Vol. 126, No. 12
INSIDE Muehlstein award nominations open ➤ Pg. 11
Make a Difference Day ➤ Pg. 12
Camp news ➤ Pg. 13
hermannsonslife.org
December 2023
BYLAW CHANGES FOR 2024
Updated Bylaws needed to ensure compliance and consistency By CECILY KELLY Vice President of Member Benefits SAN ANTONIO – In today’s landscape of our fraternal organization, two key topics keep coming up in conversations, compliance and consistency. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that keep presenting themselves, the Home Office took on the task of reviewing and revising the Local Lodge Bylaws to assist lodges not only with consistency, but with compliance in order to keep our important not-for-profit designation. Compliance isn’t just something the Home Office need to be diligent about, but it also needs to be of the utmost importance to our lodge and Home Association officers and members. The bylaws have been updated multiple times since Hermann Sons Life was chartered. So, this is nothing new. We have adapted the current version of them to align not only with Hermann Sons Life laws, but with the latest laws and legal standards required of Fraternal Benefit Societies. Consistency breeds trust and trust is the glue that keeps our organization thriving. The bylaws are a standard that all lodges should be following. To maintain a united front, these bylaws should be clear, unam-
biguous and applicable to all. By reviewing and revising these bylaws when necessary, we pave the way for a more uniform application of rules and expectations. Knowing that the rules apply to everyone and will be followed by everyone fosters a sense of unity. When we started this process, we enlisted the help of a fraternal attorney that serves as legal counsel for more than 40 fraternals across the nation. He is also the general counsel for American Fraternal Alliance, to which we belong. He reviewed the Bylaws of local Lodges and made the necessary updates for compliance with applicable laws that we must abide by to keep our 501(c)(8) designation, as well as to ensure that we’re modernizing our organization in order to remain relevant and competitive with other fraternals. Once he submitted the changes, the Bylaws of Local Lodges Committee met to review and adopt them. The final step was to have them presented to the Board of Directors. They amended some of the changes and approved them. Here are some of the changes that everyone should be aware of: Article II Section 2 has been added: Fiscal Obligations: Each lodge will be ex-
pected to meet fiscal obligations set by Hermann Sons Life annually in order to remain an “Active Lodge.” This will include the financial reporting required as described in these Bylaws. The Home Office may audit all financials of the Local Lodge at any time. Article IV Section 1 has been amended: The elected officers of the Local Lodge shall be President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and three (3) Financial Trustees. (We removed Treasurer and combined the Finance Committee and Trustees) Section 2: Local Lodge Officer- Qualifications: Verbiage was added: No Local Lodge Officer, elected shall hold more than one elected officer position. A Local Lodge Officer elected or appointed, if possible, should not hold more than one appointed officer position in the Local Lodge at the same time. If a Lodge is unable to fill the majority of the elected Local Lodge Officer positions, the Lodge may be deemed “inactive,” and Hermann Sons Life may merge the lodge with another subordinate lodge. See BYLAW, Pg. 14
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
President's Message 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 Kimberly Krueger, Chair David Wolf, Vice Chair David R. Noak Stan Steiger Laura Tiffin Gerald Ziemnicki OFFICERS President and CEO Robin Czarnek Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff LAWS COMMITTEE Stephen Prewitt Edward J. Muehlbrad Agnes Dreibrodt Elizabeth Byron Mary Beam Sherry Rakowitz Tammy Jones Todd Marquardt
Pat Bushman Steven Schellenberg Harry Schriber Ronald Wiatrek Annette Roecker Arthur R. Pfefferkorn Barbara Anderle
MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE Eulla Krueger Shirley Faske Cheryl Garcia
Bradley Klein Angela Netherton Joyce Kneupper
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE Judith Schulmeier Gilbert Shelby Marsha Kocurek
Pat Klotz Tommy Daum Robert Prewitt
BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Kerry Ginn Anna Larie Keith Charles Knibbe
Pat Spradling Gary Falkenberg David Lewis
May 2024 be filled with new opportunities, blessings By ROBIN CZARNEK President and CEO As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas, I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you . Dave and I have enjoyed seeing so many of you this year, especially to celebrate milestones like pin presentations and anniversary gatherings . You have been so kind and welcoming . We have truly enjoyed every moment spent visiting with you and getting to know
Robin Czarnek you . Your presence in our lives and in the Hermann Sons Life community is truly a blessing .
Your loyalty and support have been the greatest gifts we’ve received this year . We are really looking forward to visiting you as we attend Christmas parties . We hope this holiday season fills your life with love, laughter and cherished memories . May you find joy in the company of loved ones and in the giving spirit of the season that beautifully represents the best part of being a fraternal organization . There is no greater satisfaction than giving and in being of service to others . I hope that you will find
many reasons to celebrate, as well as ways to serve your community that fill your cup . As we bid farewell to 2023 and look forward to another fresh start in the coming year, I wish you a prosperous, healthy and peaceful New Year! May 2024 be filled with new opportunities and full of blessings . Thank you for being a part of the Hermann Sons Life community! Your presence enriches our lives, and we are truly grateful to have you with us as a part of our fraternal family .
Lodge Planner request First virtual lodge meeting in January deadline is Dec. 15 SAN ANTONIO – The 2024 Lodge Planner for officers will be available digitally on the Hermann Sons Life website in January . Visit hermannsonslife .org - go to Member Benefits and select Officer Forms . If your lodge would like a hard (paper) copy of the notebook, please contact Le-
onni Avalos, 210-226-9261, ext . 238 or email leonnia@ hermannsonslife .org . The deadline for requests is Dec . 15, 2023 . This Lodge Planner is a valuable tool for officers to use to conduct lodge business and should be carefully reviewed annually for important updates and requirements .
SAN ANTONIO – To grow membership throughout all of Texas and to provide a wider outreach of community service, Hermann Sons Life has created the first virtual lodge, the Greater Texas Lodge . By having a virtual lodge option, Hermann Sons Life is better able to serve all of Texas and provide support and community service efforts in underrepresented areas . The Greater Texas Lodge is open to any interested member and will be based out of the Home Of-
Lodge Reports Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Boerne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cat Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cuero Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Da Costa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Deanville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Gay Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hondo Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 La Vernia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mission-Alamo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Niederwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Old Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Plum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Prinz Solms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Schulenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Spring Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Stockdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Weesatche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
fice in San Antonio . Dues will be $1 monthly . Its primary focus will be community service projects . The first meeting in January will include the election of officers, scheduling and community service planning . Connection details for the January virtual meeting will be provided closer to the meeting date . For more information or for questions, call Vice President of Member Benefits Ceciloy Kelly at 210-226-9261, ext . 257 or Leonni Avalos at ext . 238 .
Monthly Features 2 3 3 3 7 8 9 10
President's Message Calendar of Events Employee Spotlight Community Spotlight In Memoriam Pioneers Memorial Donations Howie's Happenings
Sales News 4 4 5 6
Give the gift of financial protection New sales agent What Medicare doesn't cover Agent listing
Youth News 11 13 24
New 11 12
Yorktown dancers perform Camp news Shining Stars Muehlstein award nominations open Make a Difference Day photos
Community Spotlight
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Kids Club provides academic, emotional support NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ Kids Club is an after-school program for first-fifth-grade students where staff and volunteers help them grow academically, expand life skills and develop Godly character. By FAITH SMITH NBCM Communications Coordinator Relationships matter – and a growing body of research continues to reveal just how important they are to overall wellbeing. For one local family, that sense of belonging and community was found at New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ Kids Club. Delicia Carrasco and her family’s journey began at Kids Club
nearly eight years ago. At the time, she said her son Christopher was in first grade and was facing challenges with reading. That’s when his teacher recommended him to Kids Club. “Since the beginning, Christopher got a lot of help. Kids Club offers many resources that have actually helped and benefited our family,” Carrasco said. Carrasco said Kids Club went beyond providing academic Delicia Carrasco is pictured with support and responded to Chris- her family. topher’s emotional needs by connecting them to a counselor itive way,” Carrasco said. Fast forward a couple years, when their family was walking Christopher graduated from through a divorce. “Kids Club became our fam- Kids Club, Carrasco’s younger ily with Christopher. It helped son Chase is a part of the proshape him up in a Christian, pos- gram and she even joined the
Employee Spotlight Ruiz-Gruver works in Communications SAN ANTONIO – Hannah RuizGruver has been employed at the Hermann Sons Life Home Office since April 2022. A resident of Seguin, she is the assistant communications director. Her responsibilities in the Communications Department include social media content, newspaper production, producing flyers, brochures and other communication materials and office print jobs. Hannah, a member of Seguin Lodge, studied graphic design at San Antonio College. She has 20 years’ experience in graphic design, ten years of newspaper ex-
perience and worked in several other customer service positions before coming to Hermann Sons Life. She has been married to Jason for five years. Together they have five grown children, a 9-year-old daughter and one granddaughter. She is a dance mom, her daughter Aria dances competitively. When not working, Hannah enjoys photography and reading. She is an active member of New Life Fellowship Church and loves to spend time with her family. “I enjoy the work that I do and the people I work with,” Hannah
EVERY THURSDAY – Bingo is held every Thursday night at Brenham Lodge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., cards go on sale at 6:15 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. and are usually over at 9:30 p.m. Open to public. EVERY FRIDAY – Free live trivia at the San Antonio Home Association Rathskeller at 7 p.m. Get a team together or come solo. Prizes awarded.
ity to relate to them. “It’s just been a blessing to help those kids, even if it’s twice a week. It’s just that little seed that we plant for them that knows they do have a friend,” she said. Carrasco said she has even seen that seed begin to bear fruit with her own son, Christopher. In fact, he has expressed a desire to begin volunteering at Kids Club in the future. “Ever since [applying for this job], my family and my heart have grown so much. It’s not staff, it’s family. It is not a job, it’s a serving opportunity, and that’s how I see Kids Club. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Carrasco said. Kids Club is located at 169 Hickory Ave. in New Braunfels. The phone number is 830-6267762. To learn more and to donate or volunteer, visit nbcm. org.
Editor/Communications Director Elaine Hernandez Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org
Hannah Ruiz-Gruver said. “Everyone is so supportive and friendly.”
Events 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 361-293-557.
Kids Club staff. Through Kids Club’s spiritual enrichment element, Carrasco said it helped build Chase’s foundation of faith. That faith combined with caring relationships with staff helped support him through a season of loss. “The staff was real supportive and made sure that even though I was employed here, that they checked on him,” Carrasco said. During his four years at Kids Club, Carrasco shared that Chase is doing better in school and the investments of staff and volunteers have become evident in his attitude and social interactions. Not only has Kids Club walked alongside her family over the years, she said it has also provided her an avenue to give back. She said since some Kids Club families face similar challenges to what her family has experienced, it gives her a unique abil-
DECEMBER 8 – Join SwingJunction for a Swing dance and lessons at 7 p.m. in the San Antonio Home Association Ballroom. 16 – San Antonio Premier Sports Card Show will be hosted in the San Antonio Home Association Rathskeller from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., $3 entry, Hermann Sons Life members are free.
Email events for publication to elaines@hermannsonslife.org
Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Hannah Ruiz-Gruver 210-226-9261, ext. 102 email: hannahrg@hermannsonslife.org 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: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Reports and photos can also be submitted online at hermannsonslife.org under Member Benefits, Officer Forms The report deadline is the 10th of each month. For example, for the January issue, the deadline is Dec. 10. 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 – December 2023
Sales
Consider giving the gift of financial protection By TERESA SAATHOFF Vice President of Sales The Hermann Sons Life Sales Department wants to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As you are shopping for Christmas gifts this holiday season, please consider purchasing life insurance and the gift of protection it will provide your family. Life insurance is often referred to as the gift of protection, and
for good reason. It serves as a financial safety net for your loved ones, providing peace of mind and security in the event of your untimely passing. Just like a carefully wrapped gift, life insurance is a thoughtful gesture that demonstrates your commitment to the well-being of your family. When you purchase a life insurance policy, you are essentially ensuring that your loved ones will be financially protected
when you are no longer there to provide for them. This protection can come in the form of a lump sum payment to cover expenses such as mortgage payments, educational costs and daily expenses. It’s a way to ensure your loved ones can maintain their standard of living and pursue their dreams, even in your absence. Life insurance also offers a unique gift – peace of mind. Knowing that there’s a safety net
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in place can alleviate the worry and anxiety that can accompany the uncertainty of the future. It allows your family to focus on healing and grieving without the added burden of financial instability. Moreover, life insurance can be a thoughtful legacy gift. It can help cover estate taxes and provide an inheritance for your heirs, ensuring that your financial footprint continues to benefit future
generations. In essence, life insurance transcends the material realm; it is a gift that embodies love, responsibility and the enduring desire to protect and provide for those you care about most. So, while it may not come with a bow or wrapping paper, life insurance is indeed the gift of protection, one that lasts long after you’re gone, ensuring that your loved ones are secure and your legacy lives on.
New agent joins sales team SAN ANTONIO – Teri Walston, a member of Gulf Lodge, joined the Hermann Sons Life sales team in October 2023. She is a resident of Galveston. Her coverage areas include Galveston and Houston. Teri has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Seattle Pacific University. She owned and operated a military-style fitness company with her late husband for nearly 25 years. “I know how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected and want to help provide that extra security for others,” Teri said. “I’m the proud mom of five adult children who still keep me busy as well as two grandchildren who are so much fun, Teri said. “I love living in Galveston where a beautiful sunset is never far away. My interests include yoga, walking on the beach, cooking healthy meals and traveling – two of my children live out of the country.”
Teri Walston Teri said she takes great pride in being a third-generation Hermann Sons Life member. “My grandparents, Tony and Mae Constanzo, were San Antonio farmers and both my mom and children attended Hermann Sons Life Camp,” she said. “I’m excited to represent Hermann Sons Life in my area!” "We're excited to welcome Teri, a proud Hermann Sons Life member, to our sales team," Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff said.
PERSONALIZED TRAINING AND MENTORING UNLIMITED EARNING POTENTIAL COMPETITIVE COMMISSIONS QUARTERLY BONUSES COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES ENGAGING PROGRAMS FOR INFORMATION, CALL JOHN PACINI AT 210-844-7182 OR CURTIS DISHMAN AT 281-414-8395
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
Sales
What Medicare doesn’t cover: A guide for older Americans By LIZETTE A. KOWALSKI Senior Health Advisor Introduction Medicare is a valuable healthcare program that provides essential coverage for millions of older Americans. It offers comprehensive coverage for many medical services, making it a lifeline for seniors as they age. However, it’s crucial to understand that Medicare does not cover everything. In this article, we will explore the things that Medicare does not cover and provide insights into how you can fill these gaps in your healthcare coverage. Long-term care One of the most significant gaps in Medicare coverage is long-term care, which includes services like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and inhome care. Medicare typically covers only short-term skilled nursing care 100 days, and it does not provide financial assistance for the ongoing, non-medical
assistance required in long-term care. To address this gap, you may need to explore long-term care insurance or Medicaid if you meet the eligibility requirements. Dental care Medicare does not cover routine dental care, such as check-ups, cleanings, fillings or dentures. Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and seniors often find themselves having to pay for dental expenses out of pocket or consider purchasing separate dental insurance to cover these needs. Vision care Similarly, Medicare does not cover routine eye care, including eye exams, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Vision health is crucial, and older Americans may need to consider supplemental vision insurance plans or discounts available through programs like Medicare Advantage to manage their eye care expenses.
Fort Worth Lodge recommender wins gift card The Sales Department is recognizing 13 more recommenders for the month of October. This brings the total to 211 members recommending and a total of 277 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2023. The winner of a $50 gift card for October is Billy Lane of Fort Worth Lodge. Congratulations to the following recommenders: Recommender Arin Cafero, Brenham Jessa Cotter, Stockdale (3) Michael Dieringer Sr., Schulenburg Reno Engel, Prinz Solms Victor Graff, Hondo Deborah Harmon, Paige Shephard Harvey, New Braunfels James Hoyo Sr., Harmonia (3) Billy Lane, Fort Worth Arlin Naegeli, Burton Charlotte Popham, La Vernia Kasia Richardson, La Vernia (2) Clay Bingenheimer, Karnes City
Hearing aids Hearing aids are not covered by original Medicare, which can be a significant concern for seniors with hearing loss. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited hearing aid coverage, but it is essential to review the details of any plan to understand the extent of coverage. Cosmetic surgery Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures or surgeries performed solely for aesthetic purposes. It only covers treatments that are medically necessary and deemed eligible under the program’s guidelines. Acupuncture and alternative medicine Alternative and complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic services and naturopathy, are not typically covered by Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited coverage for alternative therapies, so it’s advisable to explore available options if you rely on these services for your wellbeing.
Custodial care Custodial care, which includes assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing and eating, is not covered by Medicare. If you require this type of care, you may need to explore long-term care insurance or Medicaid to help cover the associated costs. Travel abroad Original Medicare has very limited coverage for healthcare services received outside the United States. While some Medicare Advantage plans may provide international coverage for emergency situations, it’s essential to check the terms and conditions of your specific plan. Travelers may need to purchase travel insurance or consider private policies for overseas healthcare needs. Non-emergency transportation Medicare typically does not cover non-emergency transportation, such as rides to medical appointments or pharmacies. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer this service, or you may explore community programs and local transportation services designed for seniors.
Home modifications If you require home modifications like grab bars, wheelchair ramps or wider doorways to improve accessibility and safety, Medicare generally does not cover these expenses. You may need to seek assistance from local government programs, nonprofit organizations or explore home improvement loans designed for seniors. Conclusion Medicare is an essential resource for older Americans seeking healthcare coverage, but it does have its limitations. Understanding what Medicare does not cover is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare and finances. To bridge these gaps, consider supplemental insurance options, explore Medicaid if you meet the eligibility criteria and look for community resources that can provide support in areas where Medicare falls short. By being proactive and well-informed, you can ensure that you receive the care you need while managing your healthcare costs effectively.
MEDICARE EXPLAINED RETIRING? NEW TO MEDICARE?
"Shower Your Lodge with Membership!" Agent Gary Falkenberg Ronald Wiatrek Mary K. Seifert Clifton Klabunde Debbie Payne Linda Mattocks Annette Roecker Marlin Tanneberger Sandra Jones Linda Mattocks Marlin Tanneberger Marlin Tanneberger Shirley Huebinger
HERMANN SONS LIFE
can assist with your questions and needs. Retirement & Medicare Choice of Plans Available
CONTACT US 210-527-9113
Please note that we do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. You can go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare to get information on all your options. NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR FEDERAL MEDICARE PROGRAM.
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Cuero Tracy Fuchs • 361-564-2250 Wayne Tiffin • 361-564-8144 Laura Tiffin • 361-564-8141
Adkins Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204 Alice Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527
Dallas Mark Mundy • 214-202-8442 Gilbert Shelby • 214-289-1815
Atascosa Eulla Krueger • 210-863-0546 Austin Shannon Caldwell • 830-837-4535 Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975 Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678 Sean Warren • 512-593-0393 Bernardo/Columbus Terrel Maertz • -979-732-1727
Brenham Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069 Bulverde Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753 Clif Klabunde, FIC • 210-219-6142 John E. Moore Jr. • 210-621-7842 Lisa Dishman • 281-744-3813
Cibolo/Schertz Tracy Campos • 210-388-2779 Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938
Coupland Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678
Floresville Gladys Rowley • 210-219-6964 Lynn Wiede • 210-289-1378
Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale • 830-997-2130
Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC • 210-219-9792 Michael Franke • 830-444-4877 or 361-290-3577 Jacqulynn Herrmann • 210-275-0429 Reagan Haby Rogiers • 210-695-5588 Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755
Corpus Christi Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527
Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger • 210-325-6667
Fort Worth Sandra Jones, FIC • 817-781-7155
Caldwell Donnie Blinka • 979-596-1309
Converse Dan Boenig • 210-705-1815 Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204
El Campo Hector Gutierrez • 979-543-2709 Fayetteville Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988
Boerne/San Antonio Pamela Poulk • 210-753-2626
Clifton Sterling Goolsby • 254-709-5764
Devine Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755 Cynthia Sultenfuss • 210-219-6409 Robin Sultenfuss • 210-854-4443
Galveston Teri Walston • 832-620-5405 Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678 Sean Warren • 512-593-0393 Giddings Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 Gonzales Bobbie Polasek • 830-672-6317 Helotes Reagan Haby Rogiers • 210-695-5588 Rayna Sue Irwin • 210-710-7038 Hondo Jacqulynn Herrmann • 210-275-0429 Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755 Houston Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069 Hector Gutierrez • 979-543-2709 Terrel Maertz • 979-732-1727 Joseph Pugh • 281-844-8931 Teri Walston • 832-620-5405 Gerald Ziemnicki • 713-622-9001
Jourdanton Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755
Round Top Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988
Katy Terrel Maertz • 979-732-1727 Robert Muniz • 281-986-0357
Rutersville Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 Kyle Hartmann • 979-639-1439
Kirby Angela Netherton • 210-831-1293
San Antonio Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753 Rayna Sue Irwin • 210-710-7038 Clif Klabunde, FIC • 210-219-6142 Chris Naughton • 210-365-2009 Angela Netherton • 210-831-1293 Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204 Gladys Rowley • 210-219-6964 John E. Moore Jr. • 210-621-7842 Sylvia Zapata • 210-426-4481 Lisa Dishman • 281-744-3813
La Grange Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 Kyle Hartmann • 979-639-1439 La Vernia Vicki Hinojosa • 210-338-5002 Marlin Tanneberger, FIC • 210-827-7229 Pauline Young • 210-338-5118 Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204 League City Joseph Pugh • 281-844-8931 Teri Walston • 832-620-5405 Lockhart Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431 Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC • 830-420-2380 830-305-6900 (cell) Moulton Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938 Niederwald Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975 New Braunfels Becki Lucas • 361-550-9358 Britney Cross • 281-450-6291 Brenda Heulitt • 830-832-1674 Shirley Huebinger • 830-629-1196 Clif Klabunde, FIC • 210-219-6142 Celeste Salge • 830-620-8515 Krystal Wilson • 623-698-8348 Garrett Czarnek • 210-315-8152 Orange Grove Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527 Paige Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven • 361-237-1757 Rosenberg-Richmond Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069
San Marcos Allen Caldwell • 830-237-3217 Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975 Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431 Krystal Wilson • 623-698-8348 Shannon Caldwell • 830-837-4535 Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert • 979-743-0312 Seguin Annette D. Roecker • 830-832-0724 Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204 Shiner Jillian Leigh McDonald • 361-594-2500 Jenny Chumchal Popp • 361-293-1329 Spring Branch Debbie Allen • 210-326-9753 John E. Moore Jr. • 210-621-7842 Lisa Dishman • 281-744-3813 Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek • 210-771-4354 Victoria Jason Hybner • 361-652-6924 Waxahachie Mark Mundy • 214-202-8442 Wimberley Shannon Caldwell • 830-837-4535 Allen Caldwell • 830-237-3217 Yorktown Judy Wolf • 361-564-2452
Sales Department 210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667 Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff 210-892-0292 teresas@hermannsonslife.org
Compliance Director Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org
Kathryn Mutchler Administrative Assistant kathrynm@hermannsonslife.org
Regional Sales Manager John Pacini 210-844-7182 johnp@hermannsonslife.org
Regional Sales Manager Curtis Dishman 281-414-8395 curtisd@hermannsonslife.org
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members MARGARET H. MAYER Old Glory Lodge Died Aug. 27, 2013 • Age 77
MARY ANN ROSSELLI Sealy Lodge Died Oct. 17, 2022 • Age 58
STELLA A. POUNDS Louise Schuetze Lodge Died July 17, 2023 • Age 79
GERALD W. MOLTZ Marion Lodge Died Aug. 28, 2023 • Age 74
CHARLES D. ANDRESS Haskell Lodge Died Aug. 24, 2023 • Age 74
JOHN H. MAYER Old Glory Lodge Died May 13, 2019 • Age 86
ROBERT J. ZISSA Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died Oct. 26, 2022 • Age 71
CHERYL C. SWEET Cuero Family Lodge Died July 23, 2023 • Age 66
ROBIN M.O. FLEMING New Bielau Lodge Died Aug. 29, 2023 • Age 57
ANNA L. BORTH Yorktown Lodge Died Sept. 24, 2023 • Age 92
LACEY B. PLOEGER Hocheim-Prairie Lodge Died Sept. 17, 2019 • Age 40
JIMMY F. DOCKALL Cameron Lodge Died Feb. 17, 2023 • Age 87
LOIS E. LENZ Coupland Lodge Died July 28, 2023 • Age 82
STEVE A. SHAMLIAN Greater Texas Lodge Died Aug. 31, 2023 • Age 72
EVELYN SCHAETTER Fredericksburg Lodge Died Sept. 26, 2023 • Age 91
STEVEN J. PAWELEK Poth Lodge Died July 6, 2020 • Age 62
JOHN T. BARRETT Pershing Lodge Died March 8, 2023 • Age 62
ZACHARY J. COLLIE-MORENO Spring Branch Lodge Died July 29, 2023 • Age 21
LARRY L. KUCERA Bryan Lodge Died Sept. 6, 2023 • Age 75
CHARLES V. ECKEL Dogwood Trail Lodge Died Sept. 27, 2023 • Age 74
ELAINE SCHUENEMANN Karnes City Lodge Died Oct. 21, 2020 • Age 93
ROLAND E. GARDNER Siemering Lodge Died March 12, 2023 • Age 82
CHARLES A. FLACH Comfort Lodge Died Aug. 3, 2023 • Age 79
KAREN L. SEWARD Seguin Lodge Died Sept. 10, 2023 • Age 72
A. BRUCE CRABTREE Greater Texas Lodge Died Sept. 27, 2023 • Age 62
FRANKLIN W. JAMES Anton Wenzel Lodge Died Jan. 2, 2021 • Age 69
ALFRED C. LOHSE JR. La Vernia Lodge Died March 25, 2023 • Age 84
JAMES E. FRITSCHE Deanville Lodge Died Aug. 3, 2023 • Age 82
RICHARD C. LYNCH Hondo Lodge Died Sept. 11, 2023 • Age 95
ROSEMARY CARTER Vineta Lodge Died Sept. 27, 2023 • Age 101
GLEN R. PHILLIPS Harmonia Lodge Died Sept. 9, 2021 • Age 83
JOHN D. SCHWITZ Niederwald Lodge Died April 13, 2023 • Age 67
GAYLE M. ROHRBACH Castroville Lodge Died Aug. 6, 2023 • Age 72
JOSEPH T. LEV Schulenburg Lodge Died Sept. 12, 2023 • Age 89
JOE L. SHUPAK Deanville Lodge Died Sept. 28, 2023 • Age 94
KENNETH A. PEVEHOUSE Laubach Lodge Died Dec. 4, 2021 • Age 66
VICKY NELSON Schulenburg Lodge Died May 1, 2023 • Age 68
THOMAS R. ZUBERBUELER Dunlay Lodge Died Aug. 12, 2023 • Age 84
JOY E. PETERMANN Fredericksburg Lodge Died Sept. 12, 2023 • Age 75
MARY ANN ARNOLD Da Costa Lodge Died Oct. 1, 2023 • Age 83
DARLENE J. KNAUSS Corpus Christi Lodge Died Jan. 29, 2022 • Age 68
JOE W. MEURET JR. Yorktown Lodge Died May 23, 2023 • Age 79
LUCILE C. WUENSCHE Da Costa Lodge Died Aug. 16, 2023 • Age 100
JOYETTE F. CAMERON Macdona Lodge Died Sept. 13, 2023 • Age 71
BENEDICT J. MOZISEK Shiner Lodge Died Oct. 1, 2023 • Age 71
RICHARD L. PETTY Siemering Lodge Died Oct. 10, 2022 • Age 94
AUBERT V. JAEGER Brenham Lodge Died June 5, 2023 • Age 95
LOUIS E. HART JR. Siemering Lodge Died Aug. 18, 2023 • Age 100
LINDA WHITE Vineta Lodge Died Sept. 15, 2023 • Age 76
WILLIAM W. SULLIVAN Washington Lodge Died Oct. 1, 2023 • Age 72
MICHAEL J. PFEIFER Nordheim Lodge Died Aug. 21, 2023 • Age 71
CHERI D. MADDUX Cameron Lodge Died Sept. 17, 2023 • Age 77
DEBRA G. LEINWEBER Hondo Victory Lodge Died Oct. 2, 2023 • Age 70
JOYCE L. STOBBE Waco Robinson Lodge Died Aug. 23, 2023 • Age 92
HERMAN L. KAST Fredericksburg Lodge Died Sept. 17, 2023 • Age 83
BENY R. HAGERLING Harmonia Lodge Died Oct. 4, 2023 • Age 73
VERNON D. BORMANN Harmonia Lodge Died Aug. 23, 2023 • Age 79
PEGGY A. DAVIS Cibolo Lodge Died Sept. 19, 2023 • Age 71
HELEN F. WELFEL Da Costa Lodge Died Oct. 5, 2023 • Age 97
GLENN DERVELOY Comfort Lodge Died Aug. 24, 2023 • 89
CLIFTON KNOLL Twin Sisters Lodge Died Sept. 21, 2023 • Age 82
LARETTA J. SCHULZE San Marcos Lodge Died Oct 9, 2023 • Age 59
MARVIN MARTIN Harmonia Lodge Died Aug. 25, 2023 • Age 84
YOLANDA R. GONZALES Seguin Lodge Died Sept. 22, 2023 • Age 75
MYRNA M. HOWELL Anton Wenzel Lodge Died Oct. 10, 2023 • Age 83
MCKINLEY JEFFERSON Greater Texas Lodge Died Aug. 27, 2023 • Age 83
MILDRED VANWINKLE Womack Lodge Died Sept. 23, 2023 • Age 92
MATTIE E. WESSON Schwertner Lodge Died Oct. 16, 2023 • Age 91
BRADLEY N. BATES Weesatche Lodge Died Aug. 28, 2023 • Age 50
ELROY J. ZIMMERMANN La Grange Lodge Died Sept. 23, 2023 • Age 97
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
JOY D. TREUDE Round Top Lodge Died Aug. 28, 2023 • Age 70
CHARLES E. WUESTE Houston Lodge Died Sept. 23, 2023 • Age 73
Donations Donations to the Home Fund in Memory of: IVY E. KENNEALLY CAROL K. CHRISWELL GRACE R. JENKINS Donor: Pershing Lodge CAROLYN GODDALL Donor: Boerne Lodge
MAGDALENE KNUPPEL Donor: Brenham Lodge JAMES LOWAK Donor: Poth Lodge
Donations to the Camp Memorial Fund in Memory of: MAXINE J. PRICE Donor: Jackson County Lodge
JAMES C. HOPKINS JR. Donor: Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
Donations to the Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: NICHOLAS P. BEDSON Donors: Mission-Alamo Lodge
HARLAN D. GUENTHER Donors: New Braunfels Lodge
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
75 Years RUBY B. HENNEKE Bernardo Lodge CARL W. STEINLE Dunlay Lodge EVELYN F. MIKULIN JOANNE M. VOIGT Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge
LESLIE L. SCHMIDT Kirby Lodge ALICE EBERHARDT Lousie Schuetze Lodge HARVEY E. HEIDEMAN New Braunfels Lodge LARRY D. STREMMEL Old Glory Lodge
Pioneers IRVING E. GARNETT JR. TAMMY B. WHITE Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge
STELLA A. HANSMANN DENISE L. SCHEEL Seguin Lodge
ELAINE A. KRAMER Fredericksburg Lodge
TROY D. BIELKE PAMELA A. MARSH Siemering Lodge
WYNELL L. H. BURKE Gulf Lodge MICHAEL A. ARNOLD JOE D. MAREK JR. Harmonia Lodge
HENRY HOHENBERGER Fredericksburg Lodge
LINDA L. GULLY Plum Lodge
WILLIAM E. ZORN JR. Greater Texas Lodge
ROY G. WIED Round Top Lodge
TY B. TOEPPERWEIN ROSEMARIE TSCHIRHART Helotes Lodge
PAULA J. JURESKI Houston Lodge
PAUL A. MCCLOSKEY Rowena Lodge
DARRYL G. LAUER Hochheim-Prairie Lodge
LA VERNE GARNER Needville Lodge
DENNIS R. ULBRICH Hondo Lodge
ERWIN SCHUENEMANN Nordheim Lodge
JOYCE A. GEARING CONNIE S. LANDIS ELVIS MACKENROTH DANITA J. SCHOVAJSA Shelby Lodge
PHYLLIS J. STEVENS Pershing Lodge
LOYD R. FOSSETT Womack Lodge
CLYDE R. MAHA Poth Lodge LORENE SIRIANNI DELORES L. WICK Schulenburg Lodge
70 Years
JAMES E. HAGEN Bellville Lodge JEAN G. HOWZE Bernardo Lodge
KATHY D. LADEWIG Brenham Lodge YVONNE K. HELWIG BEVERLY P. PING DARYL W. RECHENTHIN MARTHA G. TANNER Comfort Lodge BILLY G. TAYLOR Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge CAROL A. GREEN Giddings Lodge VERNELL G. DLUGOSCH Grenau Lodge NORMAN H. LIEKE Karnes City Lodge
60 Years GARY A. RUSKA Abilene Lodge
LETHA J. NEUMAN Biry Lodge DAVID R. WENDT Boerne Lodge ARLIN J. NAEGELI Burton Lodge DONALD W. PRAESEL Cameron Lodge CURT D. RAEKE Cat Spring Lodge BONNIE B. NICHOLS Cibolo Lodge RONALD W. WEST Columbia Lodge ANN MENGDEN Comfort Lodge WILLIAM E. SPEARS RANDY R. WOLTER Cuero Family Lodge KEITH D. BRINKMAN DAWN C. FREEMAN Deanville Lodge
HELEN H. CLARY LAURA L. DAVIS HELEN J. WITTEN Lousie Schuetze Lodge DOROTHY J. L. METCALFE Mission-Alamo Lodge ELEONORA A.F. LUCKO New Bielau Lodge CAROL A. PAPE CYNTHIA D. STEWART KEVIN L. WERSTERFER New Braunfels Lodge CAREN R. BLABAGNO ROBERT W. GRUENEWALD SARAH H. KEENE Pershing Lodge VICKI S. MCCAMEY MICHAEL L. NIEMANN Priddy Lodge
ALVA C. RAHE Spring Branch Lodge CHERYL D. ARNOLD MARY J. DZIERZANOWSKI Vineta Lodge DONNA F. PARKINSON LA NELL W. STORBECK Weesatche Lodge
50 Years
LORRAINE ZINKE Hochheim-Prairie Lodge JOANNA J. ULBRICH Hondo Victory Lodge JEFFREY R. BORMANN Laubach Lodge LACY G. PETERSEN La Vernia Lodge RACHEL A. JAHN Lousie Schuetze Lodge GREGORY A. KOERBER Mission-Alamo Lodge
KATHERINE A. SUTHERLAND Bernardo Lodge
CLINTON J. POHLER Moulton Lodge
KEVIN L. DUBE JAMES R. LUTHER Bryan Lodge ROBERT R. BOLTEN Cat Spring Lodge JANET L. BRYANT JEFFERY W. KOCH Cibolo Lodge CHARLES W. COX JR. LINDA R. PRUITT Columbia Lodge LUANN C. JOHNSON Corpus Christi Lodge MICHAEL D. SANDERS Cuero Family Lodge
STEPHEN R. SIMON Rutersville Lodge MARY JANE SMITH San Marcos Lodge
GREGORY E. ADAMS General Bee Lodge
LEERA A. JANECKA Schulenburg Lodge
STACY R. AKIN STEPHANIE L. STUEBER Giddings Lodge
KATHRYN E. BREDEMEYER Rowena Lodge
MALCOLM K. STEGER Harmonia Lodge
JAMES A. HART Anton Wenzel Lodge
MARGARET A. DOYLE STACIE L. DOYLE LANA J. GOODE SHERRI F. GOODE SHAWN A. NEUMAN BLAINE C. SIMPSON LAWRENCE H. WAIDA JR. TERRY L. WAIDA WESLEY J. WAIDA Da Costa Lodge
ANNA D. KUSS WAYLAN J. MARTH Roscoe Lodge
BRIAN K. PADGETT Gonzales Lodge
VERNICE L. TSCHOEPE New Braunfels Lodge LESLIE D. HARRISON Old Glory Lodge WILLIAM J. BURNETT JOHN E. CHAPMAN III KAY H. CLIFTON BARBARA A. DEVINEY LANA J. HOLZMANN PHILLIP M. HOLZMANN CURTIS R. PALITZA SHERI L. PALITZA Pershing Lodge ANNIE M. COOK Plum Lodge ANGELA D. POTH Poth Lodge FRANCES A. KIRKLAND Roscoe Lodge MARK H. MULTER Rowena Lodge GLENN R. GRAHAM GORDON W. GRAHAM Taylor Lodge MEREDITH A. ROKAS Vineta Lodge ROBBIE K. BAMMERT Weesatche Lodge JOHN D. KOHLER Womack Lodge
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
Former sales agent Kallies passes BELMONT – Dorothy Lee “Dottie” Vogel Kallies, age 88 of Belmont, passed away on Oct. 28, 2023. Dorothy was born on Nov. 9, 1934, in New Braunfels, Texas to Virginia Margarite (Wagner) and Herbert Vogel. Dottie was a former Hermann Sons Life agent and active member of Seguin Lodge. She served as president of the lodge from 1995-1998. She also served as chair of the Scholarship Committee, was a member of the Cheer Committee for many years and most recently served as Membership Coordinator. She attended meetings regularly as long as her health allowed. Her husband, the late Leslie “Pete” Kallies, also served as lodge president and was a past Grand Lodge trustee. She attended Dowdy School and then graduated from Seguin High School in 1953. In June 1953, she married Pete, and they had three children, Mona, Basil and Jeffery Kallies. Dottie was a homemaker, teacher’s aide, salesclerk and an
insurance agent. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, canning, baking and making jellies as well as raising chickens, turkeys and guinea hens. She was a 40year breast cancer survivor. Dottie is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Leslie “Pete” Kallies, parents, father-inlaw and mother-in-law, Arnold and Frances Kallies, step-motherin-law, Clara Kallies, brother Herbert Vogel Jr. and wife Alma and nephew Billy Wayne Vogel. Survivors include her daughter, Mona Kallies Ulbricht and husband Walter; sons, Basil Kallies and wife Rebecca and Jeffery Kallies; grandchildren, Melanie Stehling and husband Wesley, Megan Granzin and partner Baron Hahn, and Cameron Kallies and wife Augusta; great-grandchildren, Ashley Lane, Addison Donaho, Hayden Granzin, Wyatt Pete Kallies, Oliver Hahn, Carson Hahn, and Audrey Hahn; sister-in-law, Evelyn Neumann; nieces, Sandra Vogel and Nikki Vogel Wiggins; numerous other family and
Dorothy Lee “Dottie” Kallies friends. Visitation was held Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel in Seguin followed by the funeral services. Interment was at Belmont Cemetery Memorial contributions may be made to Belmont Methodist Church, Belmont Community Center, or Belmont Cemetery Association, c/o Belmont Methodist Church, P. O. Box 906, Belmont, Texas 78604, or Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas 78155.
MEMORIAL DONATION FORM Name of Deceased:
Please print
Acknowledgement from Retirement Home Retirement Home Scholarship Fund
Camp Camp Scholarship Fund Grief Support Session at Camp
to go to: Name: City, State, Zip: Donor:
Please print
Address: City, State, Zip: Date:
Nicole Bealle has received her 60-year membership pin. She is a member of Seguin Lodge and has been a member since Sept. 24, 1963. She resides in Pasadena.
Wayne Uecker has received his 60-year membership pin. He is a member of Boerne Lodge and has been a member since Nov. 25, 1963. He resides in Kerrville.
San Antonio Rathskeller to host gingerbread contest SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Home Association Rathskeller Bar will host the Second Annual Gingerbread Construction Zone fund-raiser on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the bar (basement), 525 S. St. Mary’s St. in San Antonio. Participants will create gingerbread houses and compete for prizes for most creative, best design, worst design, etc. all while enjoying Shiner cheer beer and other holiday treats. A food vendor will be on site.
Donation is $35 per team, with a maximum of two people per team. The fee includes a kit and building materials. There are limited seats available (20 teams maximum). Everyone is also welcome to simply hang out and observe the event for free. Proceeds go to the San Antonio Hermann Sons Foundation that provides local scholarships each year. Onsite parking is free. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Answers for puzzles on Pg. 24
Please print
Address:
Pioneers
Amount: $ Clip and mail with your memorial contribution to: Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941.
Across 3. Sleepy 4. Memories 6. Festivity 7. December 9. Twelve 10. Countdown 11. Ecstatic
Down 1. Party 2. Cheers 5. Resolution 8. Calendar
Christmas Gift Maze
To make donations: HSL Youth Camp Shannon Gaffney Scholarship Fund 288 Rio Ranchero Pipe Creek, TX 78063 Retirement Home Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 689 Comfort TX 78013 Grief Camp, Memorials for Retirement Home and Camp can be mailed to the Home Office.
Copyright © 2018 MusePrintables.com
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Howie’s Happenings
Affection, sloppy kisses help take the stress away By ROBIN CZARNEK President and CEO NEW BRAUNFELS – Howie, Beau and Krypto have been up to their usual shenanigans. We definitely have to keep on our toes as they love finding things to get into! The best parts of our day are when we’re greeted with kisses and hugs from the trio! When I get home from work, the three of them are always waiting by the door to welcome me. No matter how stressful my day has been, these three can always make any day better! Howie is always the most insistent about giving kisses! He doesn’t take no for an answer, so anyone visiting must be prepared to get lots of sloppy kisses from our Howie! Krypto was in a bit of trouble recently and had to be watched closely as he ate a stick of butter from the kitchen counter. He is usually the one that is behaving, so I think he may be picking up bad habits from Howie and Beau. While trouble seems to find them, they are still so much fun. They play continuously and love each other so much! They are never far from
Howie, left, and Beau make themselves at home on the sofa.
Rescues Trixie and Dixie are currently available for adoption at Heart of Texas SPCA/ HOT K9 Rescue.
each other and whine when they can’t be right next to each other. We found this out during their recent grooming. They were good boys but were quite upset about being separated! Thankfully, they’re still welcome back to the groomer! Beau was not a happy camper to be at the groomer and decided he was having none of it and had to be carried in. We have recently discovered a talent of Krypto’s. He howls like a wolf when he wants attention. He is usually howling when
we leave or when we’re on the phone and he wants to make sure you haven’t forgotten him. The boys wanted to share their friends, Trixie and Dixie, with you. These precious girls are just two of the many adorable pups located at Heart of Texas SPCA/ HOT K9 Rescue. Trixie and Dixie are needing your help to find their forever home. Rescued from challenging circumstances, they’re now looking for their “furever” homes and would make a “pawsome” addition to any family. While
Dixie puts on her best look to find a new home. Dixie and her sister Trixie are hoping to find a home.
Despite a rough beginning, Trixie’s spirit shines through.
their start wasn’t an easy one, their spirits remain unbroken largely through the love and kindness they have been shown at HOTK9 Rescue. They’re ready to offer their unconditional love and loyalty to their new families. While you may not be ready for a new family member, you can help by sharing their them. Rescues are overflowing with amazing pups now more than ever before. If you’re interested in meet-
ing any of the pups at HOTK9 or for more information, please email: hotk9rescue@yahoo. com to schedule a time to meet them. For more information and to view all of the amazing dogs available for adoption, please check out Heart of Texas SPCA / HOTK9 Rescue on Facebook or at www.heartoftexasspca.com. Keep in mind that Heart of Texas SPCA/HOT K9 Rescue is a volunteer run organization, so email is best.
Top party Stockdale donates toys to Santa program Round set for Dec. 10
STOCKDALE – Officers and members of Stockdale Lodge met Nov. 14 at Lewis Patio and Grill for the holiday party and dinner. Congratulations to Betty Hernandez for 70 years of membership. Betty was unable to attend. Member and Chair of the Board Kim Krueger was presented a 50-year-membership pin from
Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff. The lodge collected toys to donate to the Stockdale Santa Program. Barbara Wiatrek will deliver the toys. The lodge wishes all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! – Reporter
Members of Stockdale Lodge donated toys for the Stockdale Santa Program. They are pictured at the holiday party in November.
Stockdale Lodge member and Chair of the Board Kim Krueger, center, received her 50-year membership pin at the November holiday party. She is pictured with President Ron Wiatrek and Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff.
ROUND TOP – The Round Top Lodge Christmas party is Sunday, Dec. 10. A catered meal of fried pork steaks, green beans and mashed potatoes will be served, and members are asked to bring desserts. To participate in the “rob your neighbor” gift exchange, bring a $15-$20 gift. The social hour will start at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting, the meal and games. Plans are to decorate Saturday at 9 a.m. CASA is in need of infant clothes and jackets of all sizes. Items will be collected at the party for a donation for Make a Difference Day. The lodge welcomes new member David Ray Sanchez Jr. and transfer members Carmen and Valgene Ebner. – Jeanette Schoenst
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Nominations open for agent fraternalist award SAN ANTONIO – Nominations are now being accepted for the Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award for the Agent Fraternalist of the Year. President/CEO Robin Czarnek established the award in August 2022 in honor of the past Grand President. “The award recognizes an agent each year that exhibits what it means to be not only a Hermann Sons Life member, but a humanitarian,” Robin said. All members are invited to
School of Dance students perform at Yorktown Western Days Students from the Hermann Sons Life Yorktown School of Dance performed during the 65th Yorktown Western Days held in October. The annual event included live music, a carnival, parade, cook-off, vendors and more.
nominate a deserving agent. Nominations will be accepted through March 15, 2024. A fillable nomination form is available on the home page of the website, hermannsonslife.org – scroll to the bottom. A nomination form is also available below. Email form to kathrynm@ hermannsonslife.org or mail to: Sales Department, Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 782971941, Attn: Kathryn Mutchler. “Mr. Muehlstein exemplified
the true spirit of fraternalism, and it’s our blessing to be able to carry on his good works through our agents,” Robin said. “Mr. Muehstein was the ultimate fraternalist who lived life every day by the Hermann Sons Life motto of ‘Friendship, Love and Loyalty’.” Leroy began his Hermann Sons Life journey in 1955 as a member of Harmonia Lodge and served from president of his lodge to being elected Grand President. He served from 1989 to 2009, longer than any other Grand President.
Leroy Muehlstein Memorial Award for the Agent Fraternalist of the Year Email form to kathrynm@hermannsonslife.org or mail to: Sales Department, Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941, Attn: Kathryn Mutchler Deadline to submit: March 15, 2024 Name of member submitting nomination: ______________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ FRATERNALIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEE INFORMATION Nominated agent’s name:______________________________________ How long an agent:_________________ Lodge: _____________________________ How long a member:_________________________________ Address:_________________________ Phone: _____________________Email: ______________________ Describe what he/she has done for Hermann Sons Life and/or the community that exemplifies the spirit of fraternalism. ( Use additional sheet if needed.) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Make a Difference Day
GIDDINGS LODGE donated $300 to Faith Lutheran High School in Warda for Make a Difference Day. The donation will go toward scholarships. Accepting the check was Director Nikki Kueck. PERSHING LODGE members donated snacks and drinks for the Live Oak Fire Department in observance of Make a Difference Day. Lt. Stefan Ranney, representing the fire department, attended the November meeting and extended his appreciation for the donations. As one of its Make a Difference Day projects, FORT WORTH LODGE presented a check to Larson Elementary in Grand Prairie. This donation will provide food to families in need during the holiday season. Pictured are, from left, Coach Joshua Young, lodge members Elsa Baker and Henley Baker, teacher Lisa Daniels and member Renee Baker. Another donation was made to the Burleson Animal Services to help pay veterinarian bills for abused or sick animals. There was also a donation made to Burleson FUMC PacMin (Backpack Ministry) that provides backpacks full of food to help feed students during their time away from school.
BOERNE LODGE donated to the Blue Santa toy drive and to The Closet Thrift Shop for Make a Difference Day. Top - Kendall County Sheriff’s Office representative, left, accepted a check from lodge members Barbara D’Spain and Kathy Kunz for the Blue Santa toy drive. Bottom – Laurie Meadows, a volunteer at The Closet Thrift Shop, accepted donations from lodge members, Jacque Faecher, James Meckel, Barbara D’Spain, Esther Faecher, Don D’Spain and Kathy Kunz.
SEGUIN LODGE together with the Hermann Sons Life Seguin School of Dance collected approximately 170 pounds of food items for the Seguin Christian Cupboard in observance of Make a Difference Day. Above - Seguin Lodge members are pictured at the October meeting with some of the food donations for the Christian Cupboard. Right - Members, from left, Tammy Beutnagel, Brian Beutnagel, Annette Roecker, Tim Kolbe and Cheryl Kolbe delivered the items to the cupboard that were accepted by a Christian Cupboard board member.
CORPUS CHRISTI LODGE donated $100 to The Purple Door in Corpus Christi for Make a Difference Day. The Purple Door, formerly the Women’s Shelter, was established in November 1977 for battered women and their children. Pictured is Vice President Kerry Ginn, left, and Ray Garcia, presenting the check to Francis Wilson, president and CEO of the Purple Door.
Camp News
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
Counselor-in-training opportunities still available By IAN BRASSETT Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons Life Camp believes it is important to grow our own staff and I’ve been actively interviewing potential CIT candidates since October. Talking to these former campers is truly one of my favorite parts of the offseason. The Hermann Sons Life Counselor in Training (CIT) program is a leadership program designed to offer educational opportunities to past campers aged 15 and 16 whose goal is to become a camp counselor. A benefit for all CIT candidates who have already been interviewed is they now can reserve their space in the week of their choice. There is currently a waiting list for Session 5 at the Riverside camp for CIT-1s. RIVERSIDE Session 3: June 23 – June 29 Session 5: July 14 – July 20 (WAITING LIST) Session 6: July 21 – July 27 HILLTOP Session 4: July 7 – July 13 Session 5: July 14 – July 20 Session 6: July 21 – July 27 There are still opportunities for potential CIT-1s to send in an application and schedule an interview. The deadline for CIT candidates to interview is Feb. 28. I cannot interview CITs once March begins! There is nothing better than to have a camper move up through the ranks to become a counselor or even a future camp director! Why be a CIT? • Gain a behind-the-scenes experience of the camp community
• Establish job and character references. • Develop new skills. • Challenge yourself regarding personal growth and expanded self-esteem through leadership opportunities. • Gain the ability/skills needed to work with children in a camp community, after school program or any youth program. • Earn community service hours. • Have fun helping kids. • Learn to work as a team. HOW TO BECOME A CIT-1 The FIRST STEP on the road to becoming a CIT-1 is for the APPLICANT to complete the application at hermannsonslife.org – Member Benefits – Camp. https://www.hermannsonslife. org/counselor-training-application The application is for past Hermann Sons Life campers ages 15 (as of Sept. 1, 2024) who wish to be considered for the first level of the CIT Program. The SECOND STEP will be an interview with the Executive Camp Director. We expect 150 candidates to interview for the limited availability. Be sure to request an interview time slot as soon as possible. For your convenience, the interviews will be scheduled via Skype, FaceTime or Google Meet/Chat. https://calendly.com/ianbrassett/hermann-sons-life-interview The THIRD STEP is to get three (non-family member) references. This can be teachers, coaches, clergy, etc. The deadline for references is March 1, 2024. Please make sure they list you as the applicant! Letters of recommenda-
tion can also be mailed to Camp. Please do not send the same reference in multiple ways. If mailed to Camp, please send to: Hermann Sons Life Camp - CIT Program Admissions, P.O. Box 629, Comfort, TX 78013. To submit references online, use this link: https://www.hermannsonslife. org/camp-staff-applicant-reference In the FOURTH STEP successful applicants will be invited to enroll in the CIT Program in early March. Spaces for successful CIT-1s will be allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. Applicants that complete their applications and interviews before Dec. 15 will be able to reserve space in the week of their choice. This will not be offered after Dec. 15, 2023. Last summer, we closed out three sessions of CITs. The cost of the CIT program is $225 per week. (Includes a non-refundable $20 camp store voucher). CIT job description: A Counselor-In-Training (CIT) assists counselors. The position includes helping lead games, songs, skits and telling stories. CITs help with supervising campers in their group during recreation times, mealtimes and assisting with camp preparation and clean-up. A CIT serves as a positive role model for young children and helps to create a supportive camp community. They participate in all necessary camp activities. CIT Training responsibilities and duties
Responsibilities: • Set a good example by being a positive role model. Campers come first! • Assist camp counselors with daily activities, such as crafts, sports and various indoor and outdoor group activities. • Associate with campers; NOT other counselors in training. • Be punctual, attend and be an active part of all camp activities. • Abide by all camp rules, policies and procedures. • Treat all campers equally. • Be cooperative with the camp director, counselors, your peers and the campers. • Be enthusiastic and have a cheerful outlook. Specific Duties • Help to secure and set up supplies and equipment before and after activities. • Consistently model good behavior, character, integrity and adaptability. • Help camp staff get children to and from activities and various locations safely. • Contribute ideas to improve the program. • Report any unsafe actions by children or other CITs to camp staff • Provide children with positive behavior. • Assist in keeping camp areas clean. • Accept supervision and guidance. • Must work as a team regarding the sharing of duties. • Respect each camper for their uniqueness – within each group help create a community of people.
• Attend lectures and classes. During these sessions we will expect our CITs to participate and engage in the discussions and activities focused on leadership and counseling skills. • Demonstrate leadership to the campers by role-modeling acceptable behaviors, e.g., language, positive attitude, exhibiting and encouraging the drinking of water and use of sunscreen, wearing of appropriate attire, etc. • Assist in the operation of camp activities throughout their stay with us. This includes game night, punch and snack time, dance, bragging rights, counselor-free dinner and more. • Other duties as assigned by camp staff. As a CIT camper, and as a potential staff member, you will be peeking behind the scenes at what makes the camp tick. You will begin to see camp through the eyes of a staff member. Being a staff member at camp is an incredibly fun summer camp job. It is, however, hard work. It is a job. The needs and wants of the campers are always paramount in our actions. This program focuses on making sure that you, as a CIT candidate, are a match to be a camp counselor. It is just as important for you to determine if being a counselor at Hermann Sons Life is a fit for your summers. If you accept the responsibility of being a CIT and fully immerse yourself into the program, I think you will realize that being a counselor at camp provides personal growth and is so much more rewarding than even being a camper!
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge re-elects officers for 2024 YOAKUM – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge’s next meeting will be on March 3 at 5 p.m. at Turner Hall. At the November meeting, members re-elected the current officers to serve in 2024. They are President Janet Zabransky, Vice President Roberta Wenzel, Corresponding Secretary Carolyn Hoepfl, Treasurer Wilburn Pargmann and Financial Trustees, Charlie Hoepfl, Debbie Zinke and Joyce
Word. Roberta reported sending a getwell card to Carolyn Kennedy and a sympathy card to the Lois Boysen family. A moment of silence was observed for sick and deceased members. Birthday honorees were Wilburn Pargmann, Carol Jungman and Debbie Zinke. Anniversary celebrants were Wilburn and Mary
Pargmann, 65 years, and Tommy and Roberta Wenzel. Carol Jungmann won the attendance prize. On Thursday, Oct. 26, for Make a Difference Day, Janet Zabransky, Carolyn Hoepfl and Roberta Wenzel visited with Mary Pargmann at Stevens Nursing Home. They presented her with a pink carnation and fleece blanket. – Reporter
Hochheim-Prairie Lodge members Mary and Wilburn Pargmann recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They have been members for many years. Wilburn still serves as a lodge officer.
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Deanville to hold annual Christmas party Dec. 10 DEANVILLE – Deanville Lodge will hold the annual Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 12:30 p.m. Make plans to attend! Members were honored to have Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly present at the October meeting. Cecily presented Margaret Polansky her 70-year membership pin. Thanks to Margaret for her continued membership in the lodge. A moment of silence was held for departed members Joe Shupak and Jimmie Laffere. Joe passed away on Sept. 28. He had been a member of the lodge since 1979. Jimmie passed away on Oct. 25. He was a member of the lodge since 1949, 74 years, and was a past trustee of the lodge. Condolences are extended to their families. The lodge also expressed condolences to Margaret Polansky and Bernadette Polansky on the recent passing of their sister, Marcella Polansky Franzetti.
Deanville Lodge President Donnie Blinka presented a check in the amount of $1,142.25 to Brazos Valley Hospice. Accepting the check is Lisa McNair, president/chief executive officer. The donation also included a Matching Funds check from the Home Office in the amount of $500. The lodge held a benefit dinner to raise funds for the organization. On Oct. 29, the lodge provided treats for the annual community Trunk or Treat held at the Dean-
ville Fire Department hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church. – Reporter
Margaret Polansky, left, received her 70-year membership pin at the Deanville Lodge November meeting. She is pictured with Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly and President Donnie Blinka.
Bylaw changes ensure compliance, consistency Cont’d from Pg. 1 No Local Lodge elected officer shall hold an elected officer position on a Local Home Association Board, to alleviate potential conflict of interest. Section 15: Check Writing Authority: The Local Lodge officers shall designate check writing authority and procedures and comply with all requirements of the Local Lodge Hermann Sons Life with regard to the fiscal responsibility and oversight with regard to the funds and property of the Local Lodge. All checks shall be signed by two (2) elected lodge officers not related by birth or marriage. Section 16: Compensation of Elected Lodge Officers: Lodge Officers shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in accordance with the procedures established by the Local Lodge and Hermann Sons Life.
Article V Section 2: Local Lodge Membership Dues Local Lodge dues will be set by Hermann Sons Life. Article VI Section 4: Dissolution Clause. No part of the net earnings of the subordinate Lodge shall inure to the benefit of any officer, appointive officer, or member of the Lodge (except reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in accordance with the procedures established by the Local Lodge and Hermann Sons Life), and no elected officer, trustee or member shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the Lodge assets upon dissolution of the Lodge. Upon dissolution, the Elected Lodge Officers of the Local Lodge shall distribute any assets remaining, after paying or providing for any legal liabilities of the Lodge, using the following guidelines: Ten percent of the total accumulated monetary assets not to exceed $10,000 may be donat-
ed to an entity under our group exemption, to another tax-exempt organization, or as may be required or permitted, to any exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Ninety percent or the remainder of the total accumulated monetary assets not to exceed $50,000 in the form of a cashier’s check, will be surrendered to the Vice President of Member Benefits to be delivered to the subordinate lodge which the Local Lodge will be combined with, at the approval of the Vice President of Member Benefits. All remaining monetary and physical assets will be surrendered to Hermann Sons Life via the Vice President of Member Benefits for appropriate use within the limits of Federal, State and Local laws. The Addition of Article VII: Home Associations and Affiliates Section 1. Establishment of
Home Associations or other Affiliates. The Local Lodge may establish one or more Home Associations or other organizations that are affiliated with the Local Lodge (“Affiliates”) with the approval of Hermann Sons Life. Affiliates may include but is not limited to 501(c)(2) holding corporations as described under 501(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, and affiliated corporations or other entities that perform functions related to the Local Lodge. The Local Lodge shall ensure that all Affiliates operate in a manner consistent with the mission, purposes, and other requirements of the Local Lodge. Section 2. Financials. All Local Lodges must provide Hermann Sons Life with quarterly reports on the financial holdings of all Affiliates. Reports must be provided to Hermann Sons Life with all financial documentation by the first of January, April, July and October. Hermann Sons Life may audit
all financials of the Affiliates at any time. Section 3. Dissolution Clause. The Local Lodge shall ensure that all assets of Home Associations and other Affiliates are maintained and used in accordance with the requirements applicable to the Local Lodge. Upon dissolution of the Home Association or other Affiliate, the assets shall be returned to the Local Lodge or otherwise used or disbursed in accordance with the requirements applicable to the Local Lodge. This includes but is not limited to ensuring that no Local Lodge assets inure to the benefit of any individual in violation of the requirements of 501(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code. In conclusion, the changes of these bylaws are a proactive step toward fortifying our organization’s structure. It’s about adapting to the landscape without compromising our core values of Friendship, Love and Loyalty.
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Cuero Family member celebrates 100th birthday CUERO – Cuero Family Lodge member Juanita Peters was honored with a 100th birthday celebration on Oct. 28. Many friends and family members were in attendance including Board Director Laura Tiffin and husband Wayne and Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley and her husband Jonathan. President and CEO Robin Czarnek sent a gift basket on behalf of the Home Office which included a set of Hermann Sons Life branded dominoes. Everyone enjoyed live music, cake and refreshments. Juanita’s birthday banner was a handcrafted quilt that had been gifted to her.
Samantha brought birthday wishes from the Home Office in San Antonio and explained that she was having a hard time coming up with something to say since she has no idea what 100 years feels like. Leading up to the party she researched things like what famous people were born or what big events happened the year Juanita was born in 1923, but after some digging, realized Juanita was celebrating her birthday a bit early since the actual day is Nov. 1. Samantha decided to also present Juanita’s 80-year membership pin, due May 7, 2024, a bit early too in the presence of all her family and guests. Juanita was thrilled. – Samantha Schulmeier Kelley
Cuero Family Lodge member Juanita Peters , in center seated, was honored with a celebration in October for her 100th birthday. Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley and Board Director Laura Tiffin were in attendance.
Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley, right, presented Juanita Peters with her 80-year membership pin.
Spring Branch Lodge donates to Provisions food bank BULVERDE – Spring Branch Lodge members brought personal care and food items for the Provisions food bank in Bulverde to the September meeting. Members also voted
to donate an additional $200 to help fill the shelves at the food bank. The lodge welcomed a new junior member and two adult transfer members.
Members voted to donate $100 to the Retirement Home Christmas Fund. Celebrating birthdays in August and September were Ben Havens, Sandra Duncan and
Darrell Woody. The attendance-prize winners were Ed Geffken, Sandra Duncan, Sharon Knibbe, Phyllis Havens, Gloria Gass, Kay Geffken and Chuck Knibbe.
Ben and Phyllis Havens provided the meal. The next meeting was scheduled for Nov. 19 at the Bulverde Community Center. – Reporter
Spring Branch Lodge birthday celebrants receive a gift from President Sharon Knibbe, left. The celebrants are, from left Ben Havens, Sandra Duncan and Darrell Woody.
Karen and Darrell Woody of Spring Branch Lodge recently celebrated a wedding anniversary.
Spring Branch Lodge members donated personal care and food items and $200 to the Provisions food bank. Pictured with the items is Karen Woody.
Prinz Solms Lodge to hold Christmas celebration Dec. 10 BULVERDE – Prinz Solms Lodge will celebrate Christmas jointly with Spring Branch Lodge on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. The Hill Country School of Dance students will perform, and Santa Claus will make an appearance. Officer elections for 2024 were held in November. The current officers were unanimously reelected. They are President Cliff Klabunde, Vice President Teresa Saathoff, Secretary/Treasurer Tom Pardue, Trustees, Russell Boss,
Warren Scholz and Nolan Wehe; Coordinators, Membership, Doug Klabunde, Youth, Audrey Klabunde, Community, Jackie Oldfield and Communications, Tom Pardue. Community Coordinator Jackie Oldfield announced the next STAGE presentations is “In-Laws, Out-Laws and Others That Need to Be Shot.” Tickets have been purchased for the presentation on Dec. 15. Members enjoyed bingo games. – Reporter
Prinz Solms Lodge recognized birthday celebrants, Reno Engel, left, and Nolan Wehe at the November meeting.
Prinz Solms Lodge honored veterans at the November meeting. Pictured are, from left, Russell Boss, Nolan Wehe, Reno Engel, Charles George, Cliff Klabunde and Eric Renth.
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Cibolo Lodge to present donation, award on Dec. 3 CIBOLO – The Cibolo Lodge Christmas party will be held Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at GG’s Restaurant in Marion from 4-8 p.m. with the social hour from 4-5 p.m. Awards are at 5 p.m. and the meal is at 5:30 p.m. A $1,600 check will be presented to the Randolph Opportunity Association for the Disabled (ROAD), and the Humanitarian of the Year Award will also be presented at the party. The next meeting will be an officers’ meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Rudy’s Barbecue in Selma. Everyone is invited. The benefit raffle for ROAD winners were announced and they are, quilt winner, April Engelken; wind chime, Kadi Fretwell; au-
tumn table runner, Tim Zigmond; wreath, Alicia Harp; and cordless chain saw, Dominic Orlowski. At the November meeting, birthday celebrants recognized were Fay Fey, Alvin Schulz and Dena Warneke. John Fey and Sherry Rakowitz won the adult attendance prizes and Emma Rakowitz won the junior attendance prize. The November meal included turkey and gravy from Bill Miller’s Barbecue and sides. Desserts were cookies from the annual homemade cookie contest. Evelyn Kropp’s green bean casserole was voted as best side dish and the Chocomel cookies by Tracy Campos were voted best cookies. – Tracy Campos
Cibolo Lodge member Fay Fey draws names for the lodge’s benefit raffle at the November meeting.
Celebrating November birthdays at Cibolo Lodge were, from left, Fay Fey, Alvin Schulz and Dena Warneke.
Pershing plans ham dinner for Dec. 6
Membership pins were presented by Board Director Laura Tiffin, right, at the Weesatche Lodge membership picnic in September. The recipients were Donna Parkinson, 60 years; Tanya Jacob, 60 years; and Bertha Riemenschneider, 70 years.
Weesatche Lodge presents membership pins at picnic
GOLIAD – As of June 1, Goliad Lodge merged with Weesatche Lodge. Weestache Lodge welcomes all and hopes all members will join in upcoming activities. The Bunco Club Christmas Party will be held Dec. 5. The August spaghetti dinner had a great turn out and all proceeds went to the Building Fund. In September, the lodge held a bake sale to benefit the Weesatche 4 Warriors event. The annual membership picnic was held Sept. 24. Mem-
bership pins were presented to Donna Parkinson, 60 years; Tanya Jacob, 60 years; and Bertha Riemenschneider, 70 years; by Board Director Laura Tiffin. Bingo and a delicious dinner made for a great Sunday afternoon. The November pancake breakfast and bake sale did well. Many thanks to Harwell’s Custom Processing for donating the pan sausage. The lodge wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season. – Reporter
SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The lodge will provide a meal of ham and sides and bingo will be played. Members need to RSVP for the meal by calling 210-227-3085. Members are asked to bring Christmas donations for St. P.J.’s Children’s Home. Newly elected officers for 2024 are President Dorothy Pawlik, Vice President Alice Golla, Corresponding Secretary Elizabeth Napier and Financial Trustee James Lay will replace Janilla Kilborn. Serving out their existing terms are Financial Secretary Pat Plouch and Financial Trustees Carol Krauss and Marilyn Hoster. At the November meeting, members brought snacks and drinks that were donated to the Live Oak Fire Department in observance of Make a Difference Day. Lt. Stefan Ranney represented the fire department and extended his appreciation for
Pershing Lodge recognized November birthday celebrants, from left, Elizabeth Napier, Janilla Kilborn and Carrie Burnett. the donations. Members who recently passed away are Carol K. Chriswell, 82; Grace R. Jenkins, 96; and Ivy E. Kenneally, 94. Prayers are asked for members on the sick list, Marilyn Hoster and Amy and Loyd Barfell. Celebrating November birth-
days were Carrie Burnett, Elizabeth Napier and Janilla Kilborn. All went home with a prize. Wayne and Janilla Kilborn celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Ron Plouch won the $35 attendance prize. – Dorothy Pawlik
La Vernia will hold Christmas party Dec. 12 LA VERNIA – La Vernia Lodge will hold its annual Christmas party on Dec. 12, beginning at 1 p.m. at the lodge, 122 Bluebonnet (F.M. 775) in La Vernia. A traditional Mexican meal will be
served, and drinks will be available. All members of the lodge are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Secretary Jeanie Walpole by calling 830-253-1534
or e-mail jwalpole49@hotmail. com no later than Friday, Dec. 1. We look forward to seeing you and it is a great way to see what the La Vernia Lodge is all about. – Jeanie Walpole
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
McGregor Lodge presents 2023 Humanitarian Award McGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will meet at The Outback on Franklin in Waco on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. At the November meeting held at The McGregor Coffee Shop, the lodge welcomed Christy Leos, the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient. She helps everyone in the community, whether it’s taking someone to the doctor, running errands to the grocery store or picking up medicine – she’s there with an outreached hand to help all. She recently organized a fund where citizens donated money and a cooler fan was purchased for a very welldeserved businessman. Christy decorates her house for every holiday. Halloween was beautifully decorated, and she had hundreds of pumpkins that she gave out to children. At Christmas time she has a mailbox for letters to Santa. Children drop in their wishes and they each receive a gift and a hand-
written note from “Santa.” She does have a lot of help making their wishes come true. It is designated as a 501 C Nonprofit Organization, letterstosanta6th. org. TV stations have come out and interviewed Christy. Christy was raised in McGregor. She has traveled all over the world, and it is so interesting to listen to where she’s been and what she’s encountered. McGregor is so fortunate she moved back home. She serves on the Board of McGregor Education Foundation, is a member of Global Volunteers and Chairman of the Economic Development Corporation. Christy is a well-deserved citizen to receive the 2023 Humanitarian Award. Her father, Frank Leos, has received the honor twice in the past – leadership runs in the family. Members elected officers for 2024. They are, President Doris Mooney; Vice President Regenia Arseneaux; Secretary Treasurer
and Financial Treasurer Teresa Sneed; Trustees, Betty Johnson, Diane Weinstrom and Jerome Weinstrom; Finance Committee members, John Sneed, Regenia Arseneaux and Jerome Weinstrom; and Communications Coordinator Doris Mooney. A get-well card was sent to Betty Johnson. Sympathy and prayers are extended to Laura Doverspike on the passing of her husband, Bob. Congratulations to Jonika Sandersen who welcomed two grandbabies very close together. Mothers Alyssa and Lauren and babies are doing well. Happy late birthday to Karen Rice who celebrated in October. Lucky door-prize winners were Regenia Arseneaux, Doris Mooney and Jerome Weinstrom. Hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends. Have a blessed Christmas. – Doris Mooney
McGregor Lodge President Doris Mooney, right, presented Christy Leos with the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year Award at the November meeting. Christy is pictured with her father Frank Leos, who has previously received the McGregor Lodge award.
Harmonia welcomes first female Christmas dinner to be held Dec. 14
Rutersville Lodge recognized November birthday celebrants, from left, Sherry Noak, Weldon Hartmann and Jo Ann Mueller.
Rutersville elects officers
LA GRANGE – Rutersville Lodge will meet Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Members are asked to bring cold cuts or desserts. The Christmas party will be held Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. The meal will be provided, and members are asked to bring snacks or desserts. The election of officers was held at the November meeting and they are, President Weldon Hartmann, Vice President Brian Mueller, Financial / Corresponding Secretary Theresa Garlin,
Reporter Carol Jenkins, Trustees, Kyle Hartmann, Glenn Altwein and Greg Noak; Finance Committee members, Kirby Keilers, Chip Citzler and David Noak. Celebrating birthdays were Weldon Hartmann, Sherry Noak and Jo Ann Mueller. Door prize winners were C. D. Jenkins, Sherry Noak, Ricky Kuhn, Brian Mueller and David Noak. Everyone enjoyed a potluck meal. – Reporter
Harmonia Lodge has welcomed its first female member since becoming a family lodge. Pictured are, from left, Agent Chris Naughton, President Rene Kraus, new member Becky Ranzau and Vice President Albert Ranzau, Becky’s husband.
Louise Schuetze will meet Dec. 11 SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze Lodge will meet on Monday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. The lodge will celebrate Christmas with a $15-$20 gift exchange. Members are asked to bring their favorite dessert or appetizer and the lodge will provide drinks. On Nov. 13, members enjoyed a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. The lodge provided the tur-
key and dressing and members brought various side dishes. Members voted to make a monetary donation to the Fisher House for Christmas and also voted to change meetings from starting at 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For any lodge questions, contact Secretary Janet Abel at 210363-4022. – Reporter
SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge will meet Dec. 14 in the Rathskeller for a Christmas meal of baked ham. Members are asked to bring sides, desserts and unwrapped toys and/or gift cards for the Blue Santa program. The election of officers for 2024 will be held. The lodge, now a family lodge, has welcomed its first female member, Becky Ranzau. If you are looking for a Christmas present for your wife, sons or daughters, how about a life insurance policy or an annuity from Hermann Sons Life and a membership as a family to Harmonia Lodge? Meetings are held every second Thursday that include meals and great friendship. It is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving for life. Contact Agent Chris Naughton at 210-365-2009 for information on polices and membership. – Reporter
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Boerne to present pins, award at Christmas party Dec. 1 BOERNE – Boerne Lodge will meet Friday, Dec. 1, at The Center at Kronkosky Place. A Christmas party will be celebrated from noon to 2 p.m. The entrée will be catered, and members are requested to bring a dish to share. Membership pins will be presented as well as the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Debi Cuellar was a guest speaker at the November meeting. She is a clinical liaison with Transcend Hospice. She ex-
plained that hospice is a philosophy of care that accepts life’s final journey as a natural part of life. Hospice seeks neither to hasten nor postpone the end of life, but to assist people to live fully until that time with dignity and maximum quality of life. Transcend Hospice has a care team that consists of highly specialized individuals that are capable of customizing the needs of each person and/or family member. They specialize
in aggressive symptom and pain management to ensure comfort and improve quality of life anywhere a patient calls home. Transcend’s care team consists of medical directors, doctors, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, certified nursing aides and volunteers. They are also committed to ensuring that life’s final moments are supported by knowledgeable professionals. Their team affirms and believes that
death, like birth, is natural and sacred time of transition. Hospice care is covered 100 percent by Medicare or Medicaid, which means no out-of-pocket expenses. Contact Transcend Hospice at 210-213-1485 for any questions or assistance. Marilyn Vogt read correspondence from the Home Office thanking the lodge for the memorial donation to the Retirement Home in honor of Carolyn Goodall.
Lockhart Christmas party on Dec. 3
Niederwald Lodge will meet Dec. 5
LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge will hold a Christmas party on Dec. 3 at 4 pm. Members wishing to participate in the gift exchange are asked to bring a $15 gift. The November meeting was held at Smitty’s Market. Jolene and Bo Boring of the Manchaca Lodge and Harold Seiler of Harmonia Lodge and wife Maxine Seiler were guests. Jolene discussed Manchaca Lodge merging with Lockhart Lodge. Agent Janice Kuhen reported annuities are paying 5 percent current interest rate. She invited members to the San Marcos
Niederwald Lodge November prize winners were Connie Schriber and Adeline Schubert. The lodge elected officers for 2024. The next meeting is Dec. 5.
Lodge’s 130-year anniversary and Christmas celebration on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Please RSVP by Nov. 28 and bring a $12-$15 gift for a gift exchange. Agent Kuhen introduced her daughter Shirley Faske who is also an agent and serves on the Member Benefits Committee. Shirley reported there will not be a chili cook-off at the Retirement Home this year and that rentals at the Home and at Hilltop Camp are still available for the eclipse watch on April 8. Members voted to donate to the Retirement Home Christmas Fund.
Da Costa will hold holiday celebration on Dec. 8 DA COSTA – Da Costa Lodge will host a junior member Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 9. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The School of Dance students will perform at 5:45 p.m., Santa will make his appearance at 6 p.m. and a live prize drawing will be held. The lodge will serve cookies and punch. Junior members and members 80 years old and over will receive a monetary gift from the lodge. They must RSVP to Pam Elkins at 361-578-5556 or Sayra Boop at 361-676-6947 prior to the event. There will be a public dance featuring Triple Threat that evening, Dec. 9, with music from 8 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $10 per person, $5 for lodge members. Those 12 and under and December birthday cel-
In honor of Make a Difference Day, the lodge donated $100 to the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office for its Blue Santa Christmas Toy Drive and gently used donations of clothing and other items were given to The Closet at Kronkosky Place to sale in the thrift shop. The election of officers was held. All officers have agreed to remain in their current positions for the upcoming year. – Reporter
ebrants are free of charge. The next lodge meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the lodge. Don’t forget to make your New Year’s Eve plans now. The Tainted Heart Band will entertain at a public dance on Sunday, Dec. 31. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The music is from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. To reserve tables, call or text Sayra at 361-676-6947. The entry fee is $15 per person, 12 and under are free. You are welcome to bring snacks and liquor for your table/group and party favors. No outside beer, wine or soda products are allowed. The Rocky King Band will perform Saturday, Feb. 10, to kick off the 2024 monthly dances. The Seaux Cajun Food truck will be on site that evening for
those who want to come early and eat dinner. Call or text Sayra for the menu or check out the Facebook page. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and music is from 8 p.m. to midnight. The lodge wishes everyone a safe and healthy holiday season. The lodge hopes to see you at monthly dances, bi-monthly meetings and more. If there are any deaths, illness or births, contact Pam Elkins of the Cheer Committee at 361578-5556. If there are any upcoming events that need help/ volunteers, contact Barbara Hybner, Community Coordinator at 361-550-2509. Agent Jason Hybner and Community Coordinator Barbara Hybner hosted a Medicare informational meeting on Oct. 27. – Reporter
DaCosta Lodge junior member Jillian Martinka won a Grand Champion blue ribbon for her woven tree art at the Jackson County Youth Fair. If you’d like a lodge member featured in an article, email details to dacostahall77905@gmail.com.
The 2023 officers will serve in the same positions for 2024. The Finance Committee will rotate their slots. For Make a Difference Day, the lodge will make a donation to the Seton Care-a-Van. The lodge recognized member Rudy Schroeder in honor of Veterans Day. Members voted to keep the same calendar for 2024. Celebrating November birthdays were Ann Schroeder, Anna Kate Duewall and Dickie Rutherford. – Reporter
Plum social Dec. 9 WEST POINT – Plum Lodge will hold a Christmas social on Dec. 9 at the Prairie Valley Schoolhouse. The social starts at 4 p.m. and the dinner is at 6 p.m. Members are asked to bring their favorite dessert or appetizer to share. The lodge is looking for a trustee to add to the elected officials. Please contact the lodge if you are interested in this position. The lodge wishes blessings to everyone for a safe holiday. – Reporter
Helotes meets Dec. 12 HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will hold the last meeting of 2023 on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Braun Hall. A meal will be provided, and cash prizes will be awarded. – Reporter
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Schulenburg Christmas party Dec. 13 SCHULENBURG – Schulenburg Lodge will hold a Christmas party Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Oakridge Restaurant. The social hour is at 5 p.m. and the meal at 6 p.m. Members are asked to bring a $15 gift for the Scholarship Fund raffle. The lodge welcomes new members, Linda Artemis Dieringer, William John Bean, Jade Elizabeth Jurica, Mila Jade Garcia and transfer member from Cameron Lodge, Isy Jean Korenek. Twenty-nine members and guests were present at the November meeting. Special guest Director Josh Vandever from the Fayette County EMS gave a presentation about their work in
Cameron Lodge will meet Dec. 12 Cameron Lodge member Logan Morris, left, won sixth place chickens at the Rockdale Fair and Callie Morris won third place chickens. Also, their cousin Kayla Ehler won Grand and Reserve Champion turkeys and 16th place commercial heifers. All animals made the sale. The lodge met at Dairy Queen in November for the election of officers and to plan the 2024 meetings. The lodge will meet Dec. 12 at Circle S in Cameron.
Bernardo party on Dec. 13 CAT SPRING – Bernardo Lodge will hold a social and Christmas party on Dec. 13 at the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department meeting room. The social hour with refreshments begins at 6 p.m. and the meal will be served at 7 p.m. The lodge will provide turkey, dressing and ham and members are asked to bring sides to share. RSVP to 979-7321687 or 979-732-1727. Poinsettias have been ordered and will be delivered to members residing in nursing homes. At the November meeting, members voted to keep the current officers for 2024. Andy Harbich will co-chair the Financial Committee and review books for accuracy before they are submitted to the Home Office. The lodge welcomes transfer members Emily Hegemeyer and Joel Hagemeyer. Condolences were sent to the August Henry Jones family, and a get-well card to Terrel Maertz. Happy birthday was sung to November celebrants Arlene
Trojacek and Billy Hagen. Happy anniversary wishes went to Joe and Arlene Trojacek, 68 years. R.W. Maertz and Andy Harbich won the attendance prizes. At the October meeting, Secretary Robin Maertz reported president and agent Terrel Maertz had attended the Continuing Education Seminar in Comfort in September. He was absent due to illness but will give a report upon his return. The Cheer Committee sent condolence cards to the Joe Henneke family and the Donna Culton family. In correspondence, the family of Joe Henneke sent a thank-you card for the monetary donation to the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department. Happy Birthday was sung to Beatrice Hill who celebrated her 90th Birthday on Oct. 21. Terrel celebrated a birthday on Oct. 11. Attendance-prize winners were Billy Hagen and Marilyn Harbich. – Robin Maertz
Fayette County. The election of officers for 2024 was held. They are, President Ed Moeller, Vice President Mary K. Seifert, Financial Secretary Chelsea Moeller, Corresponding Secretary Junette Rodecap, Financial Trustees, Frank Bohlmann, Elmer Ulrich and Kitty Dittrich. Appointed officers are, Membership Coordinator, Mary Schroeder; Humanitarian Chair, Emma Nitschke; Scholarship Chair, Mary K. Seifert; and Nursing Care Facility, Arline Ulrich. Mary Schroeder reported getwell cards were sent to Dorothy Pavalas, Joyce Adams and Verdean Schilhab. A “thinking of you” card was sent to Nathan
Loth. Arline Ulrich reported members celebrating birthdays at the nursing care center were Josephine Klesel and Harriet Bohac. Bonita Guettermann, who is also at the center, wishes all well. Donations were made in memory of Margaret Pavlicek, Eileen Berckenhoff, Carol Ann Kutac and Dorothy Janak Nixon by William and Delores Michalke. Also, donations were made in memory of Christie Berger, Clarence Dieringer and Eileen Berckenhoff by Elmer and Arline Ulrich. Members voted to give a generous donation to the Schulenburg Area Food Pantry. – Junette Rodecap
Kirby Lodge will hold social on Dec. 3 KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will hold the Christmas social on Sunday, Dec. 3. The doors will open at 1 p.m. for the social hour. A catered meal will be served at 2 p.m. Members are asked to bring a favorite dessert to share. The next meeting is on Monday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. The lodge will provide the main course and members are asked to bring a side or a dessert. At the November meeting, members voted to re-elect the current slate of officers for 2024. They will be installed at the January meeting. The lodge will support the Blue Santa project along with the Kirby Police Department. Judy Schulmeier was instru-
mental in finding out the details so the lodge can help needy children in the area. Members were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or wrapping items to the December meeting. The lodge is also donating $150 to help support the project. Members are planning to help the police department wrap gifts. Thank you to all who helped support this effort. Members voted on repair work to the building’s foundation around the front door and to treat the building for termites. The lodge appreciate the trustees for their work on making sure the building is secure. Give them a word of thanks the next time you see them at a
meeting. Members agreed to select a Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient in January. Happy birthday wishes were extended to November celebrant Clarence Cielenski. Tommy Weisner won the $30 attendance prize. Split-the-pot winners were James McQuatters, Glenda Bayer, Tommy Weisner and Linda Lambrecht. Door-prize winners included Carol McQuatters, Candace Scheibe, Lillian Brietzi, B J. Voight and Sandra Cielenski. If there are any members seeking information on the Retirement Home, contact the Home Office for details. – Andra Fore
Fort Worth Lodge welcomes new member FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge will meet Dec. 3 at the Rio Bravo restaurant, 1940 S.W. Wilshire Blvd. in Burleson at 3 p.m. The meeting will include the election of officers and discussion of plans for the coming year. The lodge welcomes new member Ken Bishop. Ken has bowled in the Hermann Sons Life State Bowling Tournament the last few years and decided he wanted to become a member of the organization.
Thank you to all who helped with the Make a Difference Day projects. Renee Baker and her family presented a check to Larson Elementary in Grand Prairie. This donation will provide food to families in need during the holiday season. Another donation was made to the Burleson Animal Services to help pay veterinarian bills for abused or sick animals at the shelter. There was also a donation to Burleson FUMC-PackMin that provides backpacks
full of food for children that would not have anything to eat over the weekends. Happy birthday wishes go out to Linda Balmos, Larry Barclay, Michael Burton, Gracie Castor, Bill Cotton, David Dornberg, Robin Evans, Christopher Hanna, Johnna Hilcher, Peggy Hurst, Kenneth Miller, Maci Minter, Sherry Ozmun, Michael Rojas, Shelbie Stephenson, Brennen Tousley, William Tousley and Kinslee Wallace. – Sandra Jones
Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
San Marcos Lodge to celebrate Christmas, anniversary SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will hold its 130th anniversary and Christmas party celebration on Sunday, Dec.10, at 2 p.m. at the Zorn Bowling Club. A gift exchange with gifts of $12 to $15 value will be held among the adults. Each family is encouraged to bring a gift for their own child to receive during the gift exchange. Guessing games will be played during the afternoon followed by a turkey dinner from Bill Miller’s Barbecue. Please RSVP and include your name and number attending along with $5 for adults and $3 for children 9 and under by Nov. 28 to: Janice Kuhen, San Marcos Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 683, San Marcos, Texas 78666. Everyone is encouraged to
San Marcos Lodge recognized veterans Ken Cargil, Billy Preuss and Marshall Smith at the November meeting.
Birthday celebrants Howard Magin and Mary Jane Smith were recognized at the San Marcos Lodge meeting in November.
bring non-perishable food items for the food bank. At the November meeting, members who served were honored for Veterans Day. They
service to our country. The Cheer Committee reported a sympathy card was sent to the George and Irene Bierstedt family for the death of daugh-
were Billy Preuss, Ken Cargil, Bruce Moreau, Marshall McQuaig, Marshall Smith, Bob Stoffel and Todd Manning. They were thanked for their time and
ter Laretta Joy Schultze. Calendar Committee Chair Shirley Faske presented the 2024 calendar. The election of officers was held. The 2024 officers are Shirley Faske, president; Agnes Dreibrodt, vice-president; Janice Kuhen, financial secretary; and Earlene Acrey, financial trustee. Thank-you letters were read from the Hays Caldwell Women’s Shelter for the lodge’s Make a Difference Day donation and from the Home Office for the donation to the Retirement Home Christmas Fund. Happy Birthday wishes were sung to Mary Jane Smith and Howard Magin. The attendance winners were Janice Kuhen and Janet Magin. – Reporter
Giddings Lodge presents Humanitarian of Year Award GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Jackie Handrick at the October meeting held at Santa Fe Steak House. Jackie is director of the Lee County Youth Center. The lodge also donated a $100 gift card for the center and provided certificates of appreciation to the center’s helpers. The lodge donated $300 to the sheriff department’s Blue Santa program that provides toys for children in Lee County. The donation will go toward the
purchase of presents and wrapping. For Make a Difference Day, the lodge presented a $500 check to Nikki Kueck, director of Faith Lutheran High School in Warda. The donation will benefit the scholarship fund. It’s a small school but it’s doing great things to educate youth in the community. The lodge also donated $300 to the Retirement Home Christmas Fund for the annual holiday celebration. – Reporter
Savannah Lehman, Blue Santa
program representative, acceptHondo Victory Lodge will ed a $300 check from Giddings The donation will go to- Giddings Lodge presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award to hold Christmas party Dec. 12 Lodge. ward the purchase of presents Jackie Handrick, right, director of the Lee County Youth Center. PreHONDO – Hondo Victory Lodge will hold the Christmas meeting and social on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Hermann Son’s Steak House. The Humanitarian of the Year Award will be presented and new officers will be installed. At the September meeting, members voted to contribute to RESTORE Reproductive Health and Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center for Make a Difference Day. New officers were elected, and
they are President Aurline Tschirhart; Vice President Debbie Payne, Secretary Emilie Cowen and Financial Secretary/Treasurer Linda Tschirhart. Members then joined Hondo Lodge for a joint meeting. Guest for the evening was Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff from the Home Office. She shared information about Hermann Sons Life insurance options and presented membership pins. – Reporter
for children and wrapping.
senting the award was President Pat Abell.
Old Glory plans soup dinner for Dec. 3 OLD GLORY – Old Glory Lodge will meet Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. Soup is on the menu and members are asked to bring cornbread, crackers and desserts. There was a nice turnout of 23 for the November meeting. The pledge to the flag was led by five-year-old Owen
Lindsay and six-year-old Luke Lindsay led the Texas flag pledge. A moment of silence was held for deceased members, Polly J. Baitz-Frazier and Bobbie Connally. Members re-elected Don Pyron to the Finance Committee and Justin Corzine as trustee.
Diane Smith celebrated a birthday in November. Doug Valenkamp won the door prize. On the sick list were Audrey Lindsay and Maxell Baldree. Members wish them well. Happy holidays to everyone and count your blessings. – Reporter
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21
Mission-Alamo Lodge welcomes new member SAN ANTONIO – Mission-Alamo Lodge will meet Sunday, Jan. 21, at the Home Association building. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. The lodge welcomes new member Mia Presley Carta of New Braunfels. At the October meeting, a motion for meetings to change to the third Sunday of the month was passed on its third and final reading. Lodge officers will stay the same for 2024. They are President Diane Cline, Vice President Joyce Kneupper, Financial Secretary Carol Swan, Recording Secretary and Home Association representative, Denise Wright, Finance Committee
Mission-Alamo Lodge members dressed in Halloween costumes at the October meeting. Pictured are Diane Cline with grandson Carter Cline, Erline and Len Packham, Dorothy Breezee, Joyce Kneupper, Shelley Schuh and Lena Luers.
Mission-Alamo Lodge President Diane Cline and husband Kirby celebrated an anniversary in October. They are pictured with grandson Carter.
October birthday celebrant Carol Swan, left, receives her birthday card from President Diane Cline and her grandson Carter Cline at the October meeting.
members, John Hall, Kathy Wilson and Lillie Mae Dienger; Trustee and Home Association representative, J.R. Kneupper and Trustee Dorothy Breezee.
een by dressing in costume. Shelley Gray won the $10 split-the-pot prize. The name of Forrest D. Stovall was drawn for the $145 atten-
dance prize, but he was not present. The January attendance prize will be $150.
Corpus Christi Lodge recognized birthday celebrant Kamberlie Bainbridge at the November meeting.
Ida Blankenship was the 50/50 winner at the Corpus Christi Lodge November meeting held at Millers Barbecue.
October birthday celebrant Carol Swan was recognized as well as anniversary celebrants Kirby and Diane Cline. Members celebrated Hallow-
– Reporter
Corpus Christi to hold Christmas dinner on Dec. 2 Door-prize winners at the Corpus Christi Lodge November meeting were Amanda Bainbridge, David Garcia, Rhylie Garcia and Ida Blankenship. The election of officers for 2024 was held. The Christmas dinner will be held on Dec. 2 at The Butter Churn in Aransas Pass at 6 p.m.
Gay Hill Lodge donates to Adam’s Angels GAY HILL – Gay Hill Lodge will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Burton Short Stop. At the November meeting, members agreed to make a donation to Adam’s Angels, a charity that helps families with children who have cancer. Birthday celebrants for the quarter were David Roehling, Lance Lehde, Janice McLendon, Doris Roehling, Holly Lehde and Jaden Mertz. Marvin and Mae Fischer celebrated an anniversary. Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Brian Wostal, Ruth Ganske, Floyd Bentke, Leroy Hodde, Jeanette Kieke and Gary Lehde. – Reporter
Gay Hill Lodge recognized birthday and anniversary celebrants at the November meeting. They are David Roehling, Lance Lehde, Janice McLendon, Doris Roehling, Holly Lehde, Jaden Mertz and Marvin and Mae Fischer.
Cat Spring Lodge will hold Christmas social on Dec. 14 CAT SPRING – Cat Spring Lodge will hold the December Christmas social on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. A turkey and dressing dinner will be provided, and members are asked to bring sides and desserts. The Humanitarian of the Year Award will be presented, and donations to the local food pantries will be made. Members may add to the donations in lieu of a gift exchange. The lodge donated to St. John’s Lutheran Church, to Cat Spring for its senior luncheons and to the Grief Support Camp for Make a Difference Day. A soup supper provided by
Marsha Tipp and Pat Klotz was served in September. Members brought sides and desserts. Celebrating birthdays were Nila Klaus, Shannon Johnson, Pat Klotz, Delores Dittert and Marilyn Nelson. Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary were Randall and Marsha Tipp. The lodge mourns the loss of longtime member Cecil Froebel. President Pat Klotz recently attended a Standing Committee meeting at the Home Office in San Antonio. She also attended the Healing Hearts Bingo at the Home Office in October. – Reporter
Page 22 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Columbia Lodge members enjoyed a Thanksgiving spread at the November meeting.
Columbia Lodge recently had a surprise visit from Anni Howe, center, who was traveling from Portland, OR.
Columbia holds election of officers DALLAS – Columbia Lodge held the election of officers in November. They are President David Lewis, Vice President Jeremiah Arauco, Secretary/Treasurer Cecilia Phillips, Finance Committee member Will Dooley, three-year trustee Amanda Hobbs and
Home Association board members Mary Marvin, Tzefira Jones and Bobby Willbanks. The Hall’s Christmas party will be held Saturday, Dec 16. A toy drive for the Larry Tutson, Jr. Foundation, a nonprofit, is planned. The goal is to distribute toys to hundreds of underprivi-
leged children in the South Dallas area. Primarily, bicycles, bike locks and helmets are needed. The annual steak dinner will follow the December meeting. The lodge continues to support The Resource Center community. – Reporter
Houston to present pins HOUSTON – Houston Lodge will hold the Christmas dinner and party on Saturday, Dec. 9, beginning at 4 p.m. A membership pin presentation will be held. The lodge met Oct. 9 at Don Jose’s for a social hour and dinner. Agent Gary Falkenberg reported effective Oct. 1, 2023, the Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity is offering 5 percent current interest rate. He also reminded members to visit the website store for Christmas gifts. For Make a Difference Day, the lodge made a monetary donation to the Houston Food Bank and on Oct. 21 members Saman-
tha Thompson, Kiera Thompson and Patricia Bushman volunteered at the food bank. It was announced the lodge needs three more new members to reach the membership goal for 2023. Happy Birthday was sung to Kiera Thomason who turned 10. Winners in the monthly attendance drawing were Catherine Manchack, Patricia Bushman, James Ellison, Addison Sewell and Reuben Heldberg. Please contact Catherine Manchack at 832-443-0469 with any questions about the lodge. – Reporter
26, 1973, and resides in Austin. The September meeting was canceled. A reminder, that to conduct lodge business there must be five members present. Also, the lodge only meets every other month. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. God Bless you and your family. – Andy Schellenberg
Columbia Lodge member Will Dooley, left, is a first-time officer and will serve as a Finance Committee member. He is pictured with returning board member Bobby Wilbanks.
Seguin will hold party on Dec. 10
Dressed in Halloween costumes at the October meeting of Seguin Lodge were, from left, Tim and Cheryl Kolbe, Clarence Voigt and Jeff Kallies.
Dallas luncheon on Dec. 17 DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will hold the annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Hall. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided. Members are encouraged to attend, and guests are welcome. Congratulations to Rudolph B. Klecka lll. He has received his 50-year membership pin. He has been a member since Nov.
Bobby Wilbanks proudly shows off his new “donation” hat to collect funds for the Larry Tutson, Jr. Toy Drive.
Seguin Lodge door-prize winners in October were, from left, Cheryl Gescheidle, Debbie Vogel and Tim Kolbe.
SEGUIN – Seguin Lodge will hold a Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the lodge hall, 2918 W. Kingsbury St. in Seguin. All Seguin members and their guests are invited, as well as neighboring lodge members in Guadalupe County. Doors open at noon for happy hour and a honey baked ham meal will be served at 1 p.m. All families are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Door prizes will be given out, and the Hermann Sons Life Seguin School of Dance students will perform to Christmas tunes. Santa Claus will make an appearance after the meal and dancing. Parents are encouraged to bring a gift for their child or children. Santa will hand out the gifts. The lodge wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and happy 2024. – Reporter
December 2023 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23
Brenham Lodge recognized anniversary celebrants Todd and Darlene Hertel, 38 years, at the November meeting.
Brenham Lodge honored veterans at the November meeting. They are, from left, Will Blakemore, Army; Willie Brown, Army; Gary Falkenberg, Air Force; Waldemar Schramm, Army; and James Hyvl, Navy.
Brenham Christmas party is Dec. 2 BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge will hold the annual Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 2. The doors open at 4 p.m. and the meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting will be on Jan. 12, 2024, at 304 E. Germania. The meal, chicken stew, will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting is at 7:15 p.m. At the November meeting, members elected the following officers for 2024: President James Hyvl; Vice President
Gary Falkenberg; Secretary/ Treasurer Ashley Fehrle; and Trustee Position 3, Mark Boeker. For the appointed positions, Community Coordinator Shirley Rowen; Membership Coordinator Doris Falkenberg and Communications Coordinator Gary Falkenberg. Thank-you letters were read from the Brenham Pregnancy Center, Camp for All and the Home Office-Grief Support Camp for the lodge’s dona-
tions. It was voted to change the starting time of meals and meetings starting Jan. 12. The meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7:15 p.m. The hall is available for rentals. Contact person is Shirley Rowen, 979-421-3332. For information about life insurance or annuities, contact Agent Gary Falkenberg at 713466-6069. – Reporter
New Braunfels has three new members
Anniversary celebrants Violet and Delbert Tanneberger, 56 years, were recognized at the New Braunfels Lodge November meeting.
New Braunfels Lodge recognized birthday celebrant Leroy Brotze at the November meeting.
Anton Wenzel to meet Dec. 5 SAN ANTONIO – Anton Wenzel Lodge will meet Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The election of officers and Christmas celebration will be held. The lodge will provide tamales and members are asked to bring side dishes.
Agent Chris Naughton will provide insurance information at the meeting. Chris can be contacted at 210-3652009. In November, the lodge celebrated Thanksgiving. – Reporter
NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will hold a Christmas party in December with a catered meal. Membership pins will be presented. The lodge welcomed three new members in November and two transfer members. The election of officers was held, and all positions remain the same. Officers will be installed at the January meeting. A resolution of respect was read for Harlan Guenther. Happy Birthday was sung for Leroy Brotze. Violet and Delbert Tanneberger celebrated an anniversary, 56 years. Attendance prize winners were Leola Stolte, Debbie, Virginia and Jerome Vetter, Connie Krause, Delbert Tanneberger, Dennis Schwab, Shirley and Michael Huebinger, Dorothy Schneider, Hannelore Brotze and Jolene Meuret. A pork loin supper, hosted by Connie Krause, was served after games and refreshments. – Reporter
Celebrating November birthdays at Brenham Lodge were, from left, Carol Stamport, Ronald Bentke and Lena Mae Goessler. 9.
Vineta Lodge member Genevieve “Genny” Kraus received her 60year membership pin at the November meeting. Pictured are, from left, son Matthew Kraus, Genny, President Debbie Jordan and son Rene Kraus. Both sons are members of Harmonia Lodge. She has been a member since Oct. 3, 1963.
Vineta plans ham dinner SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will celebrate the holidays with a ham dinner on Dec. 7. Members are asked to bring side dishes and/or desserts. Members will go to Texas Lutheran University in Seguin on Dec. 5 for the Christmas Vespers. This is a great presentation by the Music Department students. The 2024 officers were elected, and they are Debbie Jordan, president; Emily Roberts, vice president; Cecilia Padalecki, Finance Committee/trustee; and Ruth Bailey, financial secretary/ corresponding secretary. The split-the-pot winner was Melissa Kyle. Attendance-award winners were Beth Byron, Emily Roberts, Cecilia Padalecki, Melissa Kyle, Irene Kace, Janelle Harshaw and Ruth Bailey.
Vineta Lodge birthday celebrants received a gift at the November meeting. Pictured are, from left, President Debbie Jordan and celebrants Beth Byron and Cecilia Padelecki, seated. Thank you to Cecilia Padalecki’s daughter Bonnie for furnishing the cake in celebration of her mom’s birthday. The lodge wishes everyone happy holidays! – Reporter
Page 24 – Hermann Sons Life – December 2023
Shining Stars
Christmas Maze
Christmas Word Search
l 1 ay pri n D y A y Fu e b amil Du fy for F uali
q to
Christmas spot the difference
Registration Form
Candy Cane Chimney Cookie December Eggnog Elf Frosty Holly Lights Mistletoe Mittens North Pole Present Reindeer Rudolph Santa Snowball Stocking Tinsel Tree
Become a Shining Star! Send us a photo of your Hermann Sons Life junior member, fill out this form and mail to: Member Benefits, 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: Birthday: Home Phone: Daytime Phone:
New Years Eve crossword
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._______________________________________________________
Word Bank Calendar Cheers Countdown December Ecstatic Festivity Memories Party Resolution Sleepy Twelve
Across 3. Feeling drowsy after party. 4. Series of recollections. 6. Activities or events celebrating a special occasion. 7. Last month of the year. 9. New year starts at ___ o’clock midnight. 10. Recited just before midnight. 11. Feeling or expressing overwhelming joyful excitement. Down 1. Social gathering of invited guests. 2. Clink glasses and say ________. 5. Firm decision to do or not to do something. 8. Used to know the day and date. Puzzle answers on Pg. 9