard home. The lodge welcomed transfer member Madeline Rose Torres. Members approved donations to “Hugs from Home” and the USO. January, February and March
birthdays were celebrated with a cake. After the meeting, everyone enjoyed a meal of barbecue, beans and potato salad. A discussion was held on holding a Halloween party this year instead of a summer party. The junior members were excited about that decision. Discussion also was held on possible projects for Join Hands Day. Donnie Stoddard won the attendance prize. – Linda Wehmeyer
Kerrville Lodge meets April 5 KERRVILLE – Kerrville Lodge will meet April 5 at the Wells Fargo Bank Community Room, 301 Junction Highway, Kerrville. The lodge will provide the pizza. Members are asked to bring a side dish. During the short business meeting, the lodge will make final plans for its Join Hands Day project. Games of dominoes and cards are planned. Boyce Grona took part in the golf tournament hosted by Comfort Lodge. The tourna-
ment was held to raise money for the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. Brother Grona reported that he had a great time and got to team up with a young man who is a student at Schreiner University. Other meeting dates for 2017 include Aug. 2, Oct. 4 and Dec. 1 (Christmas party). All meetings are held at the Wells Fargo Bank unless otherwise noted. – Juanice Grona
PAIGE – Paige Lodge extends an invitation to the Elgin School of Dance students and parents to attend the April 9 grilled hot dog lunch, meeting and Easter egg hunt as part of Join Hands Day. At the February meeting, the lodge welcomed new junior member Oliver Graham Richardson, son of Randa Kinsey and Will Richardson, grandson of Michael and Chelle Dube and great-grandson of Ronnie and Debbie Harmon. Agent Chelle Dube reported the lodge’s new member goal for 2017 is 10. Bernice Basward reported sending get-well cards to Milton Ihlo and Ronnie Harmon. Cornell Kunkel was released on Feb. 11 after a week’s stay at St. Mark’s Medical Center. LaVerne Mattiza was out sick and Bernice Basward was able to join members for lunch and the meeting after being sick for more than a month. President Dube read a thankyou note for the lodge’s contribution to the Retirement Home
The Paige Lodge Matching Funds check from the Grand Lodge was presented to the Loblolly 4-H Club recently. Pictured are, from left, Kaitlyn Barrington, Charlie Barrington, President Chelle Dube and Paige Barrington. In observance of Make a Difference Day, the lodge sponsored its annual Chili Supper in November with proceeds going to the 4-H Club. The lodge’s donation was presented in January. Christmas Fund. Frank Bilberry won the attendance prize and Bernice Basward won the dollar pot. Winners of Valentine candy donated by Milton and Linda Ihlo were Frank Bilberry, Bernice
Basward and Halle Dube. Upcoming events on the lodge’s calendar are a Mother’s Day lunch and meeting on May 21 and a Father’s Day lunch and meeting on June 11. – Reporter
Lockhart will honor seniors on April 2 LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge will honor its 10 graduating high school seniors during the April 2 meeting that will be held at Garcia’s Restaurant. Carol Schuelke is in charge of the Senior Recognition Day program. Giovanni A. Willette-Silvaggi was welcomed as a new member at the March meeting. Plans were discussed for the Join Hands Day project in May. A donation has been given to William Hyland who is working toward his Eagle Scout badge. The lodge will work with William and
his Boy Scout troop on his project. Donations were approved for the Grief Support Session at Hermann Sons-Camp this summer and to the local Meals on Wheels program. Members voted to pay the $50 registration fee for its delegates who will attend the Grand Lodge Convention in May. Sister Schuelke announced that the Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity is starting construction of its third home. The lodge will prepare a meal for the workers.
President Ann Schroeder displayed the Certificate of Achievement the lodge received for meeting its new member goal in 2016. The goal for 2017 is 10 new members. Quite a few cheer cards will be sent to regular attendees who were unable to come to the meeting because of illness. Door prize winners were Jonelle Frerich, Rudy Schroeder, Carol Schuelke and Ray Pfefferkorn. Celebrating her birthday was Carol Schuelke. – Reporter
Stern Lodge offering senior scholarship SEGUIN – Stern Lodge will meet at noon on April 2. Attend for a chance to be a lucky attendance-prize winner. Members and guests enjoyed a chicken finger lunch, pecan pie, peach cobbler and assorted cakes at the March 5 meeting. It was noted all officers were in at-
tendance. The lodge has received one scholarship application. Fran Altherr, Reno Reiley and Ricky Engelke were appointed to the Scholarship Committee. All graduating seniors and members of the lodge are invited to request an application. Dead-
line is April 1. The lodge recognized Bubby Engelke who celebrated a birthday on March 12. Donald Morawietz, Taylor Bode and Reno Reiley were attendance-prize winners. – Reporter
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 27
Cibolo to host German Linguistics professor in April CIBOLO – The guest speaker at the April 6 meeting of Cibolo Lodge will be Hans Boas, professor of Germanic Linguistics in the Department of Germanic Studies and the Department of Linguistics at the University of Texas at Austin. Everyone is invited to come and listen and ask questions, especially those who speak native German or know of anyone who still does. Professor Boas is documenting and recording native German so the language is not lost. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the classroom of Christ the
King Lutheran Church, located at 1129 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, across from the Whataburger. The meal will feature homemade sausage. Members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. The meeting will include an Easter bonnet contest so wear your favorite one. Joy Brown was the guest speaker at the March 2 meeting. Sister Brown is an enrolled agent and an independent tax preparer who has been preparing tax returns for 30 years. John E. Ward Jr. and Khloe Ann
Ward were welcomed as new members. Members enjoyed building their own sandwiches. Mary Ann Gray’s potato salad was the side dish winner. Javion Campos’ fruit kabobs were named the best dessert. Adult attendance awards went to Dena Warneke and John Fey. The special drawing winner would have been Lauren M. Valadez but she was not present so the prize amount grows to $43 for the April meeting. For more information, contact Tracy Campos at 210-860-6675. – Reporter
Joy Brown was the guest speaker at the March meeting of Cibolo Lodge.
Bret Gray was the birthday boy at the March Cibolo Lodge meeting. He also was the junior member attendance prize winner.
New Braunfels will meet April 2 NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will meet Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m. A catered meal will be served. High school seniors who are lodge members are reminded that the lodge is offering a scholarship. To be eligible you must attend either the April and May meeting. At the March 5 meeting, the lodge welcomed three new junior members and one new adult member. They are juniors Haylen Bertolacci, Brenna Green and Caidyn Block and
adult member Roy Wenzel. Dorothy Fetters is wished a speedy recovery. A resolution of respect was read in memory of Glenn Pape, Dorothy Herfurth, Janice Sue Jochec and Dolores Schumann. Michael Huebinger and Dorella Colbert were re-elected to two-year terms on the Home Association board. Attendance-prize winners were James Stolte, Martha Stahl, Michael Huebinger, Mary Jane Schwab, Karen Harborth, Virginia Vetter, Dorella
Colbert, Dennis Schwab, Jo Heideman, Alfred Stremmel, Violet Tanneberger and Ethan Colbert. Fried chicken was served with members providing the side dishes and desserts. President Karen Harborth decorated the tables in a Texas Independence Day theme. After the meeting, Alfred Stremmel gave an interesting demonstration on how to make “The Worm Tower” for flowerbeds and gardens. – Virginia Vetter
New Braunfels Lodge President Karen Harborth presents a 50-year membership pin to Father Michael Peinemann at the March meeting. Father Peinemann has been a member since Dec. 19, 1967.
Fredericksburg to hold memorial service FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Lodge will meet Tuesday, April 4. The meeting will include a memorial service. The lodge will provide the chicken spaghetti for the meal. Members and guests are asked to bring a side dish along with a plate and utensils. Contact Hans Enderlin at 830895-2176 or Windy Duecker at 830-997-2983 for more information. At the lodge’s March 7 meeting, a note was read from the American Cancer Society thanking the lodge for its recent donation. The lodge’s delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention in San Marcos will be Lola and
Hans Enderlin and Geneva and Elgin Tatsch. Because of the Convention, the lodge will meet on the second Tuesday in May, May 9, instead of the first Tuesday. The lodge will meet on the second Tuesday in July, July 11, because of the Fourth of July holiday. Membership pins will be presented to 25 members who have reached their 60-year, 70-year and 75-year milestone. Contributions will be made to four area volunteer fire departments. Attendance prizes were awarded to Vernell Doebbler and Daniel Schneider. Members enjoyed a salad meal prior to the meeting. – Reporter
Celebrating March birthdays at the Fredericksburg Lodge meeting were, from left, Hans Enderlin, Geneva Tatsch, Katherine Cornehl, Delores Staudt and Marissa Weinheimer.
Maxwell plans April Easter bonnet contest MAXWELL – Maxwell Lodge will hold an Easter bonnet contest at the April 2 meeting. Everyone is encouraged to come up with a pretty or funny bonnet. Salads are on the menu. At the March 5 meeting, members wore green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Door prize winners were Emma Jean Schulle and Betty Duesterheft. Everyone enjoyed sandwiches and chips. – Reporter
Page 28 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Brenham Lodge pioneers receive membership pins
BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge pioneers Jimmie Maurer and Ronald Bentke received 50-year membership pins during the Feb. 10 meeting. The lodge welcomes transfer members James, Amber, Shelby, Garrett, Tyler, Casey Lynn and Christopher Hyvl from Bryan Lodge. Special Representative Gary Falkenberg spoke on life insurance policies and the 2017 campaign to increase membership. The lodge’s new member goal for 2017 is five. The lodge donated $300 to the Washington County Little League and sponsored a boy to Boys State. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Nolan G. Nitsche. Get-well cards were mailed to Shirley Ganske and Jimmie Maurer. Sympathy cards were mailed to Minnie Mae Nitsche following the death of her husband, Nolan; to Steve Rogers following the death of his father-inlaw, Nolan Nitsche; to Leroy Kamas following the death of his sister, Vlasta Baldwin; to Wilfred Jacob Jr. following the death of his uncle, Noland Nitsche; to Albert Lee and Caroline Linke following the death of his uncle, Nolan Nitsche; and to Elwood Dannhaus following the death of his brother, John. Members were asked to keep Richard Hanath and Kenneth Schulze in their prayers. Ronal Bentke, Karl Goessler,
Brenham Lodge President Jeanette Preuss presents a 50-year membership pin to Jimmie Maurer at the February meeting. Brother Maurer has been a member since Jan. 23, 1967. Brenham Lodge President Jeanette Preuss presents a 50-year membership pin to Ronald Bentke at the February meeting. Brother Bentke has been a member since Feb. 6, 1967.
Brenham Lodge members celebrating wedding anniversaries in February were, from left, Bennie and Gloria Hanath and Herbert and Gloria Zwahr, 60 years; and Edward and Mamie Lorenz, 70 years. Mark Marzahn, Jerry Harris and Kyle Bentke prepared beef stew. Betty Schramm provided cornbread and members brought desserts.
Edward and Mamie Lorenz and Herbert and Gloria Zwahr provided drinks before the meal. – Reporter
Celebrating birthdays at the February meeting of Brenham Lodge were, from left, Shirley Rowan, Ed Zientek and Carol Jaster.
Fort Worth will meet June 11 at Burleson city park FORT WORTH – It’s time to start working on the new member goal for 2017. Fort Worth Lodge needs five new members to reach its goal. Hopefully, it will get even more. At the March meeting, Aubree Wright and Kyler Wright were welcomed as new junior members. Hope to see them at the picnic in June and then at the September meeting so they can tell everyone about their experience at Hermann Sons-Camp.
Jimmy and Sharon Kassler were welcomed by way of transfer. The next meeting will be held Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at the city park in Burleson. Watch for more details in later issues. Pin presentations will be made that day. Members discussed Join Hands Day coming up in May. The lodge will support three causes. The first will be the Burleson Animal Shelter. Members
will meet there May 13 at 1 p.m. to deliver supplies and a donation. Members are asked to bring what they can from this list of needed items – dog food, chew toys, tennis balls, blankets, dog beds, cat food, cat toys, bleach, towels and cat beds. The full list is available at animalshelter@burleson.com. Reaching their 50-year milestones in February are Roberta Brauer, a member since Feb. 6, 1967; and Lyndall Thompson, a member since Feb. 11, 1967.
Junior members are reminded to send a postcard or letter to Ronnie Jones telling him why they want to go to Hermann Sons-Camp this summer. The Youth Committee will select two winners and they will receive a campership. Send the letter or postcard to Ronnie Jones, 11704 Frazier Land, Crowley, TX 76036. Sympathy is extended to the family of Frankie Thompson. Frankie had been a member since 1969. She came to play
games on Friday nights and loved to go to Vegas to play the slot machines. Get well wishes go to Cathy Simmank and Linda Balmos. Happy Anniversary wishes go to Ronnie and Kim Burns. Happy Birthday wishes go to Sam Jones, Sheila Kime, Kimberly Leblanc, Pat Miller, Gene Pierce, Sherry Pierce, Matthew Schick, Gracie Stephenson, Lyndall Thompson, Jaxsen Voss and Ronnie Walters. – Sandra Jones
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 29
Siemering plans art expression project for April 11 SAN ANTONIO – Siemering Lodge members wore green to the meeting on Tuesday, March 14, as they honored the 12 living past presidents and enjoyed a meal of pizza with salad and a St. Patrick’s Day green dessert. Last year members enjoyed an art appreciation event as they toured the Museum of Art on Jones Avenue. At the meeting on Tuesday, April 11, they will be expressing their own artistic side as they create a piece of art using mixed media of crayons, markers or colored pencils. Supplies will be provided. And since it’s Fiesta time, members are encouraged to wear festive clothing to the meeting. To celebrate the lodge’s 126th anniversary members will gather Tuesday, May 9, at La Focaccia Italian Grill, located at 800 S. Ala-
Celebrating March birthdays at the Siemering Lodge meeting were, from left, Lloyd Markell, Donald O’Connor and Edmond Shadrock. mo and S. Presa St. Reservations need to be made no later than April 15 by calling the lodge office at 210-226-6831. In honor of Mother’s Day everyone is asked to wear something pink. The lodge will pay a portion of the
cost of the meal for members. Non-members will pay for their own meals. In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge will support the Catholic Workers House by donating travel-size personal care
Past presidents of Siemering Lodge who attended the March meeting were, from left, Sally Hertzberg, Donald O’Connor, Ronald Bara and Sharon Fite. items (toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.). The lodge’s ongoing project is collecting aluminum can tabs of all kinds for “Can Tabs for Zack.” These can be from beverages,
pop top food cans, etc. They will benefit a Ronald McDonald House where one of the lodge’s young members stays when he goes away for treatment. – Augusta Fite
Prinz Solms changes meeting schedule
Students from the DaCosta School of Dance rode the Hermann Sons float in the Victoria Livestock Show Parade on Feb. 25.
DaCosta offers scholarship; family social set for Aug. 13 DaCOSTA – Graduating high school seniors who are members of DaCosta Lodge are reminded that scholarship applications are due May 1. Contact LaVerne Hajek at 361-575-1712 for an application. DaCosta School of Dance students participated in the Victoria Livestock Show Parade on Feb. 25. The dancers are preparing for the 50th anniversary dance recital on Saturday, May 6, at the Victoria Fine Arts Center. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. The Summer Family Social is set for Aug. 13. A catered meal will be served. A silent auction
to raise money for the scholarship fund will be held and donations are needed for the auction. Members are asked to bring donations for the canned food drive. Members receiving their 50-year, 60-year and 70-year pins will be recognized. More details to come. April 22 is the date for the next western dance. The public is invited. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, May 9, at 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Delegates will be reporting on the Grand Lodge Convention. – Reporter
Students from the Hill Country School of Dance performed at the February meeting of Prinz Solms Lodge.
Prinz Solms Lodge has changed its meeting schedule for 2017. The lodge will now meet every other month. The next meeting will be held Sunday, April 9, at 5 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. Other meetings will be held June 11, Aug. 13, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. The annual Christmas party with Spring Branch Lodge will be held Dec. 10 starting at 2 p.m. At the February meeting, two of the classes from the Hill Country School of Dance, Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. and Thursday at 3:15 p.m., performed. Ms. Monica introduced the dancers. Each group demonstrated a new dance routine. Dancers and their families are invited to attend the April meeting. Brisket and sausage from Smokey Mo’s was served. Members provided the side dishes and desserts. Door prize winners were Will Laubach, Faye Ennis, Callie Willman, Audrey Stratemann and Teresa Saathoff. After a short business meeting, members and guests played games. Dancers and their families are invited to the next meeting. – Reporter
Page 30 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Schulenburg Lodge to make several donations SCHULENBURG – Schulenburg Lodge meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Schulenburg Community Center. Refreshments are served at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. and the meeting follows. Fried chicken is on the menu for the April 12 meeting. It will be served with potatoes and peas and carrots. Cake will be served for dessert. Welcomed as a new member at the March meeting was Catelyn Marie Bosl. In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge will make a donation to the Grief Support Session at Hermann SonsCamp and to the local Relay for Life event. The lodge’s delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention will be Bill Michalke, Junette Rodecap and Mary K. Seifert. The lodge will once again make a donation to the local VFW Post to help with the purchase of small flags to be put
Celebrating February birthdays at the Schulenburg Lodge meeting were, from left, Rene Sustr, Ann Schilhab and Alton Hafer.
Ann and Hugo Schilhab celebrated 64 years of marriage in February. They are members of Schulenburg Lodge.
on the graves of veterans in the area. Grace Baylor reported that Edith Kocurek is home from the rehab center and Leroy Hoffmann reported that his wife, Verlene, is in a nursing facility. Leroy Hoffmann was the winner of a $10 gift card to Frank’s Restaurant. Judah David Kocurek was
member goal for 2017 is 29. Grace Baylor reported that a card was sent to Edith Kocurek. Frank and Becky Bohlmann made a donation in memory of Roy A. Christ and Bohlmann Inc. made a donation in memory of Roy A. Christ. Rene Sustr won a gift certificate to City Market. – Reporter
welcomed as a new member at the February meeting. Agent Mary K. Seifert reported that she would be attending a training session for agents in February. Approximately 118 children are enrolled in the Schulenburg School of Dance. President Bill Michalke reported that the lodge’s new
Susan Kohleffel and husband James (not pictured) celebrate their wedding anniversary in March. Sister Kohleffel is a member of Schulenburg Lodge.
Kitty Dittrich and George Janecka celebrated their March birthdays at the Schulenburg Lodge meeting.
Albert Kypfer Lodge raises funds for St. Jude Ranch CLEAR SPRINGS – Albert Kypfer Lodge will meet April 7. Members are asked to bring a casserole or dessert for the meal. Fried fish was served at the March 3 meeting. Thanks go to Chuck and Fran Weed for picking up the fish. Welcomed as new members were Kate Elizabeth Hanz and Mia Abigail Hanz. John Turner was on the get-well list but was able to attend the meeting. Contact Nelrose Koepp if you know of someone who is in need to a get-well card. The Valentine Bunco Party was a great success. The winners were first, Sherry Erben; second, Evelyn Newman; third, Mary Lou Seedorf; fourth, Charlie Seiter; and last place, Jody Corbin. The lodge raised $300 and with the $300 in Matching Funds from the Grand Lodge will be able to make a $600 donation to the St. Jude Children’s Ranch. There was a third reading on the name change to Kypfer-Salge
The Valentine Bunco Party hosted by Albert Kypfer Lodge was a great success. A total of $600 will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Ranch as a result. Lodge. The change is being made to honor Raymond Salge, a longtime member. Celebrating March birthdays were Celeste Salge, Chuck Weed and Molly Koepp. Attendance prize winners were Chuck Weed, Tim Salge, Noland Koepp, Dennis Koepp and Barbara Pizel. If you know someone who does not drive, offer to pick them up for the next meeting. – Darline Preiss
The winners of the Valentine Bunco Party hosted by Albert Kypfer Lodge were, from left, Sherry Erben, Evelyn Newman, Mary Lou Seedorf, Charlie Seiter and Jody Corbin.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 31
Gay Hill donates to VA Hospital, plans fund-raisers GAY HILL – Stanley and Mary Jo Klekar will host the April meeting of Gay Hill Lodge. Preparing the chicken stew for the March 2 meeting were George and Walline Lorenz, Brian and Jennifer Lorenz, Karley Lorenz and Robert and Shonda Ziese. Ruth Lorenz reported that 568 packs of salt, 510 packs of pepper, 56 combination packs of salt and pepper and 117 wrapped toothpicks that the lodge helped collect were delivered to the VA Hospital in Temple along with other items such as soaps and lotions. Donnie Blinka gave a report on the SAFE (Senior Adult Final Expense) Plan.
Jennifer and Brian Lorenz, Karley Lorenz, Walline and George Lorenz and Shonda and Robert Ziese were March hosts for the Gay Hill Lodge meeting.
Linda and Floyd Bentke celebrated their 48th anniversary in March. They are members of Gay Hill Lodge.
Charlie Bentke, left, and Leroy Hodde celebrate March birthdays. They are members of Gay Hill Lodge.
President Stanley Klekar asked members to help finish setting up tables and preparing the coleslaw for the Fish Fry Fund-raiser to be held the next day.
Jan. 19, 2018, sirloin steak. Gloria Lehde will set up a Facebook page for the lodge. Ruth Lorenz reported that a sympathy card was sent to George and Walline Lorenz fol-
lowing the passing of George’s sister. George Lorenz and Bradley Fischer celebrated February birthdays. – Reporter
Other fund-raisers planned this year will be held April 28, chicken fried steak; June 25, fried chicken (drive thru only); July 28, sirloin steak; Aug. 25, fish fry; Oct. 27, pork steak; and
Harmonia Lodge plans Fiesta event for new adult members SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge has issued a special invitation to the new adult members who joined within the past 10 years to attend the April 13 meeting. Fajitas and tacos will be provided by the lodge for the Fiesta new member event. Members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. The lodge remembered the 31 members who passed away in 2016 during the annual memorial service held as part of the March meeting. As the name of each deceased member was read by Secretary John Hoog, Past President Bill Richard said “absent” and Brad Dietrich and Albert Ranzau lit a candle in their memory. Members voted to sponsor a hole in the Hermann Sons Youth Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament coming up on April 1. Harry Werland reminded members of the lodge’s Bob Worrick Memorial Golf Tournament to be held the last Saturday in September. Members voted to let the tournament committee choose the venue for the event if The Republic
President Mike Beam, center, presents the winners with their attendance prizes at the March meeting of Harmonia Lodge. They are, Harry Werland, left, and Larry Stavinoha. A memorial service was conducted at the March meeting of Harmonia Lodge. Taking part in the ceremony were, from left, Albert Ranzau, Brad Dietrich, Mike Beam and John Hoog. Golf Club is not available. The tournament benefits Camp Discovery, a camp for children with cancer. Members who have passed away since the first of the year also were remembered. They are Kurt Voss Sr., age 93, who passed away Jan. 1 and had been a member since 1950; Herbert H. Hedtke, age 97, who passed away Feb. 1 and had been a member since 1947; and Earl Alfred Olfers, age 67, who passed way Feb. 24 and had been a member since
1949. Celebrating birthdays in March are John Miller and Harry Werland. The attendance prizes were won by Harry Werland and Larry Stavinoha. Margaret White won split-the-pot. President Mike Beam and Finance Committee Member Albert Ranzau prepared the corned beef and cabbage for the meal served after the meeting. Games followed the meal. – Reporter
Brad Dietrich, right, accepts his split-the-pot winnings from President Mike Beam at the February Harmonia Lodge meeting.
Page 32 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Poth Lodge welcomes new member
Moulton Lodge meets Moulton Lodge youth helped draw for prizes at a recent meeting. Pictured are, in front, Lindsey Orsak, back, Allyne Chapman and Judson and Jillian Anderle.
POTH – Poth Lodge welcomed a new member, Blake Edward Janicek, at its March meeting. Cloe Bostick brought plastic eggs and candy and her Bunny Aides Pat Lowak, Lucille Novak, Virginia Maha and Sharon Tanneberger put the candy in the eggs. The eggs will be given to the Poth/Floresville School of Dance so the dancers can enjoy an egg hunt before class on the Thursday after Easter. Members of Poth Lodge who are graduating from high school are reminded that the lodge offers a scholarship. Contact Beth Cutsinger at 210-325-6667 for an application. Applicants must have been a member in good standing for the past five years and the applicant and/or parent or grandparent must attend at least three meetings prior to submitting the application.
Virginia Maha celebrated her March birthday at the Poth Lodge meeting.
Pat Lowak was the lucky games winner at the March Poth Lodge meeting.
Pat Lowak and Sharon Tanneberger won the door prizes. The names of Kenneth Ray Boening, Christian Baumann and Michael B. Bender were drawn for the kitty but none
were in attendance to claim the cash. Everyone enjoyed sausage wraps with pecan pie for dessert. – Reporter
Spring Branch Lodge will meet May 21 BULVERDE – Spring Branch Lodge will meet Sunday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. Five new members – one adult and four juniors – were welcomed at the Feb. 19 meeting. Alverne Halloran reported sending get-well cards to Collette Hardin, Carmen Rittiman, Elvira Weidner and Sandra Duncan. She sent a sympathy card to the family of Evelyn Ackerman. A card was received from the Grand Lodge thanking the lodge for the donation made in
memory of Tom Halloran. The lodge will donate a $100 H-E-B gift card to the annual Spring Chicken Fest in April. Chuck and Sharon Knibbe will
represent the lodge as delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention in May. The alternates are Jane Wanke and Laverne Halloran. – Reporter
Celebrating birthdays at the February meeting of Spring Branch Lodge were, from left, Gloria Voges, Mary Woody, Bill Woody, Sharon Knibbe and Mildred Bartels.
Haskell to meet April 2
Moulton Lodge members celebrating birthdays in February and March were Jamie Anderle, pictured with her children, Jillian and Judson, and Eugene Anderle.
Preparing the food for the February meeting of Spring Branch Lodge were, from left, Mary, Karen and Bill Woody.
HASKELL – Haskell Lodge will meet Sunday, April 2. At the March 5 meeting, members voted to pay the registration fee for the lodge’s delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention. And the lodge will make a $100 donation to the Grief Support Session at Hermann
Sons-Camp. The lodge’s delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention will take the donation with them. Celebrating birthdays were Dorothea Monroe and Harry Koehler. Phyllis Klose won the door prize. – Reporter
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 33
Pershing seeks volunteers for Fiesta parade chair set up San Antonio – Pershing Lodge will meet Wednesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. A potluck meal will be served. Members are asked to bring their favorite dish and dessert. Volunteers are needed for parade chair set up and take down for both parades on April 28 and April 29. Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss and wife Elizabeth attended the March meeting. He congratulated the lodge on its 97th anniversary and presented 50year membership pins to Sharon and Ernest Huegele. They have been members since March 1967. Grand President Preuss and lodge President Beth Warne presented Jenna Krysinski from Guide Dogs of Texas and Grace, the guide dog, with a check from Pershing Lodge for $870 and a Matching Funds check from the Grand Lodge in the amount of $500. The lodge raised its share of the donation during its annual Spaghetti Dinner Fund-raiser. Welcomed as new members were Sergio Tomas Palos II, Ava Elizabeth Palos, Emory Kayden Beadle and Rosa “Rosie” Alma Hollingsworth. There was one transfer into the lodge, Elizabeth Sue Gavlick. Members were reminded that the lodge’s next trip will be on April 20 to Kickapoo. Carolyn Valek asked members to pray for Martha Stocking who was having shoulder surgery. Chaplain Tony Valek reported on the passing of Vivian Graham and William Kasberg. John Opiela, Home Association representative, reported that the restoration of the stained glass
Sharon and Ernest Huegele, center, receive their 50-year membership pins from Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss and lodge President Beth Warne during the lodge’s anniversary meeting in March.
Past presidents of Pershing Lodge who were honored at the March anniversary meeting were, back, from left, Mike Armstrong, Dottie and Herbie Schramm, Lillian Franckowiak, Amy Barfell, Marilyn Hoster, Beth Warne, front, from left, Amanda Deicke, Carol Krauss, Ruth Lampman and Joan Lichtenberg.
Celebrating March birthdays at the Pershing Lodge meeting were, from left, Dorothy Pawlik, Robert Hollingsworth, Helen Alberthal, Emmett Krachala and Betty Melton-Opiela. window depicting Hermann has been completed. Emmett Krachala won the $25 attendance prize. Joan Lichtenberg won the splitthe-pot drawing. Terri Armstrong won the paper towel holder made by John Opiela and David Johnson won the shoe horn, also made by Brother Opiela.
Carol Krauss from Pershing Lodge, not pictured, visited Debbie Noble during the holiday season. Sister Noble is a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge.
Three names were drawn for the $80 Progressive Pot but Deborah Kay Clark, Lauren Dimando and Johnelle Schnuriger were not present to win. There were 15 lucky door prize winners of the centerpieces provided by President Warne. They were Jeanelle Tabor, Helen Alberthal, Amy Barfell, Buddy Pre-
Jenna Krysinski, center, accepts donations for Guide Dogs of Texas from Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss and Pershing Lodge President Beth Warne. uss, Dr. Krauss, Beth Warne, Betty Melton-Opiela, Morrie Nordland, Emil Lichtenberg, Carolyn Valek, Larry Burns, Rosie Hollingsworth, Henry Saenz, Carolyn Worsham
Henrietta Lawton, a member of Pershing Lodge, received a poinsettia from the lodge during the holiday season. Carol Krauss delivered the Christmas flower.
and Dottie Schramm. The lodge wishes to thank members of other lodges who attended this special meeting. – Terri Armstrong
Andy and Tillie Janowski are members of Pershing Lodge who were visited by Carol Krauss during the holiday season.
Page 34 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Bellville Lodge earns achievement certificate Bellville Lodge officers accept the Certificate of Achievement the lodge earned for reaching its new member goal in 2016. The certificate was presented during the January installation ceremony for officers hosted by Bernardo Lodge. Pictured are, from left, Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe, lodge President Marie Herridge, Treasurer Robert Herridge, Secretary Laura Schumann and Vice President Herbert Schumann.
Janet Abell, center, and Jo Ann Massengale, right, from Louise Schuetze Lodge deliver books to a representative of the Child Life Department at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. The lodge donated the books in observance of Join Hands Day.
In observance of Join Hands Day, Louise Schuetze Lodge donated clothes and books to the San Antonio Division of the National Veterans Outreach Program. Janet Abell, left, and Jo Ann Massengale, right, delivered the donations to Program Coordinator Richard Rocha.
Bernardo Lodge members represent four generations Four generations of the Maertz family are pictured. R.W. Maertz is holding his great-granddaughter Blair Marie. Her grandfather is Terrel Maertz, left, and her father is Colby Maertz, right. Her mother is Lacy Maertz, not pictured. They all are members of Bernardo Lodge. The lodge meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department. Terrel Maertz is the lodge’s president and agent. He attended a workshop in February. Attendance prize winners at the February meeting were R.W. Maertz and Joe Trojacek.
Louise Schuetze to celebrate Fiesta, Easter at April meeting SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze Lodge will celebrate Fiesta and Easter at the April 10 meeting with a build-your-own taco meal. Members are asked to wear something appropriate for Easter or Fiesta. The lodge’s Grand Lodge Convention delegates will meet at 6 p.m. before this meeting to discuss the Convention. Nondelegate members are welcome to attend. There will be no meeting in
May because of the Convention. Members and guests enjoyed stew and cornbread with assorted salads and desserts at the March meeting. Guest Lloyd Markell was celebrating a March birthday and Phil and Janet Abell were celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. Carol Grill won the attendance prize and split-the-pot. – Reporter
Brunhilde Lodge meets Above - Irma and Adam Schweninger and Freya and Roy Snyder attended the February meeting of Brunhilde Lodge. Left - Morrie and Monnie Nordland celebrated their anniversary and his Valentine’s Day birthday at the February meeting of Brunhilde Lodge. A potluck meal was served. Carol Krauss gave the agent’s report.
April 2017 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 35
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Abilene Diane Marie Smith 325-665-2253 Adkins Alayna Menzer 210-413-0001 Roxy Pruski 210-667-1995 Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975 Crystal Livingston 512-466-2433 Bandera Stephanie Brown 210-621-3891 Paul Heath, FIC 210-392-0760 Bellville Robert Herridge 979-865-3222 Bernardo/Columbus Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727 Boerne/Fair Oaks Carl Behrendt 210-422-1159 Pam Poulk 210-753-2626 Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306 Bryan Katherine Akin, FIC 979-823-8625 Caldwell Donnie Blinka 979-596-1309 Canyon Lake Sandra Duncan 830-905-3233 Castroville/La Coste Roger Bippert 210-737-4070 Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC 210-219-9792 Cibolo/Schertz Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938 Comfort Norma Bruns, FIC 830-995-3980 Jean Merchant 830-995-3396 Betty H. Murphy 830-998-0860
Corpus Christi Frank Brandon 361-241-5593
Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317
Maxwell Darlene Bohmfalk 512-558-2773
Marketing Department Staff
210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667
Grand Vice President-Marketing Tim Kolbe timk@hermannsonslife.org Markering Analyst Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley gladysr@hermannsonslife.org Special Representatives: Dan Boenig - 210-705-1815 danb@texashermannsonslife.org Gary Falkenberg, FICF - 713-466-6069 • 713-899-4138 gfalken908@aol.com Alfred Stryk, FICF, LUTCF - 281-485-4095 alstryk@sbcglobal.net Teresa Saathoff - 210-276-0361 • 210-422-6996 tasaathoff@satx.rr.com Marilyn Vogt, FICF - 210-630-9874 marilynv@hermannsonslife.org Eulla May Krueger - 210-863-0546 • 830-985-3643 eullak@hermannsonslife.org
Pearl Hunt 361-241-0940
Greg Polasek 830-540-4812
Charles Croley 512-357-6638
Troylyn Sisneros-Gonzalez 361-232-7413
Graham/Wichita Falls David Wolf 940-550-5202
McQueeney Stephen Weniger 830-743-2045
Hondo Stacy Saathoff 830-444-9160
Needville Melissa Kostelnik 713-304-1692
Dallas Helen Tyson Brown 214-796-0668
Houston Anna Larie Keith 281-259-6337
Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127
Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483
Sarah Spencer 361-550-1883
New Braunfels Cecilia “CC” Gagliardi 830-620-1060
Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001
Shirley Huebinger 830-822-1942
Jourdanton Valerie C. Craig 830-769-3128
Rhonda Muehlstein, FIC 830-980-3162
San Antonio Philip A. Abell 210-771-1213
Sealy Joanie Griffin 979-398-0706
Tim Salge 830-625-4816
Maria Elisa Ashati 210-863-2217
Nixon-Smiley Blake Janicek 830-582-1581
Ruth Bailey 210-602-5147
Seguin/San Antonio Carol Krauss, FIC 210-725-4106
Cuero Laura Tiffin Wayne Tiffin 361-275-8421
Devine Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409 Dee Stricker 210-414-0293 Edna/Jackson County Sam Matlock 361-782-3206 El Campo Dennis Wigginton 832-278-9636
Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598 Katrina Wiatrek 210-326-9505 Lillian Wiede, FIC 830-769-3481
Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger 210-325-6667
Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982
Floresville Lynn Wiede 830-393-4660
Russell Swize 830-780-4053
Fort Worth Sandra Jones, FIC 817-295-2666 Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale 830-997-2130
Karnes City/Seguin Diane Terp 830-305-3564 Kerrville Mary Muehlstein 830-896-5750
Dennis Henke 830-997-5290
Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293
George West Tracy Caron 361-449-0348
La Coste Tanya Crisp 830-985-9230
Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678
La Vernia Sharon Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-0526
Giddings Loretta Chilek, FIC 979-542-2806
Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229
Linda Kieschnick, FIC 979-542-5224 Richard Symons 979-451-0988
Lubbock April Behnke 806-797-3585 Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380
Orange Grove Paula Gebert 361-384-2375 Paige RaChelle Dube 512-740-3518 Pflugerville Julius Dubcak 512-272-8393 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven 361-552-9403 Priddy Ruth Witzsche, FIC 325-966-3757 Richmond Tanya Witcher 281-652-6606 Rockdale Judy Marie York 512-446-5914 Rosenberg Joyce Lamensky 281-342-5174 Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988 Rowena Kay F. Halfmann 325-442-4731
John Hoog 210-226-8801 Darlene Irwin 210-392-2649 Rayna Sue Irwin 210-710-7038 Clif Klabunde, FIC 830-980-4020 Valentin Lucero, FIC 210-725-6535 Jim McNeel 210-601-2097 Emma Moya 210-344-3935 Doug Saathoff 210-276-0361 Greg Sterner 210-363-0373
Seguin Yolanda Gonzales 830-305-7445 Susan Perkovich 830-303-3496 Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724 Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973 Smiley Diana P. Moreno 830-379-2244 Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405 Lisa Lanphere 830-221-8128 Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek 830-996-3005
Veronica Trejo 210-710-0932
Victoria Jason Hybner 361-652-6924
San Marcos Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431
Victoria/Yoakum Laura Thigpen 361-676-8307
Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312
Yoakum Mary Koenig 361-293-1743
Schwertner Irene Schwertner 254-527-4470
Yorktown Judy Wolf 361-564-2452
A list of agents also is available online at www.hermannsonslife.org
Page 36 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2017
Shining Stars
ALLISON WILLIAMS is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in ninth grade. Her favorite food is pasta. Allison’s activities include dancing, swimming and cheerleading.
LAUREN WILLIAMS is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in third grade. Her favorite food is tacos. Lauren’s activities include dance, art and swimming.
EMILY WILLIAMS is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in sixth grade. Her favorite food is lasagna. Emily’s activities include swimming, dancing and art.
KATHERINE MICHAEL is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in second grade. Her favorite food is Nutella. Katherine’s activities include playing with friends.
SAMANTHA MICHAEL is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in kindergarten. Her favorite food is cheese pizza and her favorite TV show is “Paw Patrol.” Samantha’s activities include playing dress-up with friends.
JULIANNE MICHAEL is a member of Siemering Lodge. Her favorite food is Goldfish crackers. Julianne’s activities include playing with her big sisters.
Happy Easter!
Parade Tradition Candy Chicks Sunday Bonnet Daffodils Basket Peeps Chocolate Easter Family Flowers
Name: Birthday: Home Phone: Daytime Phone:
City:
Help the bunny find the basket!
Zip:
E-mail Address:
KARLEE REYES is a member of Fredericksburg Lodge. She is in seventh grade and her favorite foods are chicken fajitas and pizza. Her favorite TV shows are “Mysteries at the Museum” and “Expedition Unknown.” Karlee has a cat, Lily, and dogs, Lola and Trooper. Her activities include softball, volleyball and soccer.
Easter Word Search
You can be a Shining Star too! Just send us a photo of yourself (that we can keep) and fill out this form and send to: Laura Adams, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. The form is also available online, www.hermannsonslife.org. Shining Stars are also featured online.
Address:
ABIGAIL MICHAEL is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in fifth grade. Her favorite food is pasta with butter and salt and her favorite TV show is “Star Wars Rebels.” Abigail’s activities include playing with Legos.
Jelly Beans Egg Hunt Games Bells Bunny Lamb Lily Colored Eggs Marshmallow Hot Cross Buns New Clothes Robin Eggs
Connect the dots and color!
Grade in school: Favorite Food: Pets: Favorite TV Show: Activities: It is OK with my parents that I am featured as a “Shining Star” in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper, website and any other advertising publications. Parent’s Signature: I am a member of
Lodge No.
Certificate No.______________________________________________________ Answers to both puzzles on Pg. 16