Vol. 124, No. 3
INSIDE
Board chair shares highlights from meetings ➤ Pg. 2
New Year is good time to review insurance needs ➤ Pg. 3
Lodges serve their communities during pandemic ➤ Pg. 4-5
hermannsonslife.org
January 2021
May the New Year bring you peace, joy, and happiness.
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
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 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 DIRECTORS Sandra Jones, Chair Mike Beam Suzanne Hildebrand David Noak Stan Steiger David Wolf OFFICERS President and CEO Eugene Zollinger Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Vice President of Finance and CFO Mary Pruitt Vice President of Sales Timothy P. Kolbe Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker
Chair of the Board Message
Directors hope for a return to days of norm By SANDRA JONES Chair of the Board I hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas . The New Year is upon us . Hopefully 2021 will bring us back to the way we did things before 2020 . We all know that lodges would like to be meeting and members would like to be going out and doing their community service work . This is not possible at this time, but we want to thank the lodges that are making in-kind and monetary donations . These acts of kinddess demonstrate just how strong Hermann Sons Life is now and will be in the future . Please be safe during these times and hopefully one day soon we will be able to see you, visit, give hugs, do projects, pin that special pin on members and share a meal . I want to report to you on the Oct . 5 and Nov . 17 meetings of the Board of Directors . The focus of the October meeting was the 2021 Grand Lodge Convention . As most of you know by now, after hearing much research gathered by Vice President of Operations Samantha Schulmeier and Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly and after much discussion concerning the safety and wishes of the membership, the Board voted to postpone the Convention
until 2022 . It will still be held in May in San Marcos but in 2022 instead of 2021 . It was a difficult decision to make but we felt it was in the best interest of our members . During the November meeting, we heard from all of the vice presidents . In the Sales area, Vice President Tim Kolbe noted that he had added 15 new agents during the first three quarters of the year . The Board was happy to hear that during these difficult times four lodges had met their new member goal for 2020 . Congrats to Harmonia, Houston, Austin and Live Oak . New and upgraded technology continues to be added . Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker said the ongoing work on the new policy administration system is on track . He has been assisting Vice President of Finance Mary Pruitt with the new accounting system conversion . In her report, Vice President of Operations Samantha Schulmeier provided the Board with data regarding the impact COVID-19 has had on Hermann Sons Life operations . From this data, various statistics were derived, analyzed and discussed . Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly reported on several programs . • Dance Program enrollment, although
down, is better than expected in many areas given the impact the pandemic has had on extra-curricular activity participation in general . • Congratulations go to Tammi Sutherland who is now handling the Dance Program duties for the Home Office . This promotion took effect Dec . 1 . • Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett is hiring for next summer and is looking for more counselor-in-training applicants . • For the safety of residents and staff, the Home is still not able to welcome visitors . • The Lodge Planners are being mailed to presidents and secretaries this year since officers and directors did not attend Christmas parties in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the Hermann Sons Life community across Texas . Marketing Manager Letricia Rodriguez provided an update on the “Get the Most Out of Life” Campaign aimed at increasing awareness of Hermann Sons Life . Various media formats are being used including radio, Facebook, newspaper and website banners . The next regular scheduled meeting of the Board will be in February . Allow me to close with an old saying, “Happy trails to you until we meet again .”
Lodge Reports LAWS COMMITTEE
Norma Bruns Tommy Daum Agnes Dreibrodt Lillian Franckowiak Debbie Gold Charles Knibbe David Lewis
Jeanette Preuss Robert Prewitt Steven Schellenberg Marlin Tanneberger Ronald Wiatrek Janet Zabransky Gerald Ziemnicki
MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Shirley Faske Tammy Kelley
Bradley Klein Ed Kurtz Laura Thigpen
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Elizabeth Byron Tammy Haecker Marsha Kocurek
Sherry Rakowitz Lisa Rozacky Irene Schwertner
BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Brad Dietrich Robert Herridge Tammy Jones Edward J. Muehlbrad
Doug Saathoff Laura Tiffin Lori Todd
Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Bandera County . . . . . . . .13 Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12' Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Cat Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . .12 DaCosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Ellinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Gay Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Karnes City . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Kypfer-Salge . . . . . . . . . . .10 Laubach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . .12 McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 New Bielau . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Prinz Solms . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Richland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Rosenberg-Richmond . .12 Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Spring Branch . . . . . . . . . .13 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Monthly Features 2 7 7 8 9-10 4-5 6 7 7
Message from the Board Retirement Home News Memorial Donations In Memoriam Pioneer Members
New This Month
Lodges make donations PerkSpot offers discounts Christmas Fund donations Member Benefits message
Sales News
3 3 3 15
Time for an insurance review Recommenders listed Single Premium Plan List of agents
6 6 16
Answer to puzzles on Pg . 20 Camp preparations under way Shining Stars
Youth in Action
Read us online at hermannsonslife.org
Sales
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
New Year is a good time to review insurance needs By TIM KOLBE Vice President of Sales As I write this article, we are quarantining at home due to a COVID-19 exposure. An extended exposure. By that I mean that our daughter, who lives with us, works at a local hospital as a phlebotomist. She came home one day with the usual symptoms, and tested positive. So, she is in her room recuperating. Needless to say, there is lots of mask wearing and cleaning going on at the Kolbe household. As the COVID vaccine is being administered to our front-line medical professionals and most vulnerable populations, please be careful and protect yourself until it becomes widely available. I don’t want to lose more Hermann Sons Life members to this terrible scourge. 2021 brings in a new year with new possibilities. It also reminds us that it is a great time to review your life insurance needs. A periodic review can identify the need for changes in your coverage. Life events are good indicators of the need for a review of coverage. Have you: • Gotten married. You now have a life partner to support, and this cuts both ways, so consider your spouse’s insurance needs also. • Gotten a divorce. Many divorce settlements include some sort of life insurance requirement for support of minor children. Some attorneys completely ignore this, so bringing current policies into the
conversation with your counsel is important. • Had or adopted a child. A cherished new member of the family is an indication of the need for additional coverage for the parents. This begins at diapers and formula, and can exist through college graduation. Incidentally, grandparents, in the best Hermann Sons Life tradition, have purchased a single premium plan for that new grandchild. We have a single premium product to meet that need. See the box below. • Gotten a new job. Great, but for those who rely on that group term life coverage from work, it most likely stayed at your last employment. You will experience a gap in coverage, or no coverage at all with your new job. That coverage is usually only one to one and a half times your annual salary. • Gotten a promotion or a pay raise at work. Awesome, and congratulations on your success, but remember that a higher salary is indicative of accrual of higher debt, and the need for more coverage. • Bought a house. Higher debt indeed! For most Americans, the purchase of a home is the largest investment they will make in their lives. That mortgage payment will need life insurance coverage, in the event a surviving spouse is left with the burden of paying expenses on one salary. • Taken out a loan. As with the purchase of a home, any loan, whether it be for a second property or a business, requires
SINGLE PREMIUM LIFE ISSUE AGES: 18-70
MINIMUM $10,000 MAXIMUM $1,000,000
JUNIOR SINGLE PREMIUM LIFE ISSUE AGES: 0-17
MINIMUM $15,000 MAXIMUM $1,000,000 These are traditional Whole Life products. Fully guaranteed death benefit. Riders are not available for these plans. Contact an agent for more information.
the need for additional coverage to cover the note. • Got children who are planning to go to a more expensive college than you anticipated. If you’re footing the bill for your children’s education and co-signed an education loan, someone will need to pay it back. On a personal note, I’m paying on a Parent Plus note, which thankfully is not a six-figure amount. • Got children who no longer depend on you financially. Now that you’re an empty nester, that big term policy you took out to cover the needs of raising and supporting the children could possibly be decreased. Better yet, if you had a Hermann Sons Life term product, consider converting part or all of it to a whole life policy, without the need for medical underwriting. • Had a change in your health or wellness (such as losing weight, quitting smoking or overcoming a medical condition). Life insurance premiums are based on the age and health of the policyholder when applied for. If you were rated as a tobacco user (including vaping, sorry), or were overweight with high blood pressure, or any other medical condition, your premium reflected the findings of the underwriter. Better health is an opportunity to reduce your premiums to standard or preferred rates. Our 10-Year Term Life product is designed to reward good health habits by keeping premium costs down on renewal.
Two receive gift cards The Sales Department is recognizing 12 recommenders for the month of November. This brings the total to 232 members recommending 280 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2020. The winners of the $50 gift cards for November are Jerry Haecker from Converse Lodge and Frances Sultenfuss from Vineta Lodge. Congratulations to the following November recommenders: Recommender Agent Sara Blankenship, Corpus Christi Lodge Pearl Hunt Tina Tussay Cooper, Vineta Lodge (*) Marlin Tanneberger Lee Ann Davis, DaCosta Lodge Shirley Faske Anita Michelle Dominguez, Taylor Lodge Irene Schwertner Lena B. Ging, Coupland Lodge Julius Dubcak Jerry E. Haecker, Converse Lodge rene Schwertner Christian John Lindemann III, Comfort Norma Bruns Chancie Nuyttens, Biry Lodge Cynthia Sultenfuss Kenslee Nuyttens, Biry Lodge Cynthia Sultenfuss Sophia Lian Spears, Austin Lodge Shirley Faske Frances Sultenfuss, Vineta Lodge Marilyn Vogt Nanette Whitten, Schwertner Lodge Irene Schwertner (*) Recommended 2 new members
All of the above can affect how much life insurance coverage is right for you and your family. Typically, as your net worth increases, you’ll benefit from increasing your coverage. Likewise, if your family’s income needs decrease, you might benefit from lowering your amount of coverage. Regardless, you’ll get the best value when your coverage is aligned with your current needs. Our professional agents can complete a needs analysis to determine if your life insurance coverage is adequate for your unique situation. No two are alike, so a periodic assessment is necessary to make sure you and the ones you love are financially supported if the unthinkable occurs. Contact us today to set up a review. Happy New Year (Frohes neues Jahr) from the Sales Team at Hermann Sons Life.
Editor/Communications Director Kathie Ninneman 210-226-9261, ext. 273 kathien@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Elaine Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 elaines@hermannsonslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor, Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication. The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of Hermann Sons Life. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the President and CEO, and the President and CEO shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons Life as editor and/or business manager thereof (Art. 38, Grand Lodge Laws).
Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
We strengthen community
Seguin Lodge members wrap gifts for Blue Santa Program Seguin Lodge members spent some time wrapping gifts for the Seguin Blue Santa Program. Pictured are, from left, Annette Roecker, Allen Gescheidle, DARE Program Coordinator Hope Vasquez, Paul Gescheidle and Cheryl Gescheidle.
Edelweiss-Magnolia donates to VFD Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge recently made another donation to the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department to show its appreciation for the protection it provides for the Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home and Hermann Sons Life Camp. Vice President of Sales Tim Kolbe, left, presented the check on behalf of the lodge.
McGregor Lodge presents Humanitarian Award McGregor Lodge presented the 2020 Humanitarian Award to Amanda and Joe Franks. Making the presentation was lodge President Doris Mooney. Check out the lodge report in this issue for information on the recipients.
Helotes Lodge raises funds for dog rescue in San Antonio Dallas Lodge presents award Dallas Lodge presented the 2020 Humanitarian Award to Steve Schellenberg, center. Making the presentation were Chair of the Board Sandra Jones and Lodge President Clint Holmes. Steve served as lodge secretary/treasurer for six years before handing the responsibility to someone else for 2020. He helped his replacement to make a smooth transition and continued to help with the completion of financial reports. He will be returning to this position in 2021. He also is active in the Sun City community where he now lives. He is a volunteer on several committees and is responsible for sending emails about events each month.
Helotes Lodge Vice President Al Michalczak, right, presents Susie Michalczak from Saving Grace Dog Rescue of San Antonio with $500 in Matching Funds from the Home Office. The lodge hosted a photo session event for the organization with all the proceeds going to Saving Grace Rescue.
We strengthen community
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
Spring Branch donates items Sharon Knibbe, president of Spring Branch Lodge, stands next to a table of donations from members that were delivered to Bulverde Provisions in observance of Make a Difference Day.
DaCosta presents award Pam Elkins is the recipient of the 2020 Humanitarian Award for DaCosta Lodge. She is pictured at the Christmas social with her family.
Columbia sponsors blood drives
Stockdale donates toys, places flags Stockdale Lodge members donated toys to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department’s Blue Santa Program. The officers are pictured with the donations during the lodge’s meeting held in November at Lew’s Patio and Grill. The 2020 officers will serve again in 2021.
Stockdale Lodge members joined local Boy and Girl Scouts for a Join Hands Day project at the Stockdale Cemetery. The scouts and members placed flags on the graves of veterans in observance of Memorial Day. The lodge provided water and snacks for the volunteers.
Columbia Lodge sponsored two blood drives this holiday season in partnership with the American Prinz Solms provides 50 blankets Red Cross. November’s drive resulted in 46 Brooke Gourley, right, delivers 50 blankets that donations, which exceeded the goal! December’s she made to Laverne Dysart from St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church for distribution to the drive was expected to do just as well. homeless. The program is called Traveling Loaves and Fishes.
Columbia Lodge presented the Humanitarian Award for 2020 to Kathy Warwick. The presentation was made by Bobby Wilbanks, Stanley Whitehead and Ean Howe. During the early days of the pandemic, Kathy organized safe distanced stone sculpting demonstrations in her front yard for her neighbors. The finished pieces were auctioned for charity. She received a grant from Awesome Without Borders and used the money to purchase softer stone and child friendly tools so she could teach the neighborhood children how to carve. To honor the State Fair, she organized a butter sculpture seminar for free.
Richland donates toiletries
In observance of Make A Difference Day, Richland Lodge donated 14 bottles of shampoo/conditioner, 72 toothbrushes, 12 tubes of toothpaste, 32 bars of soap, 30 razors and 43 deodorants to Gather N Give to be distributed to local families in need.
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
Camp News
Preparing for a safe summer camp experience By IAN BRASSETT Executive Camp Director I’d first like to send out a massive thank you to Bandera County Lodge for their very generous donation of $520. We have certainly put that money to great use and added two additional fans to the pavilion on Riverside. This will really make a difference to the campers’ experience. The Board and the Home Office have been exceptional since my arrival in providing for both the Riverside and Hilltop camps. The additional donations from the lodges and individuals really help me in making even more improvements to the summer camp experience! Thanks to generous donations, we’ve added rocketry to Riverside, curtains to both dorms and the dining hall at Riverside, painted the Riverside Dining Hall, and so much more. I’m always very happy to talk with any lodges or individuals to focus your donation on activities or facility improvements and even to specify the site to which you’d like the expenditure to go. I can be reached at 830-995-3223. I’ve been blessed the past month to be able to speak to many Counselor-in-Training 1 candidates. It’s the best part of my job in the off-season to speak with potential CITs about their Camp experience and why they want to be part of the team at Hermann Sons Life Camp. CITs are the equivalent of seniors in high school. The campers really look up to the CITs and
value any time they get to hang out with them. Speaking with these CITs really makes me value the job of camp director. There is still time for your CIT-aged campers to complete an application and interview. We are still planning on running a mini-camp for first-time campers ages 8 and 9 this upcoming summer. Younger campers do very well at Camp. With your encouragement and our know-how, these 8- and 9-year-old boys and girls will get to enjoy fun Camp activities in a safe, caring environment. They will get to experience Camp crafts, sports, dance, swimming, archery and so much more! Don’t forget all the fun of Camp songs, snacks, Game Night and so much S’more!!!! The mini-camp program will be held July 8-10. Again, if you’d like to discuss Camp for your younger members and what it will entail, please do not hesitate to call me at 830-995-3223. This summer, along with the mini-camp, we will again be offering our junior members the option of a second week at Camp. Every junior member will be given ample opportunity to enroll in Camp for 2021. However, very much like 2019, we will be offering a second week to those junior members who cannot get enough of their Hermann Sons Life Camp experience. Running a safe Camp is uppermost in our thoughts. Our goal is to operate summer camp in 2021
Answers to puzzles on Pg. 16 Across 1. Snowman 5. Snow 8. Ice 9. Winter 10. Vacation 12. Snowflakes Down 2. Mittens 3. December 4. Scarf 6. New Year 7. Skiing 11. Cold Across 1. Snowman 5. Snow
if the State of Texas permits. Installing sanitizers in all dorms and buildings is just the start. We have reviewed and adjusted our cleaning and sanitizing procedures in the camper dorms. Our Dining Hall procedures have been adjusted to allow for better social distancing. At Riverside, this means we will be converting to two seatings at meals. We expect that an unintended consequence will be a much nicer dining experience with space to sit
comfortably and less noise! To decrease the possibility of cross-contamination and COVID-19 spread, we will be ensuring our dining hall service is cafeteria-style on both campuses and confirming our campers will be sitting with the counselors and campers in their dorm. This will decrease the number of campers and staff who are touching the plates and silverware the campers use. Arrival day procedures, temperature checks, activity lesson plans
and daily procedures will be evaluated and aligned with the best practice recommendations of the American Camp Association and the State of Texas in the spring. Rest assured that all decisions we make here in Comfort will be done with the safety and best interests of YOUR CHILD as the central focus. Again, if you’d like to discuss camp for your child and our safety procedures, please do not hesitate to call me at 830-995-3223.
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
Retirement Home
Retirement Home decked out for Christmas COMFORT – For the safety of residents and staff, the Retirement Home remains closed to visitors. Celebrating November birthdays were Elaine Keating and Roland Collier.
Residents and staff send their condolences to the families and friends of residents Harold Forqueran and Darrell Kaminski and Frank Brandon, a member of the Member Benefits Committee. – Helen Widner
Christmas Fund Donations The following lodges had contributed to the Retirement Home Christmas Fund as of Dec. 15: Bandera County Columbia Burton Comfort Converse Corpus Christi Edelweiss-Magnolia Fort Worth General Bee Helotes Hondo Victory
Laubach Macdona McGregor Moulton Nagel New Bielau Paul Vogt Roscoe Rosenberg-Richmond Rowena San Marcos Seguin Spring Branch Taylor Vineta
Donations
The Retirement Home staff decorated several areas of the Home for the holidays.
Member Benefits
Here’s hoping for a better 2021 By CECILY KELLY Vice President of Member Benefits The 2020 Christmas season has come and gone. Even though nothing about 2020 has been normal, some Hermann Sons Life lodges were able to celebrate in various ways. San Marcos held its Christmas party via Zoom and Spring Branch and Prinz Solms held their party at the Knibbe Ranch with plenty of room to social distance. Unfortunately, that is not the case with all lodges and members were not able to celebrate the holidays with their Hermann Sons Life family. As I write this, members of the health care community are receiving the first doses of the approved COVID-19 vaccine. We all hope that this will slow the spread and protect the vulnerable. As a society, we must remain vigilant to not only protect ourselves, but our community as a whole. The Home Office has made some changes to the Local Lodge Bylaws in an effort to help lodges during this time. I encourage all presidents and
secretaries, who should be receiving their lodge planners soon, to read the bylaws and note the changes made in September 2020. A letter was sent highlighting some of the changes, but there are a few more that we should point out. Article IV Section 22, Article V Section 1 and Article VI Sections 1 and 2 have all been updated. As we head into a New Year, I am hopeful that, even though they might not be “normal,” we can return to meetings, in person community service projects, a full summer of Camp, Family Fun Day and many more activities that were cancelled in 2020. This was a hard year for the Member Benefits Department as we were unable to complete many of the benefits and activities due to the pandemic. Ian, Brenda, Tammi, Jacqueline and I have felt and heard the disappointment in members’ voices or emails when we would have to make the difficult call to cancel something. We hope that all changes in 2021!
Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of: CHARLES C. BARNETT HERBERT SCHRAMM HERMAN N. BURG JR. LEROY ECK ERIC G. CARPENTER GERALD W. TRAPNELL Donor: Pershing Lodge JEWEL KOEPP MONICA RENE ROBLEDO Donor: La Vernia Lodge EDWARD LUCAS JR. JEAN MOORE DAVID RAILSBACK Donor: Comfort Lodge
ELSIE ASHORN JERRY MIKESKA Donor: Columbus Lodge KATHRYN J. MARTINEZ JOSEPH E. POKLADNIK Donor: Dallas Lodge ELTON LEO WATKINS Donor: Brenham Lodge RICHARD MUENNINK Donor: Hondo Lodge JOHN WALTERS Donor: Lockhart Lodge
Donations to the Camp Fund in Memory of: LANUM NORSWORTHY JERLINE MOELLENBERNDT Donor: La Grange Lodge
Donors to the Grief Support Session ROSENBERG-RICHMOND LODGE
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members
WESLEY W. WOLFF Rutersville Lodge Died Oct. 18, 1998 • Age 82
MARY F. HEATH Brunhilde Lodge Died July 15, 2016 • Age 89
ELIZABETH M. DONECKER Pershing Lodge Died June 2, 2020 • Age 101
SHIRLEY ANN STAATS Pershing Lodge Died Aug. 18, 2020 • Age 85
ANTON JOSEPH FABRYGEL Shiner Lodge Died Oct. 7, 2020 • Age 89
M.E. THOMPSON Louise Schuetze Lodge Died March 25, 1999 • Age 91
MARGARET H. HAISLER Deanville Lodge Died Aug. 8, 2016 • Age 69
KARL L. GROSS Cat Spring Lodge Died June 9, 2020 • Age 26
BRITTANY N. GATES Siemering Lodge Died Aug. 23, 2020 • Age 33
EMMA LEE ENAX MAREK Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Oct. 10, 2020 • Age 93
RONALD W. TISDALE Siemering Lodge Died Nov. 26, 2000 • Age 46
WILLIAM RAND DYER Pershing Lodge Died Aug. 26, 2016 • Age 84
JAMES A. GEIGER Harmonia Lodge Died June 11, 2020 • Age 84
WILLIE H. GOEHRING Nordheim Lodge Died Sept. 2, 2020 • Age 85
MARY FAYE TALLEY Laubach Lodge Died Oct. 11, 2020 • Age 85
WILBUR WILSON New Bern Lodge Died Feb. 9, 2002 • Age 80
MARIE E. STURM Dunlay Lodge Died Aug. 27, 2016 • Age 81
IMOGENE LOIS KITCHENS Austin Lodge Died June 12, 2020 • Age 86
EULETA BELL Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Sept. 6, 2020 • Age 90
THELMA W. KAASER Gulf Lodge Died Oct. 13, 2020 • Age 95
MARY CAROLYN LESSOR Gonzales Lodge Died April 29, 2008 • Age 51
LORINE O. SCHMIDT Prinz Solms Lodge Died Oct. 21, 2016 • Age 91
NANCY CAROL KAMINSKI Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died June 17, 2020 • Age 47
JOHNNY B. SCOTT Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died Sept. 10, 2020 • Age 99
JOHN S. WALTERS Lockhart Lodge Died Oct. 13, 2020 • Age 68
VIRGIL L. SCHNEIDER Spring Branch Lodge Died Aug. 27, 2010 • Age 59
JACK W. WENDT Brenham Lodge Died Oct. 26, 2016 • Age 93
CHRISTY NELL KOVAR Goliad Lodge Died June 17, 2020 • Age 71
ALBERTA LITTLE Vineta Lodge Died Sept. 13, 2020 • Age 79
ELEANORA H. SCHMOEKEL Seguin Lodge Died Oct. 13, 2020 • Age 94
LAURIE L. THOMAS Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Dec. 19, 2010 • Age 54
ORVILLE I. BENGE JR. Siemering Lodge Died Dec. 10, 2016 • Age 59
JANET MARIE MACHAC Schulenburg Lodge Died June 22, 2020 • Age 67
RUTH K. BRANDT Weesatche Lodge Died Sept. 16, 2020 • Age 86
HAROLD G. MAREK Cat Spring Lodge Died Oct. 14, 2020 • Age 88
TONY ALAN GERLICH Fort Worth Lodge Died Sept. 22, 2011 • Age 51
OMA LOU IVY Columbia Lodge Died Feb. 15, 2017 • Age 81
ERWIN W. HAGEDORN Niederwald Lodge Died June 25, 2020 • Age 84
CARMEN G. MAREK Cat Spring Lodge Died Sept. 16, 2020 • Age 83
MARGUERITE R. HAGENS Schulenburg Lodge Died Oct. 15, 2020 • Age 97
JEAN DILLARD Schwertner Lodge Died May 17, 2012 • Age 86
JANET M. BLISS Louise Schuetze Lodge Died April 2, 2017 • Age 69
JULIA ANNE TUDYK Louise Schuetze Lodge Died July 10, 2020 • Age 49
ABIGAIL G. MICHELSON Gonzales Lodge Died Sept.18, 2020 • Age 80
JOSEPH D. STOUDT Harmonia Lodge Died Oct. 18, 2020 • Age 74
AMELIA FAVRE PLEXICO Columbia Lodge Died Feb. 9, 2015 • Age 97
DOROTHY N. PIEPLOW Helotes Lodge Died April 6, 2017 • Age 94
THEODORE J. NOACK Brenham Lodge Died July 14, 2020 • Age 94
A. HERBERT SCHRAMM Pershing Lodge Died Sept. 26, 2020 • Age 89
MOLLY D. AVERITTE Vineta Lodge Died Oct. 19, 2020 • Age 39
BERTHA R. CLIFTON Vineta Lodge Died July 6, 2015 • Age 92
DON WELTENS SAUNDERS Kirby Lodge Died May 1, 2017 • Age 76
JOSE RAMIREZ Kirby Lodge Died July 30, 2020 • Age 76
JAMES G. MOORE Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died Sept. 28, 2020 • Age 82
FLORENCE B. NIXON Rowena Lodge Died Oct. 19, 2020 • Age 96
BARBARA J. WOOD Vineta Lodge Died Aug. 15, 2015 • Age 69
GEORGE P. MALKOWSKI DaCosta Lodge Died May 17, 2017 • Age 90
JOHN DAVID LEE Harmonia Lodge Died July 31, 2020 • Age 41
ANTHONY S. LISTER Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Oct. 2, 2020 • Age 89
RUTH M. WITZSCHE Priddy Lodge Died Oct. 21, 2020 • Age 90
BARBARA RUGEN Pershing Lodge Died Jan. 21, 2016 • Age 88
DEBORAH DENISE BALL New Braunfels Lodge Died May 25, 2017 • Age 52
VLASTA LEONA PAVLAS Moulton Lodge Died Aug. 4, 2020 • Age 95
MARY LOU WEEBER Dunlay Lodge Died Oct. 3, 2020 • Age 92
CHARLES C. BARNETT Pershing Lodge Died Oct. 21, 2020 • Age 81
BYRON L. LEFLORE Harmonia Lodge Died March 8, 2016 • Age 80
ANGELA R. DENZEL Niederwald Lodge Died Oct. 14, 2019 • Age 48
KENNETH W. FRANK Bernardo Lodge Died Aug. 4, 2020 • Age 66
ROSA LEE H. KNUTSON Seguin Lodge Died Oct. 3, 2020 • Age 93
JANICE POLVADO LOCHTE Fredericksburg Lodge Died Oct. 21, 2020 • Age 47
GENE C. HRNCIR Moulton Lodge Died May 28, 2016 • Age 90
GERTRUDE H. ALBERT Louise Schuetze Lodge Died April 2, 2020 • Age 96
BESSIE L. ENGEL Vineta Lodge Died Aug. 4, 2020 • Age 85
BARBARA J. CHRISTENSEN Boerne Lodge Died Oct. 3, 2020 • Age 79
HILDA P. PARKER Nixon-Smiley Lodge Died Oct. 25, 2020 • Age 95
ANNA S. AHRENS Schulenburg Lodge Died July 4, 2016 • Age 89
RAYMOND JAMES KASPARIK Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died May 3, 2020 • Age 69
JUDITH M. HOUSE Dallas Lodge Died Aug. 14, 2020 • Age 82
HENRY C. CERNOTA Shelby Lodge Died Oct. 5, 2020 • Age 85
JON C. YOUNG Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died Oct. 25, 2020 • Age 71
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
75 Years
HARRY FREDRICK MARQUART Comfort Lodge CHARLES L. HILSHER Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge WILLIE L. KORNFUEHRER Goliad Lodge IONA MAE BUCHHORN Gruenau Lodge JUDITH C. STEFFEN Houston Lodge LORA MAE JANECKA Laubach Lodge VERNELLE J. RICHTER La Vernia Lodge MARGIE ROSE CARTER R.W. MALCHER JR. MARGARET R.A. TAYLOR Poth Lodge MARVIN GRAW ROSE M. JANKE MARGARET SHULTS BOBBY B. STENGEL Richland Lodge JANICE M. BUTLER San Patricio County Lodge LLOYD V. MARKELL Siemering Lodge ANNA LOUISE BORTH ELAINE ELIZABETH FRISBIE MELVIN W. SINAST Yorktown Lodge
70 Years
MARTHA E. BURKHARDT Austin Lodge DAVID ALLEN ANDREAS ROBERT J. SKLAR Cat Spring Lodge MILTON M. EDGE WANDA LEE EDGE SYLVIA J. HORTON RALPH EMIL REAL Cibolo Lodge JEAN Y. BIEDERMAN MARY M. DUELBERG JAMES BRYAN METTING CORRINE A. WOLFSHOHL Da Costa Lodge HUBERT R. ODSTRCIL Deanville Lodge DANNY R. MOORE RICHARD L. SAUER CAROLYN R. STOFFEL Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge RUBY NELL BERGER WILLIAM A. BERGER Gonzales Lodge HARVEY E. HOLLAND Harmonia Lodge ROGER ALLEN MOELLER GENELLE WEEKS Haskell Lodge LINDA SUSAN DAVIS Jourdanton Lodge
Pioneers JAMES E. SCHAFFNER JR. Nagel Lodge DANIEL D. HAYES New Braunfels Lodge EDGAR REILEY JR. Niederwald Lodge LUCILLE KLAEVEMANN Orange Grove Lodge KIRBY KEILERS LESTER KEILERS Rutersville Lodge
KAREN LEIGH BERGMANN Boerne Lodge
DEANNINE G. CARLSON Hochheim-Prairie Lodge
PERRY LEE THOMAS III Brenham Lodge
TERRI A. COBURN LISA C. STUART Houston Lodge
KRISTEN LEANNE HAASS KAREN V. NEUMAN RICHARD L. STEIN Castroville Lodge
KATHRYN H. RUCKMAN Karnes City Lodge DAWN MARIE SHEARER Kypfer-Salge Lodge DONNA MARIE ASHER Macdona Lodge
GERALD L. GASS Twin Sisters Lodge
PHYLLIS J. MURPHY McGregor Lodge
JOE CAROL MEREDITH Vineta Lodge
ROGER B. ALBRIGHT MOLLY ANN KOEHN BERNANDETTE L. KOSLER New Bielau Lodge
KIRBY D. GARNER CALVIN M. RAYES Yorktown Lodge
50 Years
RICHARD C. OSBURG FABIAN J. POLLOK DAYTON D. RUX Harmonia Lodge
GREGORY W. HOLMAN Taylor Lodge
CAROL FAULK KNIGHT THOMAS HOWARD KNIGHT Comfort Lodge ROBERT W. BEACH Gulf Lodge BILLIE T. PRADO MARY JEAN WILSON Houston Lodge NOLAN JONAS Karnes City Lodge GREGORY TODD VETTER Laubach Lodge
LISA FELTNER BRUCKS New Braunfels Lodge
TERI LEE CAST Lockhart Lodge
KAREN S. CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL J. LAMPKIN ROBERT W. LAMPKIN JULIA M. ODOM Pershing Lodge
BONNIE JEAN KRUGER JAMI LEA REED JUDITH E. SWOBODA KATHRYN L. WHITLEY Louise Schuetze Lodge
BRYCE EDWARD FREY TERESA S. SCOTT Brenham Lodge
JAMES C. HOPKINS JR. Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
BRIAN V. BRANDT McGregor Lodge
CYNTHIA ANN HRACHOVY Cat Spring Lodge
MARY E. JOHNSON Schulenburg Lodge
DELORES MARY HANKE DAVID W. STOELTJE DaCosta Lodge
TIMOTHY PAUL KOLBE Seguin Lodge
60 Years DAVID BRIAN MAREK Bellville Lodge
MARIE H. JOHN Kyper-Salge Lodge
TERI LYNNE BURGESS Dallas Lodge
THOMAS A. GUENTHER La Grange Lodge
ANTHONY J. LOTH FRANCES E. SCHMIDT Fredericksburg Lodge
MARY A. SCULL LEONA L. WAGNER La Vernia Lodge
KEITH A. SCHMIDT Gonzales Lodge
BETTY W. HANSEN Louise Schuetze Lodge
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
RICHARD E. RADLER Gulf Lodge
EDGAR DUDENSING JR. Shelby Lodge ELMER JOHN SMOOT Siemering Lodge LAURIE RENEE BURNS JOYCE L. POLLOK Vineta Lodge DEAN ELLIS BARKER Washington Lodge JAY DEE SCHROLLER Yorktown Lodge
TERRY L. SWAN Mission-Alamo Lodge MATHEW WADE BETTIN Needville Lodge SHANNON L. GUENTHER New Bielau Lodge JAMES BRYAN ELLIS ANTHONY W. MAYS JR. Seguin Lodge M.Z. KUYKENDALL JR. Siemering Lodge LARRY BLANE KUEBEL MARK DUANE KUEBEL PERRY ANN KUEBEL CECILIA D. WARE Twin Sisters Lodge
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
Pioneers
Kypfer-Salge meets Jan. 8 CLEAR SPRINGS – Kypfer-Salge Lodge will meet Jan. 8. This is a change from the regular meeting date because the first Friday falls on New Year’s Day. Members are asked to bring a pot of soup, stew or chili or a side dish or dessert. The lodge met Dec. 1. Art Brinkkoeter had eye surgery and a card was sent to him. Let Nelrose Koepp know of anyone who is under the weather and she will send a card on behalf of the lodge. Members thank Brandon and
Kelly Kallies for the side-by-side refrigerator they donated for the lodge’s drinks. President Dennis Koepp, Vice President Kery Noble and Oran Koepp tore down the buildings that were in a state of non-repair. They hauled off the trash and kept the good boards. At the January meeting, members will talk about a way to use those boards on the inside of the hall. Members decided not to rent out the hall during the first quarter of 2021 because of the virus. – Darline Preiss
Tammy and Charlie Seiter celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in December. They are members of Kypfer-Salge Lodge.
Prinz Solms holds holiday party SPRING BRANCH – Prinz Solms Lodge and Spring Branch Lodge celebrated Christmas at the Knibbe Ranch on Dec. 13. The students from the Hill Country School of Dance performed a variety of Christmas routines. The dancers were very enthusiastic and demonstrated a lot of spirit. Their hard work was
Paul Heath, left, receives his 60-year membership pin from Bandera County Lodge President Gary Reile. Paul now lives in San Antonio and has been a member since Oct. 4, 1960.
Barbara Wehe of Spring Branch receives her 60-year membership pin from Prinz Solms Lodge President Clifton Klabunde during the lodge’s Christmas party. Barbara has been a member since May 8, 1960.
Charlene Burnett has received her 75-year membership pin. Charlene is a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge and lives in San Antonio. She has been a member since Oct. 4, 1945.
Harvey Fahrenthold of Round Rock has received his 75-year membership pin. Harvey is a member of Poth Lodge. He joined on Sept. 17, 1945.
Elizabeth King of San Antonio has received her 75-year membership pin. Elizabeth is a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge. She joined on Nov. 26, 1945.
Melton Dornbusch of Marion has received his 70-year membership pin. Melton is a member of Cibolo Lodge. He joined on May 10, 1950.
Wilfred Schaeper of Robinson has received his 70-membership pin. Wilfred is a member of Waco-Robinson Lodge. He has been a member since March 14, 1950.
Warner Tom Denham has received his 60-year membership pin. Warner has lived in Las Vegas for the past 30 years. He is a member of Goliad Lodge. He joined on July 7, 1960.
evident in their routines. Barbara Wehe received her 60-year membership pin from President Cliff Klabunde. Members who could not attend were recognized for their years of membership. Their pins had been mailed. A turkey and dressing meal with pie and tea was served. – Reporter
Lockhart to meet at Smitty’s Market LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge will meet at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Smitty’s Market. The lodge’s Christmas party also was held at Smitty’s Market.
Members voted to move all meetings to Smitty’s Market in 2021. They will start at 4:30 p.m. The junior members were presented with a goodie bag. – Reporter
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
DaCosta Lodge celebrates Christmas with social DACOSTA – DaCosta Lodge celebrated the holiday with a Christmas social on Dec. 12. Thanks go to everyone who baked goodies and donated to the Santa Fun Walk and silent auction. Both were a great success. The DaCosta School of Dance students provided a Christmas dance ensemble prior to the meal, while Zachary Grant and Ray Wildes provided the dance music from 8 p.m.-midnight. The meal was catered by Lolita Chuckwagon and included brisket, sausage, German potatoes and green beans. Mildred Raska received her 50-year membership pin and Wesley Schmidt received his 60-year pins. Kitchen angels were presented to Mildred Raska, Milton Wagner and Anna Wagner for being the 80+ years members in attendance. Door prizes were poinsettias and one lucky winner was presented with an ornament snowman made by Jeanette West. Thanks go to Mike Story for donating his time as Santa Claus and Debbie Ellsworth from the Victoria Red Cross Chapter for donating her time assisting the children with their letters to Santa.
The Humanitarian Award was presented to Pam Elkins. She has been a blessing and her hard work has not gone unnoticed and is truly appreciated. DaCosta Hall is open every Thursday with Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy $1 cans and $2 bottle beer. Cheeseburgers, quesadillas, chicken nugget baskets, fries, Frito pies, mozzarella sticks, popcorn shrimp baskets and more are served from 4 to 10 p.m. All ages are welcome to join in great food, games, corn hole and catching up with friends and neighbors. Four areas of the hall are available for rent on Thursdays for $25 to any person who wishes to hold a meeting/party for direct sales, showers, etc. Contact Andrea Stehle at 361578-2309 or andrea@dacostahall.com to reserve your spot. Cold beverages and hot food are available. Bunco Night is the third Thursday of the month. Bring your friends and $5 worth of canned food if you want to play. No limit on players, men or women. Join the DaCosta Hall Bunco group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/dacostahallbunco. DaCosta Market Days are to
Milton Wagner was one of three members of DaCosta Lodge who is 80+ who attended the Dec. 12 Christmas social.
The DaCosta School of Dance students performed at the lodge’s Christmas social. be held on the following dates in 2021: Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 19, July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec 11. Up-to-date events and info can be found on Facebook. DaCosta Hall Facebook page: facebook.com/DacostaHall77905 DaCosta Market Days pag: facebook.com/DaCostaMarketDays DaCosta Market Days vendor information page: facebook. com/groups/DaCostaMarketDaysVendors DaCosta Lodge Facebook pag: facebook.com/DaCostaLodge-100293408189350 Contact Hall Manager Andrea Stehle at 361-578-2039 or
Five graduating high school seniors who are members of DaCosta Lodge attended the Christmas social. They are, from left, Emily Thigpen, Alondra Pineda, Tuesday Guerrero, Miranda Garcia and Allison Dentler. andrea@dacostahall.com with any comments, suggestions, hall rental info or membership requests, transfers or policy quotes.
DaCosta Lodge honored its 80+ members in attendance at the Christmas social including Mildred Raska.
Contact Tessia Stastny regarding all deaths, get wells, births, etc. at 361-237-6002 or tessia@dacostahall.com. – Reporter
Anna Wagner attended the DaCosta Christmas social where she received a gift for being 80+.
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
Lodge Updates Editor’s Note: The following information was correct as of Dec. 21 when the newspaper went to press.
Louise Schuetze remembers past members Louise Schuetze Lodge is not meeting at the present time because of the coronavirus pandemic. Officers have been conducting lodge business by way of text messages and email. If you have not received these messages, contact Janet Abell at 210-363-4022 with your phone number and/or email address. The lodge would like to take this time to remember the ladies from the lodge who are no longer with us, including Willie Mae Shaw, Jackie Stanford, Marie Macha, Elizabeth Markell and Evelyn Barker. Those ladies are pictured here with their lodge sisters at one of the Grand Lodge Conventions.
Dallas will provide food, drinks at Jan. 24 meeting DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will meet Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Hall. Food and drinks will be provided. Members are encouraged to attend and follow COVID-19 protocols. If the government issues a stay-at-home order, the meeting will be held via Zoom. Chair of the Board Sandra Jones was a guest at the November meeting. Visitors included Linda Schellenberg and Columbia Lodge members Amanda Hobbs, Stanley Whitehead and Bobby Wilbanks. Steve Schellenberg received the lodge’s Humanitarian of the Year Award. Sandra Jones presented his certificate. All elected and appointed officers will remain in their current positions for 2021 except Terri Holmes, secretary/ treasurer. Clint appointed Steve to this position and members thank him for serving again in this position. The Home Association directors remain the same. They will meet Jan. 26 via Zoom. Dallas Lodge celebrated its 130th anniversary in November. The lodge was chartered on Nov. 3, 1890. Several members have
reached membership milestones. James Dietel has been a member for 75 years. He resides in Bethesda, Md. Alfred Kahrs has been a member for 70 years. He lives in Springtown. Margaret McLain also has been a member for 70 years. She lives in Dawson. Roland Simon is another 70-year membe. He lives in Round Rock. Members send sympathy to the family of Kathryn J. Martinez. She passed away April 30, 2020, at the age of 66. She lived in Dallas. Sympathy also is extended to the family of Joseph E. Pokladnik. He passed away June 22, 2020, at the age of 95. He lived in Dallas. The lodge will make a donation to the Retirement Home in their memory. Bobby Wilbanks, president of Columbia Lodge, asked the lodge to partner with Columbia on a project to provide toys and bikes for children in need at Christmas. The Larry Tulson Foundation started this event several years ago and the lodge has always participated. Terri Holmes brought the food provided by the lodge. The attendance prizes were won by Clint Holmes and Andy Schellenberg.
Austin Lodge Austin is planning a meeting for Jan. 10. Brenham Lodge Brenham officers will meet Monday, Feb. 1. At the Dec. 8 meeting, officers decided not to hold meetings or bingo because of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The officers are discussing the possibility of holding several drive-thru fund-raisers. Members are asked to check the website for updates. Cat Spring Lodge Cat Spring members will be notified when meetings resume. Comfort Lodge Comfort will meet again in
February. Corpus Christi Lodge Corpus Christi will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Nolan’s in Calallen. Officers will be installed. Ellinger Lodge Ellinger members should watch the newspaper for information on when the next meeting will be held. Call Diane Marusik if you have questions. Gay Hill Lodge Gay Hill will meet Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Sealand Restaurant. Harmonia Lodge Harmonia plans to resume meetings in January. Karnes City Lodge Karnes City will hold a quarterly meeting in March. Laubach Lodge Laubach will not meet in January or February. New Bielau Lodge New Bielau hopes to be able
to resume meetings in January. Pershing Lodge Pershing has announced that no meetings will be held until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Richland Lodge Richland Lodge is not currently meeting. The 2020 officers have agreed to serve again in 2021. Anyone with questions or comments is asked to contact President Tammy Kelley. Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge officers hope to resume meetings in February depending on the status of the pandemic. Seguin Lodge A decision will be announced soon about the status of the January meeting. Vineta Lodge Vineta Lodge does not plan to meet in January.
McGregor presents Humanitarian Award McGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will not meet in January or February. Members and guests enjoyed a meal prepared by Teresa Sneed and Doris Mooney at the Dec. 2 meeting held at the McGregor General Store. Thanks go to Teresa for giving everyone a gift card as a Christmas present. Doris presented the 2020 Humanitarian Award to Joe and Amanda Franks. They are two busy and dedicated McGregor citizens. Both are involved in youth baseball, softball and Little Drib-
blers. Amanda has been a coach, secretary and ran the concession stand. She served as vice president and as a scheduler. She serves on the Student Health Advisory Committee and has been a school nurse for all schools for the past 10 years. She has been a cheerleading coach for the junior varsity and varsity for the past two years. Joe maintains the fields and has coached. Both have been involved in the McGregor Movement for five years. Joe has served on the Quad City Board for three
years and the Zoning Board for two years. He also is a parent volunteer for campus planning at the junior high. Teresa read a note from the Retirement Home thanking the lodge for its Christmas Fund donation. Doris read a card from Kerry Arseneaux and Regenia, thanking the lodge for the card that members had signed. Members hope they get well soon. Members sang “Happy Birthday” to El Nora Lawton. – Reporter
Kirby meets Jan. 4 - no meal, masks required KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. There will be no meal and masks will be required along with social distancing. Meeting dates for 2021 will be discussed. Meetings will continue to be held on the first Monday of the month unless that day falls on a holiday. At the December meeting, Angela Netherton reported that Mrs. Krystin is the new
dance teacher for the Kirby School of Dance. She is also teaching in Boerne. The dancers and parents wish Mrs. Skylar, the previous dance teacher, good luck in her future endeavors. The lodge has donated $500 to St. Jude’s Children’s Ranch in observance of Join Hands Day and $250 to Boysville in observance of Make a Difference Day.
Donald Rosco Butterworth was welcomed as a new member. Condolences are extended to the families of Bernice Robinson, Thomas Kaminski Jr. and Gene L. Welch. Attendance prize winner of $30 was Janie Leonhardt. Door prizes went to Lillian Brietzke and Andra Fore. – Reporter
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
Columbia initiates blood drives, presents award DALLAS – With gratitude and joy Columbia Lodge can ring out 2020 and welcome in 2021. Things are different now. We live in a world that has changed significantly. We are learning to adapt to the new paradigms. We are mourning the loss of loved ones. We are navigating new ways of living and doing things that are unfamiliar to us and, at times, difficult to accept. We are learning to be social without endangering each other. We are learning to create and to enjoy art and music and entertainment in new ways. We are learning to manage our finances in a world of diminishing income streams. We are learning how important human contact is. We are learning that we are fragile in ways that we may not have expected, and that we can be resilient and resourceful in order to compen-
sate for these new challenges. We are learning. Columbia Lodge has initiated two holiday blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross. November’s drive resulted in 46 donations, which exceeded the goal! December’s drive was expected to do just as well. Officers Bobby Wilbanks, Stanley Whitehead and Ean Howe presented the Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2020 to Kathy Warwick. Columbia Lodge’s annual participation in the Larry Tutson Jr. Toy Drive continued this year, in partnership with the Dallas Songwriters Association. Toys and bicycles were collected at the Hall and delivered to Gregg and Barbara Smith to distribute to local children in need. December’s First Friday party held at the Texas Ale Project site
Bandera Lodge plans next meeting for Jan. 24 at church LAKEHILLS – Bandera County Lodge met Nov. 8 at St Victor’s Catholic Church in Lakehills. A fajita dinner was enjoyed by the officers as a thank you for their continued support of the lodge. Ashlynn Nicole Spaulding was welcomed as a new junior member. The lodge’s banner and all the signs are still up at the Little League field even though there are no games being played. The players were given their T shirts for the season even though they were not able to play. Since the Retirement Home is not allowing visitors, the lodge’s annual visit has been put on hold. President Gary Reile will contact the Home to see if they will accept food for a private socially distanced ice cream social. The Ukulele Ladies and Gents who usually perform can supply a DVD if the Home has a player. The Bandera County School of Dance has 17 students enrolled. COVID-19 protocols are being observed during class. The lodge provided each dancer and teacher with a gift card even though there was no
Christmas party or holiday recital. The lodge continued the monetary donations to all of the previous recipients and added the Castle Lake Ranch Volunteer Fire Department to the list. All the current officers have agreed to keep their positions for 2021. That includes president, Gary Reile; vice president, Joe Gagliardi; financial secretary, Pam Biering; Finance Committee members, Kathleen Reile, Stephanie Brown and Sandy Trenkelbach; Communications Coordinator Susan Hillje; Community Coordinator Paul Heath; and Membership Coordinator Leona Field. Paul Heath received his 60year membership pin. Other members who will receive their pins in the mail are Virginia Brient and L. Sultenfuss Jr., both 60 years; and Shirley Schaefer, 70 years. A meeting is planned for Jan. 24 at St. Victor’s Church Hall. No further meetings are scheduled at this time. – Reporter
was another fun and successful bingo party hosted by David Pippin. David had special assistants this month, with young Finley pulling the numbers and Austin calling them out. These children really showed their enthusiasm and talent Friday night, with Austin demonstrating his mastery of phonics as each letter was called out. B-B-B-Beeee One! This installment of the Columbia Lodge newsletter is the final contribution from me (Anni Howe). Thank you all for allowing me the pleasure and privilege of sharing our lodge’s news with the larger community for the past two years. I am gratefully and thankfully passing the torch into the capable hands of a savvy team of journalists who will work together to provide a thorough and thoughtful approach to this task
Columbia Lodge members took part in the December First Friday party held at the Texas Ale Project site. David Pippin was the host with assistance from young Finley who pulled the numbers and Austin who called them out. pass along our stories and pictures to them to share going forward. – Anni Howe
in the years to come. Let’s welcome Mary Marvin into this role and welcome back Dave Lewis (who has done this before), and
Fort Worth has two new members FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge welcomed two new members at the Dec. 6 meeting. They are Amaryllis Gryder and Caitlin Medord. The 2020 officers were reelected and will serve again in 2021. Members approved a donation to the Harvest House in Burleson to help with gifts for children in the area. A letter was received from Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly thanking the lodge for its donation
to the Retirement Home Christmas Fund. Pins from the Military Order of the Purple Heart were passed out to members. The Order sent the pins as a way of thanking the lodge for its recent donation. The new bylaws changes were discussed. Reaching her 50-year milestone in December was Pamela Rives. Pamela joined the lodge on Dec. 6, 1970. Happy Birthday wishes go to Linda Balmos, Larry Barclay, Eldon Bell, Gracie Castor,
Bill Cotton, David Dornberg, Christopher Hanna, Johnna Hilcher, Peggy Hurst, Kenneth Miller, Maci Menter, Sherry Ozmun, Michael Rojas, Shelbie Stephenson, Brennen Tousley, William Tousley and Kinslee Wallace. The officers would like to thank those who felt safe enough to come to the meeting. The next meeting will be held March 7. The place will be determined at a later time. – Reporter
Spring Branch re-elects officers Bernardo hopes BULVERDE – Two new junior members were welcomed at the November meeting of Spring Branch Lodge held at the Bulverde Community Center. The 2020 officers will serve again in 2021. Personal hygiene items were collected and were donated to Bulverde Provisions in observance of Make a Difference Day. Attendance prize winners were Ben Havens, Jane
Wanke, Phyllis Havens, Alverne Halloran, Mary Woody, Bill Woody, Chuck Knibbe and Sandra Duncan. Brian Meuth, CEO of M & S Engineering, will be the lodge’s Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient. He was to be honored at the Dec. 13 Christmas party. The meal was provided by Jane Wanke, Phyllis and Ben Havens and Ed and Kay Geffken. – Reporter
to meet soon
BERNARDO – Bernardo Lodge has not been meeting because of the COVID-19 pandemic and did not host a Christmas party. The lodge has welcomed a new member, Blakely Nicole Mica, great-granddaughter of Joe and Arlene Trojacek. The lodge has also welcomed Margaret and Bennie Haverlah by way of transfer. Officers hope to resume meetings in the New Year. – Robin Maertz
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
Poth Lodge welcomes eight new members POTH – Poth Lodge welcomed eight new members at the Dec. 6 meeting. They are Harper Jen Gorzell, Presley Rene Gorzell, Denali L. Bodden, Blakely Kate Hopson, Madelyn Eleyna Chapa, Josephine Lee Andrews, Piper J. Andrews and Emma Kay Labus. Members agreed to buy gift cards for the dancers, the instructor and the mother who
helps the teacher. Members remembered Annette Kunkel and Shawna Dean Wiatrek with a moment of silence. Members agreed to change the lock on the lodge hall to a keyless entry lock. President Pamela Cutsinger read the names of the lodge’s pioneer members for the year. The 2020 officers were re-
elected for 2021. They are Pamela Cutsinger, president; Lucille Novak, vice president; Elizabeth Cutsinger, secretary/ treasurer; Lawrence Maha, Virginia Maha and Patricia Lowak, trustees; Chris Kotara, community coordinator; and Cloe Bostick, youth coordinator. Sharon Tanneberger and Beth Cutsinger won the monthly door prizes.
The names of Edna Mae Bauer, Elsie Lantz and Alfred C. Lohse Jr. were drawn for the kitty but they were not there to claim the cash so the amount increases by $2 for the next meeting. Everyone enjoyed a catered meal of turkey and all the trimmings to celebrate Christmas. Games followed the meal. – Reporter
Patricia Lowak from Poth Lodge celebrated her birthday in December.
Round Top Lodge donates to CASA
Cameron Lodge holds Christmas party Cameron Lodge held its Christmas party Dec. 8 at Bea’s Kitchen. Members and guests enjoyed a dinner of turkey, dressing, ham and many trimmings. After a short business meeting, each family received gifts of poinsettias or tins of popcorn. Celebrating birthdays were, from left, Kayla Ehler, Nanette Wells and Douglas Buck.
ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge met Nov. 19 at the Round Top American Legion Hall. This was the lodge’s first meeting since February. A dinner honoring the lodge’s two scholarship recipients, Megan Krause and Aiden Wagner, was held in June. The lodge once again collected items for CASA during the holidays. The local CASA program is currently serving 41 children. Dora Miller and Michiko Peters passed away during recent months. A donation will be sent in their memory to Hospice Brazos Valley.
Congratulations are extended to Agent Linda Mattocks who qualified for the Executive Club based on her sales production in 2019. She gave details on different types of policies available. Belated birthday wishes were extended to Mert Meinkowsky, Bob Porter, Lila Garlin, Floyd Braun, Jeanette Schoenst, Margie Stardig and Virgie Hall. Celebrating recent wedding anniversaries were Ted and Margie Stardig, 60 years, and Leonard and Mert Meinkowsky, 56 years, in June. Celebrating in August were Barton and Lila Garlin, 54
years, and Floyd and Jocie Braun, 22 years. Betty and Bob Porter celebrated 45 years of marriage in November. Attendance prizes were won by Jeanette Schoenst, Jocie and Floyd Braun, Leonard Meinkowsky and Lila Garlin. Door prizes were won by Margie Stardig and Floyd Braun. After the meeting adjourned a variety of sandwiches, potato salad and chips were served, followed by ice cream sundaes with a variety of toppings. Thanks go to Lila and Linda for the wonderful indoor picnic. – Reporter
Giddings elects 2021 officers
Helotes will meet again on March 9
GIDDINGS – The election of 2021 officers was held at the November meeting of Giddings Lodge. They will be Pat Abell, president; Bill Hinkston, vice president; Belle DeLaRosa, secretary; Cecilia Martinez, treasurer; Olivia Mize, trustee; and LaVerne Urban, Finance Committee member. A call was received from Denise Harlan of the Giddings Chamber of Commerce requesting the history of Hermann Sons Life in Lee County. Pat Abell provided the history and pictures to Kelita Thomas at the museum. One picture was of members from 126 years ago. Birthday cards were sent to Johnny Herzik, Reagie Ebner and Edmundo DeLaRosa. Members enjoyed a casserole prepared by Cecilia Martinez, one of the best cooks in Lee County! – Reporter
HELOTES – Helotes Lodge has set its quarterly meeting schedule for 2021. Meetings will be held March 9, June 8, Sept. 14 and Dec. 14. The March 9 meeting begins at 7 p.m. A hot meal will be provided and door prizes will be given away. The 2020 officers will serve again in 2021. With the help of Rebecca Henley, Susie Michalczak, Ashley Dietke, Rebecca Nail, Alexander Dietke and several members of the community, a photo shoot was held to benefit Saving Grace Dog Rescue of San Antonio. This was the lodge’s Make a Difference Day and Matching Funds event for the year. Enough money was raised to match the $500 donated by the Home Office. – Reporter
Giddings Lodge members Cecilia Martinez, LaVerne Urban and Oliva Mize each won a $5 door prize at the November meeting.
Alexander Deike helped at the Helotes Lodge fund-raiser photo shoot held to benefit Saving Grace Dog Rescue of San Antonio. This was the lodge’s Make a Difference Day and Matching Funds event for the year.
January 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Adkins Roxy Pruski 210-218-6204
Converse Dan Boenig 210-705-1815
Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678
New Braunfels Becki Carley 361-550-9358
Alice Eddie Ramon 361-701-0480
Corpus Christi Pearl Hunt 361-960-0276
Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317
Kathryn Green 830-463-9455
Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975
Troylyn SisnerosGonzalez 361-232-7413
Graham/Wichita Falls David Wolf 940-550-5202
Bandera Stephanie Brown 210-621-3891
Cuero Laura Tiffin Wayne Tiffin 361-275-8421
Houston Gary Falkenberg, FICF 713-466-6069 or 713-899-4138
Dallas Helen Tyson Brown 214-796-0668
Jennifer Stryk Garner 832-596-9425
Bellville Robert Herridge 979-865-3222 Bernardo/Columbus Robin Maertz 979-732-1687
Mark Mundy 214-202-8442
Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727
Cecilia Phillips 214-982-8905
Blanco Joni Kirkwood Moore 512-922-8283
Gilbert Shelby 214-289-1815
Boerne/San Antonio Pamela Poulk 210-753-2626 Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306 Marilyn Vogt, FICF 210-630-9874 Caldwell Donnie Blinka 979-596-1309 Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC 210-219-9792 Cibolo/Schertz Tracy Campos 210-388-2779 Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938 Doreen Tissler 210-519-7859 Comfort Norma Bruns, FIC 830-995-3980
Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483
Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001 Jourdanton Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598 Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982 Russell Swize 830-780-4053
Devine Robin Rutledge 210-854-4443
Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293
Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409
La Grange Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988
El Campo Dennis Wigginton 832-278-9636 Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger 210-325-6667 Floresville Lynn Wiede 830-393-4660 Fort Worth Sandra Jones, FIC 817-295-2666 Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale 830-997-2130 George West Tracy Caron 361-449-0348
La Vernia Sharon Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-0526
Shirley Huebinger 830-629-1196 Celeste Salge 830-620-8515 Laura Ann Timmermann 830-556-7527 Krystale Timmons-Schaale 248-431-3811 Nixon-Smiley Diana P. Moreno 830-379-2244 (office) 830-534-4989 (cell) Orange Grove Paula Gebert 361-384-2375 Pflugerville Julius Dubcak 512-272-8393 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven 361-552-9403 Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988 San Antonio Ruth Bailey 210-602-5147
Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229
Barbara Carr 210-275-3975
Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380
Robert A. Hollingsworth Jr. Rosie Hollingsworth 210-822-2590
Mason Brad Lehmberg 325-320-7079 Needville /Rosenberg Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127
Darlene Irwin 210-392-2649 Rayna Sue Irwin 210-710-7038 Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142
Sales Department Staff 210-527-9113 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667
Vice President of Sales Tim Kolbe timk@hermannsonslife.org Compliance Director Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley gladysr@hermannsonslife.org Regional Sales Managers: Eulla May Krueger 210-863-0546 • 830-985-3643 eullak@hermannsonslife.org Teresa Saathoff 210-422-6996 teresas@hermannsonslife.com Alicia Lenz 210-478-1204 Chris Naughton 210-365-2009 John Pacini 210-844-7182 Monica Pacini 956-645-2986 San Marcos/Lockhart Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431 Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312 Schwertner Irene Schwertner 254-527-4470
Seguin Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724 Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973 Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405 Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek 210-771-4354 Victoria Jason Hybner 361-652-6924 Andrea Stehle 361-648-2274 Laura Thigpen 361-676-8307
Sealy Carolyn Daignault 832-338-6201
Waxahachie Mark Mundy 214-202-8442
Seguin/San Antonio Carol Krauss, FIC 210-725-4106
Yorktown Judy Wolf 361-564-2452
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – January 2021
Shining Stars New Year Word Search Puzzle
ADELINE POGGEMILLER is a member of Lockhart Lodge. She is in pre-kindergarten. Her favorite foods are apples and bananas and her favorite TV show is “Paw Patrol.” Adeline has a pet dog, Jake, and lots of chickens. Her activities include coloring, LUKE LINGO is a member of La Vernia Lodge. He is in fourth grade. His favorite food is a bacon, egg and cheese taco. His favorite TV show is “Outback Truckers.” Luke has pet dogs, Jackson and Dolly. His activities include hunting, fishing, football and 4-H.
Baby Ball Calendar Celebration Clock Confetti Countdown Eve Family
Friends Happy January Midnight New Year Noisemaker Party Resolution Toast
Winter Crossword Puzzle
Registration Form Become a Shining Star! Just send us a photo of yourself (that we can keep) and fill out this form and send to: Jacqueline Klein, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. The form is also available online at hermannsonslife.org. Photos of our Shining Stars also are featured online. Name: Birthday: Home Phone: Daytime Phone: Address: City:
Zip:
E-mail Address:
Connect the dots
Grade in school: Favorite food:
Ice Winter Vacation
Snow Scarf Snowman
Across 1. Man made of snow 5. Covers the ground 8. Covers ponds and lakes 9. Season at the end of the year 10. Time off from school or work 12. Flakes that fall from the sky
Pets: Favorite TV show: Activities:
Snowflakes Skiing Cold
December New Years Mittens
Down 2. These keep your hands warm 3. Month of Christmas holiday 4. Keeps your neck warm 6. January 1st 7. Winter sport 11. Opposite of hot
It is OK with my parents that I am featured as a “Shining Star” in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper, website and any other advertising publications. Parent’s Signature: I am a member of
Lodge
Certificate No._______________________________________________________ Puzzle answers on Pg. 6