April 2022

Vol. 125, No. 5

INSIDE Camp adding new activities this summer

April 2022

Meet the Candidates

➤ Pg. 5

Snapshot offered of Convention agenda ➤ Pg. 11

Chili Cook-off draws teams to Comfort

Stanley Steiger

David R. Noak

David Wolf

Gerald Ziemnicki

Michael Beam

➤ Pgs. 15-17

hermannsonslife.org

Sandra Jones

Kimberly Krueger

Suzanne Hildebrand

Laura Tiffin

for the Hermann Sons Life

Board of Directors See Pages 12-14

Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly May 9-12, 2022 – San Marcos, Texas

Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

HERMANN SONS LIFE USPS 242200 Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, Texas Published Monthly by HERMANN SONS LIFE 515 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941w San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 DIRECTORS Sandra Jones, Chair Mike Beam Suzanne Hildebrand David Noak Stan Steiger David Wolf OFFICERS President and CEO Eugene Zollinger Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley Vice President of Finance and CFO Mary Pruitt Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek

LAWS COMMITTEE

Norma Bruns Tommy Daum Agnes Dreibrodt Lillian Franckowiak Debbie Gold Charles Knibbe David Lewis

Jeanette Preuss Robert Prewitt Steven Schellenberg Marlin Tanneberger Ronald Wiatrek Janet Zabransky Gerald Ziemnicki

MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE

Gary Falkenberg Shirley Faske Tammy Kelley Bradley Klein

Ed Kurtz Stephen Prewitt Laura Thigpen

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Elizabeth Byron Tammy Haecker Marsha Kocurek

Sherry Rakowitz Lisa Rozacky Irene Schwertner

BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Brad Dietrich Tammy Jones Edward J. Muehlbrad

Doug Saathoff Laura Tiffin Lori Todd

President's Message A glimpse at the history of conventions

By EUGENE ZOLLINGER President and CEO In just a few weeks, delegates and their guests will be gathering in San Marcos for the 48th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly .

Since this will be my first Convention Assembly, I thought I would share with you some of the history of this event that I have recently learned .

For starters, this is the first time this gathering will be referred to as the Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly . In the past, this event was known as the Grand Lodge Convention .

The change to the name Hermann Sons Life in 2017 necessitated removing the words “Grand” from Grand Lodge, Grand President, Grand Vice President and any other place we could find it . So, this will be our first Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly .

On a side note, there is another important reason for not using “Grand Lodge” in any formal matters . Simply put, it’s confusing .

Some people would use the words “Grand Lodge” to refer to the building that sits at 515 S . St . Mary’s St . in downtown San Antonio . This is not the “Grand Lodge .” It is the Home Office . The “Grand Lodge” was actually the local lodges taken as a whole and the meeting of the “Grand Lodge” was the gathering of delegates every four years .

This photo from the first Grand Lodge Convention hangs in the Home Office Museum. The gathering was held March 27-29, 1890, in San Antonio.

So, we have removed all references to the “Grand Lodge” and we will now use “Home Office” and “Convention Assembly .”

The first Grand Lodge Convention was held in 1890 . Even though Hermann Sons had been established in Texas in 1861 when Harmonia Lodge No . 1 was chartered, there was no Grand Lodge . The national organization would not grant a state its own Grand Lodge until there were at least eight lodges in that state . With the establishment of lodges in Austin, Taylor, Waco, Temple, Brenham, Houston and La Grange in 1890, Texas had its eight lodges and was granted a charter by the State of Texas to establish the Grand Lodge of the

Order of the Sons of Hermann in the State of Texas .

The first Grand Lodge Convention was held in San Antonio on March 27-29, 1890 .

We have two photos from that first gathering . In one there are 12 men and the other one has 25 men in it .

The next Convention would be held the very next year in 1891 and there would be annual events for several more years .

At some point delegates voted to change to every two years, then every three years and finally every four years, which is the way it has been since at least 1961 .

See HISTORY, Pg. 11

Lodge Reports Boerne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . .21 DaCosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Deanville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Fredericksburg . . . . . . . . . . .19 Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . .22

Kypfer-Salge . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Niederwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Old Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Prinz Solms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Monthly Features 2, 11 3 6 7-8 8

President's Message Calendar of Events In Memoriam Pioneer Members Memorial Donations

1, 12-14 3 6 9-10 11 15-17

Meet the Candidates Lodges make donations Golf tourney set for April Bowling tourney set for Georgetown Convention preview Chili cook-off winners named

4 4 23

Chili cook-off experience shared Recommenders listed Agent listing

5 5 6 10 24

Camp preview Time to honor our seniors Answer to puzzles on Pg . 24 Hondo Victory announces cash award Shining Stars

New This Month

Sales News

Youth in Action

We Strengthen Community

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3

Three lodges have shown their commitment to strengthening community in recent weeks.

FAR RIGHT - Moulton Lodge presented a donation to the Willie Morales family after they lost their home in a fire. Allyne Chapman, right, presented the check to Mrs. DelSanto who accepted on behalf of the family.

RIGHT - Yorktown Lodge has made a $500 donation to help with renovations to the Annex at the Retirement Home. Lodge Past President Chris Hosinski presented the check to Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly, left, and Home Manager Brenda Gunnink during the March 12 Chili Cook-off. The Annex will be renovated so that members can rent a room for an overnight stay when they are in the Comfort area.

BELOW - Members of Piney Woods Lodge participated in Clean Up Panola County on March 5.

Kallen Kecman, Judy Reyes, Kolya Kecman, Steve Reyes, Kailer Kecman, Max Rogers and Kieran Kecman picked up trash along a segment of FM 699. “It was our privilege to participate in this countywide service,” Kallen said. “We encourage travelers to dispose of trash properly and help keep our county roads free of trash.”

Events EVERY WEDNESDAY – It’s Swing Dance Night in the San Antonio Home Association Ballroom, 525 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio. Arrive at 7 p.m. for a lesson and stick around for the dance party that starts at 8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person for the lessons and dance or $5 to enjoy the dance after 8:15 p.m.

EVERY THURSDAY – It’s Game Night every Thursday night at Hochheim-Prairie Lodge-Turner Hall in Yoakum. Games start at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 361-293557.

EVERY THURSDAY – It’s Game Night every Thursday night at Brenham Lodge. Doors open at 5 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

EVERY FRIDAY – The San Antonio Home Association Rathskeller hosts Trivia Night at 7 p.m. The Rathskeller is located at 525 S. St. Mary’s St.

APRIL 9 - The DaCosta Lodge Spring Fling is open to the public. Activities start at 4 p.m. and include a cake/toy walk, Easter egg hunt (bring your own basket), games and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Public dance starts at 8 p.m. with music

by Tainted Heart. Register at https://bit.ly/DaCostaEggHunt so there will be enough eggs.

16 - The Hermann Sons Youth Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament will be held. More information on Pg. 6.

22 – Brenham Lodge will host a dine-in sirloin steak and sausage supper. Cost is $15 per plate with all the fixings. Serving starts at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call the lodge hall at 979-8362053. Doors open at 6 p.m. for those who want to play cards and dominoes. Volunteers needed.

The hall is located at 306 E. Germania.

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@hermanns onslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor, Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication.

The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of Hermann Sons Life. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the President and CEO, and the President and CEO shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons Life as editor and/or business manager thereof.

Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Sales

Friendship, Love and Loyalty on display at Chili Cook-off

Two receive gift cards for recommendations

The Sales Department is recognizing 17 more recommenders for the month of February. This brings the total to 27 members recommending 32 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2022.

The winners of the $50 gift cards for February are Barrett Kuhlman from Cibolo Lodge and Jerry Warwick from Columbia Lodge.

Congratulations to the following February recommenders: Recommender Agent Kimberly Alexander, Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale Clay Bingenheimer, Karnes City Shirley Huebinger Nolan Graff, Hondo Michael Saathoff James Hyvl, Brenham Gary Falkenberg Barrett Kuhlman, Cibolo Lorene Bielke Breanna Lackey, Kirby Pamela Poulk James Martinez Sr., Giddings Linda Mattocks Holly Mitchell, Austin Shirley Faske Anahi Moreno, Schulenburg Mary K. Seifert Cheryl Osborn, Pershing (2) Shirley Faske Doris Roehling, Gay Hill Donnie Blinka Lauren Sanders, San Marcos Janice Kuhen John Schlather, Cibolo (4) Clifton Klabunde Max Volk, Austin Shirley Faske Jerry Warwick, Columbia Gilbert Shelby Landon Wolf, Yorktown Judy Wolf Lyle Zunker, New Braunfels Shirley Huebinger Number next to name indicates number of new members recommended.

Recommend a member and you could win a $50 gift card!

Call us at 877-437-6266 or email us at sales@hermannsonslife.org

By ROBIN CZARNEK Vice President of Sales Spring has arrived and with it the better weather and, hopefully, bluebonnets aplenty. It’s my favorite time of the year.

To kick off spring, I was honored to attend the 2022 Chili Cook-off at our Retirement Home in Comfort. The Chili Cook-off benefits our youth as the proceeds go to the scholarship fund that annually awards a total of $6,000 to four deserving graduating seniors who are Hermann Sons Life members.

The Cook-off took a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, so it was wonderful to see it back in full swing.

More importantly, what I saw was Friendship, Love and Loyalty. The weather was amazing and smiles and laughter were in abundance. It was so special to join in the fun, especially because COVID caused so much more than a virus, it took away joy from so many, as well as our ability to celebrate and make memories with cherished loved ones.

I was a judge for the amateur chili entries and got to taste the talent present in our Hermann Sons Life community. (To my fellow judge I sat next to, we didn’t get to exchange contact information… reach out to me, I owe you some Hermann Sons Life swag!) I will say I am a chili connoisseur. I am feeling some competitive stirrings…I may just have to enter next year.

After enjoying fellowship and the joy of the day, I went home with my heart lighter, having made some new friends, as well as catching up with some old friends. This really drove home to me the importance of the true fellowship that makes Hermann Sons Life so special.

I worry though that there are times when this fellowship isn’t always so evident. The pandemic seems to have robbed people of their ability to let

Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek donned her best 70s attire for the Retirement Home Chili Cookoff. She writes about it in her article this month.

She is pictured here with husband David. loose and have fun and, in turn, their ability to show the grace to others that we all want shown to us.

I have loved every lodge meeting I have attended, but I have seen us become siloed as an organization.

I would like to see all of us recommit to being the warm and welcoming people that I know we are. If we don’t find a way to embrace new members, we will cease to exist.

We have the most amazing community and members. I left the Chili Cook-off with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to find ways to welcome newcomers. I hope that you’ll join me in doing so. Let’s get involved and make a difference!

In the meantime, I will be in the kitchen in my spare time working on perfecting my chili recipe.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Hermann Sons Life is looking for highly-motivated, service-oriented people to sell its whole life, term life and annuity products.

If you have the commitment and determination to help Hermann Sons Life remain a vital and thriving part of the fraternal life insurance industry, you are invited to become part of an organization that has proudly served the families of Texas for more than 150 years.

For more information, call the Hermann Sons Life Sales Department at 877-437-6266 or 210-527-9113 or visit hermannsonslife.org, click Contact Us, Employment

Camp News

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5

New, returning staff awaits arrival of campers

By IAN BRASSETT Executive Camp Director Enrollment is open! With more than 10 percent of Camp enrolled in just two days, please don’t delay on your decision to sign-up for Camp in 2022!

Personally, I’ve rarely been as excited as I am for Camp this summer… and I’m always excited for Camp! What is particularly pleasing is the Mini-Camp program for our 8- and 9-yearold first-time campers was 20 percent full in TWO DAYS! That is awesome.

Part of my excitement is due to the usage of Hilltop Camp by the Boerne ISD’s fifth grade Boerne Outdoor Academy program. Seven schools have been using Hilltop Camp for geocaching, canoeing, water testing, hiking, rocketry and so much more. It’s been great hosting the campers. Nothing beats walking to the Dining Hall and hearing the sounds uniquely associated with campers having fun in the GaGa pits and the noise of kiddos in the Dining Hall. And the best part is I got to see Toucan and Webster this week. Incredible.

Does your school run an Outdoor Education Program? Do you want it to take place at Hermann Sons Life Camp? Let your teachers and administrators know!

Preparations for our summer season are in full swing. We have some fantastic new activities for our campers and we’re bolstering our existing activity program to provide our junior members the very best summer camp experience. The BOA pro-

gram is currently testing out the canoes and kayaks on the Guadalupe River. This is one activity that will definitely benefit from the warm summer days.

Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge has generously donated the money for a brand-new golf cage for Riverside. This will be the centerpiece of the golf program on Riverside, which will be supplemented with chipping nets and targets. Thank you to the members who voted to donate the money.

The Riverside pool is getting a complete overhaul. We are replacing filters, motors and replastering the surface. We are looking forward to the Rec Swims this summer.

Tie-dying and mosaics will be brand new craft activities added to supplement the existing fun projects offered to our Riverside campers this summer. All your favorite craft activities will be available every afternoon (Monday through Thursday) along with these wonderful new crafts.

Staffing is going very well and you are all in for a treat. These are just some of the counselors returning to Camp this upcoming summer: Nimbus, Fauna, Gummy, Ding, Squiggle, Big Wig, Slim, Boots, Hype, Doc, Medic Mike, Coconut, Kenobi, Bessie, Casper, Megatron, Mello, Flopsy, Plank, Shepard, Goose, Cyborg, Coral, Granny, Scrubs, Bluebell, Nessie, Smudge, Crockett, Shuffle and so many more!

In addition to a fantastic returning staff, we will be having counselors this summer from

Brazil to Germany, England to Australia. This summer will have a fantastic energy and vibe and I hope everyone has signed up for Camp! No???? It’s gonna be a blast.

I have held two Zoom meetings for our parents to discuss Camp and the summer ahead. I’m looking forward to speaking with you and answering any and all of your questions during the other two scheduled meetings. In order to make sure you have the correct link, please shoot me an email at ianb@hermannsonslife.org to receive the link for the Zoom call. The information will also be posted on the Hermann Sons Life Camp’s Facebook page.

March 30, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.

April 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.

I have a couple of lodge visits planned for the spring and I’m looking forward to visiting with members. If you’d like me to visit your lodge, drop me a line at ianb@hermannsonslife.org. I’ll get you on the calendar. Or… you can bring your members to see all of the exciting improvements we’ve made to Camp! A great day to plan your visit is April 23! Speaking of April 23…

THE VOLUNTEER WORK DAY is scheduled for April 23. This will be a great opportunity for Hermann Sons Life members to really help get the Camp in tip-top condition heading into the summer. There will be jobs for all skill levels including painting, cleaning, yard work and so much more. It’ll begin at 9 a.m. Please contact me at ianb@hermannsonslife.org. We’d love to see you on Camp and certainly can use

Riverside Camp recently hosted emergency services personnel (fire, police, EMS, sheriff’s office and DEA) for Kerr and Kendall counties for a day of training. Biebers and Eagle’s Nest were the scenes of hostage rescue, active shooter drills and so much more. It was wonderful to be able to offer our facilities for such important training for our brave frontline personnel. These photos were taken by Facilities Director Gary Jaimes. your help removing some of the dirt build up that only camps seem to be able to produce.

I’d like to finish by thanking Cecily, Tammi and Jacqueline along with Kathie and Elaine in the Home Office and Gary, Clay

and Melissa at Camp for all the work they do behind the scenes to help make Camp a huge success. They are all integral in making the Camp happen and their work is often overlooked. Thank you!

Saluting our Hermann Sons Life graduates in 2022 It’s time to honor our 2022 graduates!

Send us a photo of your high school or college graduate along with information we can include in the newspaper and on social media.

We will publish them in the July issue of the newspaper and will post them to social

media in July as well.

Be sure to include their name, high school or university, which lodge they belong to and their future plans.

Other information you may want to include is their achievements in school and the names of their parents and grandparents.

All photos and information need to be emailed to elaines@ hermannsonslife.org.

Please send good quality photos.

Be sure to include a phone number in case we have a question.

The deadline to send in a photo is June 10.

Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Golf tourney benefits Camp scholarship fund COMFORT – The 11th Hermann Sons Youth Camp-Shannon Leigh Gaffney Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament has been scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at Golf Club of Texas in San Antonio.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the scholarship fund named in memory of a former camper and counselor who lost her battle with leukemia in 1998.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will follow.

Awards will be presented to the top four teams and the golfers with the longest drive, most accurate drive and closest to the pin.

Cost is $100 per person for a four-person scramble team. That includes green fees, range balls, lunch, one Mulligan per player and awards. The Bubba Drive will be

Answers to puzzles on Pg. 24

sold the day of the event at the appropriate hole.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Individuals who sponsor a hole for $100 will receive signage at the hole. Corporations that sponsor a hole for $175 will also receive signage.

For more information, contact Jan Stone at 210-422-1952. Online registration is available at hermannsonslife.org/golf.

In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members EMMA M. SVOBODA Sealy Lodge Died March 27, 2019 • Age 85

CHRISTOPHER F. MOORE Haskell Lodge Died Sept. 20, 2021 • Age 57

DANIEL GREGORY Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Dec. 10, 2021 • Age 69

LOIS HAZEL COTE Pershing Lodge Died Dec. 29, 2021 • Age 92

ELIZABETH A. CAWYER Orange Grove Lodge Died Jan. 20, 2022 • Age 92

JOHN WILLIAM BECK Jourdanton Lodge Died May 28, 2019 • Age 66

MARK EDWARD JAECKLE Harmonia Lodge Died Sept. 26, 2021 • Age 62

MARK EDWIN WALDING DaCosta Lodge Died Dec. 12, 2021 • Age 64

ELLIE M. WOYTASCZYK Mission-Alamo Lodge Died Dec. 29, 2021 • Age 92

JAMES R. SCHIMARA Shelby Lodge Died Jan. 20, 2022 • Age 76

DALE A. MOCZYGEMBA Karnes City Lodge Died Sept. 27, 2019 • Age 47

EVELYN M. KUNKEL Poth Lodge Died Oct. 2, 2021 • Age 96

MARLENE ANN MARKS Comfort Lodge Died Dec. 13, 2021 • Age 89

CHARLIE DAYTON Austin Lodge Died Jan. 1, 2022 • Age 68

DORIS B. RETZLOFF Karnes City Lodge Died Jan. 20, 2022 • Age 95

PEGGY L. BASSE Fredericksburg Lodge Died Feb. 26, 2020 • Age 90

JOHN WILLIAM PIEPER Yorktown Lodge Died Oct. 8, 2021 • Age 86

GEORGIE MARY JAEGER Yorktown Lodge Died Dec. 17, 2021 • Age 80

GERALD HYMAN KATZ Anton Wenzel Lodge Died Jan. 2, 2022 • Age 88

PHYLLIS JEAN SMITH Kerrville Lodge Died Jan. 21, 2022 • Age 95

CLINTON J. GROFF Castroville Lodge Died July 8, 2020 • Age 100

JOSEPH A. ALLEN Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Oct. 14, 2021 • Age 69

JOHN L. PAVLOCK Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Dec. 22, 2021 • Age 83

GAYLAN RAY FRANKE Goliad Lodge Died Jan. 4, 2022 • Age 81

ESTELLE GEBHARD Schwertner Lodge Died Jan. 21, 2022 • Age 95

HELEN V. FRAZEE Bandera County Lodge Died April 7, 2021 • Age 89

SANDRA S. SCHLINGER Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Nov. 11, 2021 • Age 79

SHARON B. LONG Houston Lodge Died Dec. 23, 2021 • Age 81

CONSTANCE E. PHILLIPS Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 6, 2022 • Age 72

MARY A. KELM Brenham Lodge Died Jan. 22, 2022 • Age 97

MARY E. EMERSON Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died April 19, 2021 • Age 81

CARSON V. SCOTT Kirby Lodge Died Nov. 14, 2021 • Age 87

WADE N. NEWTON El Campo Lodge Died Dec. 23, 2021 • Age 103

PEGGY SUE HACK Dallas Lodge Died Jan. 9, 2022 • Age 86

BERNICE WALTISPERGER La Vernia Lodge Died Jan. 22, 2022 • Age 90

ANNALYN C. KOEHLER Seguin Lodge Died June 10, 2021 • Age 71

OWEN OTTO JESKE Needville Lodge Died Nov. 20, 2021 • Age 82

WILLIAM S. BUSBEE Comfort Lodge Died Dec. 24, 2021 • Age 72

DONALD J. JANSSEN Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died Jan. 11, 2022 • Age 83

CARL WILLIAM SONTAG Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Jan. 22, 2022 • Age 92

CHARLES K. ANSELMO Gulf Lodge Died June 23, 2021 • Age 95

ALICE K. ZEPLIN DaCosta Lodge Died Nov. 21, 2021 • Age 90

PATRICIA MCGUILL WIELAND DaCosta Lodge Died Dec. 24, 2021 • Age 90

RAYMOND J. SMITH Deanville Lodge Died Jan. 15, 2022 • Age 77

MILDRED RICHTER Gay Hill Lodge Died Jan. 23, 2022 • Age 101

JOANNA RAENELL JACOBS Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died July 22, 2021 • Age 63

GEORGE JOE DOEHRING Flatonia Lodge Died Dec. 1, 2021 • Age 72

BOBBY A. HAGEN Bellville Lodge Died Dec. 24, 2021 • Age 82

WILBERT LEE RICHTER Gay Hill Lodge Died Jan. 17, 2022 • Age 78

JULIE E. MACKOWIAK Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 31, 2022 • Age 22

IRMA SCHWENINGER Brunhilde Lodge Died Aug. 27, 2021 • Age 82

MELVIN L. STAUDT Fredericksburg Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2021 • Age 90

RUBY MAE VINCIK Shiner Lodge Died Dec. 25, 2021 • Age 90

JOY M. EDWARDS Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Jan. 19, 2022 • Age 91

ALVA R. GIBSON Rowena Lodge Died Feb. 5, 2022 • Age 90

FAYE D. MEAD Pershing Lodge Died Sept. 8, 2021 • Age 86

TRACY MEYER DRAEHN Shelby Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2021 • Age 47

CURTIS L. BETHKE Nordheim Lodge Died Dec. 26, 2021 • Age 69

DENNIS LANDUA Cat Spring Lodge Died Jan. 19, 2022 • Age 77

MELINDA S. ALBRO Comfort Lodge Died Feb. 10, 2022 • Age 77

The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.

75 Years MONTY D. MCDONALD Anton Wenzel Lodge ROBERT W. CULPEPPER Cuero Family Lodge FRANK L. BERNHARD Dallas Lodge LEONARD R. MIKESH JR. Gonzales Lodge BOBBY W. MARTIN PATRICK RAY MCDONALD Harmonia Lodge BARBARA JUNE DANIEL Lampasas Lodge GENEVA QUEBE BARSE 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

70 Years

TARVER G. SNEDECOR Brazosport Lodge ERVIN A. MIETH JR. Brenham Lodge ROBERT LEE HARTMANN Cat Spring Lodge

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7

Pioneers KENNETH RAY WIENKEN Columbus Lodge

ANN L. WATLEY Dallas Lodge

SHARON J SORRELL Poth Lodge

EUGENE M. GARRETT Harmonia Lodge

NICK CHARLES NERREN JAMES WESLEY NORTON Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

MICHAEL JOHN BURDA Round Rock Lodge

KENNETH LEE FREEMAN ADELINE PIERDOLLA GEORGE LOUIS SWITZER La Vernia Lodge L. SCHUENEMANN Lockhart Lodge BILLIE B. CHASTAIN Niederwald Lodge LUCILLE A. SCHNEIDER Poth Lodge JOE B. PFEIFER Siemering Lodge ORA JOE RICKS Vineta Lodge

60 Years

ROBIN SUSANN MAERTZ Bernardo Lodge LEON LEVANDOWSKI JR. DARRELL WAYNE MEYER Brenham Lodge PHYLLIS ROSALEZ Brunhilde Lodge CAROLYN ANN BOEHME Castroville Lodge JAMES THOMAS MAREK Cat Spring Lodge BEATRICE N. HUBER MICHAEL JAKSIK JR. BARBARA L. JORDAN ROSEMARY A. MOLINA Cibolo Lodge EDGAR BYRON BOMBA Corpus Christi Lodge LARRY LEE WELCH DaCosta Lodge

SANDRA R. KRAUSE Flatonia Lodge GREGORY ALAN SMITH Fort Worth Lodge ALICE L. SEGNER Fredericksburg Lodge SAMUEL W. TURNER Giddings Lodge ROBERT L. WOLFF Gonzales Lodge SUSAN K. WILLIAMS Gruenau Lodge ROBERT WAYNE WALTERS Hochheim-Prairie Lodge

NYLA K. WOODS Round Top Lodge

GERARD RICHARD MALY Bryan Lodge

KATHRYN ANN UNGER Rowena Lodge

STEPHEN ALLAN MAREK Cameron Lodge

KAREN SUE GILBERT San Marcos Lodge

CHARLES JASON BIPPERT TODD T. BIPPERT DAYNA M. BOEHME ERIC W. BOEHME MARK EDWARD MANGOLD Castroville Lodge

JAMES E. CHOVANETZ MICHAEL ERWIN DIERINGER SR. JOSIE J. ZAPPE Schulenburg Lodge KEVIN M. ROSEBROCK Seguin Lodge DORIS JEAN ROHAN Shiner Lodge

SHEILA L. BAKER Houston Lodge

J.D. NEWMAN JR. KATHY ORENE NEWMAN Siemering Lodge

SHELLIE DIANE MALIK Karnes City Lodge

DONNA B. JOHNSON Taylor Lodge

SYLVIA ANN CAUSEY MARY R. DOYLE Kerrville Lodge

DANA KAY BAERWALD DOROTOHY J. GROSSE DAWN RENE KARSHIS BARBARA E. SELLMAN DEBORAH J. TINNEY Vineta Lodge

DANIEL RAY BOENIG Laubach Lodge PATRICIA A. BRONDER PEGGY ANN FARLEY FRANKYE C. PETERSON DOROTOHY S. STANZESKI Louise Schuetze Lodge REGENIA L. ARSENEAUX McGregor Lodge SANDRA GAYLE JONES Niederwald Lodge DIANE M. LINDSEY Pershing Lodge CAROLYN J. WRIGHT Plum Lodge

CHARLES L. BREJCHA MICHAEL LEE COOK SUSAN L. FLUKINGER SALLY ANN LUDWIG LAUREN L. SMITH Brenham Lodge

MARCELLE S. JAEGER Yorktown Lodge

50 Years CATHLEEN L. JONES Anton Wernzel Lodge RICHARD H. MUMME Biry Lodge DOUGLAS R. BACKER TAMMY HOLM MARLOW DANA DEAUN OBIEDO LANA LEAUN OBIEDO STACY LYNN OBIEDO STEPHANIE L. OBIEDO Boerne Lodge

SHIRLEY L. BIEHUNKO LISA ANN BILSKI SHERRY LEE HEGEMEYER Cat Spring Lodge LAURA E. KOCH Cibolo Lodge LANCE M. HARDING TRACY LYNN SMITH WENDY DAWN SPRINGER Columbia Lodge REBECCA L. HOLODAK DENNIS DUANE REEH DORIS ANN REEH BRYANT K. TATSCH CURTIS G. TATSCH CAROLYN HOLEKAMP TUCKER Comfort Lodge SCOTT L. PFEIL Corpus Christi Lodge KENDRICK W. BAROS CYNTHIA M. CHASE JAMES DEWAYNE CHASE Cuero Family Lodge STEPHEN B. BIANCHI VINCENT G. BIANCHI KENNETH R. GREGORY JR. LARRY W. GREGORY STEPHANIE MCCAFFREY ALICIA STEINKUEHLER THOMAS AARON UNGER DaCosta Lodge STACEY COMFORT D’Hanis Lodge CONTINUED ON PG. 8

Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

CONTINUED FROM PG. 7 BEVERLY V. KEMPF Dunlay Lodge KENNETH JOHN HOWARD SUSAN RENE PETTIT Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge MILTON R. KOEHL JR. CRAIG NEAL KOEHL Ellinger Lodge CARY C. KARNSTADT ARTHUR A. TOLBERT II ELENA ANN TOLBERT CYNTHIA SCHMIDT ZENNER Fredericksburg Lodge CATHY K. CARNEY DONNA LYNN MELCHER ERNIE L. MELCHER LESTER E. MELCHER REUBEN F. MELCHER STACEY R. MELCHER Giddings Lodge JACKIE L. BREITSCHOPF KELLY CARAWAY STEPHANIE A. FRIEDRICH ANNA MARIE MILLER Gonzales Lodge JARRETT E. JANSSEN ANDREW GORDON KELLER BARON HEATH LACKEY THEOFIL A. MIHALSKI SCOTT DUANE MOORE JOHN D. STANFIELD MARK EDWARD YARBROUGH Harmonia Lodge CHARLES S. MUTZ TRACI D. TOEPPERWEIN Helotes Lodge DANA KEVIN HOLCOMB KELLE K, JANSEEN SUSAN E. VILLAREAL DAVID WAYNE WENZEL PAUL EUGENE WENZEL CHRISTINE M. ZINKE Hochheim-Prairie Lodge BRANDON W. DISMUKES STUART W. NIETENHOEFER Hondo Lodge DEBORAH J. BENDELE SENISA KEENE BLUME LAURA JEAN ERXLEBEN Hondo Victory Lodge

Pioneers

LADONIA SUE FRANKE BRYAN C. WEINHEIMER Kerrville Lodge GARY G. KOPPLIN CURTIS WAYNE PAPE KAREN SUSANNE PAPE KATHRYN D. RICE Kirby Lodge THOMAS ALLEN COMBS WALTER NOLAN LANGE Laubach Lodge PATRICIA ANN ZENNER La Vernia Lodge RUSSEL TOD SUMMERS SLADEN E. SUMMERS Louise Schuetze Lodge LESLIE LYN MASON RANDALL H. MASON Mission-Alamo Lodge GLENDA S. BOENIG M.D. DOEPPENSCHMIDT WENDY L. DUNCAN CAILIN GREER COLLINS FILHIOL WENDY D. KAY PEGGY ANN COLLINS NOLAN JEFFREY E. RANDOW DEBRA L. SABAN DIANE E. SCHUMANN RONALD D. SCHUMANN New Braunfels Lodge JAE GENE JONES SANDRA LEA MATTICK LAURA DIANE PFEIFFER CYNTHIA A. RAKOWITZ SHERYL A. ROWLETT Paul Vogt Lodge CECILY ANN JONES DIANELLE SCHNURIGER JONN E. SCHNURIGER JOHNELLE SCHNURIGER MARK A. SCHNURIGER WESLEY O. WILLIS WADE ALLAN ZAESKE Pershing Lodge

Eugene Edward Fritcher has received his 75-year membership pin. Eugene lives in Houston and is a member of Houston Lodge.

He has been a member since Oct. 7, 1946.

JANET LYNNE ENDERLE HOWARD DALE HARRIS RHONDA KAY WEYAND Rutersville Lodge TERI GUENTERT MICHAEL C. TROJACEK TRAMER JOSEPH WOYTEK Schulenburg Lodge KEVIN LEE BROWN CHARLES C. FRYMIRE Schwertner Lodge BRADLEY SCOTT KLEIN Seguin Lodge PATRICIA SUSAN RINN Shelby Lodge STEVEN ALFRED HIBDON EDWARD LEE MINES JR. ROBERT ALAN MINES Siemering Lodge DEANDRA RAE BAARRON Taylor Lodge

MARK ALAN SENGELMANN Plum Lodge

MARK DUANE WAMARA Waco-Robinson Lodge

DANNY C. SENGER Priddy Lodge

KENDELL GENE FINSTAD Womack Lodge

MICHELLE DENISE ENGELMANN JACKSON Richland Lodge

Carolyn S. Millard has received her 75-year membership pin.

Carolyn lives in Ypsilanti, Mich., and is a member of Dallas Lodge. She has been a member since Dec. 18, 1946.

John M. Sodolak has received his 75-year membership pin.

John lives in College Station and is a member of Bryan Lodge. He has been a member since Dec. 10, 1946.

Donations

Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of: MARGARET (MARGO) DAILEY Donor: Lockhart Lodge DENNIS LANDAU Donor: Cat Spring Lodge PEGGY SUE HACK Donor: Dallas Lodge

SHERILL D. BOUDREAU LOIS HAZEL COTE JULIE E. MACKOWIAK FAYE D. MEAD TOMMY K. OGDEN CONSTANCE E. PHILLIPS Donor: Pershing Lodge

Donations to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: JO ANN BROWN Donor: New Braunfels Lodge

CALVIN KUEHN Donor: La Grange Lodge

Donations to the Camp Fund in Memory of: ALMA LEE SLAVINSKI Donor: Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge JANICE M. HERMANN Donor: Brenham Lodge

CARL W. SONTAG Donors: Attention Deficit Disorders Association Pamela H. Esser

Read us online at hermannsonslife.org

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9

Mel’s Lanes set to host bowling tournament AUSTIN – The Hermann Sons Life Statewide Bowling Tournament will be held July 30-31 and Aug. 6-7 at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown.

The rules of the tournament are listed below. Use the form to the right to enter a team.

For more information, call Sandra Jones at the number listed on the entry form.

Tournament Rules • At least two members of the team must be a member of Hermann Sons Life as of July 30, 2022. Two non-members per team is allowed.

• Non USBC bowlers may pay an affiliate membership fee of $20, which will provide high score recognition.

• Handicap is 90% from 220 for each bowler per event.

• IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY: It shall be each bowler’s responsibility to determine that the submitted average is correct. Failure to use the correct average shall disqualify the score if submitted average is lower than correct average thereby resulting in a lower classification or more handicap. Prize winnings shall be based on the submitted average if it is higher than the correct average. However, corrections in averages may be permitted up to the completion of the first game of a series. Every entry blank must have each bowler’s highest USBC Certified 2020-2021 book average based on 21 games or more at the time of participation in the tournament. Bowlers not having a 2020-2021 average must use highest 2021-2022 book average based on 21 games. Bowlers not having 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 book average must use 2022 Summer average of nine games or more in one league at time of participation. Bowlers not having any of the above averages must enter with a scratch average of 220 for the first nine games bowled in the tournament. Bowlers will then establish a tournament average to be used the following year. Bowlers not having any of the above averages, but who bowled 9 games in the 2021 tournament may use the average for those 9 games in the 2022 tournament. USBC Rule 319(A-2) is waived (10 or more pins increase in average).

A: 2020-2021 yearbook average. B: 2021-2022 yearbook average. C: Summer 2022 average (9 games or more in one sanctioned league at time of participation).

See BOWLING, Pg. 10

57th Hermann Sons Life State Bowling Tournament Mel’s Lone Star Lanes

1010 N. Austin Avenue, Georgetown • 512-930-2200

ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 1, 2022

90% Handicap • USBC Certified Tournament • Prize fund to be returned 100%

Entry fees: Team - $20 / Singles - $20 / Doubles - $20 / All Events (optional) - $5 Each fee consists of $5.75 for prize fund, $11.25 for lineage and $3 for expenses.

Non-members must pay an additional $20. See complete rules on back.

Event Date & Time Singles/Doubles Date & Time Team Team Singles Doubles All Events

1st Choice

2nd Choice

Remittance To Cover x $80 = x $20 = x $40 = x $5 = Total Entry Fees

Official Use Only Men/Women

Entry #

Class

Amount Enclosed

Amount Due

Confirmed Day/Time Singles/Doubles

Date Received

Confirmed Day/Time Team

Team Name: ______________________________________ City or Town Represented: _______________________ List bowlers' names in order of bowling - Lineup will not be rearranged!

USBC No.

Lodge No. Team Lineup - Bowler's Name Complete Mailing Address

High Avg. All Rule #4 Events

1.

2.

3.

4.

If any of the above are delegates, please place an "*" beside his/her name.

USBC No.

Lodge No. Singles/Doubles Bowler's Name 1.

2.

1.

2.

High Avg. Rule #4

Make all checks payable to: Hermann Sons State Bowling Tournament Mail entries to: Sandra Jones 516 Janie Lane Burleson, TX 76028 Phone: 817-781-7155 Any returned checks will carry a $20 returned check fee and must be paid prior to participation.

I, as Team Captain, have personally verified the above averages. Members are in good standing and agree to forfeit all claims for prize money in case of misrepresentation. No prize money will be paid until averages have been checked. Captain's signature __________________________________________________ Home Phone ______________ Work Phone _______________ Address ___________________________________ City, State, Zip __________________________ Team Captain please fill in below Association Manager's Name _______________________ Phone ______________ Address ________________________City, State, Zip ______________________ (Please include attachment if more than one City Secretary needs to be contacted.)

Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Prinz Solms to meet on April 10 BULVERDE – Prinz Solms Lodge will meet Sunday, April 10, at 5 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center.

Members enjoyed pizza with cupcakes for dessert at the March meeting.

Jackie Oldfield announced the local dinner theater, S.T.A.G.E., will present “Waiting for McArthur” May 5-22 and “Driving Ms. Daisy” in July.

The Bulverde Community Center will hold its annual Chicken

Dinner on April 24. Prinz Solms Lodge will host the cake booth as in the past. Members are asked to donate pies and cakes for the booth.

The lodge will donate two $100 gift cards for the raffle. Members will also assist with cooking and serving.

Entertainment will include the Hill Country School of Dance students.

Proceeds benefit the Bulverde Community Center.

Bowling tournament rules listed Cont’d. from Pg. 9 • All bowlers must check in 30 minutes before scheduled to bowl and should present their current USBC Certified card.

• Entry closing date is July 1, 2022.

• Any appeal or protest must be made prior to the payment of prizes. USBC Rule #329.

• Make check payable to HERMANN SONS STATE BOWLING TOURNAMENT. • All entries must be sent to the Tournament Manager no later than July 1, 2022. All entries postmarked the first post office business day following the entry closing date shall be accepted.

Tournament director reserves the right to accept applications up to the beginning of bowling as long as lanes are available.

• NO ENTRIES WILL BE RECORDED UNTIL MONEY IS RECEIVED. • No entry fee will be returned after being received.

• Entry fee is $20 per event. All Events is $5 optional. Non-members will pay an additional $20.

• 100% of the prize money will be returned to bowlers. If bowler does not cash check within six months, prize winnings will be forfeited.

• All winners’ averages will be verified before distribution of prize fund.

• Prize ratio will be at least one for every five entries in team, singles and doubles.

• Prize ratio for All Events will be one prize for every 20 entries.

• Plaques will be awarded to each event’s first place winners.

• Multiple participation will not

be allowed, except in cases of emergency where a bowler who has not participated already can not be found. At least three officers of the Executive Board must approve the substitute. This can only occur in the Team Event and Doubles Event. The decision of the Executive Board shall be final unless an appeal is made in accordance with Rule #329.

• Two separate tournaments with two separate prize lists: one for USBC female members only and one for USBC male members only.

• Average Adjustment USBC Rule #319E will apply.

• No previous prize winnings need be reported.

• USBC Rules will prevail in all instances not herein covered.

• SQUAD TIMES (TEAM CAPTAIN WILL BE NOTIFIED OF DATE TO BOWL): – Opening ceremony will be held on July 30, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.

– Singles/Doubles - Saturday, July 30 and Aug. 6 at 12 noon – Team - Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 7 at 10 a.m.

Additional squads may be added during the course of the tournament, however no squad may be added after the final squad on Aug. 7, 2022, at 10 a.m. unless tournament is extended due to number of entries and upon approval of USBC. Secretary may drop squad if not enough bowlers.

• Two free team entries for 2022 Tournament (one male and one female) will be drawn for at the Annual Meeting on July 30, 2022.

• Lanes will be dressed after each squad.

A tour of the Canyon Dam gorge was proposed and a weekend before June will be chosen.

Youth Coordinator Audrey Klabunde will be accepting college scholarship applications from high school seniors who are Prinz Solms members. Contact Audrey at 210-912-4207 for more information.

Games were played and members enjoyed the opportunity to visit.

– Reporter

Celebrating special occasions at the March meeting of Prinz Solms Lodge were Brooke Gourley, Warren Scholz, Teresa Saathoff and Everlyn Teague, birthdays; and Russell Boss, a 49th anniversary.

MEMBERS OF HERMANN SONS LIFE HONDO VICTORY LODGE GRADUATE CASH AWARD Hondo Victory Lodge will hold a drawing and award (ONE) $500 prize to an eligible 2022 high school graduate who is a female graduate member of Hondo Victory Lodge. The prize will be in the form of a check. A name will be drawn on June 1, 2022.

The winner only will be notified and is encouraged to attend the June 14, 2022, meeting to accept the check. For more information, call Loraine Miller at 830-426-2482. To enter, the form below must be completed and received on or before May 31, 2022.

Mail to: Loraine Miller, Financial Secretary Hondo Victory Lodge 1701 22nd Street Hondo, TX 78861 Please send a cap & 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__________________________________

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11

48th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly

Lodge delegates will gather at Embassy Suites in San Marcos SAN MARCOS – The 48th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly will be held May 9-12 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. Delegates will attend general sessions during the day and enjoy fellowship each evening.

Registration will begin at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 9, in the hotel lobby.

A welcome reception and dinner will be held that evening. The memorial service will be part of the Monday night event. The candidates for the Board of Directors also will be introduced that evening.

The Convention Assembly will convene on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. in the Veramendi Ballroom F-J. After introductory speeches, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and an opening prayer, reports will be presented. This year all reports will be given to the full assembly. There will not be any breakout sessions as in the past.

The reports will be presented in this order: Board of Directors, President and CEO, Vice President of Operations and COO, Vice President of Finance and CFO, Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Member Benefits and the Laws Committee.

During the reports, delegates will break for a lunch provided at the hotel.

After the group photo that afternoon, members will enjoy a reception in the

hotel lobby before a dinner and casino night entertainment.

After breakfast the next morning the delegates will reconvene to hear more reports from the Compensation Committee, Business Operations Committee, Community Engagement Committee, Members Benefits Committee, Ritual Committee and Appeals Committee.

Lunch will be provided at the hotel. After lunch, the election of the Board of Directors will be held. There are nine candidates seeking six seats on the Board.

Information on the candidates can be found on the next three pages.

A banquet will be held that evening during which the new Board of Directors will be sworn into office. The Fast Moving Train Trio will provide the entertainment.

Unless there is business to be conducted on Thursday morning, the delegates will be free to go home after breakfast.

Breakfast will be served in the hotel lobby each morning. Lunches will be served in the Veramendi Ballroom A-E, right next door to the business sessions.

The evening meals also will be served in the Veramendi Ballroom A-E. 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 semiformal.

The Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center will host the 48th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly starting May 9. The hotel is located at 1001 E. McCarty Lane, off Interstate 35 near the outlet malls. Delegates can check into their rooms and register for the Convention on Monday afternoon starting at 3 p.m. A dinner and reception will be held that evening.

History of previous convention gatherings shared Cont’d. from Pg. 2 Of course, because of the pandemic that wreaked havoc on our schedule in 2021, the Convention that should have been held last May is being held this May instead. We will remain on a four-year cycle, which means the next Convention Assembly will be held in 2026.

Grand Lodge Conventions have been held in all parts of the state. Host cities besides San Antonio have included Austin, Dallas, Galveston, Houston, La Grange, New Braunfels and Corpus Christi, which hosted it from 1997 until 2013. The 2017 Convention was held in San Marcos, in the same hotel where we will be gathering this year.

At one time, the custom was to hold the Convention in San Antonio every other time. By that I mean, one year it would be

in San Antonio and then four years later it would be held in another city before returning to San Antonio in another four years.

Unfortunately, the logistics of hosting the event in San Antonio made it difficult to continue meeting in the Alamo City.

Between the parking issues and higher hotel prices, the decision was made to meet in other cities.

While the opportunity to gather with fellow fraternalists and renew friendships has always been a highlight of past events, there have been some important decisions made during the business meetings.

For example, at the 1913 Convention held in Austin, delegates approved the resolution that would lead to the building of the Retirement Home.

At the 1921 Convention, delegates voted to break away from the national orga-

nization and to switch entirely to the English language in all official matters. It took a few years to make it all happen, but by 1937, all lodges and the Home Office had successfully made the conversion.

At the 1997 Convention in Corpus Christi, delegates changed the structure of the Grand Lodge officers, creating a Grand President, four Grand Vice Presidents who were in charge of specific areas of the organization – Fraternal, Marketing, Investments and Secretary/Treasurer – and a Grand Finance Committee. Together these officers would make up the Grand Committee, which was ultimately in charge of all aspects of the organization. Before that there had been a Grand President, Grand Secretary-Treasurer, First Grand Vice President, Second Grand Vice President and Grand Trustees.

Then at the 2017 Convention, delegates

voted to officially change our name to Hermann Sons Life and once again change the structure of our leadership. We now have an elected Board of Directors and hired officers including a President/CEO and five Vice Presidents in charge of Operations, Finance, Member Benefits, Sales and Information Technology.

What important decisions will be made at this year’s Convention Assembly? We will soon find out.

Hermann Sons Life has a long history and we should all be proud to play a small part in creating the history that future generations will read and learn about.

I invite you to stop by the Home Office and browse through the museum where you will find lots of photos from past Grand Lodge Conventions. Maybe you will find one of your ancestors in one of those photos.

Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Meet the Candidates

Stanley Steiger

David R. Noak

David Wolf

Stan was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1968. He graduated from Valparaiso University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. 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.

Andrew is married to Miriah and they have two sons.

Elizabeth is married to Chris and has a daughter and a son.

He has been a member of Hermann Sons Life since July 1956. He attended Camp for five years and worked as a counselor for three years. 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.

He was elected to the first Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors in 2017.

Three reasons why he believes he would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. Insurance knowledge and sales experience. I have been in this industry long enough to see the ups and downs of the insurance industry. From economic changes to cultural changes to storm changes, there are always outside forces that affect the insurance industry. I feel I can best advise Hermann Sons Life in these matters.

2. Experience with Hermann Sons Life. My father Carl and grandmother Elizabeth had a special place in their hearts for Hermann Sons Life and they passed that down to me. So I feel that dedication in me can still help our organization.

3. Moral values. Our family has always had a strong faith in God and country. I feel this mindset will always seek to do what is best for Hermann Sons Life and its members. So, I am asking for your vote to sit on the Board of Directors of our great fraternal organization, Hermann Sons Life, to be able to continue our forward progress.

David was born in La Grange and graduated from La Grange High School in 1968. His family has been part of Hermann Sons Life for six generations - from his great-grandfather, Gustav Noak, to his youngest granddaughter, Khloe Noak.

He has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and is a member of the Audit and Compliance and Governance Committees.

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 served as the Chief Enlisted Manager to the United States Military Commander in Kaiserslautern, Germany, coordinating matters with German town mayors and city managers that affected more than 60,000 U.S. citizens working and living abroad.

He retired in 1994 as a Chief Master Sergeant, a rank that can only be obtained by 1 percent of all military personnel.

He returned to La Grange where he served two terms as mayor and four years as a county commissioner.

He then joined the Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. As a district coordinator, he served five counties and advised mayors and county judges on all issues pertaining to disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

He is an active member and past president of Rutersville Lodge.

He is a life member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in La Grange.

He married the former Mary D. Lemmons on January 9, 1970. They have two children and seven grandchildren. Sadly Mary passed away almost three years ago.

Three reasons why he believes he would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. I believe this Board has made many positive changes for Hermann Sons Life and I have been able to be a big part of putting us on track to be a great and successful organization for many years to come.

2. I am truly passionate about the organization and I support and encourage our staff in developing more products and programs for you, our members.

3. I have a proven track record of having been on the Board of Directors for five years now and I believe I have been a positive influence on our Home Office staff and a positive ambassador for Hermann Sons Life.

David serves as President of Wichita Falls Lodge.

He was elected to the Hermann Sons Life Board of DIrectors at the 2017 Convention.

He has worked in two county hospitals since 1998.

He worked in outpatient geropsych programs. He says the life experiences he learned from this population have been invaluable to him. He said, “I see the wisdom they possess and strived to learn what they had to teach especially now that I belong to that age group.”

He retired from full-time work in 2017 but continues to work part-time. His part-time work includes working as a social worker in a long-term care facility and tending to 35-plus momma cows.

He has become well educated on insurance matters through his years as an agent and by serving on the Board of Directors for the past five years. He sees himself as being well invested in Hermann Sons Life through participation in life insurance and annuity purchases.

He currently serves as a camp director for the Texas Lions Club in Kerrville.

He is a 30-year member of the Graham Lions Club and a 45-year member of the Knights of Columbus.

He has been a member of Hermann Sons Life for 50-plus years. He is a CASA Volunteer for Virginia’s House in Graham.

He is active at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He continues to officiate high school and sub-varsity football after 20 years of service to the Texas Association of Sports Officials.

Three reasons why he believes he would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. I have served on the Board for the past five years.

The Board was faced with making numerous difficult decisions. The Board worked well as a team and there are ongoing projects that I would like to see through to completion.

2. I have my German heritage to be proud of and I see the need for representation from outside the South Texas area.

3. I have worked at mediating and compromising during the course of my professional career and those skills have been useful during my tenture on the Board.

Meet the Candidates

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13

Gerald Ziemnicki

Michael Beam

Sandra Jones

Gerald lives in Houston and is currently serving as president of Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge and is a field agent for Hermann Sons Life.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisc., he moved to Houston in 1979. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Marquettte University in Milwaukee.

Wife Aida Kennedy Ziemnicki is a Texas licensed tax attorney and CPA. They have four children, all of whom are Hermann Sons Life members.

His community service work has included membership in the Knights of Columbus, founding member of the The Park People in Houston (a group advocating for more parks and open recreation space) and the Boy Scouts.

He is a retired registered representative and certified financial planner.

Three reasons why he believes he would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. With more than 60 years of active fraternal involvement, I have come to understand the great role that fraternal benefit societies have played in the societal development of America. More specifically, in the past 14 years, I have come to realize and know the value of Hermann Sons Life’s contribution to societal development throughout the State of Texas. I will endeavor to advocate for and advance the organization’s outreach to our Texas communities.

2. My fraternal experiences have lead me to the conclusion that a fraternal organization’s vitality and strength has been and will be in the future dependent upon an insurance program that is fully known by and supported by all of its members. To that end, I will support insurance products which will attract not only millenials but the whole age range of our Hermann Sons Life family and community of friends.

3. With more than 40 years of marketing and sales experience in the financial services industry, I have a “big picture” perspective of what is occurring now and what is the projected trend of the future. I would like to use that perspective and experience to help contribute to the Hermann Sons Life Board’s overview and future plans. In terms of financial literacy, I am very familiar with and understand annual reports, balance sheets, SEC forms 10-Q and 10-K filings and research reports.

Michael has been a Hermann Sons Life and Harmonia Lodge member for more than 45 years.

During this time, he has served in many responsible positions within both the Home Office and the lodge. He has held almost every elected and appointed position in his lodge and has served on the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Hermann Sons Home Association.

In 1988, he was appointed to the Grand Finance Committee and served for 10 years. At the Convention in 2017, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Hermann Sons Life.

He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 37 years. They have three children, Margo, Marla and Marcus, and a grandson, Easton. They are a 100% Hermann Sons Life Family. After graduating from college, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery in the U.S. Army and served at Fort Sill, Okla., for three years. Upon his return home, he joined Hermann Sons Life and the Army National Guard. He served in the National Guard for 29 years, 25 of those as a full-time officer.

During his military career, he received responsible duty assignments including Company and Battalion Command and Operations Officer. He retired in 2004 as Colonel and Deputy Director of Logistics.

After military retirement, he took a position with Bowhead Holding Company. He began his career as a site supervisor at the company’s largest project and later was promoted to other responsible positions at the company headquarters. He served as the first general manager of Bowhead Support Group from 2006 until his retirement in 2008.

Three reasons why he believes he would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. During my five years as a member of the Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors and 10 years of service on the Grand Finance Committee and membership on the Grand Committee, I have always served in an objective manner with my goal being to strengthen Hermann Sons Life.

2. I am part of a famiy with deep roots in Hermann Sons Life. I care about the well being of the company. I will be a voice for all members.

3. I want the company to prosper and our membership to grow under the traditional values that we were founded on 132 years ago.

Sandra is a member of Fort Worth Lodge. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017 and was then elected Chair of the Board.

As a 56-year member of Fort Worth Lodge, Sandra has served as co-chair of the Youth Committee and trustee and is currently serving as secretary/treasurer and agent.

She served two terms on the Grand Finance Committee from 2009-2017. She previously served on the Fraternal Activities Committee (1993-1997), the Laws Committee (1997-2005) and the Retirement Home Committee (2005-2009).

She has been married to Sam Jones for 56 years and they have two daughters and three grandchildren She is an avid bowler and currently serves as secretary and tournament director for the Hermann Sons Life State Bowling Tournament. She has also held officer and committee positions for local, state and national level bowling organizations.

She has just finished serving her eighth year volunteering for AARP doing tax returns and currently serves as site coordinator for two sites.

Her work experience has been in the insurance industry, accounting and tax departments.

In her 40 years in the insurance industry, she worked for companies that sold life and health insurance. She took classes covering insurance laws and management classes and supervised a staff of 15.

She retired from Acme Brick Co. where she worked in the tax department as a tax compliance specialist.

She dealt with outside vendors as well as plant managers and sales office managers.

Three reasons why she believes she would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. I have been a member for 56 years and served my local lodge in different offices.

2. In the past, the Grand President has appointed me to serve on committees and while serving I have attended all meetings and as many functions as possible.

3. In 2009 and 2013, the delegates elected me to serve on the Grand Finance Committee. In 2017, the delegates elected me to serve on the Board of Directors and then to serve as Chair of the Board.

Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Meet the Candidates

Kimberly Krueger

Suzanne Hildebrand

Laura Tiffin

Kim has been an active member of Hermann Sons Life for 49 years. As a third-generation member, she attended lodge meetings throughout her childhood.

She was elected lodge secretary, her first officer position, at the age of 20. She has served as a lodge officer every year since, including secretary and president. She currently serves as a financial trustee for Stockdale Lodge and attends all meetings and takes part in all community service projects.

Kim starting working at the Home Office in December of 1994. She worked in the Collections Department for the first year. She then moved into the Youth Activities office.

In 1997, governance changed and the office became the Fraternal Department. Kim worked closely with the Vice President-Fraternal as his assistant for 16 years.

At the 2013 Grand Lodge Convention, Kim was elected Vice President-Fraternal.

She also served on the Board of Directors of the Fraternal Alliance of Texas. She served as president in 2017.

Kim served on the Executive and Grand Commitees from 2013 to 2018 when she made the difficult decision to leave Hermann Sons Life to work with her husband on their farm and ranch along with helping her parents with their farm and ranch. They currently have a couple of additional staff and provide quality hay to feed stores and many local clients. They also have a large cattle ranch. Kim and husband Dustin enjoy working together. They are blessed with one son, Matthew, a daughter-in-law, Breanna, and a beautiful grandson, Stetson, whom Kim loves to babysit two days a week.

Three reasons why she believes she would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. Every decision I made as an employee and an officer was made with the best interest of our members in mind. If elected to serve as a member of the Board, I will continue to make decisions based on the best interest of our members.

2. I have knowledge of the entire fraternal system - lodges, insurance and benefits - and the financial background to make sound decisions to carry Hermann Sons Life forward for the future.

3. I believe in Hermann Sons Life. I want to make sure Hermann Sons Life will be around in the future for many generations to come.

Suzanne is a member of Mission-Alamo Lodge. Her Hermann Sons Life experience includes 16 years of service working with corporate counsel. She was elected to the first Board of Directors for Hermann Sons Life in 2017.

Suzanne has devoted much of her time to three important causes - founding the first Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Chapter in Texas, bringing San Antonio hospitals into compliance with stroke certification protocols nationwide and support for law enforcement.

She was appointed by Governor Bill Clements to serve on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. She was appointed

by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Council. She was reappointed to that position by Governor Greg Abbott. And in 2020, she was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to assume the Chairmanship of the Texas Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Council, being the first non-doctor and first woman ever appointed to that position.

Suzanne has served as a Live Oak City Council Member and has recently served on the Charter Review Committee for the city. Additionally, she was appointed by County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson to serve on the Bexar County Jail Population Committee.

She also served on the Baptist Health System Patient Advisory Board and was instrumental in getting Stroke Support Groups set up at University Hospital and Baptist Hospitals. Additionally, she has set up the James Ray Hildebrand Stroke Fund at University Hospital which is designed to help those who have suffered strokes with needs such as medical equipment and treatment that they otherwise could not afford. On May 27 of this year, she will Chair the Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Conference at the Cooley Center in Houston.

A widow since 2010, Suzanne continues to live in Live Oak, a suburb of San Antonio.

Three reasons why she believes she would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. Administrative, legal and non-profit experience.

2. Passion to serve the Hermann Sons Life family.

3. Dedication to Hermann Sons Life, its membership, its employees and its continued business endeavors.

Laura has been a member of Hermann Sons Life for 60 years. She originally joined Weesatche Lodge but transferred to Cuero Family Lodge after marrying Wayne Tiffin. They have one daughter, Allison, and they are a 100% Family She has been president of the lodge for 15 years and has been a licensed agent since 2007.

She is currently a member of the Business Operations Committee.

She started her career at the Cuero Regional Hospital in 1980. She has advanced through the years and is now the General Accounting Manager. She is in charge of payroll for approximately 400 employees and accounts payable for the hospital, five clinics, home health and the fitness center. She also handles bank transactions for 16 nursing homes. She works closely with the accountant, controller and the chief financial officer and assists them as needed.

She said that, “Hermann Sons is near and dear to my heart. Other than just being a lodge officer, I took it one step further and became an agent in 2007. As an agent, I have made suggestions to improve the processes that have been implemented in the Sales Department.”

She added, “I have seen many changes in my 42 years at the hospital and with Hermann Sons Life.

In today’s world, you have to make changes to be able to keep up with governing bodies and modern technology. Although change is inevitable, it is important to keep in mind your heritage and core and traditional values.”

Three reasons why she believes she would be an excellent director for Hermann Sons Life: 1. Would love to see Hermann Sons Life be here to serve many more generations to come.

2. As a member, lodge officer and agent, I feel I can be objective and help make the best decisions for this organization.

3. Having been an agent, committee member and local lodge officer of Hermann Sons Life, I feel I have some insight into the workings of this organization.

I believe we need to continue to increase our membership and offer products to be able to provide for our current and future members. In doing this we have to contually review our products and benefits to do what is best for the whole organization and members.

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15

Top chili and bean cookers recognized First place Chili Cook-off amateur winner was Y.A. Niemietz of San Antonio pictured with Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly during the awards presentation.

Chili winners in the amateur category included, from left, Debbie Kiolbassa of Schertz, fifth place; Jody Castro of Comfort, fourth; Ben Brown of Floresville, third; and Ann Spaeth of San Antonio, second.

Winners in the Retirement Home Pinto Bean Cook-off in Comfort on March 12 were, from left, Cindy Villarreal of Yorktown, third place; Terry Short of Fredericksburg, second; and Y.A. Niemietz of San Antonio, first.

Amateur chili winners were, from left, Dustin Broll of Yorktown, 10th place; John Kelly of La Vernia, ninth; Amelia Schneider of San Antonio, eighth; Chris Hosinski of Yorktown, seventh; and Elliott Schneider of San Antonio, sixth.

The Hermann Sons Life Home Office Chili Cook-off participants won the amateur showmanship category at the cook-off.

The theme was 70’s and “Groovy Chili” was entered in the contest. Pictured on left is “Hippie” Heydon Kelly, son of Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly and husband John.

Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

CASI cooks return to Comfort contest

First place CASI Chili Cook-off winner was Luke Whitmeyer of Pipe Creek. He is pictured with Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly.

CASI Chili Cook-off winners included, from left, Mel Burton of Marion, fifth place; Sandra Quintanilla of Karnes City, fourth; Kathy L’Huillier of Comfort, third; and Billy Behemel of Kerrville, second.

Other CASI Chili Cook-off winners were, from left, Fontino Quintanilla of Karnes City, 10th; Bob Lisherness of New Braunfels, ninth; Happy Burton of Marion, eighth; Doug Selig of Fredericksburg, seventh; and John Goforth of Comfort, sixth.

CASI Chili Cook-off showmanship winners were, from left, Sam Hilliard of Comfort, second; and Kathy L’Huillier of Comfort, first place.

Retirement Home hosts Annual Cook-off

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17

Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Kypfer-Salge to host camp director

Niederwald Lodge met in March Door prize winners at the March meeting of Niederwald Lodge were Betty Moczygemba and Connie Schriber.

Celebrating birthdays in March from Kypfer-Salge Lodge were, from left, Celeste Salge and Molly Koepp.

CLEAR SPRINGS – Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett will be the guest speaker at the Kypfer-Salge Lodge meeting on April 1. He will talk about Camp and answer questions.

Hamburgers will be served.

Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

The lodge welcomed new junior member Tulsa Rain Henk at the March meeting. Call Celeste Salge at 830-620-8515 to recommend a new member.

Anyone interested in renting the hall should call Molly Koepp at 830-624-9891. Thanks go to Molly for redoing the bulletin board that features lots of information.

– Darline Preiss

Fort Worth Lodge will hold annual picnic on June 12 FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge held its quarterly meeting on Sunday, March 6, at Spring Creek Barbeque.

Since this was the first meeting of the year, President Shannon Jones installed the officers.

Letters were read from The Harvest House and the Home Office thanking the lodge for

recent donations.

After some discussion concerning the cost of renting a venue, members decided to hold the annual picnic on June 12 at Sammy’s Restaurant in Burleson. Membership pin recipients will be invited to attend so they can have their pins presented in person. Representatives from the Military

Order of the Purple Heart and The Harvest House will be invited to attend. This year’s Join Hands Day projects will benefit these organizations.

Parents of campers are reminded to order a t-shirt for their children from the lodge’s Youth Committee. Youth Director Ronnie Jones shared a letter from Jennifer Wagner thanking

Brenham welcomes new member BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge will not meet in April. The meeting was scheduled for April 8, which is the same night as the annual fireman’s fish fry and members are encouraged to support that event.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 13.

At the March meeting, members enjoyed a meal of fried chicken, green beans, pinto beans, potato salad and cucumber salad along with a large table of desserts, all prepared by lodge members.

Welcomed as a new adult member was Robin Mann.

Director David Noak made a presentation about Board activities and the upcoming Convention Assembly in May. Agent Gary Falkenberg spoke about the need for additional agents statewide.

He also reminded members

Celebrating March birthdays at the Brenham Lodge meeting were, from left, Gary Falkenberg, Delores Gaskamp, Nina Runge and Robert Preuss. that the lodge hosts bingo games every Thursday night with cards going on sale at 6:15 p.m. and games starting at 7 p.m. Games are usually over about 9:30 p.m.

He reminded everyone to keep

abreast of lodge events by viewing the lodge page on the website at Hermann Sons Life Brenham.

The menu for the May meeting will be posted there.

– Reporter

the lodge for the shirts and her excitement at having three children at Camp this year.

There is still time if you have a child who wants to go to Camp or your child has a friend who wants to go. Contact Sandra Jones at 817-781-7155 or the Home Office.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Kenneth Brehm. Ken-

neth was a 65-year member of the lodge.

Reaching his 60-year membership milestone on April 16 will be Gregory Smith.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Chase Brown, Hailee Walker, Jessica Neider, Zachary Ryan, Lisa Schick, Morris Turek, Brett Walters and Vince Wos. – Reporter

Helotes will meet on June 14

HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will meet June 14 at 7 p.m. at Braun Hall.

A hot meal will be provid-

ed.

Door prizes will be given away.

– Reporter

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19

DaCosta will hold annual Spring Fling on April 9 DACOSTA – DaCosta Lodge’s annual Spring Fling is set for April 9 starting at 4 p.m.

The event is open to all members and the community. Activities will include a cake/toy walk, Easter egg hunt, games and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Don’t forget to bring those Easter baskets!

Please register at https://bit.ly/ DaCostaEggHunt so there will be enough eggs.

A public dance with music by the Tainted Heart Band will start at 8 p.m.

Applications and essays for the DaCosta Lodge Scholarship are due by April 15. Contact Sayra Boop at sayra@dacostahall. com or 361-676-6947 for an application.

The lodge still has cookbooks for sale. They are $20 each and there is a $6 shipping charge (if needed). Call Diane Stastny at

361-579-8512, order online at bit.ly/DaCostaLodge or contact any of the lodge officers.

Other upcoming events include: May 14 - DaCosta School of Dance recital and public dance featuring Texas Continentals June 11 - DaCosta Volunteer Fire Department annual fundraiser and a public dance featuring Southern Drive Band If you need to update your

member information, contact Tessia Stastny at tessia@dacostahall.com or 361-237-6002.

The next Lodge meeting will be held Monday, May 2, at 6 p.m.

Members are asked to note the date change.

Up-to-date events and information can be found at: DaCosta Hall Facebook page: facebook.com/DacostaHall77905 DaCosta Lodge Facebook

page: facebook.com/DaCostaLodge-100293408189350 Contact Hall Manager Andrea Stehle at 361-578-2039 or andrea@dacostahall.com with any comments, suggestions, hall rental info, membership request or transfers.

Contact Tessia Stastny regarding all deaths, get wells, births, etc. at 361-237-6002 or tessia@ dacostahall.com.

– Reporter

New Braunfels plans catered meal NEW BRAUNFELS – Karen Harborth will host the April 3 meeting of New Braunfels Lodge.

The meal will be catered.

The hall was decorated in a St. Patrick’s Day theme for the March 6 meeting.

Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek gave a report on the upcoming convention.

The New Braunfels School of Dance recital has been scheduled for May 1.

Members approved a $50 donation each to the Project Graduation programs at New Braunfels and Canyon high schools. Project Graduation is a lock-in held on graduation night that gives seniors a safe place to celebrate.

A resolution of respect was read in memory of JoAnn Salge Brown.

“Happy Birthday” was sung to social member Dorothy Schnei-

der.

Attendance prizes went to Delbert Tanneberger, Karen Harborth, Sandra Guenther, Michael Huebinger, Jerome Vetter, Jolene Meuret, Connie Krause, Dorella Colbert, Dorothy Moose, Phillip Neff and A.J. and B.J. Schneider.

Dennis Schwab hosted the fried catfish supper served after games and refreshments.

– Reporter

McGregor meets April 5 at coffee shop Fredericksburg members recognized Fredericksburg Lodge members celebrating a March birthday were, from left, Geneva Tatsch, Hans Enderlin and President Marissa Weinheimer. Marissa prepared the enchilada dinner members enjoyed at the meeting.

Boerne Lodge will meet April 1 at Kronkosky Place BOERNE – Boerne Lodge will meet Friday, April 1, at 12 noon at Kronkosky Place.

Marilyn Vogt gave her agent report at the March 4 meeting and informed members that the lodge currently has 712 members including 559 adults and 153 juniors.

She also reported she in the process of determining which graduating high school members are eligible for the lodge’s scholarships this year.

Barbara D’Spain announced that the lodge’s new member goal for 2022 is 16. If you know someone who might be inter-

ested in life insurance or an annuity, refer them to Marilyn Vogt or to the Home Office. If you recommend a prospective member your name will be entered in a monthly drawing for a $50 gift card.

Happy Birthday wishes were extended to Lloyd Markell and James Meckel who celebrated their birthdays in March. They both received a free meal ticket from the Rainbow Senior Center.

James Meckel was the winner of the four corner bingo and received a gift card for future use.

– Reporter

McGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will meet April 5 at 6 p.m. at The Coffee Shop. This is on a Tuesday during Lent.

The March 1 meeting also was held at the McGregor Coffee Shop. Members and guests enjoyed a meal, meeting and fellowship.

President Doris Mooney reminded members that the lodge has a new member goal for the year. Anyone recommending a

new member could win a $50 gift card in a monthly drawing.

Congratulations to members who have reached membership milestones. Doris Hauser received her 75-year pin. She has been a member since March 22, 1947. Jonika Sandersen received her 60-year pin. She has been a member since Jan. 3, 1962.

Members Jerome Weinstrom, Kerry Arseneaux and Doris Mooney were on the lodge’s sick

list.

Doris read a thank you note from The Rhett Revolution for donations and from the family of Janet Schmalriede for donations made in her memory.

Happy Birthday wishes were extended to Betty Johnson.

Door prize winners were Viola Mize, El Nora Lawton and Jerome Weinstrom.

– Doris Mooney

Harmonia holds annual memorial service

SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge will provide fajitas/tacos for the April 14 meeting. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

Brisket will be provided for the May 12 meeting in the Rathskeller. Members are asked to provide side dishes and/or desserts.

The March meeting included a meal of corned beef and cabbage prepared by Vice President Albert Ranzau and Director Mike Beam .

The annual memorial service was held to remember members who passed away from 2019-2021. Taking part in the service were Mike Warneke, John Hoog and Rene Kraus.

Members who have passed away in 2022 also were remembered. They include Lawrence W. Rohn, who passed away Jan. 1 at the age of 85 and had been a member since 1964; Edward J. Orr, who passed away Jan. 28 at the age of 83 and had been a member since 1955; William

Albert Robinson Jr. ,who passed away Feb. 12 at the age of 76 and had been a member since 1967; and Robert A. Moseley, who passed away Feb. 14 at the age of 63 and had a member since 1983.

President Rene Kraus and Bill Witteman’s wife Myrtle were celebrating a March birthday.

Winners of attendance prizes were Albert Ranzau and Stan Steiger and Mike Beam won split-the-pot.

– Reporter

Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Rutersville Lodge to meet April 6

Celebrating March and April birthdays from Lockhart Lodge are, from left, Nicky Duewall, Erin Hess, Carol Schuelke and Ray Pfefferkorn. Jonelle French celebrated hers in February.

Celebrating March birthdays at the Rutersville Lodge meeting were C.D. Jenkins, James Svrcek and, not pictured, Linda Mattocks.

RUTERSVILLE – Rutersville Lodge will meet April 6. Members are asked to check the article in the local newspaper for information on the meal.

At the March 1 meeting, members enjoyed a meal featuring pork tenderloin prepared by Ricky Kuhn. Members brought various side dishes and desserts.

Agent Linda Mattocks and Director David Noak spoke.

Jo Ann Mueller reported sending a get well card to Bradley Bayer.

Door prize winners were Dorothy Keilers, Sherry Noak, Kirby Keilers, Ricky Kuhn and James Svrcek.

– Reporter

Seguin plans scholarship fund-raiser Door prize winners at the March meeting of Lockhart Lodge were, from left, Jonelle French and Benjamin and Bethany Visage.

Lockhart Lodge President Nicky Duewall presents the 2021 Humanitarian Award to Billy Ray Buckner.

Door prize winners at the February meeting of Lockhart Lodge were Debbie Pfefferkorn and John Buckner.

LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge met at Smitty’s Market in February and March.

President Nicky Duewall awarded Billy Ray Buckner the 2021 Humanitarian Award.

In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge will join hands with the Prairie Lea FFA, led by Erin Hess, and assist them with getting a banner and/or t-shirts for about 20-21 students.

Agent Janice Kuhen encouraged junior members to attend

Camp this summer.

At the February meeting, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Lynn Schroeder Rust who passed away Dec. 30, 2021, at the age of 42. Lynn had been a member since April 1979.

During the March meeting, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Margo Dailey who passed away Jan. 8, 2022, at the age of 49. Margo had been a member since September 1975.

– Reporter

Lockhart presents award

SEGUIN – Seguin Lodge meets the third Wednesday of the month beginning with a potluck and social time at 6:30 p.m. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

The meal for the February meeting included chili, hotdogs and Frito pies along with the side dishes provided by members.

Brian and Tammy Beutnagel served the meal. Desserts were provided by those celebrating February birthdays and anniversaries.

Paul Gescheidle gave a report on the “Shoot for the Scholarship” fund-raiser that the lodge is sponsoring on Sat-

urday, April 9. It will be held at Moyesway Shooting Sports, 12601 FM 20, Kingsbury, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone wanting to participate or sponsor the event is asked to contact Paul Gescheidle at 210-430-1131 or Annette Roecker at 830-8320724.

President Cheryl Kolbe presented Allen Gescheidle with a past president plaque.

Congratulations go to Carl Illhardt for receiving his 70-year membership pin.

Sympathy cards were sent to the Myrtle Voss family and to the Dorothy Schriewer family. Sympathy also is extended to the family of Ronald Soefje

who passed away in September.

Celebrating February birthdays were Allen Gescheidle and Basil Kallies.

Door prize winners were Howard Huebner, Brian Beutnagel, Jeff Kallies, Tammy Beutnagel and Tom Allison.

Winning the candy guessing game was Joi Barnes.

Two names were drawn for the Progressive Pot but Michelle Wolfshohl and Barbara Strey were not there to claim the cash. Next month the pot will be worth $30.

Jeff Kallies won the split-thepot cash.

– Dottie Kallies

Vineta will honor mothers on May 5

Vineta Lodge Vice President Emily Roberts, left, presents Carol Bielke with a birthday card at the March meeting.

SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will celebrate Mother’s Day on May 5 with a meal from Little Italy. Members planning to attend are asked to call Ruth Bailey at 210-602-5147 no later than April 29.

The meeting in April will be canceled because Fiesta is the first week in April and Night in Old San Antonio will be under way in the downtown area.

Special thanks go to Beth Byron for preparing the meal for the March meeting and to

Emily Roberts and Cecilia Padalecki for the desserts they furnished.

Split-the-pot winner was Carol Bielke.

Attendance award winners were Mary Ann Pintaric, Emily Roberts, Genny Kraus and Beth Byron.

The lodge mourns the passing of Bernice Jahnke, a member for 46 years; Judith A Smith, a member for 34 years; and Cynthia Martinez, a member for 48 years.

– Reporter

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21

Dallas to hold pin presentations May 22

Urijah Tamez, Hunter Buitron and David Garcia play with Legos during the Corpus Christi Lodge March meeting. Alivia Tamez and Kamberlie Bainbridge were busy playing with dolls.

DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will not meet in April. The next meeting is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Hall. Lunch will be provided.

Membership anniversary pins will be presented. Members who have received their pin this year are asked to bring it with them if they want it presented in person.

Pin recipients who cannot attend are reminded that another pin presentation ceremony

will be held Dec. 18.

Members reaching milestones in March, April and May include Frank L. Bernhard of Porter Ranch, Calif., 75 years on April, 4,1947; Patricia A, Satarino of Little Elm, 70 years on March 3, 1952; Ann L. Watley of Arlington, 60 years on April 1, 1962; Brian K. Eitel of Stone Mountain, Ga., 50 years on May 28,1972; Casey G. Elliott and Leslie R. Elliott of Allen, 50 years on May 28, 1972; and

Laura Lea Savell of Mount Airy, Ga., 50 years on May 28, 1972.

Details of the March 20 meeting will be reported in the May issue.

Congratulations are extended to Gilbert Shelby, who retired in February after 36 years of service.

He is a member of Colombia Lodge, a field agent and serves on the Home Association Board of Directors.

– Reporter

Deanville to help host event on April 30

Celebrating birthdays at the March meeting of Corpus Christi Lodge were, from left, Shelly Hunt, holding birthday buddy Rhylie Garcia, Urijah Tamez, Michelle Ballard, Betty Ballard and Kerry Ginn.

Corpus Christi Lodge prize winners in March were, from left, Shelly Hunt, Kiersten Hunt and Cheryl Garcia.

lodge and will be missed.

Lodge members who will be graduating in May may be eligible for a scholarship from the lodge. Applicants must include their name, age, contact information, school and their class rank. They must also write an essay of at least 250 words on the “Importance of Being a Member of Hermann Sons Life Deanville.” The essay and information must be sent to Hermann Sons Life Deanville, P.O.133, Deanville, Texas 77852.

The deadline for applications is May 1. For more information, call 979-596-1309.

– Reporter

Deanville Lodge President Donnie Blinka celebrated his 80th birthday with a party at the lodge hall on Feb. 19. A great time was had by all in attendance.

Pershing will honor mothers on May 4

Corpus Christi Lodge plans game night fun for April 5 CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Lodge will meet at Hilltop Community Center for a game night on Tuesday, April 5, at 6 p.m.

An Easter egg hunt for children will be held at Guth Park on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pizza and drinks will be served and there will be games, face painting and a special guest for the children is expected. Bring lawn chairs.

DEANVILLE – Deanville Lodge will host part of the Deanville Heritage Foundation’s grand opening on April 30. The all-day event will feature a car show, tractor show, orphan train history, hot air balloon rides and many other activities.

For more information contact Vice President Tammy Jones at 979-324-7274 or Secretary Marsha Kocurek at 979-277-5026.

The next lodge meeting will be held Sunday, March 27, at 2 p.m.

Members are mourning the passing of R.J. Smith on Jan. 15 and Roy Havemann on Jan. 20. Both men were active in the

At the March 1 meeting, it was announced the lodge will join Annaville Baptist Church for a Join Hands Day project.

Hygiene bags will be put together and distributed.

Shelly Hunt reminded members to be thinking about plans for the summer party in August.

The 50/50 winner was Dwayne Hunt.

– Darlette Brandon

SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will not meet in April due to Fiesta events. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, May 4. Mothers will be honored.

The meal will include fried chicken with sides. An accurate count is needed so members are asked to RSVP by April 15.

Call the office at 210-227-3085 and leave a message.

At the March meeting, members were informed of the passing of Sherrill D. Boudreau, Lois Hazel Cote, Julie E. Mackowiak, Faye D. Mead, Tommy K. Ogdon and Constance E. Phillips.

For Join Hands Day, Pershing Lodge members will spend a day in June volunteering at the food bank in New Braunfels.

Members can bring nonperishable food items to the May and

Celebrating March birthdays at the Pershing Lodge meeting were Dorothy Pawlik, left, and Betty Opiela.

June meetings. Monetary donations also will be accepted.

Emily Wallace won the $35 at-

tendance prize. Sharon Mainz won the split-the-pot drawing.

– Dorothy Pawlik

Page 22 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Cibolo Easter Egg Contest open to juniors, adults CIBOLO – Cibolo Lodge’s April meeting will feature an Easter Egg Contest. Entries can be decorated eggs (hardboiled preferred), decorated cookies or cakes. There really is no limit except your imagination. The best adult and junior entries will earn prizes.

Sub sandwiches will be served.

Members are asked to bring a favorite side dish and dessert.

The March 3 meeting was held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Universal City.

The evening began with a meal featuring sausage as the main dish and the sides provided by members. Dena Warneke’s deviled eggs were voted the

Dena Warneke accepts her $10 in bingo winnings from President John Gray at the March Cibolo Lodge meeting.

Dena won the blackout game at the end of the evening.

or sibling.

Birthday cards were sent to Sebastian Flores and Delores Flores. A get-well card was sent to Terry Davis.

In lieu of the regular $5 drawing, everyone present was given $5 for gas used to attend the meeting. It was thought to be appropriate due to the rising cost of fuel.

The meeting ended with a prayer, and everyone enjoyed Subway sandwiches and chips.

– Reporter

Old Glory Lodge meets goal OLD GLORY – Old Glory Lodge welcomed six new members at the March meeting. They are Justin White, Michael Pyron, Jason Hall, Lanesa Hall, Luke Lindsey and Owen Lindsey.

This means the lodge has met its new member goal for the year.

awarded a $5 attendance prize for each meeting they attend.

They will receive the cash at the Christmas party.

The July meeting of the officers will be held at a local nonchain restaurant to support local businesses. The date and time have not been determined.

The lodge is looking for non-

Dorothy Schneider celebrated her birthday in March. She is a member of Cibolo Lodge and also attended the New Braunfels Lodge meeting where this photo was taken.

Giddings welcomes juniors, donates to Grief Session GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge welcomed new junior member James Ayden Martinez at the March meeting. He is almost 1 year old.

Agent Linda Mattocks was in attendance and gave her report.

She discussed efforts to recruit younger policyholders for membership and the new point system for meeting lodge membership goals.

Members approved a $100 donation to the Hermann Sons Life Camp Grief Support Session for children who have lost a parent

best side dish.

Members also provided desserts. Sherry Rakowitz’s almond puff loaf was voted the best dessert.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Margie Reinhard and Sylvia Schlather.

Beginning with the March meeting, members will be

Members reviewed the rules for renting the building and the bylaws to determine if any changes need to be made.

Trustee Terry Letz and Secretary Brenda Vahlenkamp prepared the burgers. Members brought desserts.

– Reporter

profits that could benefit from its Matching Funds program this year. Suggestions include TruLight127 Ministries, the New Braunfels Food Bank, Cibolo Grange Hall and Soldiers Angels. Anyone with a suggestion is asked to contact Tracycampos78108@gmail.com.

– Reporter

Happy Anniversary wishes go to Sherry and Jerry Rakowitz who celebrated 47 years of marriage in March. They are members of Cibolo Lodge.

San Marcos will host 4-H, FFA juniors SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Monday, April 4, at the home of President Agnes Dreibrodt at 4:30 p.m. Junior members who belong to 4-H and FFA clubs will attend.

The junior members will be taking part in the lodge’s Join Hands Day project. Greeting cards will be sent to residents of the nursing homes in San Marcos and Seguin.

The March 7 meeting was held via Zoom.

Coral Beck was welcomed as a new member. She is the daughter of Lauren Sanders

and granddaughter of Larry and Loretta Sanders of San Marcos.

A memorial service honored the members who passed away in 2021. They include Paul Pettibon from San Antonio, William Falls Jr. from Martindale, Gary Hutzler from Wheelock and Dennis Siegmund from Waller.

The Cheer Committee reported sympathy cards had been sent to the Irene Bierstedt, Janet Magin, Lillian Cargil and Floyd Braune families in memory of their aunt, Margie Reinhard. A sympathy card was sent

to Yvonne Robbins after the passing of her husband, Bob Robbins. A thinking of you card was sent to the Moreau family.

Shirley Faske presented an informative Texas flag program.

“Happy Birthday” was sung to those celebrating March birthdays, Brennan Manning, Betty Rust, Marshall Smith, Beverly Stoffel, Evelyn Moreau, Todd Manning, Theresa Velasquez and Patricia Tristan.

Attendance prize winners were Mary Lou Preuss and Janet Magin.

– Reporter

Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will meet April 3 YOAKUM – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will meet Sunday, April 3.

At the March 6 meeting, President Janet Zabransky installed officers including Vice President Roberta Wenzel, Secretary Carolyn Hoepfl, Treasurer Wilburn Pargmann and Finance Committee members Charlie Hoepfl and Joyce Word.

Dana Allen was welcomed by

way of transfer from Schulenburg Lodge.

Roberta Wenzel reported sending sympathy cards to the Donald Janssen, Elo Zinke and John Langhoff families. A getwell card was sent to Ronnie Biehunko. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the deceased and those who are ill. A memorial service was held

in honor of those who have passed.

Correspondence from the Suzan Blaschke and Joyce Grubert families was read.

Birthday honorees were Tommy Wenzel, Mary Pargmann, Charlie and Carolyn Hoepfl.

Wilburn Pargmann was the attendance prize winner.

– Reporter

April 2022 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23

Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Adkins Roxy Pruski 210-218-6204

Comfort Norma Bruns, FIC 830-995-3980

George West Tracy Caron 361-449-0348

La Vernia Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229

Alice Eddie Ramon 361-701-0480

Converse Dan Boenig 210-705-1815

Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678

Lockhart Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431

210-527-9113 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667

Atascosa Eulla Krueger 210-863-0546

Cuero Laura Tiffin 361-564-8141

Giddings Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988

Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380

Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek robinc@hermannsonslife.org

Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975

Wayne Tiffin 361-564-8144

Beaumont Rachael Brewer 409-267-3862 Bernardo/Columbus Robin Maertz 979-732-1687 Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727 Boerne/San Antonio Pamela Poulk 210-753-2626 Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306 Marilyn Vogt, FICF 210-630-9874

Dallas Mark Mundy 214-202-8442 Cecilia Phillips 214-982-8905 Gilbert Shelby 214-289-1815 Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483 Angelina Tara 830-308-3610 Devine Robin Rutledge 210-854-4443

Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317 Helotes Reagan Haby Rogiers 210-695-5588 Hondo Michael Saathoff 210-394-7648 Margie Zinsmeyer 830-426-0960 Houston Don P. Baker 713-581-4366 Rachael Brewer 409-287-0422

Tami Smith 361-648-1025 Moulton Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938 Needville /Rosenberg Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127 New Braunfels Becki Carley 361-550-9358 Britney Cross 281-450-6291 Brenda Heulitt 830-832-1674 Shirley Huebinger 830-629-1196

Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409

Gary Falkenberg, FICF 713-466-6069 or 713-899-4138

Dustie Valdez 210-620-6466

Jennifer Stryk Garner 832-596-9425

Celeste Salge 830-620-8515

Bulverde Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142

El Campo Dennis Wigginton 832-278-9636

Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001

Caldwell Donnie Blinka 979-596-1309

Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger 210-325-6667

Nixon-Smiley Diana P. Moreno 830-379-2244 (office) 830-534-4989 (cell)

Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC 210-219-9792

Floresville John Pacini 210-844-7182

Michael Franke 830-444-4877 361-290-3577

Lynn Wiede 830-393-4660

Brenham Gary Falkenberg, FICF 713-466-6069

Reagan Haby Rogiers 210-695-5588 Cibolo/Schertz Tracy Campos 210-388-2779 Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938

Fort Worth Melissa Brown 817-300-7699

Jourdanton Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598 Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982 Russell Swize 830-780-4053 Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293

Sandra Jones, FIC 817-295-2666

La Grange Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988

Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale 830-997-2130

La Vernia Vicki Hinojosa 210-338-5002

Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142

Orange Grove Paula Gebert 361-701-7527 Pflugerville Julius Dubcak 512-791-7822 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven 361-552-9403 Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988 San Antonio Ruth Bailey 210-602-5147

Sales Department Staff

Compliance Director Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org Administrative Assistant Kathryn Mutchler kathrynm@hermannsonslife.org Regional Sales Managers: Douglas Carpenter 979-204-7847 douglasc@hermannsonslife.org Teresa Saathoff 210-422-6996 teresas@hermannsonslife.org Robert A. Hollingsworth Jr. Rosie Hollingsworth 210-822-2590 Rayna Sue Irwin 210-710-7038 Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142

Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973 Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405 John E. Moore Jr. 210-621-7842

Chris Naughton 210-365-2009

Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek 210-771-4354

San Marcos Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975

Sugar Land Alexis Melton 713-305-5738

Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431

Victoria Jason Hybner 361-652-6924

Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312

Laura Thigpen 361-676-8307

Sealy Carolyn Daignault 832-338-6201

Waxahachie Mark Mundy 214-202-8442

Seguin Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724

Yorktown Judy Wolf 361-564-2452

Page 24 – Hermann Sons Life – April 2022

Shining Stars

Easter Word Search

Happy Easter!

Basket Bonnet Bunny Candy Chicks Chocolate Daffodil Decorate Ducks Dye Easter Eggs Family

Flowers Grass Happy Hunt Jellybeans Lily Parade Peeps Rabbit Spring Sunday Tradition Tulips

Registration Form Become a Shining Star! Send us a photo of your Hermann Sons Life junior member, fill out this form and mail to: Jacqueline Klein, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. More information and this fillable form are also available online at hermannsonslife.org. Shining Stars are featured in our newspaper and on our website.

Name:

Easter Maze Help the bunny find the basket!

Birthday: Home Phone: Daytime Phone: Address: City:

Zip:

E-mail Address: Grade in school: Favorite food: Pets: Favorite TV show: Activities: It is OK with my parents that I am featured as a “Shining Star” in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper, website and any other advertising publications.

Parent’s Signature: I am a member of

Lodge

Certificate No._______________________________________________________

Puzzle answers on Pg. 6.