Vol. 124, No. 8
INSIDE Board visits Camp, Home in May
July 2021
Welcome Campers!
➤ Pg. 5
Lodges complete Join Hands Day projects ➤ Pg. 9
Take Hermann on your summer adventure ➤ Pg. 13
hermannsonslife.org
2021 Camp season opens in Comfort The campers have returned to Comfort for their week of fun in the sun at Hermann Sons Life Camp. Check out the photos from Week 1 that can be found on Pages 10 and 11.
Honoring the best Agents recognized at banquet
Gary Falkenberg, center, was the top producing agent of 2020. He was named to the President’s Club and was honored along with the other top producers at a banquet held June 19 in San Antonio. He is pictured with Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek and President and CEO Eugene Zollinger. Photos of the other agents are featured on Pages 3 and 4.
SAN ANTONIO – “Perseverance” and “persistence” were the catch words for the remarks made at the Agents’ Awards Banquet held June 19 at the Hyatt Place in downtown San Antonio. Speakers at the banquet applauded the perseverance and persistence the top producers of 2020 demonstrated in selling life insurance during the difficult business climate brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those speakers included Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek, President and CEO Eugene Zollinger and Vice Chair of the Board Mike Beam, who spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Board Sandra Jones who was unable to attend. After a steak dinner, the seven agents who qualified for club membership based on their sales in 2020 were recognized. See AGENTS, Pg. 4
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – July 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 1941w San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 DIRECTORS Sandra Jones, Chair Mike Beam Suzanne Hildebrand David Noak Stan Steiger David Wolf OFFICERS President and CEO Eugene Zollinger Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Vice President of Finance and CFO Mary Pruitt Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker
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
Remembering a colleague and friend By KATHIE NINNEMAN Communications Director President Eugene Zollinger has graciously agreed to give me his space in the newspaper this month so that I may pay tribute to Holly Wood, my predecessor here at Hermann Sons Life . As you will read in the obituary that is printed elsewhere in this issue, Holly passed away in May . I would not be where I am today if it were not for Holly . I have told the following story many times but never on paper . Holly and I had known each other for many years going back to my reporter days when I was just getting started in the newspaper business . We would cross paths at school board meetings . She was reporting for the San Antonio Light at the time and I was a reporter for the Seguin Gazette . She was a feisty lady and if she thought the school board was bending the rules of the Open Meetings Act, she would stand up and let them know about it, reciting the act word for word . I would sit there in awe and wish that I had half her nerve . She moved on to other jobs and we lost touch for a few years .
After she joined Hermann Sons, she moved the printing of this monthly newspaper to the Seguin Gazette where I was the managing editor . She would come in to the office and we would visit . I knew a little about Hermann Sons from news releases that she had sent me through the years . I thought her job sounded like my dream job, so during one of her visits, I told her, "When you retire, I want your job ." Of course, I just as quickly forgot that I had said that . Well, a few years later, in 2000 to be exact, she called and said, "Remember when you said you wanted my job?" She was one year from retirement and had convinced then Grand President Leroy Muehlstein to hire me so that I could spend a year learning the job while she was still there to show me the ropes . I jumped at the chance to join Hermann Sons and I have never regretted it for one minute . She was proud of the fact that she had hired me and would often brag to people that it was because of her that I joined Hermann Sons . I didn't let it show,
of course, but I was proud of the fact that she was proud of me and the job I was doing . Most of what I will remember about her is who she was as a mother, grandmother and friend . She was so very proud of her only son, Robert . Robert had a voice meant for broadcasting not surprising since his father was George Wood, a sportscaster in San Antonio for many years, and his mother was a writer . Robert found his place in radio and she would never miss one of his morning broadcasts . The light in her life was her only granddaughter, Amanda . At the time I worked for her, Amanda was just a child . She loved to buy her pretty dresses and take her places, especially the beach each summer . Oh how she adored that child . I had the honor of meeting a few of her friends during our year together . Some of them she had known since her college days at Southern Methodist . She was loyal to them and they were loyal to her . I have a friend like that and it is a relationship that I cherish deeply . I saw her a couple of times
Lodge Reports Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DaCosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dunlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flatonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fredericksburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kypfer-Salge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 22 18 21 14 15 20 22 21 21 15 21 20 22 16 14 14 18 15 14
Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mission-Alamo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moulton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Vogt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosenberg-Richmond . . . . . . . . Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Siemering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Holly Wood after she retired but mostly we kept in touch by phone call . She would call every few months to talk about something she had seen in the newspaper or just to chat . We had one of those visits just a few weeks before she passed away . I am so glad I had that one last chance to talk to her . My only regret is that I didn't thank her for the last 20-plus years of my professional life . I owe those years to her and for that I will always be grateful .
Monthly Features 20 17 22 19 19 18 18 17 14 15 16 19 16 16 20 17 17 14 22
3 6 7 8
Calendar of Events Memorial Donations Pioneer Members In Memoriam
2 5 8 8 8 9 12 13
Remembering a colleague Message from the Board Holly Wood passes James Dunham passes Flag Day celebrated Join Hands Day projects Member Benefits message Hermann's Adventures
1, 3-4 4 4 23
Top agents recognized Recommenders listed New 100% Family Agent listing
1, 10-11 12 12 14 14 24
Camp season opens Dance registration under way Stockdale holds recital Answer to puzzles on Pg . 24 Paul Vogt offers campership Shining Stars
New This Month
Sales News
Youth in Action
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Sales News
Rowley honored
Directors thanked for their support
Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley, left, was recognized at the recent Agents’ Awards Banquet by President and CEO Eugene Zollinger and Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek. Gladys has been a Home Office employee for 20 years and has announced that she will be retiring at the end of the year so this was her last Agents’ Awards Banquet.
At the Agents’ Awards Banquet on June 19, Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek, left, presented each member of the Board of Directors with a hand-crafted charcuterie board that her husband, David, had made for each person being honored at the banquet. The boards are etched with the Hermann Sons Life logo and the name of the recipient. Pictured are, from left, David Noak, Stan Steiger, President and CEO Eugene Zollinger, Vice Chair Mike Beam and Suzanne Hildebrand.
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. EVERY WEDNESDAY – The San Antonio Home Association will host swing dance lessons every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. in the Ballroom of the San Antonio Home Association Building, 525 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio. There is a class for beginners and a class for intermediate dancers. A swing dance follows the lessons from 8-10 p.m. JULY 8 – Bingo
will return to the Brenham Lodge Hall. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Cards will be go on sale at 6:15 p.m. and games will start at 7 p.m.
17 – Market Days at the DaCosta Lodge Hall from 9
a.m.-4 p.m. No cost to shop. Public dance featuring Zachary Grant Band from 8 p.m.-midnight. Cost for dance is $10 or $5 for members. 12 and under attend free.
31-AUG. 1 – The Hermann Sons Life Bowling Tour-
nament will return to Austin. Bowlers can call Sandra Jones at 817-781-7155 for details. Entry deadline is July 1.
AUGUST 14 – Market Days at the DaCosta Lodge Hall from 9
a.m.-4 p.m. No cost to shop. Public dance from 8 p.m.midnight. Cost for dance is $10 or $5 for members. 12 and under attend free.
28 – DaCosta Lodge will hold its Summer Social with a cake walk and silent auction. The meal will be free for members. A public dance will be held from 8 p.m.midnight. Music will be provided by Tainted Heart. Cost for the dance is $10 for the public with members able to attend for free. Those 12 and under get in free of charge. SEPTEMBER 11 – Market Days at the DaCosta Lodge Hall from 9
a.m.-4 p.m. No cost to shop. Public dance featuring the Texas Continentals from 8 p.m.-midnight. Cost for dance is $10 or $5 for members. 12 and under attend free.
If you would like to see your lodge’s event listed here and in the Events section of the Hermann Sons Life website, call Kathie Ninneman, 210-226-9261, ext. 273, or 1-800-2344124, ext. 273, or email kathien@hermannsonslife.org.
Editor/Communications Director Kathie Ninneman 210-226-9261, ext. 273 email: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Elaine Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor, Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication. The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of 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 – July 2021
Sales News
On Track For Growth Two receive gift cards The Sales Department is recognizing 30 recommenders for the month of May. This brings the total to 151 members recommending 196 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2021. The winners of the $50 gift cards for May are Makena Rayne McMullin from Bernardo Lodge and Cody Macrae Stringer from Austin Lodge. Congratulations to the following May recommenders: Recommender Agent Anna Maria Beyer, Brunhilde Lodge Dan Boenig Tamara M. Cuellar, Helotes Lodge Rayna Irwin Emma K. Fouts, Spring Branch Lodge (*) Chris Naughton Cheryl Lynn Garcia, Corpus Christi Lodge Paula Gebert Ricky Gonzales Jr., Siemering Lodge (*) Chris Naughton Paul Heath, Bandera County Lodge Chris Naughton Blaine Charles Hudson, New Braunfels Lodge Shirley Huebinger Madelyn Rose Keller, Castroville Lodge Glenford Boehme Gabriel Julia Krupka, Prinz Solms Lodge (*) Chris Naughton Beverly Kuhen-Stoffel, San Marcos Lodge Janice Kuhen John Langston III, Helotes Lodge (^) Rayna Irwin Addelyn Michele Langston, Helotes Lodge Rayna Irwin Carson John Marks, Manchaca Lodge Shirley Faske Makena Rayne McMullin, Bernardo Lodge Robin Maertz Maggie M. Minter, Fort Worth Lodge Sandra Jones Conner P. Moore, Siemering Lodge Chris Naughton Keyshawn Xavier Nolte, Converse Lodge Becki Carley Henry Louis Oppelt, Castroville Lodge Glenford Boehme Erin G. Pomier, Fredericksburg Lodge (*) Tamara Wier Mary Louise Pruitt, Kirby Lodge Judy Schulmeier Hannah Lauren Raleigh, Brunhilde Lodge Carol Krauss Rachel Ann Reyes, New Braunfels Lodge Celeste Salge Cody Macrae Stringer, Austin Lodge Shirley Faske Margie Svrcek, Rutersville Lodge Linda Mattocks Faith Thompson, New Braunfels Lodge Brad Klein Sarah Anne Treece, Gulf Lodge Gary Falkenberg Paige Lauren Trepkowski, Prinz Solms Lodge Chris Naughton Cohen Vanlandingham, New Braunfels Lodge Kathryn Green Lane Warner White, New Braunfels Lodge Kathryn Green Shayla B. Wilborn, Vineta Lodge Ruth Bailey (*) Recommended 2 new members
Recommend a new member and you could win a $50 gift card! Call us at 877-437-6266 or go to hermannsonslife.org
and click on the link at the bottom of the Home page!
The six agents who qualified for the Executive Club based on their production in 2020 are pictured at the banquet held in their honor on June 19. Making the presentations to the agents were, left, Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek and President and CEO Eugene Zollinger. The agents are, from left, Judy Schulmeier, Eulla Krueger, Teresa Saathoff, Mary K. Seifert, Becki Carley and Shirley Huebinger.
Agents honored at awards banquet Cont'd. from Pg. 1 Gary Falkenberg was the only agent to qualify for the President’s Club. That means he wrote at least 12 applications and generated at least $30,000 in premium income. Gary lives in Hockley and is a member of Brenham Lodge. Qualifying for the Executive Club were Judith Schulmeier, Becki Carley, Teresa Saathoff, Eulla Krueger, Shirley Huebinger and Mary K. Seifert. These ladies wrote at least 12 applications and generated at least $12,000 in premium income. Judith lives in St. Hedwig and is a member of Kirby Lodge. Becki and Shirley live in New Braunfels and are members of New Braunfels Lodge. Teresa lives in San Antonio and is a member of Prinz Solms Lodge. Eulla lives in Atascosa and is a member of Macdona Lodge. Mary K. lives in Weimar and is a member of Schulenburg Lodge. Becki also was recognized for being the only agent who quali-
Becki Carley, center, was recognized for qualifying for the Last Agent Standing Award during the banquet. She is pictured with Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek and President and CEO Eugene Zollinger. fied for the Last Agent Standing Award in 2020. To qualify for the award, an agent must write at least one life insurance application each month of the year. After the awards presentation, the group was entertained by Oscar Munoz, a magician. The banquet was the culmination of the weekend which included a get-together on Friday
night at the Rathskeller in the San Antonio Home Association Building. That gathering included members of the Home Office staff. A Mexican food buffet was served and music was provided by the Dirty River Jazz Band. On Saturday, agents and their guests were free to explore San Antonio on the first weekend of Fiesta.
Hermann Sons Life welcomes a 100% Family 100% Family
City
Lodge
Agent
Howard Family Rustin Lee Karoline Raye Ivy Raye
Natalia
Lockhart
Janice Kuhen
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
A Message from the Board of Directors By now we hope that most of you have had the chance to view the “Behind the Scenes” video and have shared with fellow lodge members and non-members. This was a major undertaking for Hermann Sons Life and one that will be used for years to come. Thanks go to President and CEO Eugene Zollinger, all the employees at the Home Office, Camp and the Retirement Home who helped bring this feature to life and tell the Hermann Sons Life story. A very special thank you to a special lady, Mary Beam, for coming out of retirement life for a day to be a part of the video. Mary spoke of fraternalism and what we do to give back to the community. She knows Hermann Sons Life and what we stand for and spoke from her heart and her love for our organization. Thanks also go to Home Office employee Rebecca Henley for sharing her own personal experience through her words about the importance of having insurance. If you have not had a chance to view the video and share it with friends and family, please go to the website and watch it. Also, keep an eye out for the commercial that is airing on several national news stations, including the Fox brand stations and the CNN brand stations. The Board of Directors sat in on the Business Operations Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 18. The committee discussed the benefits offered by Hermann Sons Life and the cost associated with these benefits. The Board appreciated their ideas and will discuss them further during future Board meetings. They also discussed the cost of the newspaper, lodges having email addresses for their members and the new policy administration system. The Board of Directors called their regular meeting to order in the afternoon and the first order of business was to welcome our new Vice President of Sales – Robin Czarnek. We are looking forward to working with her and hearing her ideas for Hermann Sons Life. Marketing Manager Letricia Rodriguez gave a report on projects she has planned for 2021. Projects include social media, brand awareness, new audio productions for the Home Office on-hold messaging and plans for an online store where
members can purchase new merchandise. Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker gave his update on where we stand with the conversion to a new policy administration system. He reported there are several other software products that are being updated – tax reporting, as well as mortgage loans. Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly was then asked to give her report. Exciting news was that the Retirement Home has reopened to visitors and prospective residents. There has already been one new resident application approved for the Home. She reported that dance recitals are taking place and the news so far is that everything about them is positive. President Eugene Zollinger commented that he had attended the New Braunfels recital and was very impressed. Camp is ready for the 2021 camping season and Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett is beyond excited to welcome campers. Family Fun Day was scheduled for June 26 at Schlitterbahn. The Member Benefits Department is working on an annual company event for members and guests to enjoy later this year. More information will be in upcoming issues of the newspaper as well as on Facebook. Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek was invited to give her first report to the Board. Being new to the organization, she had been busy during her first weeks gathering information about her department and working on new ideas for our organization to increase sales and membership. She presented a comparison of sales for the first quarter for the past three years to the first quarter of 2021. She will be working on hiring more agents, getting everyone active on social media and working on community events to get our name out in the public. Vice President of Finance and CFO Mary Pruitt gave the results for the first quarter of 2021. She spoke on our portfolio yield, other assets and revenue and our mortgage loans. Her department is busy with two routine audits, in addition to navigating their new accounting software. Vice President of Operations and
COO Samantha Schulmeier provided details regarding a death claim she felt the Board needed to know about. She also reported that she had been tasked by President Zollinger with working on a special project with legal counsel, the details and findings of which were presented to the Board. President Zollinger’s report was filled with various updates, as well as working budget details. The Board wishes to thank President Zollinger and each of the Vice Presidents for their reports, as the facts we are given by them helps us make the decisions that are best for Hermann Sons Life. On Wednesday, May 19, the Board of Directors met at Riverside Camp to tour Riverside, Hilltop and the Retirement Home. Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett met us at Riverside Camp and was excited to show us all the improvements and measures he has set in place to protect your children. Dorms have been cleaned and curtains added to the bottom floor windows. The Camp Store is packed with items for the kids to purchase. Tell your children who are going to Camp to check out all the bulletin boards and new exit signs. We then toured Hilltop Camp and
again lots of safety measures are in place and the dorms have bulletin boards and exit signs. Since coming to Hermann Sons Life to become the Executive Camp Director, Ian has worked hard to make the two camps more inviting to the kids and is always implementing new games and activities to keep them busy. Next it was on to the Retirement Home. Manager Brenda Gunnink met us and showed us the room that had been set up for rent to Hermann Sons Life members. The rooms in the annex will be ready for rental in the near future, but only to members. Meals will also be available for a small fee. If you are headed to the Hill Country for a night, contact Brenda and see if she has a room available. We were then treated to lunch with the residents at the Home. Thanks go to Ian and Brenda for taking the time to show us the facilities. We are more than excited to read the newspaper each month and see how lodges are starting to meet again and are getting out and doing community projects. T hanks go to each and every one of you for all you do for Hermann Sons Life and helping to get our name out in the public. Happy summer and be safe!
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members ETHEL V. BARNES Vineta Lodge Died Jan. 14, 2014 • Age 93
MINNIE HOOKER Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Jan. 30, 2021 • Age 87
N. LUCILLE MOSS Dunlay Lodge Died March 18, 2021 • Age 88
JOSEPHINE A. MOELLER Vineta Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age 98
BENNIE H. HANATH Brenham Lodge Died April 10, 2021 • Age 88
CHESTER J. WACLAWCZYK Pershing Lodge Died Oct. 8, 2017 • Age 88
ELISABETH F. FUCHS Brunhilde Lodge Died Jan. 31, 2021 • Age 92
MARIA S. HERNANDEZ Spring Branch Lodge Died March 20, 2021 • Age 65
REBECCA ANN SAVAGE Hondo Victory Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age 40
MILTON MOHR HAACK Brenham Lodge Died April 11, 2021 • Age 98
BETTY RUTH BOEHLE Dunlay Lodge Died Sept. 5, 2018 • Age 82
WILLIAM C. PARMER Dallas Lodge Died Feb. 7, 2021 • Age 80
RUBY LEE KOEHN Bellville Lodge Died March 21, 2021 • Age 96
TEDDY C. RUSH Schulenburg Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age77
JAMES A. MOEHLE Brenham Lodge Died April 14, 2021 • Age 86
MICHAEL LOUIS ODOWD Harmonia Lodge Died April 27, 2020 • Age 76
MARJORIE E. SAMFORD La Grange Lodge Died Feb. 10, 2021 • Age 85
NONANEL C. KENDRICK Karnes City Lodge Died March 21, 2021 • Age 91
MARIAN T. TREES San Patricio County Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age100
JANICE W. DAVIS Pershing Lodge Died April 15, 2021 • Age 86
CYNTHIA A. WERSTERFER New Braunfels Lodge Died May 9, 2020 • Age 62
DAVID WAYNE BLOHM Kypfer-Salge Lodge Died Feb. 18, 2021 • Age 62
BARBARA ANN STECH Orange Grove Lodge Died March 22, 2021 • Age 72
LAVERNA W. JACOB Brenham Lodge Died April 3, 2021 • Age 93
KATHY DENISE KNOPP Fredericksburg Lodge Died April 16, 2021 • Age 59
DENNIS H. MAHLMANN Brenham Lodge Died July 25, 2020 • Age 92
MARJORIE WILLIAMS COKER Lockhart Lodge Died Feb. 21, 2021 • Age 93
STEPHAN R. WAGNER Anton Wenzel Lodge Died March 23, 2021 • Age 68
ANDREW C. FONT JR. Gulf Lodge Died April 4, 2021 • Age 80
CONRAD DUGI JR. La Coste Lodge Died April 18, 2021 • Age 83
KATHERINE L. KELLEY Austin Lodge Died Nov. 6, 2020 • Age 92
STEPHEN WAYNE DAVIS Kirby Lodge Died Feb. 23, 2021 • Age 56
DENNIS JOE VALIS Siemering Lodge Died March 27, 2021 • Age 74
CHARLES A. ZINSMEYER D'Hanis Lodge Died April 4, 2021 • Age 57
CLARENCE H. KLESEL Schulenburg Lodge Died April 20, 2021 • Age 92
ERNA M. DAY Castroville Lodge Died Nov. 26, 2020 • Age 35
RUBY L. YARBROUGH Vineta Lodge Died March 6, 2021 • Age 91
LILLIAN O. WIED Round Top Lodge Died March 29, 2021 • Age 91
BARBARA A. BENDELE Castroville Lodge Died April 6, 2021 • Age 65
RUBY RAY BUROW Cibolo Lodge Died April 22, 2021 • Age 95
RONALD BRECK NOLEN Austin Lodge Died Dec. 31, 2020 • Age 59
HENRY LOUIS WELGE Fredericksburg Lodge Died March 9, 2021 • Age 81
L.G. WERNETTE Dunlay Lodge Died March 29, 2021 • Age 93
EDNA ROEHLING Gay Hill Lodge Died April 7, 2021 • Age 87
JAMES EARL DAVIS Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge Died April 22, 2021 • Age 79
AUGUSTA LYNN FITE Siemering Lodge Died Jan. 1, 2021 • Age 25
JOYCE LEE KNOLL Twin Sisters Lodge Died March 9, 2021 • Age 81
BECKETT WALTER MAHONEY Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died March 31, 2021 • Age 1
LAURA E. MEINRATH Corpus Christi Lodge Died April 8, 2021 • Age 70
MALCOLM W. REUS Anton Wenzel Lodge Died April 23, 2021 • Age 86
KEITH C. KOSSAETH Helotes Lodge Died Jan. 7, 2021 • Age 49
PAUL J. NAGY Seguin Lodge Died March 11, 2021 • Age 86
WILLIAM R. STETLER Harmonia Lodge Died April 1, 2021 • Age 96
ROLAND ADOLPH FUNKE Pershing Lodge Died April 8, 2021 • Age 80
BARBARA JANE GRIFFIN Louise Schuetze Lodge Died April 26, 2021 • Age 98
ORA DELL RINIKER Bellville Lodge Died Jan. 23, 2021 • Age 98
HILBERT F. GOESSLER Brenham Lodge Died March 12, 2021 • Age 90
MARTIN STANFIELD III Austin Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age 48
ALDEN LOWACK Old GlLory Lodge Died April 9, 2021 • Age 78
CLARENCE E. WOERNDEL Marion Lodge Died April 28, 2021 • Age 72
N. MICHELLE DAWSON Louise Schuetze Lodge Died Jan. 24, 2021 • Age 28
JANET SUE SPEARS Corpus Christi Lodge Died March 13, 2021 • Age 64
JOHN R. STALLWORTH Houston Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age 83
DOLORES M. BLANAR Schulenburg Lodge Died April 9, 2021 • Age 90
LISTON ZANDER MANER Fredericksburg Lodge Died April 29, 2021 • Age 87
JOSEPH HARDIN FROST III Mission-Alamo Lodge Died Jan. 26, 2021 • Age 80
EMMA JANE TOMANEC Cuero Family Lodge Died March 15, 2021 • Age 87
FRED D. CHILD Siemering Lodge Died April 2, 2021 • Age 79
EDNA W. WEIGELT Austin Lodge Died April 9, 2021 • Age 96
MICHELE MARIE HOYO Pershing Lodge Died April 30, 2021 • Age 57
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
75 Years
Pioneers GERALD G. KARNEI JOHN W. PIEPER Yorktown Lodge
DON DAVID DUBOSE JOYCE A. RANGNOW Yorktown Lodge
MAXINE GOFF PEGGY JAYNE HANDLEY ROY MARQUART RONALD W. MORGAN Comfort Lodge
70 Years
RALPH E. MECHLER Anton Wenzel Lodge
JOHN F. WYRWICH Anton Wenzel Lodge
BERNICE ANN CROFT Corpus Christi Lodge
KENNETH E. HILLJE Bandera County Lodge
ROBERT A. CRAWFORD Bexar Lodge
MARILYN P. CARPENTER Cuero Family Lodge
DONALD L. BARKSDALE JONNIE O. WATSON Comfort Lodge
MARK S. ENDERS Dallas Lodge WALLIE L. OCONNOR El Campo Lodge
A.M. KUTSCHENREUTER Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge JERRY HARRY ICKE Fredericksburg Lodge
RUTH VERNEL BAACKE PAUL A. BETHKE MARGIE ANNIE CURTON LA NELL RESSMANN Goliad Lodge
HERBERT A. MUELLER Harmonia Lodge
SHIRLEY BREITSCHOPF Gonzales Lodge
JANET WILLIAMSON Louise Schuetze Lodge
GORDON C. RUSSELL Houston Lodge
VERNON L. TEHAS Mission-Alamo Lodge
SHIRLEY D. PUHLMANN La Vernia Lodge
CHRISTINE CANTWELL LINDA JOYCE KUNZ Needville Lodge
EVELYN ROSE LYSSY KATHLEEN MOCZYGEMBA Poth Lodge BETTY TIMMERMANN Prinz Solms Lodge ARNOLD C. OTTEN Schulenburg Lodge DAVID SCHUETZEBERG Seguin Lodge LINDA L. DAVIS Vineta Lodge
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
BARRY MAX BALZEN Knippa Lodge
TILDEN VOELKEL Nordheim Lodge LINDA MARIE COLLINS Prinz Solms Lodge HERBERT S. GOETZ ELDORIS ZLY Rowena Lodge DENNIS G. ANDERSON Seguin Lodge ERNEST W. JAHN III Siemering Lodge DARLENE S. STREY Vineta Lodge
60 Years
SHERRY A. SCHROEDER Brenham Lodge JAMES A. CRAFWORD SR. Castroville Lodge JEFFREY J. RICHTER SHARON L. RUSSELL Corpus Christi Lodge ALIDA VAN ZYVERDEN DREWES CARA L. KELLEY GREGORY ALLEN RANFT ANNEKE VAN ZYVERDEN Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge LAWRENCE L. DILDINE Fredericksburg Lodge JOAN M. LYTLE Gruenau Lodge PETER F. DANYSH JEROME M. KRAUS Harmonia Lodge GRACE JANE BRITSCH Hondo Victory Lodge SANDRA SUE ANDERS Houston Lodge
Dallas members receive pins Three members of Dallas Lodge recently received membership pins. Pictured are, from left, Chair of the Board Sandra Jones who made the presentations, Andy Schellenberg, a 70-year member; Carol Hufford, a 75-year member; Stephen Schellenberg, a 70-year member; and lodge President Clint Holmes. Carol brought with her the other membership pins she has received through the years (inset).
WILLIAM J. BROWN New Braunfels Lodge RAYMOND W. SCHNEIDER Poth Lodge
R. SUZETTE INGERSOLL VICKIE JEAN ISOM SUE ELLEN ROBBINS Kerrville Lodge
TINA LOUISE ROHAN Yorktown Lodge
CHERYL LYNN MARTIN New Braunfels Lodge
50 Years
LARRY TIM MARTIN Anton Wenzel Lodge RICHARD C. SKANSE Austin Lodge SHARON R. SCHROEDER Bellville Lodge JAMES R. CHAMRAD DaCosta Lodge
RUSSELL J. BLUHM Karnes City Lodge
TOBEY SCOTT ELLIOTT Dallas Lodge
SANDRA FAY EUDEY Knippa Lodge OLGA RUTH DIMAS Louise Schuetze Lodge
KYLE L. HENDERSON Karnes City Lodge
EMMIE L. BORCHERS Schulenburg Lodge
JAMES ALLEN THADEN Jackson County Lodge
ALTON HERMAN HILD Kirby Lodge
DENNIS LEE HARWELL Harmonia Lodge
RANDELL B. SWAFFORD Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge ROBIN D. KEAGHEY Giddings Lodge MARY NAN TAYLOR Goliad Lodge SHERRY LYNN KONECNY Gulf Lodge
KENNETH R. LAMZA Nixon-Smiley Lodge KAREN KAY FITZ KAREN ROJAS Pershing Lodge ROBERT J. MCHARDY Siemering Lodge BONNIE SUE BARNES RHONDA L. BLANCHETTE Vineta Lodge MICHAEL LEE HUDSON MITCHELL LEE HUDSON SYLVIA HAHN IMHOFF DAVID BARRETTE ROHAN DORIS ANN BOHAN ELENORA CARRIE ROHAN JAMES EDWARD ROHAN WANDA JEAN ROHAN KRISTY H. SEROLD ELYSE G. WILLIAMS Yorktown Lodge
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Columbia’s past president passes away at age 66
Home Office observes Flag Day
DALLAS – James Walter Dunham, a member and past president of Columbia Lodge, passed away May 30, 2021, at his home after a long battle with cancer. James lived in Arlington at the time of his death. James had been a member since 1963. James was born Aug. 4, 1954, in Dallas to the late William David Dunham Sr. and the late Patsy Jean Sims Dunham. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William David Dunham Jr. and a son, Charles Phillip Dunham. James retired from Cement Colors after many years of employment. He served in the United States Navy during the end of the Vietnam war. As a young boy he was baptized at Lovers Lane Methodist Church.
The Home Office held its annual Flag Day ceremony on June 14 in the Hall of Grand Presidents. Taking part in the program were, top photo, Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek, bottom photo, President and CEO Eugene Zollinger and Member Benefits Representative Jacqueline Klein. Several lodges also held Flag Day ceremonies. Flag Day has been celebrated by fraternal organizations like Hermann Sons Life for decades.
Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Vickie Miller Dunham; sons, Christopher Dunham James Dunham (Tamara) and Timothy Dunham; stepsons, Joshua Walls, Travis Walls and Ernie McCrary (Kristi); daughter, Dana Patton (A.J.); six grandchildren; sisters, Angela Springer and Vicki Watts (Marvin); brother, George Dunham; nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Funeral services were held June 8 with burial with military honors at DFW National Cemetery.
Donations
Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of:
Former PR director passes AUSTIN – Holly Wood, former public relations director and editor of the Hermann Sons News, passed away May 20, 2021, after a short stay in Cedar Park Medical Center near Austin. Holly was 86 years old. She was very proud of her work at the Home Office which began in 1991. She retired in 2001 and served as a field agent for a few years. She led the charge for modernizing the publication of the monthly newspaper and truly enjoyed planning Hermann’s Happiness and other special events. She was a member of Kirby Lodge during her service at the Home Office. She transferred to Austin Lodge when she moved there to be closer to family. Before coming to Hermann Sons Life, Holly was a long-time editor, reporter and public relations professional working at places like Texas State Univer-
sity, the San Antonio Light, San Antonio Express-News, Austin American-Statesman and Dallas Morning News. Over her journalism and public affairs career Holly received more than 150 awards for editing, writing and advertising from Texas Press Women, National Federation of Press Women, the Texas Medical Association and Texas State Teachers Association. She was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award in 2001 from Brunhilde Lodge. She served on the school board of the Judson Independent School District from 1994 through 1997, becoming the first woman president of that school board and orchestrated construction of the $9.3 million performing arts center which is still serving students. In the 1970s and 1980s Holly served as a director of various entities including the Guadalupe County Fair Associa-
ORAN DALE EVANS SR. NELSON O. FRIEDRICH MARY LEE PRIHODA Donor: Giddings Lodge LAWRENCE GARY OBERHOFF Donor: Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
SHARON P. HUEGELE GERALD PAPE Donor: Pershing Lodge ARNOLD KNUPPEL Donor: Brenham Lodge
Donations to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: JAMES E. BURGAMY MICHAEL LEE HERRY Donor: New Braunfels Lodge
EWALD J. BLASCHKE Donors: Jack & Dianne Larned
Donations to the Camp Fund in Memory of: Holly Wood tion, Texas Junior Miss, Comal County Crimestoppers and the Comal County Family Violence Center. She is survived by son Robert Wood and granddaughter Amanda Wood Datillo. No services are planned. As per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico later this year.
MILTON JOHN MACHAC JAMES S. MOEHLE Donor: Brenham Lodge
JAMIE LEE DAVIS Donor: Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
Donations to the Camp Fund in Memory of: MAUDE YVONNE FELLERS Donor: La VerniaLodge
Donors to the Grief Support Session DUNLAY LODGE In memory of Melvin Knecht, Lucille Moss, Mary Nelson and L.G. Wernette DALE POTTER
Join Hands Day
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
Shelby Lodge volunteers at fund-raiser
SHELBY – Shelby Lodge members volunteered at the Shelby American Legion Post 602 Turkey Stew fund-raiser held in April. Members helped prepare the vegetables and debone the turkeys. Pictured are, from left, Doris Wolff, Judy Piper, Linda Reuther and Doris and Allen Crist. Members also provided goodies for the auxiliary bake sale. The event was a huge success thanks to all the volunteers.
Round Top Lodge donates to VFD ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge President Lila Garlin presents a donation to Keith Burcalow and Blake Moehlmann representing the Round Top-Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department. The department recently held its annual fund-raiser. The lodge manned the Country Store during the event. Proceeds from the Country Store, items donated to the live auction plus $500 in Matching Funds from the Home Office brought the total donation to almost $2,000. Thanks go to everyone who contributed, purchased items and worked in the Country Store.
Fort Worth Lodge presents check to veterans group FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge President Shannon Jones presents a donation to the Military Order of the Purple Heart on behalf of the lodge. Lorin Story accepted the donation. In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge also made a donation to cover the cost of one child to attend Grief Support Camp and a donation to Harvest House to provide school children with breakfast and lunch during the summer.
Fredericksburg donates to meal program FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Lodge made a donation to the Golden Hub Community Center Meals on Wheels program. Edgar and Margaret Preiss presented the check.
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
2021 Camp season under way in Comfort
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Campers enjoy some fun in the sun
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Registration for schools of dance under way SAN ANTONIO – Registration for the 2020-2021 dance year is under way. Junior members ages 3 to 17 who live in the area around one of the Schools of Dance should have already received their registration information. Those who have never enrolled received their brochure in the mail. Those who took part in the past and have a Class Juggler account received their instructions by email. The brochure provides detailed instructions on how to access the registration process through Class Juggler. Parents should note that if they created an account to register a camper or dancer, they will not have to create a new
account to register a dancer. They will have to use the dance code provided by e-mail. The brochure includes a list of the Schools of Dance and there is a list available on the website. Any junior member who meets the age requirement and whose life insurance premiums and dues are current can register for an hour of instruction in any school of their choosing. The schools are under the direction of the instructor(s) and two parent liaisons. Other parents can become involved by volunteering in various capacities including serving as class monitors, working on fund-raising and helping with
the recital. Each school collects a registration fee that is determined by the individual schools and is used to offset the cost of the recital and other expenses. The
Home Office collects a $50 assessment fee to help cover the cost of the instructors and other expenses. Classes will start after Sept. 1 and registration will remain
open until Oct. 1. Tammi Sutherland is the coordinator for the Dance Program at the Home Office. She can be reached at 800-234-4124, ext. 239 or 210-226-9261, ext. 239.
Students of the Stockdale School of Dance presented a recital with the theme “Celebrate” on May 14.
Camp reopens for exciting summer fun By CECILY KELLY Vice Presiden of Member Benefits It’s summertime in Texas and the heat and humidity is here! I was fortunate enough to observe staff training at Camp in early June. Ian and his team did a wonderful job preparing our Camp staff for an exciting summer! As I write this, we are welcoming campers to our second session! We are so thankful that we were able to offer a complete summer of fun for our junior members! There are still some openings in the later sessions. Contact our Home Office for more information. Dance registration for the 2021-2022 season is under way! Dance classes were very successful for 2020-2021 and all classes ended the year with a recital. Some were not as traditional as in the past due to COVID restrictions, but next season should be bigger and better than ever. Our Retirement Home has
been able to assist Camp with housing for some of the kitchen staff. Residents of the Home are once again able to enjoy each other’s company at meals and are back to playing table games. Call Brenda or Barbara for a tour! There has been interest shown by members wanting to move into the Home and we are holding application interviews. Contact the Home Office to speak to Jacqueline about the process. Lodges are starting to meet again and have fellowship with each other and picnics and summer socials are once again on the calendar. I am happy to see more activity with the lodges as they are an important part of our organization as well as all the assistance they give to their surrounding communities. We will be having a statewide event in 2021. This will be open to all members to attend so keep your eyes and ears open for an announcement in the near future!
www.hermannsonslife.org
Stockdale School of Dance presents recital STOCKDALE – The Stockdale School of Dance presented a recital Friday, May 14, with the theme “Celebrate.” Dance Instructor Cassie Krueger chose an array of tap and ballet performances with music to “Twinkle, Twinkle Little
Star,” “Baby Take a Bow,” “Rockin’ Robin,” “Zip a Dee Doo Dah,” “Playmates,” “It’s Still Rock n’ Roll” and closed with the finale. Cassie complimented the girls on an incredible year and presented each dancer with a medal at the end of the recital.
It was a delightful evening with colorful costumes, toe-tapping music and talented dancers After all the circumstances created by COVID, it was wonderful to see their performances. – Reporter
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:
Please print
Address: City, State, Zip: Donor:
Please print
Address: City, State, Zip: Date:
Amount: $ Clip and mail with your memorial contribution to: Hermann Sons Life Home Office, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941.
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13
Hermann’s Adventures! Hey Juniors, Hermann wants to be a part of your summer fun! Decorate him any way you wish - color, paint or even add some bling - and then take pictures of him this summer at the pool, at the park, on your vacation, at Camp, on a picnic or anywhere you go. Have mom, dad or guardian (must be an adult) email your photos to elaines@hermannsonslife.org with a brief description of your outings, your name, parents’ names, your lodge and phone number. Entries will be featured all summer on social media and in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper! Submit photos anytime during the summer. Deadline to submit entries is Labor Day, Sept. 6. For more details and to print Hermann use the following address: http://www.hermannsonslife.org/hermanns-adventures
We’re excited to see Hermann on some fun adventures! By emailing photos to Hermann Sons Life, you are giving permission to share the photo(s) and lodge name on social media and in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper. (Your name and phone number or any other personal information will not be shared on social media or in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper.)
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Kypfer-Salge Lodge welcomes two new juniors CLEAR SPRINGS – Kypfer-Salge Lodge will not meet in July. The next meeting is set for Aug. 6. Fried chicken tenders will be served and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. New junior members were welcomed at the June meeting. They are Addison J. Wright and Caroline K. Dietert. Nelrose Koepp reported a card had been sent to Pat Koepp following the loss of his wife. If you know of any member who is sick or has passed, let
Nelrose know. Dennis Koepp read correspondence from the Home Office as well as a thank you note from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County Inc. for the lodge’s donation. The work on leveling the hall building is still under way. The lodge purchased flags to fly at the lodge hall on Flag Day. Attendance prize winners were Nelrose Koepp, Sara Saur, Tammy Seiter, Art Brinkkoeter and Kery Noble. – Darline Priess
June birthday celebrants Raelee Sauer and Harold Friederick were recognized at the June meeting of Kypfer-Salge Lodge.
Lodge Updates Editor’s Note: The following information was correct as of June 23 when the newspaper went to press. Anton Wenzel Anton Wenzel members will gather for the first time since the pandemic started at a meeting on Aug. 3, the first Tuesday of the month. Merlinda Elizondo will phone each member a week before the meeting to determine who plans to attend. The meal will be furnished so it is important that Merlinda has an accurate head count. Burton Burton will meet July 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Burton Community Center.
Harmonia Harmonia will celebrate the lodge’s 160th anniversary on July 8. Members have been contacted to determine their interest in attending. Because of COVID-19 restrictions on the serving of food, organizers need to know how many people will be attending. Helotes Helotes will meet Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at Braun Hall. A meal will be provided. Door prizes will be awarded. Stern Stern will meet the first Sunday in August at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Seguin. Future meetings will be discussed.
Plum Lodge will meet July 12 PLUM – Plum Lodge will meet July 12 at La Marina Restaurant in La Grange at 5 p.m. At the June 14 meeting, members voted to make a donation to Presley’s Power in observance of Join Hands Day. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Myrtle Harbers who recently passed away. Ruth Wessels and Verlene Ho-
bratschk were recognized as June birthday celebrants. Celebrating anniversaries in June were Gene and Ruth Wessels, 69 years, and Bob and Jackie Wessels Jr., 50 years. Members are encouraged to attend meetings. Prizes are given to members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. – Pam Matula
Puzzle answers from Pg. 24 Word Scramble: 1. July 2. Summer 3. Fireworks 4. Fourth 5. Stripes 6. Flag
7.Blue 8. America 9. Red 10. White 11. Independence 12. Parade
Merry and Art Brinkkoeter celebrated their 43rd anniversary in June. They were recognized at the Kypfer-Salge Lodge meeting.
HERMANN SONS LIFE PAUL VOGT
Campership Application for Summer Camp 2021 Application deadline 08/27/2021 Paul Vogt Lodge junior members 9-14 years old in good standing are eligible. Paul Vogt Lodge will award $275 to one camper from completed applications received by deadline. After camper completes his/her week, the application along with the paid receipt is submitted by mail to address below. Paul Vogt Lodge will announce the winner in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper and send a check to the camper’s parent/guardian as listed on this form. Receipt of paid Camp fees must be received to be eligible. The application can be completed by parent/guardian, with current address, contact number, email, camper’s name and age. Camper will write a short answer to best part of summer camp. Primary Parent/Guardian Information: Last Name: _________________________ First Name: _____________________ Mailing Address: ______________________ City: __________________Zip Code: ________ Phone Number: ______________________ Email address: ____________________________ Camp session number: ________________ 9-14 years old are eligible. Camper Information Last Name: ________________________ First Name: ________________________ Date of Birth: ___/ ___/ ________
Paul Vogt Lodge certificate #: _____________
Mailing Address if different: _________________ City: ________________ Zip Code: _______ Short written answer by child (Use separate page, if needed) What was the best part of summer camp? _____________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail to or scan and email: Hermann Sons Life Paul Vogt, Attn: Pamela Poulk, 7439 Dietz Elkhorn, Fair Oaks Ranch, Tx 78015 Questions can be directed to Pamela Poulk at 210.753.2626 or pampoulk@yahoo.com
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Kirby Lodge will meet Aug. 2 KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will not meet in July because of the Fourth of July holiday. The next meeting will be Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. The meat will be provided for the meal and members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts if they choose to partake. Those who wish to wear a mask are welcome to do so. Remember to let others know about Hermann Sons Life and how they can become members. The 2021 membership drive is now in play. Contact Angela Netherton or Judith Schulmeier if you know of someone who is interested in
life insurance. Allison Netherton is the graduating senior who is applying for the lodge’s scholarship. Last month it was incorrectly reported she is going to attend UTSA. She will be attending Texas A&M-San Antonio. Senior Bingo was held June 6 and was a great success. There were about 47 participants. The Kirby School of Dance held its recital at the Turner Club on June 12. The performance was fantastic. Members were able to view the “Behind the Scenes” documentary on Hermann Sons Life. It will be aired on televi-
sion stations for the next year or so and can be seen on the Hermann Sons Life Official YouTube channel. Happy Birthday wishes for June were extended to Andra Fore, Jonathan Kelley, Kylie McQuatters and Jimmy Scheibe. James and Caroline McQuatters and Sandra and Gerald Bundick celebrated wedding anniversaries in June. The attendance prize winner of $25 was Judy Schulmeier. Door prizes were won by Andra Fore, Jonathan Kelley, Emma Falls, Lillian Brietzke, Glenda Bayer and Abbigail Netherton. – Reporter
Flag Day was celebrated on June 14 at the Kirby Fire Department. Judy Schulmeier was the organizer of the thoughtful and enlightening ceremony on behalf of Kirby Lodge. The lodge would like to thank Judy for putting the program together.
Poth Lodge presents scholarship
Poth Lodge President Pamela Cutsinger, left, presents the lodge’s 2021 scholarship to Shianne Thomas at the June meeting.
Dunlay Lodge installs officers The 2021 officers of Dunlay Lodge were installed at the June meeting. They are, from left, Morris Baxter, trustee; Ronald Kriewald, president; Curtis Tondre, trustee; Stanley Meyer, vice president; Dolly Meyer, secretary-treasurer; and Tom Zuberbueler, trustee.
Celebrating June birthdays at the Poth Lodge meeting were Elizabeth Cutsinger and Cloe Bostick.
POTH – Poth Lodge presented the 2021 scholarship at the June 6 meeting. This year’s recipient is Shianne Thomas. After the presentation, pizza and cookies provided by Patricia Lowak and Virginia Maha were served. Walter Cutsinger presented a proposal for the reconditioning of the walls in the lodge hall to modernize the facility. He showed the completion of the old water heater closet (now broom closet) to everyone’s amazement. He was awarded the bid. He will also replace
Cameron Lodge meets at Dairy Queen Shirlynn Buck, from left, Chad Ehler and Theresa Duffy were celebrating birthdays when Cameron Lodge met at the Dairy Queen in Cameron in June. Members and guests enjoyed a meal of their choice with an ice cream birthday cake for dessert. The next meeting will be Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dairy Queen.
the water heater in the kitchen. Once all the refurbishing is complete, the floor will be sealed so it shines. Walter Cutsinger and Leslie Thomas won door prizes. The people whose names were drawn for the kitty were not in attendance. They are Anthony Ray Rotter, Megan L. Steele and Lowell Henry Moore. Bingo games were enjoyed after the meeting. The July meeting will be on call since the first weekend encompasses the Fourth of July. – Reporter
Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary recently were David and Susan Ehler. They are members of Cameron Lodge. At the June meeting, members voted to sponsor Nanette Wells in the Hermann Sons Life Statewide Bowling Tournament. The need for new members was stressed.
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Rosenberg-Richmond resumes meetings for 2021 ROSENBERG – RosenbergRichmond Lodge has resumed meetings and has set the schedule for the remainder of 2021. The schedule is as follows: Aug. 9, ice cream and game night; Oct. 11, fried chicken furnished, members bring a vegetable, salad or dessert; and Dec. 13, turkey and dressing, dessert and game night. The June 14 meeting was well attended with 50 members and guests present. The meal featured chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken. Fred Maynard and Calvin Lamensky were in charge of the kitchen. Robbie Hartfiel gave the blessing. Membership Coordinator, Rosalie Byrd reported that sympathy cards had been sent to the family of Lawrence Gary Oberhoff.
Celebrating January through May anniversaries this year were these Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge members. They are Albert and Lavonne Stavinoha, Larry and Sharon Vyvial, Eleanor Pavlock, Joe Thomason, Michael and Evelyn Kassey and Raymond and Cipriana Negrete. Get well cards were sent to W. Lee Schmidt and Alvis Schmidt. A moment of silence was observed in memory of members who had passed during the last
year. Community Coordinator William Benton reported that National Night Out will be observed Oct. 5. The Channel 13
Members celebrating birthdays from January through May who attended the June meeting of Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge were Margie Orsak, Florence Orsak, Robbie Hartfiel, Ivan Lee Richter, Eleanor Pavlock, Rosalie Byrd, Eppie Kostak, Elaine Krause, Margie Klobedans, Laverne Tiemann, Bill Boyd, Raymond Schmidt, Malcolm Krause, Michael Kassey, Albert Stavinoha, W. Lee Hedt, Loyce Anderson and Anne Juergen. Food Drive will be Dec. 1. Door prizes were donated by Calvin and Joyce Lamensky and Fred and Margaret Maynard.
Attendance prizes were won by Jeanette Psencik, Susie Palacios, Annie Zak, Kevin Engelhardt and Raymond Schmidt. – Reporter
Giddings Lodge awards scholarships
Celebrating anniversaries at the June meeting of Rutersville Lodge were C.D. and Carol Jinkins and Richard and Cheryl Kuhn. Not pictured are Weldon and Lee Ann Hartmann.
Rutersville will meet July 7 RUTERSVILLE – Rutersville Lodge will meet July 7. Members are invited to bring dishes for a potluck meal. The June 2 meeting featured a meal of chicken fried steak with sides and desserts. Celebrating birthdays were Kyle Hartmann and Atlan Citzler. Door prizes were won by Weldon Hartmann, Sherry Noak, Bob Schmitt, Dale Meinardus and Kyle Hartmann. Members attending the May meeting enjoyed the various casseroles, side dishes and desserts they had provided.
Agent Linda Mattocks and Director David Noak spoke briefly about attending workshops. In observance of Join Hands Day, the lodge made a monetary donation for breakfast kolaches and pigs-in-the-blanket for the Fayette County drivethru vaccine clinic at the Fairgrounds on April 16. Attendance prize winners were Ginger Muesse, Jo Ann Mueller, Larry Shimek, Ricky Kuhn and C.D. Jenkins. Celebrating a May birthday was Delores Bauer. – Reporter
GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge will meet July 8 at the Silos Hall at 7 p.m. At the June meeting, the lodge recognized scholarship recipients and their families. Each student shared their plans following graduation. El Sazon Norteno Food Truck of Giddings provided the food and Cecilia Martinez made a cake for the students. Birthday cards were sent to Jean Herzik, Mike Maass, Glenroy Ebner, Jason Ebner and Larry and Carol Bittner.
Giddings Lodge scholarship recipients and their families were honored with a special dinner and cake during the June meeting. The Join Hands Day certificate was presented to the members. The $5 winners were Katie
Beisert, Olivia Mize and Marcus Schimank. – Reporter
San Marcos to hold family picnic Aug. 6 SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge celebrated Father’s Day at the June 7 meeting that was held via Zoom. The Cheer Committee reported a get-well card was sent to Betty Rust who had cataract surgery. Sympathy cards were sent to Chuck Best upon the loss of his wife. A Join Hands Day project report was made. A thank you letter was received from the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, signed by Melissa Rodriguez,
thanking San Marcos and Lockhart lodges for all the donated items. President Dreibrodt thanked everyone for assisting in filling the tote bags. Members voted to hold the annual Family Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 6, if the Zorn Bowling Club located on Hwy. 123 just past Zorn towards Seguin is available. The picnic begins at 2 p.m. Sausage and wieners will be served. Hosts will be Clifford and Betty Rust and John and Betty
Schawe. Members are asked to bring donations for the Hays County Food Bank. Reservations need to be made by Aug. 6. Organizers also need to know how many children 12 and under will be attending. The lodge’s campers will be recognized. Happy Anniversary wishes were extended to Mary Lou and Billy Preuss who celebrate their special day in June. – Janice Kuhen
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
Spring Branch Lodge to meet July 18 at Knibbe Ranch SPRING BRANCH – Spring Branch Lodge will meet July 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Knibbe Ranch. Membership pins will be presented. The lodge met May 16 at the home of Benard and Neva Bosco of Canyon Lake. Vice President Darryl Woody chaired the meeting in the absence of President Sharon Knibbe. She and her family were celebrating Sharon’s mother’s 100th birthday! Four junior members were welcomed and one transfer was accepted. Due to COVID restrictions the Join Hands Day project could not be completed in May. Members had planned to visit St. Jude’ s Ranch for Children at
Celebrating birthdays at the May meeting of Spring Branch Lodge were, from left, Bill and Mary Woody and Ben and Phyllis Havens.
Phyllis Havens and Karen Woody celebrated their birthdays at the May meeting of Spring Branch Lodge.
Benard and Neva Bosco hosted the May meeting of Spring Branch Lodge at their home at Canyon Lake.
Canyon Lake. They are hopeful the visit can be rescheduled at a later date. The lodge will discuss and
were Benard Bosco, Neva Bosco, Karen Woody, Mary Woody, Sandra Duncan and Gloria Gass.
A meal of lasagna, garlic bread and salad was provided by the hosts. – Jane Wanke
Members of Pershing Lodge celebrating anniversaries in June were John and Betty Opiela, from left, Emily and Kenneth Wallace and Jacquelyn and Roger Stovall.
Roger Stovall celebrated his birthday in June. He is a member of Pershing Lodge.
choose a different Join Hands Day project at the meeting in July. Attendance prize winners
Pershing Lodge will meet July 7 in the Rathskeller SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet July 7 in the Rathskeller at 7 p.m. Members must RSVP for the meal by calling the office at 210-2273085. Bingo will be played after the meal. New members welcomed in June were Brodyn Michael Cook and Milley Noemi Gunon. Chaplain Tony Valek reported the passing of Gerald Pape.
Members will be volunteering at the New Braunfels Food Bank on July 31 in observance of Join Hands Day. Members can bring non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation at the meeting in July. Carrie Burnett won the $35 attendance prize and Helen Alberthal won the split-the-pot cash. – Reporter
Siemering plans project SAN ANTONIO – Siemering Lodge held an in-person meeting on Tuesday, June 9, in the Rathskeller. Members’ spirits are high as they look forward to everything getting back to normal. The lodge has set a date of July 17 for its Join Hands Day project. Members will be cleaning up the Hermann Sons Cemetery. Members of other lodges or people who would like to help are invited to be there at 9 a.m. Plans are being made for a fundaiser for the lodge later this year. Details will be finalized at the July
13 meeting. Members will be able to win prizes during the bingo games after the regular meeting. Members are challenged to bring/invite members who have not attended a meeting recently to the next and future meetings. Siemering Lodge would like to invite ALL members back to inperson meetings that are held on the second Tuesday of the month. The lodge has exceeded its new member goal for the year and is looking forward to adding more new members. – Reporter
Louise Schuetze Lodge will hold Zoom meeting on July 9 Louise Schuetze Lodge will hold a Zoom meeting July 9 at 7 p.m. Members can call Janet Abell at 210-363-4022 for instructions. Members are reminded that the lodge will celebrate its anniversary on Sept. 13 with an in-person meeting. A meal will be provided. Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating in July especially Alice Naughton, pictured, who is 107 years young.
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Paul Vogt Lodge awards two $500 scholarships BOERNE – Paul Vogt lodge presented two $500 scholarships this year. The recipients are Benjamin Phillip and Chesney Vogt. All applicants were asked to write an essay about what Hermann Sons Life means to them and where they are attending college. Benjamin is a graduate of Boerne High School. He attended Hermann Sons Life Camp and has been a volunteer at Hill Country Daily Bread. He has also been involved in his church youth program as a Bible school assistant leader. He is attending Nebraska Wesleyan University where he will play basketball. One word stuck with Benjamin as he talked about Hermann Sons Life and that was “kindness.” Chesney Vogt is a graduate of Medina Valley High School. She attended Hermann Sons Life Camp and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was second
Benjamin Phillip receives his Paul Vogt Lodge scholarship from lodge President Barbara Marquardt.
Paul Vogt Lodge President Barbara Marquardt presents Chesney Vogt with her scholarship from the lodge.
vice president of the Medina Valley FFA, where she received awards for livestock judging.
Hermann Sons Life meant to her, Chesney said, “It is about being a part of a community
She will attend Tarleton State University where she will study agribusiness. When asked what
and helping make it a better place.” – Reporter
New Braunfels Lodge meeting again
President Janet Zabransky and Charlie Hoepfl hold the American flag during the Flag Day ceremony held at the June meeting of Hochheim-Prairie Lodge.
Hochheim-Prairie meets Aug. 8 YOAKUM – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will not meet in July. The next meeting is set for Aug. 8. The June 6 meeting included a Flag Day ceremony. Carolyn Hoepfl read a poem about the flag and an interesting article on the meaning behind the flag-folding ritual and the symbolism behind each fold of the flag. Welcomed as a new member was Taylor Carlson, granddaughter of Marilyn
Muehlstein and daughter of Cole and Stephanie Carlson. Roberta Wenzel reported sending sympathy cards to the Blaschke, Mahoney and Emerson families. A moment of silence was observed in memory of these members. Carolyn Hoepfl read condolences from the Leonard Meinke family. Attendance prize winner was Roberta Wenzel. – Reporter
NEW BRAUNFELS – After a long 14 months of quarantine and social distancing, New Braunfels Lodge met on June 6. Members honored and remembered the 21 members who had died during the past year. Agent Shirley Huebinger and husband Michael reported they would be attending an awards banquet for agents in San Antonio in June. Shirley qualified as a member of the Executive Club based on her sales efforts
in 2020. Celebrating birthdays in June and July are Ethan Colbert, Virginia Vetter, Violet Tanneberger, Sandra Guenther and Dorothy Moose. Celebrating anniversaries were Leola and James Stolte, 68 years, and Rennie and Sandra Guenther 59 years. James was not present due to health issues. Attendance prizes went to Tommy Daum, Ethan Colbert, Steve Stolte, Dorella Colbert, Lenora Mueller, Jerome Vetter,
Dennis Schwab, Dorothy Moose, Sandra Guenther, Rennie Guenther, Leola Stolte and Virginia Vetter. A supper featuring fried chicken, hosted by Tommy Daum, followed games and refreshments. The lodge will not meet in July because of the Fourth of July holiday. For the Aug. 1 meeting, the meat will be furnished. Members are asked to bring side dishes and/or desserts. – Reporter
Bernardo will meet at Schobel’s July 7 BERNARDO – Bernardo Lodge will host a meeting at Schobel’s Restaurant in Columbus on July 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a light meal. Refreshments will be provided as well. The lodge has not been able to meet since April 2020. This meeting will consist of old and new business. Officers will need to be elected for the re-
mainder of 2021. The lodge recently welcomed three new members to the lodge. They are Addyson Clair Poncik, born to Garrett and April Poncik on Nov. 11, 2020; Everly Eden McMullin, born to Sam and J.J. McMullin on March 1, 2021; Amalia Grace Zapalac, born to Kelsey and Josh Za-
palac on Mach 20, 2021. Dance registration is now under way for junior members ages 3 to 17 as of Sept 1. 2021. Students must be a member of Hermann Sons Life to participate in the Dance program. Contact Robin Maertz at 979732-1687 for more information. – Reporter
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Moulton presents scholarships
Gillian Barta
Moulton Lodge presented scholarships to four graduating high school seniors this year. The recipients are, from left, Gillian Barta, Kylee Beyer, Jayde Ferlet and Avery Uribe. Jayde is a graduate of Hallettsville High School. The others are graduates of Moulton High School.
Kylee Beyer
Jayde Ferlet
Avery Uribe
Mission-Alamo Lodge will celebrate Christmas in July SAN ANTONIO – MissionAlamo Lodge will celebrate Christmas in July at the July 25 meeting. The meeting will include a gift exchange. Members are asked to bring a gift that costs no more than $15. Seated in a circle, lodge members will conduct what promises to be a lively gift-giving and gifttrading session. In August, a regular lodge meeting will be held. September will include recognition of the lodge’s pioneer members. Officers for 2022 will be elected at this meeting. The lodge’s first meeting since the pandemic was held in May. In lieu of a meeting in June, members helped park cars during Fiesta. Members who celebrated birthdays since the last meeting
Members of Mission-Alamo Lodge who celebrate their birthdays in October through December and attended the recent meeting were, standing from left, Jack Larned, Georgia Hall, John Hall, seated from left, Kathy Wilson and Lillie Mae Dienger. Not pictured is Lee Vogel. were presented a $2 gift. The dollars were flying. The lodge has added many new members in the past year.
They are invited to attend any of the upcoming meetings and special events. – Reporter
Mission-Alamo Lodge members who attended the recent meeting and celebrate their birthdays in June through September were, standing from left, Diane Cline, Debra Pike, Lauryn Pike, Dianne Larned, J.R. Kneupper, seated from left, Joyce Kneupper, Hayden Martinez and Avery Pike.
Round Top Lodge donates to local VFD ROUND TOP – Round Top Lodge presented its donation to the Round Top-Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department at the May meeting. Accepting the donation were Keith Burcalow and Blake Moehlmann. The lodge supported the department during its recent fund-raiser by sponsoring the Country Store. Proceeds from the Country Store,
items donated to the live auction plus $500 in Matching Funds from the Home Office brought the total donation to almost $2,000. Agent Linda Mattocks reported on the new Vice President of Sales and the continuing education workshop set for October in Comfort. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Pearlie Wagner, Dwight Nittsche
and Lila Garlin. Attendance prizes were won by Jeanette Hancock, Linda Mattocks, Ted Stardig, Virgie Hall and Max Baranowski. Thanks go to Randy Wied for the barbecue sausage and all the members who provided the side dishes and desserts. The food and fellowship were wonderful. – Reporter
Members with January through May birthdays who attended the recent Mission-Alamo Lodge meeting were, from left, Denise Wright, Dorothy Breezee and Bernice Vogel.
Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Lockhart Lodge honors fathers with ice cream treat LOCKHART – Lockhart Lodge met Sunday, June 6, at Smitty’s Market. President Nicky Duewall reported that the Schroeder family had just returned from the Corpus Christi School of Dance recital where they enjoyed watching Margaret and Madeline Hyland perform. This was Margaret’s 10th year and Madeline’s seventh year of dance with Hermann Sons Life. It was reported that the San Marcos Lodge did stuff backpacks in support of the Hays/ Caldwell Women’s Center on May 10 in observance of Join Hands Day. None of the Lockhart Lodge members were able to attend. Discussion was held on a possible Make A Difference
Door prize winners at the June Lockhart Lodge meeting were, from left, Carol Schuelke, Jonelle Frerich and Darrell Hess. Day project. Ray Pfefferkorn suggested something for the Golden Age Home’s 60th anniversary cel-
ebration. Nancy Hess said she would talk with Executive Director Nicole Burnett about something
Craig Duewall, a member of Carol Schuelke, a member of Lockhart Lodge, celebrates his Lockhart Lodge, has retired after birthday in July. 30 years of service to the VA. the lodge could contribute to the celebration. Fathers were treated with ice cream in honor of Father’s Day.
Fort Worth will host veterans organization FORT WORTH – Junior members of Fort Worth Lodge should have received their Camp t-shirts by now. Lodge members are hoping these junior members have a great time at Camp. Camp parents are asked to send pictures for the newspaper. They can be texted to Sandra Jones at 817-781-7155. She also welcomes Camp stories the juniors have to tel, especially if you have multiple family members going. Letters of thanks have been received from the organizations the lodge donated to in observance of Join Hands Day. Harvest House said the money will be used to help provide school children with breakfast and lunch during the summer. Jacqueline Klein, Member Benefits representative, said the donation will give a child an opportunity to attend the Camp’s Grief Support Session. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will attend the next meeting to thank members in person and says they have a
surprise. Members are reminded to help the lodge meet its new member goal for 2021 by recommending a new member. Everyone needs life insurance and with all that is going on in the world, the time is now to get that insurance. Call Sandra Jones at 817-781-7155 or call the Home Office for more information or quotes. Congratulations go to Madison Lewallen who recently graduated from Texas A&M. Several members have been in the hospital and are in need of prayers including Tommy Gregory and Martha Walker. Happy 38th Anniversary wishes go to Red and Nancy Kelly who celebrate in July. Red will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 29. They are missed at meetings. Happy Birthday wishes go to Cathy Freeman, John Hilcher, Makayla Jones, Stephanie McBroom, Madison Lewallen, Deneen Castor, Fred Murphy, Cathy Simmank and Blake Walters. – Reporter
The lodge will not meet in July because of the Fourth of July holiday. – Reporter
Seguin members win prizes Door prize winners at the May meeting of Seguin Lodge were, from left, Brian Beutnagel, Annette Roecker, Velma Huebner, Allen Gescheidle, Cheryl Gescheidle and Howard Huebner.
Cibolo Lodge will meet again Aug. 5 CIBOLO – Happy summer everyone! Cibolo Lodge met Thursday, June 3. Dinner included barbecue brisket, potato salad, coleslaw and a cucumber and tomato salad, which was voted as the best side. It was a combined effort by Jonny Brown who grew the veggies and wife Joy who put it all together. For dessert there were Cowboy Cookies with walnuts, chocolate fudge and peanut butter fudge, red velvet cake, pear pie and chocolate sheet cake which by the way was voted as the best dessert and was made by Sherry Rakowitz. Rodney Krebs brought fresh plums from his trees! Sheri Rakowitz gave a report on a fund-raiser held in memory of Rosie Meeks who was lost to
COVID. The charity that was near and dear to her heart was the Battered Women’s Shelter. A total of $30,000 was raised in Rosie’s name including a $100 donation from the lodge. The group plans to do it again next year and start a non-profit in Rosie’s name to benefit a different charity each year. The lodge’s scholarship recipient, Bret Gray, placed in the top five at the state golf tournament out of 120-something golfers. Despite all the rain, he shot even par on the first day (72) and three under par (69) on the second day! Members and family are so proud of Bret and will be following him while he plays at Sam Houston State University for the next four years! The lodge was planning a Flag
Day ceremony on June 14 at Cibolo City Hall. Dawn Bierstedt celebrates her birthday in June but she was unable to attend the meeting due to the rain. The attendance prize winners were Zane Gray and Tracy Campos. The special drawing winner was Sherry Rakowitz. The junior award winner was Emma Rakowitz and her grandfather, Jerry Rakowitz, won the Father’s Day gift card. Members played several rounds of bingo after the meeting and had a blast with some really inventive games that kept everyone thinking. The next meeting will be Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. – Reporter
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21
DaCosta Lodge continues compiling cookbook DACOSTA – DaCosta Lodge has awarded two scholarships this year. The recipients are Emily Thigpen and Allison Dentler. The lodge’s cookbook is still being put together. Everyone is invited to contribute their favorite recipes. The form for submitting a recipe was included in the June issue of the newspaper. Recipes must be received no later than Sept. 1, 2021, to be included in the cookbook. They should be sent to Diane Stastny, 178 Pear Street, Victoria, Texas 77905. In observance of Join Hands Day, members volunteered at the DaCosta Volunteer Fire
Department barbecue on June 12. Thanks go to those who volunteered their time. The lodge will meet again on July 12, Sept. 13 and Nov. 9. The Summer Social is scheduled for Aug. 28. Donations are needed for the silent auction that benefits the scholarship fund and the cakewalk. The current list of events at the lodge hall as of publication time: July 17 - Market Days 9 a.m.4 p.m. (free) and public dance featuring Zachary Grant Band 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, $5 members, 12 and under free) Aug. 14 - Market Days 9 a.m.4 p.m. (free) and public dance featuring TBD 8 p.m.-midnight
($10, $5 members, 12 and under free) Aug. 28 - DaCosta Lodge Summer Social (cake walk, silent auction, FREE MEAL FOR MEMBERS). Public dance featuring Tainted Heart 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, FREE FOR MEMBERS, 12 and under free) Sept. 11 - Market Days 9 a.m.4 p.m. (free) and public dance featuring Texas Continentals 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, $5 members) Oct. 8-9 - Chili cookoff (more details to come) Oct. 9 - Market Days 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (free) and public dance featuring Keen Country 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, $5 members) Nov. 13 - Market Days 9 a.m.-
4 p.m. (free) and public dance featuring TBD 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, $5 members) Nov. 20 - Public Dance - Tainted Heart 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, $5 members, 12 and under free) Dec. 4 - DaCosta Lodge Christmas Social (cake walk, meal, dance) Band TBD Dec. 11 - Market Days 9 a.m.4 p.m. (free) and public dance featuring TBD 8 p.m.-midnight ($10, $5 members) Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve - public dance featuring Tainted Heart (details and pricing TBD) Up-to-date events and information can be found at: DaCosta Hall Facebook page facebook.com/DacostaHall77905 DaCosta Market Days page
facebook.com/DaCostaMarketDays DaCosta Market Days Vendor Information facebook.com/ groups/DaCostaMarketDaysVendors DaCosta Lodge Facebook page facebook.com/DaCostaLodge-100293408189350 Contact hall manager/agent Andrea Stehle at 361-578-2039 or andrea@dacostahall.com with any comments, suggestions, hall rental information or membership request, transfers or policy quotes. Contact Tessia Stastny regarding all deaths, get wells, births, etc. at 361-237-6002 or tessia@ dacostahall.com – Reporter
Brenham Lodge will meet on July 9
Flatonia Lodge awards scholarship Shannen Novak, far right, is the recipient of the Flatonia Lodge scholarship for 2021. She is pictured with David Zapalac, lodge trustee, and Beverly Z. Ponder, lodge president.
Dallas plans Sept. 26 meeting DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will meet Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Hall. Members are encouraged to attend in person. Food and drinks will be provided. President Clint Holmes will provide Zoom for those who cannot attend. His email address is cjh07a@acu.edu. The lodge will not meet in August. On May 23, a membership pin ceremony and luncheon were held at the historic El Fenix Restaurant in downtown Dallas. The pin presenter was Sandra Jones, chair of the board.
Carol Hufford received her 75year member. She has been a member since April 1, 1946. Stephen and Andrew Schellenberg both received their 70-year pins. The brothers have been members since June 18, 1951. Special guests were Sandra and Sam Jones, Bobby Wilbanks and Andrea Baron and Chrysti Snyder, Carol’s granddaughters. The lodge’s Join Hands Day project was a donation to CitySquare. This Dallas nonprofit provides food and other services to those in need. – Reporter
BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge will meet Friday, July 9. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m., the meal will be served at 7 p.m. and the meeting begins at 8 p.m. The meal will include barbecue chicken with all the trimmings. Members are asked to bring desserts. At the June 11 meeting, members decided that weekly bingo games will resume Thursday, July 8. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Cards go on sale at 6:15 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. Bingo is held in accordance with Texas Lottery Commission Regulations, State License No. 1213. – Reporter
Brenham Lodge held a drive-thru barbecue and sausage meal fundraiser on May 23. Proceeds will be used to buy a new air conditioning unit for the lodge hall.
Page 22 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
McGregor Lodge presents two senior scholarships McGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will not meet in July. The next meeting is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at The Coffee Shop. The June 2 meeting was held at Luigi’s. President Doris Mooney read a thank you note from the Rhett Revolution for the lodge’s donation in observance of Join Hands Day and a number of memorials. Condolences go to the Ona Lange family. Sympathy cards were mailed to her sisters-inlaws, Leona Hendrickson, Viola Mize and Vivian Lange. Happy June birthday wishes were extended to John Sneed and Regenia and Kerry Arseneaux. The lodge’s two scholarship recipients this year are Audrey Lillard and Maebry Sneed. Audrey was in attendance.
Audrey Lillard
Maebry Sneed
Audrey is the daughter of David and Tammy Lillard and granddaughter of Doris Mooney. Audrey graduated from McGregor High School in the top 10 percent of her class.
She will be attending Tarleton State University where she will be on the track team. She will be majoring in kinesiology. While in high school she was on the varsity basketball,
Austin Lodge moves meeting to July 11 due to Fourth of July AUSTIN – Austin Lodge will meet Sunday, July 11, at 2 p.m. Members are asked to make note of the date change due to the July 4 holiday. Members are asked to bring their favorite covered dish and dessert. More and more members are starting to attend the meetings. At the June 6 meeting, President Ed Kurtz read a note of thanks from the Home Office sent in recognition of the lodge’s donation to Meals on Wheels. The cheerperson reported that member Edna Groeschel had passed away. Get will wishes were sent to Billy Lindsey. He was in an accident and is still in
volleyball, softball and track team for four years, earning numerous awards and medals in each sport. She participated in the UIL State Track Meet her sophomore and senior years. She was a cheerleader for four years and was on the varsity squad her junior and senior years. She was also in the National Honor Society, Link Crew and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was named Class Friendliest and a Homecoming nominee. She was selected for the FCA Victory Bowl for softball. She volunteers for the Rhett Revolution and McGregor Food Pantry. Maebry was introduced at the May meeting. She is the daughter of Jason and Kara Sneed, granddaughter of John and Teresa Sneed and
great-granddaughter of Leona Hendrickson. Maebry graduated from Whitney High School ranking No. 7 in a class of 100. She will be attending Texas A&M in the fall, majoring in accounting and finance. Her goal is to become a CPA. While in high school she participated in volleyball, softball, powerlifting and cheerleading. She was also involved in the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Student Council. She volunteered countless hours in her community. Father’s Day gifts were presented to all the men. President Doris Mooney reminded everyone to fly the American Flag on Flag Day and July 4th. – Reporter
Corpus Christi Lodge returns to Hilltop Community Center In June, Corpus Christi Lodge met at Hilltop Community Center for the first time since the pandemic began. The social meeting included a potluck dinner and bingo. Celebrating June birthdays were, pictured at left, Stacy Stephenson and David Garcia. Door prize winners were Dakota Stephenson, Hunter Buitron and Rhylie Garcia. The lucky 50/50 winner was Ida Blankenship. The next meeting will be held at the Land and Sea Restaurant on July 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Pat and Jim Spradling celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently. They are members of Austin Lodge. the hospital as of the writing of this article. Hope he will be able to go home soon. – Reporter
Vineta to celebrate anniversary SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will celebrate its 120th anniversary on Sept 2. This will be the first meeting since March 2020. Plans are to honor pioneer members who should have received their pins in 2020 and those receiving pins in 2021. More information will be included in the newspaper next
month. The lodge mourns the passing of Margaret Broll, Valaura Nelson, Barbara Jean Duelm, Lucille Stroman, Josephine Moeller, Linda Tucker and Gladys Garrett. Gladys Garrett served as president and corresponding secretary for the lodge. – Reporter
Fredericksburg Lodge holds June meeting Fredericksburg Lodge met June 1. The short meeting followed a chalupa supper prepared by Marissa Weinheimer with side dishes provided by the attending members. Celebrating anniversaries were Elgin and Geneva Tatsch, Hans and Lola Enderlin and Stanley and Shirley Jenschke.
Celebrating June birthdays at the Fredericksburg Lodge meeting were guest Scott Kasper and member Brooke Henke Kasper.
July 2021 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Adkins Roxy Pruski 210-218-6204
Converse Dan Boenig 210-705-1815
Hondo Michael Saathoff 210-394-7648
New Braunfels Becki Carley 361-550-9358
Alice Eddie Ramon 361-701-0480
Cuero Laura Tiffin 361-564-8141
Britney Cross 281-450-6291
Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975
Wayne Tiffin 361-564-8144
Houston Gary Falkenberg, FICF 713-466-6069 or 713-899-4138
Bandera Stephanie Brown 210-621-3891 Bernardo/Columbus Robin Maertz 979-732-1687 Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727 Blanco Joni Kirkwood Moore 512-922-8283 Boerne/San Antonio Pamela Poulk 210-753-2626 Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306 Marilyn Vogt, FICF 210-630-9874 Brenham Gary Falkenberg, FICF 713-466-6069 or 713-899-4138 Bulverde Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142 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
Dallas Mark Mundy 214-202-8442 Cecilia Phillips 214-982-8905 Gilbert Shelby 214-289-1815 Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483 Devine Robin Rutledge 210-854-4443 Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409 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 Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678 Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317 Graham/Wichita Falls David Wolf 940-550-5202
Jennifer Stryk Garner 832-596-9425 Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001 Johnson City Tammy Wier 214-500-1110 Jourdanton Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598 Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982 Russell Swize 830-780-4053 Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293 La Grange Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988 La Vernia Vicki Hinojosa 210-338-5002 Sharon Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-0526 Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229 Lockhart Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431 Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380 Mason Brad Lehmberg 325-320-7079 Needville /Rosenberg Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127
Kathryn Green 830-463-9455 Shirley Huebinger 830-629-1196 Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142 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 361-701-7527 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 Barbara Carr 210-275-3975 Robert A. Hollingsworth Jr. Rosie Hollingsworth 210-822-2590 Rayna Sue Irwin 210-710-7038 Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142 Alicia Lenz 210-478-1204
Sales Department Staff 210-527-9113 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667 Vice President of Sales Robin Czarnek robinc@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 Chris Naughton 210-365-2009
Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973
John Pacini 210-844-7182
Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405
Monica Pacini 956-645-2986 San Marcos Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431 Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312 Schwertner Irene Schwertner 254-527-4470
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
Seguin Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724
Page 24 – Hermann Sons Life – July 2021
Shining Stars
CHRYSTAL FLORES ZAMBRANO is a member of Karnes City Lodge. She is in third grade. Her favorite foods are hamburgers and French fries and she likes to watch YouTube videos. Chrystal has a pet dog, cat and fish. Her activities include dance, running and basketball.
JAXON STOVALL is a member of Harmonia Lodge. He is in second grade. Any meat is his favorite thing to eat and his favorite TV shows are “Young Sheldon” and “Ninjago.” Jaxon has two pets, Zuri and Puddles. His activities include building with Legos.
ZOE ELLIS RUFF is a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge. She is in second grade. Her favorite food is tacos and her favorite movie is “The Croods.” Zoe’s activities include skating, riding her bike and dancing.
GISELLE DE LEON is a member of Siemering Lodge. She is in first grade. Her favorite food is fruit and her favorite TV show is “Jordan Matter” and “Ninja Kids.” Giselle has a pet dog. Her activities include gymnastics and dance.
ZAKARY MELCHOR is a member of DaCosta Lodge. He is in first grade. His favorite food is French fries and his favorite TV show is “Larva.” Zakary has a pet dog and dwarf hamster. His activities include riding his scooter and playing with his big brother.
CAMERON MELCHOR is a member of DaCosta Lodge. He is in fourth grade. His favorite food is cheeseburgers and his favorite TV show is “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Cameron has three dogs and a hamster. His activities include gaming, basketball and riding bikes.
ROBERT FRETS is a member of Marion Lodge. He is in first grade. His favorite food is peanut butter and his favorite TV show is “Puppy Dog Pals.” Robert has a cat, dog and a fish. His activities include swimming, reading, camping and being outside.
ABIGAIL FRETS is a member of Marion Lodge. She is in sixth grade. Her favorite food is from Whataburger and her favorite TV show is “Jessie.” Abigail has a pet bird, cat and chickens. Her activities include swimming, dance, reading and camping.
Fourth of July Word Search Puzzle Fourth America Flag Celebrate Freedom Fireworks Independence Liberty
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. Shining Star photos are also featured on our website.
Declaration Holiday Parade Summer Picnic United Stripes Stars
Name: Birthday: Home Phone: Daytime Phone: Address: City:
Zip:
Fourth of July Word Scramble
E-mail Address: Grade in school:
1. Ljlu __________________________________________
Favorite food:
2. Rusmem ______________________________________
Pets:
3. Eiwrofksr _____________________________________
Favorite TV show:
4. Frtohu _______________________________________ 5. Tpirses _______________________________________
Activities:
6. Lfga __________________________________________ 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.
7. Lbeu _________________________________________
Parent’s Signature:
9. Dre __________________________________________
I am a member of
Lodge
Certificate No._______________________________________________________
8. Eamcira ______________________________________ 10. Tiehw _______________________________________ 11. Dinpeednenec ________________________________ 12. Raedpa ______________________________________
Puzzle answers on Pg. 14.