November 2025

INSIDE

HSL Newspaper updating format, content

Convention 2026 ➤ Pgs. 7-8

➤ Pg. 4 Lodge

➤ Pgs. 15-22

SAN ANTONIO – The Hermann Sons Life Newspaper is preparing for a fresh new look and content in 2026! Added to the traditional content will be interesting member stories, recipes, lifestyle articles, educational information and more!

Lodges are reminded we want to hear from you! Our members are the lifeline of Hermann Sons Life and one of the greatest ways we strengthen community is through lodge membership. Let’s make sure to invite all members to your gatherings by sharing upcoming meeting and event dates, fundraising, activities and news.

Currently, meeting attendance is a challenge for most lodges, and it is hoped by sharing your meeting dates, lodge news and photos, more members will be encouraged to attend.

Required for lodge news reports:

• Upcoming meeting date

• Meeting time

• Meeting location

• Photos must be of good quality and resolution (larger file size). If sending from a cell phone, be sure to select large file size, not smallest.

We encourage photos of important events, such as pin presentations, donations, activities etc. When submitting photos of minors, make sure parents’ permission has been obtained before submitting.

Please note, when mentioning

every effort will be made to include reports submitted after the deadline, there is no guarantee there will be room for it once the production process has begun.

The Hermann Sons Life News is published monthly, digitally midmonth and it arrives in the mail at the end or early start of the month typically.

Members can opt in to receive the newspaper by email in a digital format or have a hard copy mailed by contacting the Home Office. The newspaper is also featured monthly on HSL social media and issues are featured on the HSL website.

It is important to remember the newspaper runs ahead of schedule, for example, the January edition deadline is Dec. 10. The January edition is mailed out by the last week of

December. This is very important to keep in mind when promoting upcoming meetings and events. News reports and photos can be emailed to elaines@hermannsonslife.org, can be submitted online: hermannsonslife.org, go to Member Benefits – Lodges and scroll down to Officer Forms, select Lodge Newspaper Report, or mail to Hermann Sons Life News, P. O. Box 1941, San Antonio, Texas 78297, attn. Elaine Soto. For any questions or assistance, please contact Communications Director/Editor Elaine Hernandez Soto at 210-226-9261, ext. 279 or email.

Our goal is to share your good news, recognize our great members and help increase meeting and event participation! We look forward to hearing from you!

SAN ANTONIO – Hermann Sons Life invites all members to share their stories for the HSL newspaper!

Did a HSL policy make a difference in your life? Does your HSL membership go back generations? Do you have fond memories of lodge meetings, camp or dance? We’d love for you to share them with us.

Do you have a hobby or craft you’d like to share? Are you a collector? Do you have a remarkable health recovery story to share? Are you famous? Let us know!

Recipes

We will be featuring recipes and want you to share your favorites! Send complete ingredients list, instructions and a photo of the dish (with or without you!)

We also welcome your suggestions/recommendations for newspaper content.

Submit to Communications Director/Editor Elaine Soto at elaines@hermannsonslife.org or mail to Communications Department, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, Texas 78297.

President's Message

It's a season for

gratitude

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 210-226-9261 • 800-234-4124

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to: Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941

DIRECTORS

Kimberly Krueger, Chair

David Wolf, Vice Chair

David R. Noak

Stan Steiger

Laura Tiffin

OFFICERS

President and CEO

Robin Czarnek

Vice President of Operations and COO

Samantha Schulmeier Kelley

Vice President of Sales

Teresa Saathoff

LAWS

Mary Beam

Pat Bushman

Elizabeth Byron

Agnes Dreibrodt

Kathryn Gloor

Tammy Jones

Jacqueline Klein

Edward J. Muehlbrad

Arthur R. Pfefferkorn

Stephen Prewitt

Sherry Rakowitz

Annette Roecker

Steven Schellenberg

Harry Schriber

Ronald Wiatrek

MEMBER BENEFITS

Shirley Faske

Paula Gebert

Charles Head

Bradley Klein

COMMUNITY

Tommy Daum

Kyle Hartmann

Pat Klotz

Robert Prewitt

Cheryl Kluver

Joyce Kneupper

Pam Matula

Judith Schulmeier

Gilbert Shelby

Diane Smith

BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Gary Falkenberg

Kerry Ginn

Anna Larie Keith

By ROBIN CZARNEK President and CEO

As the fall air turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, it’s a great reminder for me that not only is it about a change of seasons and cooler weather, it’s a season for gratitude. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the many blessings we share at Hermann Sons Life.

There’s a renewed energy at the Home Office with all the exciting things happening. Our new MYGA Annuity product has been successfully implemented, and our members have embraced it

with enthusiasm! It’s exciting to see how this product is helping families safely plan for their financial futures.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare is in full swing, and our team has been working tirelessly assisting members with their questions and needs. Add in the buzz of Convention preparation, Board of Director applications opening, and even the fun of the Fiesta medal contest, it’s safe to say it’s been a busy time at Hermann Sons Life!

As we look ahead to Convention, my heart is filled with both excitement and a touch of sad

ness. Excitement because Convention is always a time of celebration, fellowship, and new beginnings. Sadness because we’ll be saying goodbye to some of our amazing, dedicated Board members who have reached their term limits. It has been an honor to serve alongside them. Their wisdom, leadership, and courage to make difficult but necessary decisions has helped Hermann Sons Life move forward in remarkable ways. Their commitment to progress has made such a positive impact for our organization, and I am so proud of all they have accomplished.

Happy Thanksgiving! May the blessing of the season fill your home with love and joy!

Hermann Sons Life will provide desserts for Boysville Children’s Home Christmas party

The Home Office invites members to donate store bought cookies, brownies, cupcakes or candy. Monetary donations will also be accepted to purchase desserts. Items or monetary donations can be dropped off at the Home Office on Dec. 17 and 18 during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 515 S. St. Mary’s St. in San Antonio. Monetary donations can also be mailed (before Dec. 15) to P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941

Lodge Reports

Charles Knibbe

David Lewis

Michael Warneke

Through every challenge and change, what continues to shine brightest is our shared spirit. The same spirit of Friendship, Love, and Loyalty that has guided Hermann Sons Life for generations. This Thanksgiving, I am deeply thankful for our members, our agents, our lodges, and our staff who work with heart and purpose every single day. Together, we’re building something lasting and meaningful.

May your homes be filled with love, laughter and gratitude this holiday season. From all of us at Hermann Sons Life – Happy Thanksgiving!

2026 Lodge Planners

SAN ANTONIO – The 2026 Lodge Planners will be available by Jan. 15, 2026. A Member Benefits Department representative will be calling lodges to find out your Lodge Planner needs. The Lodge Planner is also available on the HSL website, hermannsonslife.org – go to the Member Benefits tab – Lodges and scroll down to Lodge Planner/Forms.

For questions, please call the 1-800-234-4124, ext. 238 or email: lodge@hermannsonslife.org

The Lodge Planner is a valuable tool for officers to conduct lodge business and should be carefully reviewed annually for important updates and requirements.

NOVEMBER 2025

Community Spotlight

Prom Redeaux enables all girls to attend prom

Prom Redeaux, founded by Hermann Sons Life member Lynette Gray, is a non-profit organization that collects prom dresses, shoes and accessories to enable all girls in area counties to attend prom. Lynette, a former HSL dancer, has been a member for more than 50 years and belongs to La Vernia Lodge.

By LYNETTE GRAY Founder

LA

VERNIA

– Sitting inside Pizza Hut in La Vernia on prom night 2014, I noticed some of my daughter’s classmates walking by outside. The next day I put numbers together and realized that some girls just could not afford to go to prom and the dresses were the costliest part. With that I decided to make sure all my daughter’s classmates and others could go to prom in 2015. That was the start of Prom Redeaux in La Vernia and Wilson County. I expected to collect maybe 30 or so dresses but within a few months I had almost 300 dresses accumulated in a small room in my home. As it got closer to the 2015 prom season, I start-

ed hosting public dress events. The program grew rapidly and now serves girls in Wilson, Guadalupe, Comal, Atascosa, Gonzales, Bexar, Karnes and many other Texas counties.

After the 2024 season, Prom Redeaux had officially provided just over 3,600 dresses – and there’s more! The program has expanded to also help brides, bridesmaids, mothers of brides/grooms and even pageant participants over the years. I have  acquired the nickname “the secondhand superstar” and every year during the month of July I collect as much business clothing as possible to hand out at a women’s conference held annually in Seguin.

Other groups and individuals across the USA have reached out to me over the years for advice on how to start their own similar dress programs. COVID altered some of the public handout events so I catered to girls from my “garage closet” for a couple of prom seasons.

These days, I have actually had the honor of going and setting up inside many high schools

during the day so girls that may not have weekend transportation can actually “shop” for dresses, shoes and jewelry during school hours. A couple of schools even set up “prom closets” in extra rooms inside their schools for a couple of months during the school year so girls can “shop” at their convenience. Since I’m based out of LaVernia, I accept donations at La Vernia Dry Cleaners and the Jane Yelvington McCallum Public Library.   Lions and Zonta clubs and other organizations will at times collect dresses as part of service projects and donate them to Prom Redeaux.

I never intended for Prom Redeaux to go more than a year but now on year eleven the program is stronger and more popular than ever.  It is very satisfying to help multiple siblings get to proms as the years go by and the tears and hugs are priceless and some of the stories and memories of special cases will stay with me for life.

For more information, email: lvblingthings@yahoo.com.

Employee Spotlight

Rizzo has taught dance for 10 years

SAN ANTONIO – Monica Rizzo, a resident of Spring Branch, has been employed as an HSL dance program instructor for ten years. She teaches for both the New Braunfels and Hill Country schools of dance and is a member of Prinz Solms Lodge.

Monica’s experience includes Dufour Dance Centre’ lyrical/jazz teacher; San Antonio MMA dance teacher, independent choreographer, TVCC cadette; and was a Randolph High School cadette colonel.

Monica has been married to Brian for ten years and they have a four-year-old daughter, Leia, who also dances.

Monica said she likes the idea that the Herman Sons Life Youth Foundation, Inc., offers programs like dance and camp at such economical fees giving more children an opportunity to participate.

“I love sharing my passion for dance,” she said. “Dance is for everyone!”

Editor/Communications Director

Elaine Hernandez Soto

210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org

Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director

Hannah Ruiz-Gruver 210-226-9261, ext. 102 email: hannahrg@hermannsonslife.org

All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor

Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: elaines@hermannsonslife.org

Reports and photos can also be submitted online at hermannsonslife.org under Member Benefits, Officer Forms. The report deadline is the 10th of each month.

For example, for the January issue, the deadline is Dec. 10.

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

Lynette Gray, a La Vernia Lodge member, founded Prom Redeaux in 2015 and has provided more than 3,600 prom dresses to students who may otherwise not be able to attend the special dance. She has earned herself the nickname of “Second-Hand Superstar.”

Monica Rizzo, Hill Country and New Braunfels dances schools instructor is pictured with daughter Leia. Monica has taught HSL dance for more than 10 years.

Sales

Prescription Drug Program Changes for 2026 –What you need to know

By PAM HARRISON Spark Advisors

Medicare Training and Compliance Supervisor

SAN ANTONIO – Medicare Part D is the outpatent prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare.

The benefit is administered through plans (insurance carriers) that contract with the federal government. People with Medicare can choose to enroll either in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Drug coverage (MAPD) to help pay for prescription drugs.

There are changes to the program almost every year and 2026 is no different! The changes in Medicare Part D for 2026 are primarily aimed at lowering prescription drug costs for beneficiaries. These changes affect both Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage (MAPDs).

Have

Here are a few of the changes you need to be aware of:

1. A $2,100 cap on enrollees’ out-of-pocket costs for outpatient prescriptions covered by the Plan in 2026, a $100 increase over 2025. This means beneficiaries will not pay any cost-sharing for prescriptions covered by their Plan once they reach this limit.

2. There are 3 phases of Part D Prescription Drug Coverage:

a. Deductible Phase – The standard annual deductible will increase to $615 in 2026. This is a $25 increase from the 2025 deductible of $590. No Medicare drug plan may have a deductible of more than $615 in 2026; but deductibles can vary by Plan. Some Plans don’t have a deductible; and some Plans have a deductible on the higher tiers only. Beneficiaries pay 100% of their prescription costs until the deductible is met.

b. Initial Coverage Phase –Once the deductible is met, beneficiaries enter the initial cover-

age phase and pay a copay or coinsurance for covered drugs (up to 25% of the cost of covered prescription drugs) in this phase until reaching the $2,100 cap. The remaining costs will be split between the Plan Sponsor (Carrier), drug manufacturers, and CMS.

Keep in mind, the actual dollar amounts of copays and coinsurance vary in this phase, so be sure to compare these costs when choosing a Part D Plan.

c. Catastrophic Phase – in 2026, once a beneficiary reaches the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap, they will pay nothing for Part D drugs covered by their Plan for the rest of the calendar year.

3. Insulin Cost Caps - Insulin costs will be capped at $35 per month or less, depending on negotiated prices. No deductible will be applied to insulin costs. Plans do not have to cover every insulin on the market, so be sure to check what insulins are on the Plans formulary when choosing a Plan.

4. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will continue to be available in 2026. This provision in the Inflation Reduction Act requires all Medicare prescription drug plans offer enrollees the option to pay out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in the form of capped monthly installment payments instead of all at once at the pharmacy. The Plans (Carriers) send out more information on this Payment Plan to all enrollees.

5. Premiums for Part D Plans will likely change. While we won’t know the actual premiums until they are released by the insurance Carriers just before the Annual Enrollment Period, we do expect the premiums to go up slightly over 2025 premiums.

To see the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) information on the Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare, go to: https://www.cms.gov/inflationreduction-act-and-medicare.

What should you do to learn about these changes and how they will affect your Medicare

prescription drug coverage in 2026?

The best thing you can do is schedule a review during AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) with the licensed agent that handles your Medicare Plan insurance.

a. The AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) runs from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 each year. During AEP you can make a change to your Plan for 2026.

b. A licensed Insurance Agent that represents multiple Carriers is trained to help you compare Medicare plans and help you find the plan that will best meet your needs for 2026.

c. Even if you have not had any prescription drug changes this year, there may be changes to your Plan’s formulary (the list of drugs it covers), copays, coinsurance and premiums, so make sure you do a Plan review with a licensed agent to ensure you know about all the changes and make an informed decision about your Prescription Drug Plan for 2026.

you checked in with Hermann Sons Life lately?

By TERESA SAATOFF Vice President of Sales Medicare

AEP is here. Have you reviewed your plan during this year’s Annual Enrollment Period? Our licensed Medicare agents are here to help you compare options and ensure you are getting the coverage that fits your needs.

Life Insurance

When was the last time you reviewed your life insurance coverage? We spend time every year comparing things like cable, internet and phone plans just to make sure we are getting the best deal. But when was the last time you reviewed your life insurance coverage?

Making sure your family is protected is one of the most

Teresa Saathoff V ice President of Sales

important plans you can review.

Our lives are always changing from getting married, kids growing up, grandbabies arriving and financial needs shifting.

A quick check-in with our Hermann Sons Life Sales Team can

help you be sure you have the coverage that fits your family’s needs in place.

Retirement Savings

Are your savings earning a competitive rate? Our MultiYear Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) are paying between 4.55% and 5.20%, depending on the term you choose (3-year or 5-Year) and your deposit amount. Call us today to lock in a tax deferred annuity with a guaranteed interest rate.

Protecting your family’s future is just as important as picking the right phone plan and we are here to help make it easy. Reach out to the Hermann Son Life Sales Team today.

We are here to help you protect what matters most and plan for a secure future.

Newspaper changes coming in January!

If you read the front page of this newspaper, then you know that our newspaper is getting a fresh new look in January. I am excited about the change and look forward to having fresh content and spotlighting our agents and products.

We want to spotlight our lodges' future events and meeting schedules. Instead of writing about what meal was served at your last lodge meeting, let’s write about details for upcoming meetings and what meal will be served.

I recently attended the Hondo and Hondo Victory pin presentations. I asked the lodges to share the date of their next meeting and what they were planning to serve as a meal. The men’s lodge said they would be having sirloin steaks, which prompted the husband of a member to ask me about joining Hermann Sons Life so he could attend the next meeting and eat steak!

Belonging to a great organization, a good meal, fellowship and a Hermann Sons Life product – priceless!

Friendsgiving Dance Party

Hosted by Hermann Sons Life Sales Department for those 62 or older.

Sponsored by Gonzaba Medical Group, SCAN Health and Spark Advisors

Refreshments

Turkey raffles • DJ music and more!

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Braun Hall 9721 Braun Road, San Antonio, TX 78254

Must be 62 or older. Licensed agents will be present. Attendees may be subject to photo/ video documentation for the sole purpose of promotional opportunities. RSVP to David Guerrero – 210-800-6882

Orange Grove Lodge member wins gift card

The Sales Department is recognizing seven more recommenders for the month of September. We appreciate the 98 members who have recommended 109 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2025. The winner of a gift card for September is Ethan Kinard of Orange Grove Lodge.

Congratulations to the following Recommenders:

Recommender Agent

Carol Forrest, Pershing

Tina Hotz, Cuero Family

Sam Jones Jr, Fort Worth

Ethan Kinard, Orange Grove

Barbara Masi, Richland

Wilburn Pargmann, Hochheim-Prairie

Brynnlyn Robinson, Karnes City

Ana Vasquez

Wayne Tiffin

Sandra Jones

Paula Gebert

Shirley Faske

Janice Kuhen

John Pacini

Agents Directory (alphabetized

Adkins

«Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Alice

Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527

Austin

Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678

Janie Flores • 210-376-0501

Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975

Bandera

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

Boerne

Ana Vasquez, FIC • 210-569-4660

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

Brenham

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Bryan/College Station

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Bulverde

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

Martha Villanueva • 830-481-0032

Castroville

Glenford Boehme, FIC • 210-219-9792

«Jacqulynn Herrmann • 210-275-0429

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Michael Franke • 830-444-4877 or 361290-3577

«Reagan Haby Rogiers • 210-695-5588

Stephen Bonahoom • 210-695-5588

Cibolo/Schertz

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Comfort

Ana Vasquez, FIC • 210-569-4660

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

Conroe

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Converse

Dan Boenig • 210-705-1815

«Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Corpus Christi

Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527

Coupland

Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678

Cuero

Tracy Fuchs • 361-564-2250

Wayne Tiffin • 361-564-8144

Dallas

Gilbert Shelby • 214-289-1815

Deanville

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Devine

Cynthia Sultenfuss, FIC • 210-219-6409

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Robin Sultenfuss • 210-854-4443

El Paso

Martha Villanueva • 830-481-0032

Fayetteville

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Floresville

Gladys Rowley, FIC • 210-219-6964

John Pacini • 210-844-7182

Fort Worth

Sandra Jones, FIC • 817-781-7155

Fredericksburg

Todd Bierschwale • 830-997-2130

Georgetown

Brad Klein, FIC • 512-497-0678

Giddings

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

Goliad

Tracy Fuchs • 361-550-2003

Gonzales

Bobbie Polasek • 830-672-6317

Helotes

Rayna Sue Irwin • 210-710-7038

«Reagan Haby Rogiers • 210-695-5588

Hondo

«Jacqulynn Herrmann • 210-275-0429

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Stephen Bonahoom • 210-695-5588

Houston

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Janie Flores • 210-376-0501

Jourdanton

Gladys Rowley, FIC • 210-219-6964

Laurie Steele • 210-414-4755

Kerrville

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

La Grange

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

«Kyle Hartmann • 979-639-1439

La Vernia

«Marlin Tanneberger, FIC • 210-827-7229

«Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204

Lockhart

Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431

Marion

Lorene Bielke, FIC • 830-420-2380 or 830-305-6900 (cell)

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Moulton

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

New Braunfels

Becki Lucas • 361-550-9358

Brenda Heulitt • 830-832-1674

Britney Cross • 281-450-6291 «Carol Lopez • 210-683-7241

Krystal Wilson • 623-698-8348

Martha Villanueva • 830-481-0032

Vanessa Meier • 210-264-8658

Niederwald

Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975

Odessa

Martha Villanueva • 830-481-0032

Orange Grove

Paula Gebert • 361-701-7527

Paige

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

Port Lavaca

Nancy Walraven • 361-550-6844

Poth

John Pacini • 210-844-7182

Rosenberg-Richmond

Gary Falkenberg, FICF • 713-466-6069

Round Top

Linda Mattocks • 512-736-9988

Rutersville «Kyle Hartmann • 979-639-1439

San Antonio

Analilia Estrada • 210-772-0027

Ana Vasquez, FIC • 210-569-4660 «Carol Lopez • 210-683-7241

Chris Naughton • 210-365-2009

Corina Gomez • 210-262-3747

David Guerrero Jr. • 210-800-6758

Garrett Czarnek • 210-315-8152

Gladys Rowley, FIC • 210-219-6964

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

Isabel Diaz Servin • 210-394-4120

Janie Flores • 210-376-0501

John Pacini • 210-844-7182

Lorraine Anthony • 210-617+8165

Luiz Torres Mendez • 470-962-1174

Kenneth Gonzales • 210-394-6037

Martha Villanueva • 830-481-0032

Olen Rangel • 210-241-0262

Rayna Sue Irwin • 210-710-7038

Richard DeLeon • 210-833-8514

«Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204

Suzanne Saenz • 210-838-2711

Tony Davila • 210-462-6211

San Marcos

Janice Kuhen • 512-393-1431

Krystal Wilson • 623-698-8348

Shirley Kuhen Faske • 512-789-3975

Vanessa Meier • 210-264-8658

Schulenburg «Kyle Hartmann • 979-639-1439

Seguin

«Annette D. Roecker • 830-832-0724

«Roxy Pruski • 210-218-6204

Spring Branch

Heather Hart • 210-412-4041

Martha Villanueva • 830-481-0032

St. Hedwig

Judith Schulmeier, FIC • 210-667-1938

Stockdale

Ronald Wiatrek • 210-771-4354

«Denotes a Featured Agent

Delegate count for 49th Convention Assembly

SAN ANTONIO – The Organization Board met on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in accordance with the Laws of Hermann Sons Life, Article 16. Present were Executive Committee Members, President and CEO Robin Czarnek, Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley and Vice President of Sales Teresa Saathoff.

The purpose of this meeting was to verify compliance with the Laws of Hermann Sons Life, Article 17, which requires publication of the number of adult certificate members in good standing of each lodge and the number of Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly delegates to which each lodge in good standing is entitled.

The lodges in good standing as of Oct. 1, 2025, are listed below by name with the adult certificate membership including junior certificate holders who have reached adult status, 18 years of age. Election of local lodge delegates should be held at a regular lodge meeting in either the months of November or December of this year.

The delegates so designated and when qualified, are to be representatives of the local lodges to the 49th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly to be held on April 27-28, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas.

Respectfully Submitted, Samantha Schulmeier Kelley

Vice President of Operations and COO

The financial secretary of each local lodge has been notified by the Organization Board, in writing, of the certificate membership in good standing and the number of delegates and alternates to which the lodge is entitled.

Other important requirements are given in this letter, which must be strictly adhered to in order for a member to qualify as a delegate or an alternate to the 49th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly.

The Laws of Hermann Sons Life govern the procedure, which must be followed in the election of delegates and alternates, are provided here as follows:

Article 11. Delegate Election by Local Lodges.

Each Local Lodge, which is in accordance with the Laws of Hermann Sons Life and in good standing with HSL on the first day of October of the year preceding a regular HSL Convention Assembly, shall be entitled to at least one (1) delegate and shall elect such delegate at a regular meeting in the month of November or December of said year. The delegate shall be selected from the adult certificate members in good standing who (1) have attended at least onehalf of the Local Lodge meetings since the last HSL Convention Assembly. Such delegate shall serve as the

representative of said Local Lodge to the next regular HSL Convention Assembly, there to attend said HSL Convention Assembly in accordance with the Laws of Hermann Sons Life and report back to said Local Lodge the Proceedings of said HSL Convention Assembly. Unless and until a new and different delegate is elected, as herein provided, said delegate so elected in accordance with this said Law shall serve at all special HSL Convention Assemblies that may be called in accordance with the Laws of Hermann Sons Life. In addition to delegate herein provided for, all Local Lodges with a Membership in excess of two hundred adult certificate members in good standing on the first day of October of the year preceding an HSL Convention Assembly shall be entitled to additional delegates in accordance with the provisions set out in Article 12.

A Local Lodge member, as of the first day of October of the year immediately preceding a regular HSL Convention Assembly, who is not in default in the payment of such member’s Local Lodge dues is in good standing.

Cont’d

Delegate count for 49th Convention Assembly

Cont’d from Pg. 7

Article 12. Additional Delegates from Local Lodges.

Each Local Lodge with an adult certificate membership in excess of two hundred members, that has met all the requirements of Article 11, above, in addition to said delegate elected under the terms of Article 11, shall be entitled to and shall elect one additional delegate for each additional complete two hundred adult certificate members. The election of additional delegates and their duties shall meet all requirements of Article 11.

Article 13. Certificate of Election of Delegates to an HSL Convention Assembly.

The Secretary of each Local Lodge shall certify to Hermann Sons Life, in writing, the names of all duly elected delegates, within ten (10) days after such election.

Article 14. Alternate Delegates from Local Lodges.

Each Local Lodge, when electing HSL Convention Assembly delegates, shall also elect alternate delegates in the numerical order in which said

alternates are to serve, not to exceed five in number, whose duties shall be to serve as delegates to the HSL Convention Assembly in the event of inability of the delegate or delegates so elected by the Local Lodge to serve, provided that in order for said alternate to serve as a delegate said alternate shall have first been designated by the President of the Local Lodge as the alternate to serve in the stead and place of the duly elected delegate; such procedure when carried out shall be certified by the officer so acting to the Vice President of Operations and COO, stating the reason or reasons why said originally elected delegate cannot serve.

Article 18. HSL Convention Assembly –Fees and Expenses.

Hermann Sons Life shall bear all expenses of any HSL Convention Assembly, provided, however, that a registration fee shall be charged all delegates and guests. The registration fee or fees shall be established by the Board of Directors in the calendar year prior to the HSL Convention Assembly. This registration fee shall be payable at the time of registration.

Director candidates can apply beginning Nov. 1

SAN ANTONIO – Applications will be accepted for candidates for the Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.

Directors support Hermann Sons Life by providing mission-based leadership, strategic governance and organizational and fiduciary oversight.

Six directors will be elected by the delegates to a four-year term at the 49th Hermann Sons Life Convention Assembly, April 27-28, 2026, in San Marcos, Texas. The board will traditionally meet a minimum of four times annually for full-day meetings typically held on weekdays at the Home Office in San Antonio and perform other assigned duties that may require travel.

Minimum requirements

The minimum requirements for board candidates include, but are not limited to:

• Hermann Sons Life member for a minimum of three years who is between the ages of 25 and 75 as of April 27, 2026

• In good standing with premiums and local lodge dues paid current through the election

• Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of five years proven business experience with a concentration in management or leadership

• Complete and meet minimum require -

ments associated with the Hermann Sons Life Background Check Authorization, Texas Department of Insurance Biographical Affidavit and Hermann Sons Life Conflict of Interest Statement

• Possess and prove as many of the following core competencies as possible. You must possess and prove at least three to be elected Director and five to be elected Chair

– Business judgment – Vision – Strategic insight

– Management skills

– Leadership – Industry knowledge

– Financial literacy

– Financial accounting skills

– Professional communication skills

– Ability to navigate current technology Core competency definitions can be viewed on the online application. Candidates should also have:

• A commitment to and understanding of Hermann Sons Life, its members and the fraternal system, preferably based on experience

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a passion for improving the lives of members

• Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accom-

plishments in business, government or the nonprofit sector

• The desire and energy to actively participate in and contribute to meetings and other assignments.

• The ability to fulfill the responsibilities described in the Board of Directors job description

The full job description can be viewed on the online application.

Hermann Sons Life members who meet the minimum requirements are eligible to apply for the Board of Directors.

Those ineligible for election to the Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors:

• Current employees of Hermann Sons Life

• Former employees of Hermann Sons Life who have separated from service less than five years prior to April 27, 2026

• Former employees of Hermann Sons Life who have been terminated, laid off or are not eligible for rehire

• Residents of the Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home

• Immediate family members (to include spouses, children and parents) of ineligible persons listed in the preceding four bullet points

• Any person who has an aggregate of two elected four-year terms as a Hermann Sons Life Board Director

Other Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors limitations:

• Non-employee sales agents of Hermann Sons Life may apply for Board Director candidacy, but if elected must resign their agent position within 30 days of such election

• No two family members may serve on the Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors at the same time – family members for this exclusion are defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, grandparents and in-laws of all of the same All applications will be subject to the review and approval of a Vetting Committee as defined by the Board of Directors Manual.

To complete an application visit hermannsonslife.org, on the Home Page, scroll half way down the page to the Products & Extras section. In the Board of Directors Application Section, click the “Learn More & Apply” button. This link will not be active until Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. The deadline for submittals is 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026.

Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley, who serves as the Board Candidate Liaison, at 800-234-4124, ext. 233.

Camp News

Camp registration for 2026 opens in November

By IAN BRASSETT

Executive Camp Director

COMFORT – Exciting changes are coming for the 2026 Hermann Sons Life Camp season! Camp registration is opening earlier than ever before – Nov. 15, 2025! And for the first time, returning campers and their siblings will be offered an early bird discount. Early bird pricing offers a discount of $175 off camp registration between Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, 2025.

The early registration fee discount will be applied once a non-refundable $300 deposit is received. Early registrants may adjust their session schedules later if needed, if space permits.

A goal of the HSL Youth Foundation Inc. is to subsidize registration costs for members. This summer, Hermann Sons Life junior members (policy holders) will pay $300 less in registration fees than non-members.

While there are registration fee increases for 2026, we’re pleased to offer additional discounts. Families with multiple children can take advantage of our sibling discount – the second child receives 5% off the listed tuition, and each additional child (third and beyond) receives 10% off. Campers enrolling in more than one session will also receive a $50 discount on each additional session.

Registration fee installment payments will be accepted, with payments due in February, March and April.

Coed Camp

In 2025, the first coed camp season was held at the Hilltop Camp site. It was incredibly successful and the campers loved it. The camp will be coed again in 2026 and we look forward to another fun and exciting season for our campers with more sessions available.

The Camp informational brochure will be available in December. For any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at 830995-3223.

Youth Foundation

The formation of the HSL Youth

Foundation Inc. that incorporates the camp, dance and community service programs was announced last summer.

The HSL Youth Foundation Inc. is a designated 501(3)(c)

organization. Due to this classification, the foundation can now participate in grant funding programs and accept taxdeductible donations from corporations, businesses and

individuals to help offset rising costs of the member benefit programs including Camp. If you, your lodge or business is interested in making a donation, please contact me.

Nov. 15-2025 – Dec. 15-2025

1June 7-13, 2026Neon7-14$600

4July 5-11, 2026Red,

& Blue7-14$600

Session 5July 12-18, 2026Texas7-14$600

Session 6July 19-25, 2026Christmas in July7-14$600

Session 7 July 26-Aug. 1, 2026 Hawaiian7-14$600

SESSION DATES THEME

Session 1 CIT-1 June 7-13, 2026Neon15$310

Session 2

CIT-2 June 14-20, 2026Marvel/Disney16$310

Session 3

CIT-1 June 21-27, 2026Halloween15$310

Session 4

Safety procedures

On Oct. 10, I attended the State’s hearing on the new camp laws coming into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Cont’d on Pg. 9

CIT-2 July 5-11, 2026Red, White & Blue16$310 $400

Session 5

CIT-1 July 12-18, 2026Texas15$310 $400

2026 SUMMER SESSIONS SCHEDULE

Camp News

Camp safety procedures top priority

Cont’d. from Pg. 9

As an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited summer camp program, most of the requirements coming into law are already in place at HSL Camp, many of which I inherited when I arrived in 2018.

By September, I had already emailed our Emergency Procedures to the Kerr County Emergency Services Supervisor, our Risk Assessment Officer, the EMS Division Chief for New Braunfels, Michael Hayes, the HSLC medical staff and HSL president and CEO. These procedures are posted on the camp section of the website. Procedures will be reviewed once the final law comes into place on Jan. 1, 2026.

The Hilltop Camp site is a mile and 154 feet above the river. Shelter in place at Hilltop Camp in the event of Hill County flooding is

Session 1 – Neon

Session 2 – Marvel/Disney

Session 3 – Halloween

Session 4 – Red, White & Blue

Session 5 – Texas

Session 6 – Christmas in July

Session 7 – Hawaiian

the safest place for our campers.

For additional security, I would like to add a generator to our wells and dining hall. If anyone can provide information or guidance on this, please contact me at 830-995-3223. CIT program

We love growing our own staff. Currently I have interviewed more than 150 Counselorsin Training (CITs) and staff personnel. There are still time slots available for CIT campers to apply, interview and enroll into the summer camp program that provides our junior members:

• Leadership opportunities

• Community service hours

• Fun summer camp experience

• Priority for future summer camp counselor positions

• Priority enrollment for ARC Lifeguard Certifications

Nightly Activities/Snacks

Sunday

Pool, Gaga, Kickball Campfire w/S’mores Snack: S’mores

Monday

The Big Brown Bag Snack: Cheez-its

Tuesday Game night

Snack: Popcorn

Wednesday

Capture the Flag & Pool party

Snack: Watermelon

Thursday Dance

Snack: Cookies

Friday

Lip sync, award ceremony

Snack: Oreos

Fancy Fridays

• Sleep in/cartoons

• Hawaiian shirt

• Bragging Rights activities

• Redneck waterpark

• Counselor-free dinner

Camp Monday-Thursday Schedule

7:00 -7:25 a.m.

7:30 - 8:25 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 - 8:50 a.m. Clean for Ice Cream 8:50 - 9 a.m. Flagpole 9 - 10 a.m. Activity One 10:05 - 11:05 a.m. Activity Two 11:05 - 11:15 a.m. Punch Break 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Activity Three 12:15 - 12:25 p.m. Cabin Time

12:30 - 1:10 p.m. Relaxation / Canteen (White Tail, Coyote, Bobcat)

12:30 - 1:10 p.m.

1:15 - 2 p.m.

Lunch (Armadillo, Road Runner)

Relaxation / Canteen (Armadillo, Road Runner) 1:15 - 2 p.m. Lunch (White Tail, Coyote, Bobcat)

2 - 3 p.m. Rest Period 3 - 3:10 p.m. Flagpole 3:10 - 4 p.m. Elective One 4 - 4:15 p.m. Snack Break 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Elective Two

5:15 - 5:35 p.m. Cabin Time

5:40 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner

6:30 - 7 p.m. Cabin Time

7 - 7:15 p.m. Flagpole

7:15 - 8:45 p.m. Evening Activity

8:45 - 9:00 p.m. Snack Break 9 - 9:15 p.m. Grateful Circles 9:15 - 10:15 p.m. Showers 10:15 p.m. Lights out

Camp Friday Schedule

7:00 - 8:30 a.m.Cartoons in the dining hall 8 - 8:30 a.m. Wake Up 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Flagpole 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bragging Rights 12 - 12:30 p.m. Cabin Time 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. Lunch – Open Seating

1:15 - 2:15 p.m. Rest Period

3:35 - 5:35 p.m. Redneck Waterpark 5:40 p.m. See Monday-Thursday Schedule

DEBORAH S. FOWLKES

Schulenburg Lodge

Died Aug. 1, 2023 • Age 68

DENNIS W. SUTHERLAND

Pershing Lodge

Died Feb. 17, 2024 • Age 67

JAMES L. ELLIOT

Siemering lodge

Died April 29, 2024 • Age 79

ROY J. MEISKE

Taylor Lodge

Died May 31, 2024 • Age 89

KENNETH R. KOSSAETH

D'Hanis Lodge

Died Aug. 5, 2024 • Age 81

LESLIE L. MORRIS

Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

Died Aug. 10, 2024 • Age 78

PHYLLIS J. BUFFINGTON

Bryan Lodge

Died Jan. 11, 2025 • Age 93

WALLY E. HANNUM

Fredericksburg Lodge

Died Jan. 29, 2025 • Age 65

JOHN A. VANNESS

Anton Wenzel Lodge

Died April 11, 2025 • Age 74

KENNETH A. PAMPELL

Paige Lodge

Died May 12, 2025 • Age 75

A.C. SCHWETHELM

Comfort Lodge

Died May 14, 2025 • Age 93

FELIX F. TILL

Lockhart Lodge

Died May 16, 2025 • Age 98

In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members

ROBERT W. HUNT

Harmonia Lodge

Died June 4, 2025 • Age 89

MARVIN E. GRAW

Richland Lodge

Died June 6, 2025 • Age 89

R.K. WEILBACHER

Seguin Lodge

Died June 17, 2025 • Age 70

ORA N. KURETSCH

Brenham Lodge

Died June 19, 2025 • Age 93

LINDA C. MORRIS

Pershing Lodge

Died June 30, 2025 • Age 78

DONNA K. FELPS

Twin Sisters Lodge

Died June 1, 2025 • Age 76

J.A. HIMMELREICH JR.

Poth Lodge

Died July 2, 2025 • Age 93

JIM T. HELMS

Harmonia Lodge

Died July 2, 2025 • Age 85

CHRISTINE CARTWRIGHT

Gonzales Lodge

Died July 7, 2025 • Age 83

JAMES E. HOBIZAL

Gonzales Lodge

Died July 8, 2025 • Age 73

SHIRLEY A. MELENYZER

Pershing Lodge

Died July 10, 2025 • Age 73

JO A. LYNCH

Pershing Lodge

Died July 11, 2025 • Age 91

LEO E. STIEWERT

Haskell Lodge

Died July 11 2025 • Age 90

DORIS A. BREEDING

La Vernia Lodge

Died July 16, 2025 • Age 72

GARY A. SEEWALD

Anton Wenzel Lodge

Died July 17, 2025 • Age 70

CLEMENS D. DYLLA

Cibolo Lodge

Died July 18, 2025 • Age 91

DANIEL P. CORYELL

Paul Vogt Lodge

Died July 24, 2025 • Age 65

WALTER SHEDROCK

La Vernia Lodge

Died July 25, 2025 • Age 85

JOSEPHINE M. FERGUSON

Mission-Alamo Lodge

Died July 25, 2025 • Age 90

JESUSA R. LOWE

Helotes Lodge

Died July 26, 2025 • Age 95

LESTER E. THEIS

Harmonia Lodge

Died July 29, 2025 • Age 95

GOERGE B. JAGGY JR.

Jourdanton Lodge

Died Aug. 1, 2025 • Age 89

DOROTHY S. RICHARDS

Poth Lodge

Died Aug. 1, 2025 • Age 92

WILLFLOYD P. STREY

La Vernia Lodge

Died Aug. 1, 2025 • Age 94

MEMORIAL DONATION FORM

Name of Deceased:

Name:

Address: City, State, Zip:

Address: City, State, Zip:

Date:

VALORIE J. RUTHERFORD

Schwertner Lodge

Died Aug. 2, 2025 • Age 70

ALTON HAFER

Schulenburg Lodge

Died Aug. 5, 2025 • Age 98

TERRY E. KELLER

Greater Texas Lodge

Died Aug. 6, 2025 • Age 67

BETTY J. KIRBY

Mission-Alamo Lodge

Died Aug. 6, 2025 • Age 94

SHARON K. HARDIN

Cuero Family Lodge

Died Aug. 7, 2025 • Age 67

HERBERT L. SCHRAMM JR.

Brenham Lodge

Died Aug. 9, 2025 • Age 81

WILMA L. ZDANSKY

Orange Grove Lodge

Died Aug. 9, 2025 • Age 84

WOODFORD T. BRIDGEWATER JR.

Prinz Solms Lodge

Died Aug. 9, 2025 • Age 79

OLA F. PILGRIM

Austin Lodge

Died Aug. 11, 2025 • Age 90

EMERENCE F. BEHRING

Gonzales Lodge

Died Aug. 11, 2025 • Age 84

KENDALL L. HILBURN

Harmonia Lodge

Died Aug. 12, 2025 • Age 84

WILLIAM G. BARON

Deanville Lodge

Died Aug. 13, 2025 • Age 89

WILLIAM G. GOLD

Fredericksburg Lodge

Died Aug. 13, 2025 • Age 87

YVONNE A.C. LUDWIG

Louise Schuetze Lodge

Died Aug. 18, 2025 • Age 95

CATHERINE W. HALBARDIER

Vineta Lodge

Died Aug. 21, 2025 • Age 76

RAYMOND D. WATSON

Seguin Lodge

Died Aug. 24, 2025 • Age 89

SHIRLEY L. KARNEI

Weesatche Lodge

Died Aug. 24, 2025 • Age 73

PAUL T. THARP

Paige Lodge

Died Aug. 25, 2025 • Age 76

HOWARD R. KOCH

Twin Sisters Lodge

Died Aug. 28, 2025 • Age 65

RANDY D. STORK

Rutersville Lodge

Died Aug. 29, 2025 • Age 67

DOROTHY M. WIEDE

Pershing Lodge

Died Aug. 30, 2025 • Age 96

HARVEY E. HODDE

Richland Lodge

Died Aug. 31, 2025 • Age 80

VELMA H. BUIE

Seguin Lodge

Died Sept. 1, 2025 • Age 98

RUBEN W. MAERTZ JR.

Bernardo Lodge

Died Sept. 1, 2025 • Age 86

DAVID N. COWAN

San Marcos Lodge

Died Sept. 3, 2025 • Age 83

SANDRA M. GENTRY

Yorktown Lodge

Died Sept. 5, 2025 • Age 75

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

80 Years

BERTHA H. CHUMNEY

GRETCHEN M. JONES Austin Lodge

E. KANE MORGAN II Comfort Lodge

WILLIAM D. KUTAC Harmonia Lodge

BETTY J. MAGEL Kirby Lodge

BOBBIE E. DYKES La Vernia Lodge

SHIRLEY V. AUDILET Weesatche Lodge

ALTON R. MEYER Yorktown Lodge

75 Years

RANDOLPH MCDONALD Anton Wenzel Lodge

ERNESTINE E. HENNEKE Bernardo Lodge

ROBERT F. PARROTT Coupland Lodge

SUE A. ORTMAN Cuero Family Lodge

LINDA S. COLQUITT Fredericksburg Lodge

JAMES B. MAGEL Jourdanton Lodge

KENNETH R. JENKE Kirby Lodge

JANET L. HEMBREE Louise Schuetze Lodge

KARL R. OTT Mission-Alamo Lodge

MICHAEL D. STRIDDE Orange Grove Lodge

NANCY C. JACKSON Schwertner Lodge

DAVID R. KATZ

GEORGE E. SEFCIK Siemering Lodge

BARBARA CHAUMONT Yorktown Lodge

70 Years

ALTON E. HERBST

HARRY L. HERBST

RICHARD D. HERBST Boerne Lodge

RICKY G. FERGUSON Brenham Lodge

CAROLE A. COON Brunhilde Lodge

LAWRENCE L. NELSON JR.

RANDY R. REICHARDT Cat Spring Lodge

HARVEY L. BOEHM Cuero Family Lodge

DEBORAH J. MCCREERY Da Costa Lodge

SHIRLEY J. KNECHT Dunlay Lodge

JOE P. MEURER JR. Fredericksburg Lodge

AUGUST G. KRUSE Harmonia Lodge

MELVIN M. EHLINGER Hondo Lodge

BURNICE J. HARRISON Houston Lodge

PAULA K. DOEGE La Vernia Lodge

JAMES R. HILBERT Laubach Lodge

MELODY A. ACKERMAN

MARY E. REEH

GLENDA J. RUSIN Louise Schuetze Lodge

KIMBERLY JO HERRY New Braunfels Lodge

GLADYS L. KNOTT Poth Lodge

LINDA F. GRIFFITH

MALCOLM M. KRAUSE Rosenberg Richmond Lodge

HAROLD E. BEAN Round Top-Shelby Lodge

HARVEY H. DIPPEL Rutersville Lodge

KELLY A. JANAK

Schulenburg Lodge

Pioneers

GAIL D. LAFERRARA

Stern Lodge

CHERYL A. TANNEBERGER

Vineta Lodge

60 Years

SUSAN G. HARTENSTEIN

Austin Lodge

DIANA L. JARAMILLO

Anton Wenzel Lodge

EARLINE DRUMM

Bernardo Lodge

CAROLYN S. LANGNER Bexar Lodge

LORI D. HAWKINS

RODDY R. MAYFIELD Boerne Lodge

MELISSA R. COOK

DORIS M. FALKENBERG

DEBRA K. GIAMMALVA

DAVID W. HERMANN

FREDRICK L. HERMANN

DEBORAH A. HUPE

RICKY W. MELLMAN

BECKY SALLACH

JANIE L. WELLMANN Brenham Lodge

GAYLE A. BECKER

WILLIAM H. DOCKALL Cameron Lodge

JOYCE M. SCHNEIDER Cat Spring Lodge

FREDRICK L. PITTMAN Castroville Lodge

VIVIAN E. BREHM

VALERIE C. STILLWELL Cibolo Lodge

LA DONNA M. HARDING Columbia Lodge

MELVIN BOHNERT

KATHERINE A. MOREN

LISA G. OLFERS

KENNETH M. RUSCH

MILDRED F. RUST

NADINE A. SAUR

SHERRI B. SMART

DEBORAH A. SPROWL

RAYMOND F. STIELER

FRANCES L. TREIBER

HAROLD L. TREIBER

Comfort Lodge

KATHERINE N. GRAY

NANCY L. HOLT

JOHN A. KOONTZ

WILLIAM M. SCHALES

Corpus Christi Lodge

BRANDT W. BURKLUND

Coupland Lodge

KAREN D. GOHMERT

SONYA L. SCHLENKER

Cuero Family Lodge

JAMES R. ALBERT

RICHARD J. HENGST

GARLAND R. POHLER

Da Costa Lodge

GARY J. KOCH

SUZANNE M. KOCH

SHELLEY A. NEY D’Hanis Lodge

CURTIS M. BEESON

DEANNA E. BEESON

Dallas Lodge

DAVID A. KRIEWALD

RONALD M. KRIEWALD

LEMUEL T. SINCLAIR

Dunlay Lodge

DAVID V. ANDERS

BARRE L. BULLARD

MAVIS E. LEE

DORINDA F. MCBRIDE

MALISSA M. MCBRIDE

RANEE M. PLENGEMEYER

ERIC W. RUNFELDT JR.

JACK A. SKROVE

Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

DOUGLAS P. FRITSCH

Ellinger Lodge

STEVEN L. DODSON

DEBORAH D. HEINER

DALE H. MEIER

KEVIN J. STRAUBE

MARSH M. WEIERSHAUSEN

LISA M. WEINHEIMER Fredericksburg Lodge

GLORIA A. CAMPBELL

Gay Hill Lodge

MARY E. ERWIN

Gonzales Lodge

DWIGHT J. JURENA

MARK T. JURENA

HENRY F. SCHMIDT IV

KARL W. SLOMCHINSKI

DWAYNE P. STAHL

Harmonia Lodge

RHONDA K. HOFFMAN

PEGGY S. KRUCIAK

Helotes Lodge

DORIS N. GERDES

ALBERT KOEHLER

Hochheim-Prairie Lodge

MICHAEL A. BRIEDEN

JAMES P. JACKSON

Hondo Lodge

NANCY S. ELTON

VICKY J. SABLATURA

Hondo Victory Lodge

JANICE K. JASTER

STEFANIE L. SCOTT

Houston Lodge

KIMBERLY E. CUDE

Jourdanton Lodge

JAMIE L. ALBERT

RHONDA G. WALLECK

Karnes City Lodge

HAL L. HALAMUDA JR.

WYNELL K. HALL

JAN HARTL

JIMMY W. SCHEIBE

MICHAEL A. SCHEIBE

SANDRA J. SIMPSON

Kirby Lodge

ROBERT L. BARROW JR.

DEBRA L. BURDITT

JOE L. BURDITT

KATHY B. KELLEY

LEANNE S. ORR

JANET C. SWOFFORD

PATRICIA A. TURNER

Lockhart Lodge

BARBARA A. HOOPER

HOLLYE S. SCHWARTZ

JANE M. L. SIMMONS

MARY G. SMITH

Louise Schuetze Lodge

RAY C. WINKELMANN

Needville Lodge

WILLIAM K. AMELUNG

GREGREY M. CHAFIN

JEFFREY M. CHAFIN

JOHN A. COLLINS

KAREN CONROW

GEORGIA B. DUETTRA

RODNEY R. FISCHER

COREY L. LINSCOMBE

New Braunfels Lodge

60 Years

Cont’d from Pg. 12

ROBERT A. SCHMIDT

WELDON J. SCHMIDT

DARRELL W. SCHULLE Neiderwald Lodge

LYNN D. ATHEY

ELIZABETH M. BAILEY

JOHN A. GOETZ

LYNN A. LEEDER

RICHARD C. LEEDER Paul Vogt Lodge

RAE ANN CORDES

DAHLEN T. GARDNER

RONDA S. HARRISON

JOHN P. METTKE

LINDA J. PLANTE

BONNIE F. WAECHTLER Pershing Lodge

MICHAEL E. DWORACZYK Plum Lodge

WILMA A. SCHULZE Poth Lodge

ANDREA L. GEESLIN Priddy Lodge

MICHAEL D. WUEST Prinz Solms Lodge

HELEN P. GRAF-TEINERT Richland Lodge

LINDA J. KUBENA Roscoe Lodge

ESTELLA CHERRY Round Rock Lodge

MICHAEL W. EILERS

CAROLYN MEISCHEN

LAURA B. RUSSELL Round Top-Shelby Lodge

DENISE MEDRANO

DARRELL J. WILDE Rowena Lodge

MARSHA L. L. PROCTOR Rutersville Lodge

PRESTON W. DUBOSE

DONALD J. KOCUREK

EDWARD L. KONCABA

IRVIN M. LIPPMAN

JOSEPH W. SCHRAMEK

JOYCE A. SCHRAMEK

PAMELA R. VRAZEL Schulenburg Lodge

FELECIA Y. HALE Schwertner Lodge

JOAN A. BORNEMANN

MARVIN W. SCHWARZKOPF

DENISE L. SHIMEK Seguin Lodge

GLENN R. LEIST

GLADYS M. MUEHLSTEIN Shiner Lodge

LLOYD E. GREENHAW

MICHELLE M. PAVLAS

ROBIN J. WITTEN-OBRIEN Siemering Lodge

PENNIE S. BURSON

CHARLES J. MECKEL

PATRICIA A. MECKEL Spring Branch Lodge

JAMES W. FISCHER

FRANK S. HAYES

Twin Sisters Lodge

GARRY D. BALIS JR.

PATRICK J. WOLF

Wichita Falls Lodge

SCOTT A. CONRAD

DONNA K. KUBIAK

DEE ANN MERCK

JOHN W. THIELE II Womack Lodge

MARGARET L. ANGUISH

JOAN J. BLESSING

LINDA J. LASSITER

CYNTHIA A. MICHALAK

CAROLINE A. NENTWICH Vineta Lodge

MILAM R. LEMKE

WILLIAM P. POTCINSKE

TRACY A. SINAST

DEBORAH STILES Yorktown Lodge

50 Years

CLIFFORD A. ZIGMOND

Anton Wenzel Lodge

GEOFFREY M. JENNINGS Austin Lodge

CHRISTINA L. BERGMANN Boerne Lodge

KURT W. ATKINSON

GORDON B. FRANZ

WANDA K. HERMANN

JODY P. LOZA Brenham Lodge

Pioneers

JEROME A. RAKOWITZ

SHERRY L. RAKOWITZ

Cibolo Lodge

AMY K. BALTHROP

JOYCE I. S. MCMILLAN

CHRISTA K. ZIESCHANG

Columbia Lodge

WILLIAM E. GASS JR. Comfort Lodge

CLAY E. BLUDAU

DEBRA K. ESTRADA

JANICE K. PERRY

TODD M. PERRY

MARCUS F. REBECEK

VIRGINIA D. REBECEK

STEPHEN G. STEINDORF

Corpus Christi Lodge

JENNIFER C. WATSON

Cuero Family Lodge

RUSSELL BARTHELS

BERNADETTE BELLANGER

JENNIFER W. BURRISS

TERRI L. GOODE

LINDA P. HAIRELL

MELVA J. HOFF

ANNETTE S. KARM

NEAL O. MORITZ

ANNABELLE L. PAGEL

RICHARD L. RASKA

ALLAN T. SMITH II

DIANE L. STASTNY

BRYAN E. WIEST

Da Costa Lodge

DAVID A. KNESEK

Deanville Lodge

CODY W. LANKFORD

MICHAEL B. NOLEN II

JEANNE M. SWAFFORD

Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge

CHAD S. NIESNER

Ellinger Lodge

MARVIN R. HERRING

RONALD F. WALTERS

Fort Worth Lodge

JULIE K. BRAKER

JASON D. MAULDIN

DEBORAH PHELPS

JENNIFER W. WYLE

Fredericksburg Lodge

SHARON A. TENBERG

Gonzales Lodge

STACIE G. EFRAM Gulf Lodge

CARL RAY DUELM Harmonia Lodge

REGINA G. WALKER Haskell Lodge

BOBBY E. WALTERS Hochheim-Prairie Lodge

NIKI L. DEARING Karnes City Lodge

LANCE S. KERN Laubach Lodge

ADOLPH LAMBRECHT JR.

CHERYL A. NEAL Mission-Alamo Lodge

KIMBERLY K. SCHUETZ

CHARLES WIMBERLEY

MARK W. WIMBERLEY New Braunfels Lodge

TIFFANY A. CHEW

MICHELLE RICHARDSON Paige Lodge

JAMES T. HUMMEL

SARA L. HUMMEL

KIMBERLY RING

KAREN A. SAATHOFF

TERRY E. YOUNG Pershing Lodge

KEVIN D. RASCHKE Plum Lodge

CLAYTON A. COLDEWEY Poth Lodge

ROBERT S. GAU

BRANDY L. HACKEBEIL

JASON P. MOELLENBERG

MARTY L. OESER

Rutersville Lodge

SHELIA K. KUTA

San Patricio County Lodge

MELISSA R. ADCOX

KRISTEN A. WALKER

Schulenburg Lodge

ROBIN R. GRANFOR

SCHWERTNER Lodge

DONALD W. BEICKER

STEVEN S. DODGEN

JENNIFER L. HOOPER

LISA L. STEFFEN

Seguin Lodge

PAUL A. EISENHAUER

RODNEY C. SELLER

Siemering Lodge

DEAN R. BRAUNE

STEVEN E. KRUEGER

MYSTEE L. WUNDERLICH Spring Branch Lodge

JUDY BAUMANN

LISA K. LEE

PAULINE M. NESTER

ROSE M. SELLER

Vineta Lodge

COREY D. B. ARCENEAUX

CHRISTINE A. WISIAN

Weesatche Lodge

THOMAS J. GWOSDZ Yorktown Lodge

Puzzle answers for Pg. 23

Make a Difference Day

San Marcos Lodge

San Marcos Lodge members personally wrote Thanksgiving greetings on cards to be given to area retirement home residents in observance of Make a Difference Day. Pictured above are members Agnes Dreibrodt, Betty Rust, Earlene Acrey, John and Betty Schawe.

Howies Happenings

Paige Lodge presented a $1,000 donation to the Ridgeway Food Pantry in observance of Make a Difference Day. Pictured are Financial Secretary Patricia Abell, left, presenting the check to Violet John, pantry representative.

Dinosaur rib bone keeps Howie, Beau entertained

By ROBIN CZARNEK President and CEO

NEW BRAUNFELS – Howie and Beau have been keeping things lively for us lately. From non-stop chomping on their dinosaur rib bones to early morning wake up calls to ensure a timely breakfast, they have kept us on our toes!

Our thoughtful neighbors, Marie and Dave, shared a dinosaur rib bone with the boys. It was love at first sniff, especially for Beau!

They consider the bone a real treasure and Beau will not let it go! He will carry it around and chew on it non-stop to the point we have to take it away from him at bedtime otherwise, it ends up in bed with us. Nothing like rolling over on a rib bone in the middle of the night! (Or stepping on one for that matter!)

The boys also had a spa day at Woofgang with one our very own HSL members, Megan. While they are not fans of the grooming, they adore Megan. Howie was so thrilled to be hanging out with Megan, he climbed right into her lap and made sure to deliver his signature sniper kisses. It’s safe to say she is one of their favorite humans.

Then, there’s the morning rou-

tine. Each day begins with the boys joyfully pouncing on us to make sure we’re awake and ready for the day and most importantly, ready to prepare their breakfast. It’s all out chaos and they start attacking us with kisses and their tails are wagging non-stop. They make sure we start every day feeling loved and with laughter. There’s never a dull moment with them.

Howie and Beau wanted to share their friend, Aspen, with you. Though this sweet girl has already been featured, she has not found her home yet. Aspen is a clever girl that was pulled from a high kill shelter as a puppy. She is very affectionate, adores belly rubs and she loves toys. She is the perfect mix of active and snuggly couch potato!

If you’re interested in meeting Aspen or any of the amazing other pups at HOTK9, please email hotk9rescue@yahoo.com to schedule a visit. HOTK9 is a 501(c)(3) no-kill canine shelter dedicated to rescuing pups in need. For more information or to view the amazing dogs available for adoption, visit heartoftexasspca.com or find Heart of Texas SPCA/HOTK9 Rescue on Facebook.

Sweet Aspen is still waiting for her forever home. She is very affectionate, loves belly rubs and playing with her toys. If you’re interested in meeting Aspen, please email hotk9rescue@ yahoo.com to schedule a visit.

Paige Lodge

Beau and Howie don’t particularly enjoy spa day – but they love their groomer Megan, a Hermann Sons Life member who makes sure they get the best treatment!

Howie and Beau hope Dad is planning to share! He always has the best snacks.

Harmonia raises flood relief funds during Oktoberfest

SAN ANTONIO – Harmonia Lodge will meet on Thursday, Nov. 13. There will be a catered meal to celebrate Thanksgiving. Please RSVP by emailing: HsHarmonia01@yahoo.com

Members are also asked to bring toys for the annual Christmas toy drive for the Blue Santa program. The lodge will donate gift cards.

In October, the lodge celebrated Oktoberfest and raised funds for the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country flood relief fund.

The event included a silent auction and a meal with traditional German sausage, sauerkraut and potato salad with additional sides provided by the members.

The lodge was honored to have the Hermann Sons German Band, led by Paul Connor, providing a night of traditional German music. Students from the HSL dance school performed.

Special guests were President and CEO Robin Czarnek and husband Dave, Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley and husband Jonathan, and members of Louise Schuetze, Brunhilde, Vineta,

Harmonia Lodge Oktoberfest celebration held in October included live traditional German music by the

Sons German Band and performances by school of dance students.

Siemering, Mission-Alamo, Pershing and Anton Wenzel lodges.

A very special thank you to all of those who made cash donations and purchased silent auction items.

The total amount raised will be announced at the November meeting, and the check will be presented. Officers are encouraged to attend.

Those wishing to make independent donations to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, please visit its website:

communityfoundation.net – Reporter

Deanville presents $500 donation

DEANVILLE – Deanville Lodge will meet Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. at the hall.

At the September meeting, it was reported the roast beef benefit dinner to raise funds for Hospice Brazos Valley was a great success. Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraiser and all who volunteered at the event.

A $500 donation was presented to the Kocurek family to help with five-year-old Lynnlee Kocurek’s health care needs. Lynnlee is currently a dialysis patient and on a list for a kidney transplant.

A moment of silence was observed for members who have passed away recently. Evelyn Krueger passed away on July 29, 2025, and Enos Leland Coker on Aug. 5, 2025. Condolences are extended to their families.

Congratulations to Coy and Easton Becka on their successful Broiler Project at the 2025 Burleson County Fair.

An appreciation meal was

Deanville Lodge presented $500 to the Kocurek family at the September meeting. Lynnlee is pictured with her dad, left, and President Donnie Blinka. Lynnlee is a dialysis patient and is on a kidney transplant list.

held Oct. 26 followed by the monthly lodge meeting and presentation of membership pins.

– Reporter

and

The

Hermann

The Hermann Sons German Band, led by Paul Connor, performed at the Harmonia Lodge Oktoberfest providing a night of traditional German music.

Harmonia Lodge attendance prize winners at the October meeting were Dorothy Pawlik, left, and Burke Cabaniss, right, pictured with President Matthew Kraus.

Split-the-pot winner Zohara Pockrus is pictured with Harmonia Lodge President Matthew Kraus at the October meeting.

Deanville Lodge held the annual drive-thru roast beef benefit dinner to raise funds for Hospice Brazos Valley in September. With the help of volunteers

community support, the event was a great success.

Kirby plans election of officers

KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. The election of officers will be held. Members interested in becoming an officer should contact a current officer. The lodge will provide beef stew and members are asked to bring sides and desserts.

The annual Christmas gathering will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. A catered meal will be served, and members are asked to bring desserts. RSVPs are needed, contact Tammy Haecker.

The lodge celebrated its 110th

anniversary at the October meeting. Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier

Kelley presented a 50-year membership pin to Glenda Bayer and a 60-year pin to Jimmy Scheibe.

A catered meal was served. Thank you to all members and guests who attended. There were 23 members and two guests in attendance.

Caroll Gloor read a thank you letter from the Home Office for the donation to the flood relief fund.

October birthday celebrants

were B.J. Voight and Carolyn Worsham. Jimmy and Candace Scheibe celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.

Split-the-pot winners were Clarence Cielenski, Keary Lambrecht, Ron Bitterly, Holly Osburn and Candace Scheibe.

Door prize winners were Keary Lambrecht, Candace Scheibe, Ron Bitterly, Linda Gloor, Glenda Bayer and Andra Fore. Andra won the $30 attendance prize.

We hope to see everyone at the next meeting.

– Andra Fore

Brenham Lodge holiday party Dec. 7

BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge will meet on Friday, Nov. 14. The election of officers for 2026 will be held. Sloppy Joes will be served, and members are asked to provide desserts.

The lodge Christmas party will be held Sunday, Dec. 7. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the meal will be served at 12:30 p.m. Fees are $15 per person for adults and $7 for children. Awards will be presented after the meal and drawings for door prizes will be held. Reservations are required. Contact Karl Goessler at 979551-6517.

Shirley Moehlmann celebrated a birthday in October.

In September it was announced the October fundraiser had to be cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.

Celebrating September birthdays were Judy Rudloff, Doris Falkenberg and Bill Rowan. Doris and Gary Falkenberg celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Sept. 21. – Reporter

Brenham Lodge members Doris and Gary Falkenberg celebrated a wedding anniversary in September.

Brenham Lodge recognized birthday

and

Gay Hill Lodge meets Jan. 8

Gay Hill Lodge recognized birthday celebrants Janice Randermann, Justin Klekar, Holly and Lance Lehde at the October meeting. (Not pictured were David Roehling and Doris Roehling). Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Marvin Fischer and Charlie Bentke, two beloved members who worked hard for our lodge in years past. A get-well card was sent to Bobby Lehde. The lodge will meet again on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Burton Short Stop.

Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha

from

presented a 50-year membership

Boerne makes donations for Make a Difference Day

BOERNE – Boerne lodge will meet at The Center on Friday, Nov. 7, at noon. The election of officers will be held.

Members met for lunch at El Rio Mexican Restaurant in October. The lodge welcomed guests James Halsell and Janet Wenzel.

Members discussed Make a Difference Day projects and will donate to the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Blue Santa program and to the Meals on Wheels program.

Agent Ana Vasquez reported on the new HSL Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA). It has been popular for its competitive rates. She would be happy to help members with more information.

Quinn Smith, grandson of Boerne Lodge member Alice Quinn, won a Grand Champion title in the poultry show at the Walker County Fair Show and Auction.

Also, she reported the Hermann Sons Life Convention will be held April 26-28, 2026, and delegates will need to be voted on in November.

Congratulations to Mike Solarczyk who celebrated his 89th birthday on Oct. 17.  – Reporter

Twin Sisters will meet Dec. 7

BLANCO – Twin Sisters will hold a Christmas meeting and bingo party on Sunday, Dec. 7. A meal of ham and sides will be served. Will and Hermann Weber will be the bartenders. The Nominating Committee members will present the slate of officers.

In October, a moment of silence was observed for passed members Johnnie Bindseil, Donna Kay Felps, Karen Kay Felps, Howard Koch and Reese

Zunker.

Jan Gass and Helen Knoll were on the sick list.

The lodge is holding a raffle fundraiser. Tickets are being sold for a wooden flag, $5 each or six for $20.

November birthday celebrants are Nancy Weber and Stan Stieger.

Marcus Ethridge won the door prize and donated it to the Building Fund. – Reporter

Schulmeier Kelley,

left,

pin to Glenda Bayer and a 60-year pin to Jimmy Scheibe during the Kirby Lodge anniversary celebration held in October.

celebrants, from left, Bill Rowan, Judy Rudloff

Doris Falkenberg at the September meeting.

Shirley Moehlmann celebrated a birthday in October at Brenham Lodge.

Old Glory Lodge holds Annual Sausage Supper

OLD GLORY – Old Glory Lodge held its Annual Sausage Supper on Saturday, Oct. 4. The event included three kinds of the freshest sausage you could eat with all the trimmings and a dance from 8-11 p.m.

As always, the event was a huge success for the lodge and the community with roughly 500 plates being served, not bad for a town with a population of around 100 people!  Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley, her husband Jonathan Kelley and her parents Irvin and Judith Schulmeier all had a won-

derful time. Many thanks to all the hard-working volunteers for the many hours they spent ensuring the event went off without a hitch.

Special thanks to Diane Smith, Mike and Pat Pyron, Douglas, Marvin and Brenda Vahlenkamp, Anita Dozier, Susan Kittley and Larry Lehrmann for the hospitality and fraternalism they showed to the San Antonio visitors throughout the night. Much appreciation to the hosts, Justin and Amber Corzine, Jason and Ranesa Hall and Kevin and Laci McCright. – Samantha Schulmeier Kelley

Volunteers of all ages helped make the Old Glory Lodge Annual Sausage Supper held on Oct. 4 another success. A dance followed that evening.

President of Operations and

parents, Judith and Irvin Schulmeier and Samantha’s husband Jonathan attended the Old Glory sausage supper held Oct. 4.

Dallas will meet on Nov. 16

DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will meet Sunday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. at the hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend for the election of officers for 2026, food, drinks and fellowship.

Members who have received their pins by mail include Deanna E. Beeson, 60 years, a resident of Oakland, Calif.; Curtis M. Beeson, 60 years, a

to the hard work of the

with more

New Braunfels celebrates 135 years

NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels Lodge will meet Sunday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m. Connie Krause will host. Meat will be furnished, and members are asked to bring sides and or desserts. An RSVP sign-up sheet for the December gathering will be available.

resident of Plano; Colton H. Erwin, 50 years, a resident of Plano; Alice E. Langston, 70 years; a resident of Highland Ranch, Co.; Beverly J. Vickery, 70 years; a resident of Dallas; Frank Lacoke Jr., 70 years, a resident of Dallas; and James E. Dietel, 80 years, a resident of Bethesda, MD.

– Andy Schellenberg

The lodge celebrated its 135th anniversary at the October meeting. President and CEO Robin Czarnek spoke about the lodge, and also shared news from the Home Office. She reminded members of the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and said HSL Medicare agents were available for assistance.

A donation of $300 will be given to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to aid the communities affected by the July 4th flooding disaster. This donation will be made in memory of three juniors who died in the flood. Happy Birthday was sung for Karen Harborth, Martha Rehler and Karla Roch.

New Braunfels Lodge celebrated its 135th anniversary at the October meeting. Pictured are, from left, President Violet Tanneberger, Past President Tommy Daum, President and CEO Robin Czarnek, Past President Karen Harborth and Past President Jerome Vetter. A special cake was made for the occasion.

Attendance prize winners were Amanda Tolle, Phillip Neff, Shirley and Michael Huebinger, Leroy Brotze, Karen Harborth, Leola Stolte, Dorothy and B.J. Schneider, Sharon Suchy, Violet Tanneberger and Debbie Vetter. A sausage supper, hosted by Shirley and Michael Huebinger, was served after games and refreshments. – Reporter

Thanks

sausage supper crew, the Annual Old Glory Lodge Sausage Supper was a success

than 500 plates served.

Vice

COO Samantha Schulmeier Kelley, from left, her

Niederwald Lodge will meet Nov. 4

Adline Schubert and Connie Schriber were the door prize winners at the October meeting of Niederwald Lodge. A moment of silence was observed for deceased member Addie Lasseter, 22, who passed away on Sept. 26, 2025. She was a member for 17 years. Bruce Germer and Jerry Bucklund were on the sick list. The lodge will meet Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. The election of officers will be held.

Fredericksburg will hold Christmas dinner Dec. 2

FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Lodge will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. at the lodge hall located at 1109 S. Adams St. Dinner will be pulled pork sandwiches. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

All those wishing to attend the Christmas meeting and dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 2, should RSVP at the November meeting or call Marissa Weinheimer at 830-889-3146. Dinner will be a catered meal of turkey and dressing.

Fort Worth will meet at steakhouse

FORT WORTH – Fall is here, and we are hoping for cooler weather!

Fort Worth Lodge will meet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Outback Steakhouse, 13265 South Freeway, in Burleson. Please plan to attend for the election of officers and delegate to convention and to discuss plans for 2026.

The lodge hopes to have more of its 2026 campers at the next meeting to give a presentation on, “Why I should receive a camp scholarship.”

The Youth Committee has been working on a t-shirt design

for the 2026 camping season. Lodge campers are invited to submit a design. Email to Renee Rudloff-Baker: reneebaker@aim.com.

Letters to order a camp t-shirt will be going out soon, so be sure to send forms back soon so orders can be sent in and tshirts received before the camp season.

For more information on camp scholarships or college scholarships, please contact Renee at 972-522-9687.

Ronald Walters and Marvin Herring have reached their 50-

year membership milestone. Congratulations!

Happy anniversary to Shelli and Donnie Burns who celebrate nine years on Nov. 22. Birthday wishes go out to Scott Baker, James Booth, Kelli Booth, Marrin Booth, Jason Clanton, Tom Crane, Kayla Emshoff, Ty Gibson, Nancy Kelly, Kenadee Leblanc, Kyle Smith, Adison Stevens, Cora Supper, Thomas Valenta, Vera Vasquez, Caleb Villa, Corrie Wells and Truth Wright, Hope your special day is filled with sunshine and lots of fun. – Reporter

Marion Lodge welcomes new member

MARION – The Marion Lodge Christmas party will be held Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. in P.J. Hall. A catered meal will be provided, and Santa will visit to help kick off the holiday season!

In September, the lodge welcomed new member Maverick Luddeke and discussed plans for the Christmas party. Condolences were expressed for the passing of two longstanding members, Marjorie Lizana, a dedicated member

for 71 years, and Dorothy Nell, a 65-year member. Their many years of service and friendship will be fondly remembered.

A decision was made regarding camper sponsorships, and President Marla Cockerham will provide further information at the next meeting.

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, monetary donations will be made to both the Marion Volunteer Fire Department and the New Berlin Vol-

unteer Fire Department. Anniversary celebrants were Rusty and Lana Luddeke, 40 years in August, and Mike and Kim Seibert, 40 years in September.

Celebrating birthdays in October were Kelsey Greub, Kim Seibert and Glenn Wolfhart. November celebrants are Rusty Luddeke, Morris Vader, Maeleigh McClendon and Parker Grimm.

– Reporter

Round Top-Shelby to elect officers Nov. 20

A vote was taken and passed to recommend to the officers and trustees that the lodge building and property be sold.

The officers and trustees will get together to discuss the recommendation and bring it back to the members for a final vote at the December meeting.

Donna Henke celebrated a birthday in October.

Attendance prizes were awarded.

– Reporter

Twenty-Three members and guests met on Oct. 7 at the lodge for social time and a barbecued pork dinner.

Helotes will meet on Dec. 9

HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at Braun Hall. A meal will be provided.

Meeting reminders will be mailed out. Voting will be

held on the sale of Braun Hall and for the election of 2026 lodge officers.

Make plans to attend – your vote matters!

– Reporter

ROUND TOP – Round TopShelby Lodge will meet on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. The election of officers for 2026 will be held.

The Christmas party will be held Sunday, Dec. 14, starting at 11 a.m. with a catered lunch and an afternoon of games. Plans for the meal are underway.

There was great attendance for the September meeting. An Oc-

tober meeting was not held due to the antique show.

The lodge was scheduled to hold a county store at the Ledbetter Fire Department Feast on Oct. 4, and planning details were the main topic of discussion.

Linda’s agent report included information on the Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) that has three and five-year options. Contact her for more information.

Attendance prize winners were Leonard Meinkowsky, Lila Garlin, Margie Stardig, Norwood Hackemack and Jo Ann Ullrich. Door prizes of vegetables, generously provided by Betty and Bob Porter, were awarded to Linda, Myrt Meinkowsky, Pearlie Wagner, Melanie Rauch and Ray Ullrich. Everyone enjoyed fellowship, refreshments and lunch.

– Reporter

Pershing Lodge plans Thanksgiving meal

SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. for a catered Thanksgiving meal including deserts. Games will follow.

Members have voted and meetings will now be held each month on the first Saturday of the month. Time to be announced. For the December monthly meeting, members will have

lunch and fellowship at the Outback Steakhouse at 11 a.m.

At the October meeting, members collected donations for the Live Oak Fire Department in observance of Make a Difference Day.

A sausage dinner was served, and a brand-new bingo game was played. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners!

Marilyn Hoster was the attendance prize winner and Alice Golla won split-the-pot. If you would like to attend any of the next scheduled meetings, please call the office at 210-2273085, and leave a message. We would love to have you. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all.

– Reporter

San Marcos plans pin presentation during party

SAN MARCOS – San Marcos Lodge will meet Monday, Nov. 5, at LaVista Community Room, located on Redwood Road, beginning at 6 p.m.

Agnes Dreibrodt will host and serve tamales. Members are asked to dress in a patriotic theme.

The Christmas party is planned for Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Zorn Bowling Club located on Hwy. 123 South of San Marcos.

Members will meet at 1:30 p.m. to decorate and set up. The party will begin at 2 p.m. A turkey meal will be served around 5 p.m. The fee for non-members is $15. For the meal count, please RSVP no later than Tuesday, Dec. 2, by emailing Janice Kuhen at jmkuhen@outlook.com

Membership pins will be presented, and an adult gift exchange will be held. Bring a gift with a $18-$20 value. Parents are encouraged to bring a gift for their children.

For the October meeting, some members wore pink or red in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Kypfer-Salge plans festivities

NEW BRAUNFELS – KypferSalge Lodge will meet on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. Members will decorate the hall for the Christmas party, please bring a snack to share.

A meeting was not scheduled for November.

The Christmas party will be held Sunday, Dec. 14, at noon. A catered turkey and dressing meal with sides will be served. There will be bingo games and Santa Claus! Please bring the kids to visit with Santa to share their wish lists. Members are

asked to bring $5 gifts for bingo prizes.

Molly Koepp, who had been on the sick list, was in attendance and is doing well.

October celebrants Kathy Noble and Dennis Koepp were wished happy birthday.

Attendance prize winners were Jonathan Lammert, Kathy Noble, Brittany Lammert, Colleen Jenke and Helen Lammert.

For hall rental information, please visit the lodge’s Facebook page.

– Reporter

members prepared Thanksgiving greeting cards to be sent to nursing home residents.

The Cheer Committee reported a get-well card was sent to Evelyn Moreau and Monty Strohmeyer.

Sympathy cards were sent to Marshall McQuaig for the death of his wife, to Mary and Billy Preuss for the death of his sister and to the Darrell Dreibrodt family upon the death of his wife’s mother.

President Shirley Faske read the history of Hermann Sons Life and member John Schawe also shared information about the organization’s namesake, Hermann the Great.

For Make a Difference Day,

Vice President Agnes Dreibrodt announced the Nominating Committee and 2026 Calendar Committee members are Agnes, chair; Lillian Cargil, Janice Kuhen, Janet Magin and Earlene Acrey. Anyone interested in volunteering to host a meeting or who have activity suggestions should contact one of these members.

Earlene Acrey was thanked for preparing the German sausage. Benard Faske and Marshall Smith won attendance prizes. – Reporter

Spring Branch to meet on Nov. 16

Celebrating anniversaries at the September meeting of Spring Branch Lodge were Darrell and Karen Woody and Russell and Karin Boos.

BULVERDE – Spring Branch Lodge will meet on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Bulverde Community Center at 1:30 p.m. Officers for 2026 will be announced.

At the September meeting, Cheer Person Alverne Halloran reported she sent a sympathy card to Gloria Gass on the passing of her sister, Evangeline, and sent get-well cards to Phyllis Havens and Shannon Knibbe.

Birthdays celebrants were Ben Havens, Jane Wanke, Darrell Woody, Sandra Duncan, Russell Boos, Karin Boos and Susie Kuebel. Celebrating anniversaries were Darrell and Karen Woody and Russell and Karin Boos.

Attendance-prize winners were Ben Havens, Phyllis Havens, Sharon Knibbe, Karin Boos, Karen Woody, Kay Geffken, Darrell Woody and Sandra Duncan. Thank-you letters were received from the Bulverde Area Humane Society and the Bulverde Community Center for the lodge’s donations.

– Jane Wanke

Ben Faske, left, and Marshall Smith were attendance prize winners at the San Marcos Lodge October meeting.

San Marcos Lodge recognized birthday celebrant Lillian Cargill at the October meeting.

Kypfer-Salge Lodge recognized birthday celebrants Dennis Koepp and Kathy Noble at the October meeting.

September birthday celebrants at Spring Branch Lodge were Ben Havens, Jane Wanke, Darrell Woody, Sandra Duncan, Russell Boos, Karin Boos and Susie Kuebel.

Mission-Alamo will host visits with Santa on Nov. 16

SAN ANTONIO – Mission-Alamo Lodge will host the Second Annual Visit with Santa on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m.

At the September meeting, membership pin recipients were recognized. David Peters and Kathy Wilson received 70year pins and Arthur Porter received a pin for 80 years.

The lodge welcomes new member Lottie Jane Eleanor Tate.

The lodge mourns the passing of members Edward R. Finck Jr., Jackalyn J. Oertel, Nell B. Ashley and Betty J. Kirby.

Anniversary celebrants were David Peters, Shelley and George Gray and Terry and Carol Swan.

Birthdays celebrants were Monica Porter, Jacqueline Ramirez, Dianne Larned, Erline Packham, Georgia Hall, John Hall, Joyce Kneupper, Debra Pike, Katherine Hines and J.R. Kneupper.

Mission-Alamo Lodge pioneers were recognized at the September meeting. Membership pin recipients were Arthur Porter, 80 years, David Peters, 70 years, and Kathy Wilson, seated, 70 years. Vice President Joyce Kneupper presented the pins.

Jack Larned was the splitthe-pot winner.

The name of Lester Kowalik was drawn for the attendance

prize, but he was not present to win.

– Reporter

Vineta turkey dinner set for Nov. 6

SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge will hold its annual turkey dinner on Thursday, Nov. 6. Please RSVP by Nov. 2 by calling or texting Debbie Jordan at 210-325-5873.

A memorial service was held at the October meeting. The memorial service honored members who passed away this year and was led by Emily Roberts. She read the names of eight departed members, and Irene Kace placed a white flower on a wreath for each member. These pioneer members had a total of 515 years of membership in Hermann Sons Life. May they rest in peace.

Debbie Jordan and Beth Byron were elected as the lodge’s Home Association representatives.

Birthday wishes went out to Financial Secretary Ruth Bailey who turned 80 years young. Ruth has also been under the weather lately, so she was wished a speedy recovery.

Prior to the meeting, everyone enjoyed a meal of meat loaf and sides provided by the members.

In Friendship, Love, and Loyalty,

– Debbie Jordan

Katherine Himes and J.R. Kneupper at the September meeting.

Mission-Alamo Lodge anniversary celebrants at the September meeting were, from left, David Peters, Shelley (George) Gray and Terry and Carol Swan.

Hochheim-Prairie meets Nov. 2

YOAKUM – Hochheim Prairie

Lodge will meet Sunday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m. The elections for lodge officers and Home Association officers will be held.

For Make a Difference Day, the lodge planned a donation to the Yoakum Volunteer Fire Department.

At the October meeting, Carolyn Hoepfl read a thank you note from the food pantry, from the Home Office for the donation to the flood relief fund, and a thank you card from scholarship win-

ner Bryce Mercer.

All the old wood tables in the hall have been replaced with new white tables, and they look great.

Charlie Hoepfl was the attendance prize winner.

Prior to the meeting, everyone enjoyed a meal of chicken spaghetti compliments of Tommy and Roberta Wenzel. Members provided various side dishes.

May everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

– Reporter

Irene Kace and Emily

Columbus Lodge party on Dec. 8

COLUMBUS – Columbus Lodge will hold the annual Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Schobel’s Restaurant at 6 p.m.

At the October meeting, all current officers were reelected for 2026.

Celebrating birthdays in September and October were Ronnie Huebel, August Jones, Kelly

Lattimore, Derek Fritsch, Allen Hammack, Beverly Meyer, Jessica Pina Jackson, Scott Wienken, Dodie Dungen, Dawn Aschenbeck, Ellen Brendle, Janet Wienken, Virginia Fritsch and Kristian Hickey.

The Finance Committee reported the books were found to be in order.

– Reporter

Mission-Alamo Lodge recognized birthday celebrants, back left, Monica Porter, Jacqueline Ramirez, Dianne Larned, Erline Packham, Georgia Hall, John Hall, front left, Joyce Kneupper, Debra Pike,

Vineta Lodge Financial Secretary Ruth Bailey, left, accepts flowers from President Debbie Jordan in honor of her 80th birthday.

Roberts led the memorial service held at the October meeting of Vineta Lodge.

McGregor to present award Nov. 4

MCGREGOR – McGregor Lodge will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m. at Luigi’s in Waco. The Humanitarian of the Year Award will be presented, and the election of 2026 officers will be held.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Salt Grass in Waco at 5 p.m. A January meeting will not be held.

The October meeting was held at Rancher’s Steakhouse in Gatesville. Members and guest enjoyed a nice time visiting and a delicious meal.

Members voted on giving donations to the McGregor Fire Department and the McGregor Food Pantry for Make a Difference Day. These two organizations are locally funded, and they both make a huge impact on our community. They’re always appreciative when funds are received and we’re glad to be able to help in any way possible.

Congratulations to pin recipients, Doris Mooney, 70 years, a member since Sept. 1, 1955; Elizabeth Ann Symank, 60 years,

a member since Oct. 7, 1965; Mary Ellen Dyess, 60 years, a member since Oct. 13, 1965; and Byron Kelley, 60 years, a member since Oct. 13, 1965.

We want to wish all our members and friends celebrating birthdays and anniversaries many happy, healthy and blessed years.

Door prize winners were Teresa Sneed, John Sneed and Kerry Arseneaux.

Wishing everyone safe holiday traveling.

– Doris Mooney

Schulenburg Lodge donates flag

Schulenburg Lodge donated a Texas flag to the St. Rose Cemetery in Schulenburg for Flag Day. Pictured are, from left, Jennifer Moeller, Arline and Elmer Ulrich, the Rev. Luke Prihoda, the Rev. Jasper Liggio, Lodge President Ed Moeller, Mary K. Seifert, Kenneth and Debbie Behlen.

Louise Schuetze to celebrate Thanksgiving

SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze lodge will celebrate Thanksgiving on Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rathskeller. The lodge will provide the turkey, dressing and desserts. Members are asked to bring a side dish.

In October, the lodge did not have a regular meeting but joined Harmonia Lodge along with other local lodges for Octoberfest held in the ballroom.

A delicious German style dinner was served, a German band entertained as well as Hermann Sons Life dancers and a silent auction was held. Funds raised were donated to the Hill Country Community Foundation Flood relief fund. It was a beautiful, fun evening. Thank you to Harmonia Lodge for the invitation.

Harmonia member Devin Pock-

attended Harmonia Lodge’s Octoberfest event held in October.

rus won the split-the-pot prize of $75. He is the grandson of Louise Schuetze Lodge member Carol Grill.

For any lodge questions,

Houston will hold election of 2026 officers on Nov. 10

HOUSTON – Houston Lodge will meet on Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. The election of 2026 officers will be held. President Jack Manchack has announced he will not seek reelection.

The Christmas dinner and party will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. at Logan’s Roadhouse at 12950 N. Freeway in Houston.

At the September meeting, members voted to donate $250 to the Houston Coalition for Life.

Patrica Bushman reported in observance of Make a Difference Day on Oct. 25 members would volunteer at the Houston

Food Bank. She said the lodge had earned a certificate from the Home Office for its volunteer work at the food bank.

On the sick list were Betty Dawkins, Rebecca Rabon and Judy Muske. It was good to see Diane Weikel back at meetings. Happy Birthday was sung to Doris Falkenberg. Doris and Gary celebrated an anniversary in September, 62 years. In his agent’s report, Gary spoke on insurance fraud.

For any lodge questions, contact Recording Secretary Catherine Manchack at 832-443-0469 or cnmanchack@gmail.com – Reporter

Paige Lodge will serve

Thanksgiving meal Nov. 9

PAIGE – Paige Lodge will meet on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the hall.

A Thanksgiving meal will be served.

please call Janet Abel at 210363-4022 or Carol Grill at 956821-7052.

The lodge celebrated its 129th anniversary at the October meeting with bingo games and a meal of sausage wraps and sides.

The election of 2026 officers was held and all current officers were reelected.

A $25 memorial was sent for the Camp Scholarship Fund in memory of Ewald Alberts.

A thank-you note was received from Shirley and Otis Marburger. October celebrant Frank Bilberry was wished happy birthday.

Ethel Kunkel won the attendance award, and Frank won the dollar pot.

Reporter

McGregor Lodge President Doris Mooney, left, received her 70-year membership pin from Vice President Regenia Arseneaux during the October meeting.

Louise Schuetze Lodge members

Columbia plans Thanksgiving potluck for Nov. 2

DALLAS – Howdy from Big D!

As we say goodbye to the great State Fair of Texas until 2026, enjoy the photos of our talented Columbia Lodge members’ artwork which was displayed during the run of the fair.

The lodge will meet on Sunday, Nov. 2. A Thanksgiving potluck will follow.

The lodge checked off an important task that had everyone feeling good – the purchase and planting of a tree for longtime lodge friends, Doug and Mary Caudill. This kind couple hosted many a lodge picnic, for 20 years plus, in their sprawling back yard, with a pool and generous sized cabana. We’d been looking for a big way to thank them for sharing their perfect space for our gatherings. In 2019, the Caudills’ home was in the path of a tornado that ripped through old North Dal-

las. As lucky as they were, they lost many trees on their lot.

Thank you to member Barbara Avery for working with the couple who now have a beautiful, shade giving, drought tolerant, tough native Texas, Lacy Oak tree in their back yard. Also, at the meeting, President David Lewis requested the lodge make a donation to the Good Samaritans of Garland for the Sept. 18th North Texas Giving Day.

We look forward to the November meeting, as fall is not only time to bring out the recipe box and create kitchen magic that passed loved ones made for us (and before us), but it’s also a kick off to the holidays.

The lodge continues its commitment to Resource Center’s bingo every third Saturday.

The next volunteer opportunity is Nov. 15 at S4 in Dallas.

Jourdanton Lodge presents donations

Jourdanton Lodge presented donations at the October meeting. The lodge was honored to present to Bountiful Blessing Food Pantry a check for $500 from its Matching Funds Project. Beth Gossett and Xenia Katcsmorak accepted the check from President Valerie Craig, left.

A $200 donation was also presented to Safer Path Family Violence Center for the lodge’s Join Hands Day Project. Cheyenne Vyvelcka, right, accepted the check from President Craig. Safer Path will be a Matching Funds Project for its “31 Nights of Shelter” fundraising campaign. Hermann Sons Life will match up to $500 of the funds raised.

Columbia Lodge purchased a Lacy Oak tree for Doug and Mary Caudill who have hosted the lodge’s annual picnic for more than 20 years. Barbara Avery is pictured with nursery workers and the new tree.

And don’t forget, if the mood hits you, please submit an article of your own for the HSL newspaper that is undergoing a new format in 2026. Send to Editor Elaine Soto at the Home Office in San Antonio. Her email is

Columbia Lodge member Bert Scherbarth’s metal and wood sculpture was featured at The State Fair of Texas.

elaines@hermannsonslife.org or call 800-234-2414, extension 279.

Upcoming important events include the Dec. 7 meeting followed by the annual Christmas party, Make A Difference Day,

Columbia Lodge members Jerry and Kat Warwick’s beautiful stone sculpture, featured at the Texas State Fair, was atop a rusted metal stand featuring a red light inside a heart-shaped window.

date TBD, and the Larry Tutson, Jr. Foundation Toy Give-Away in December, date TBD.

Sending FL&L to you all. – C. Phillips

Rosenberg Richmond to meet Dec. 8

ROSENBERG – Rosenberg Richmond Lodge will meet Monday, Dec. 8. Turkey and dressing will be served, and members are asked to bring desserts and non-perishable food items for the Helping Hands food pantry. A game night will be held.

At the October meeting, Community Coordinator William Benton announced the Channel 13 food drive would be held Dec. 2. Members voted to donate $150 to the drive. Membership Coordinator Eppie Kostak reported sympathy cards were sent to the family of Rose Cmajdalka and Charles Cmajdalka.

Annie Zak and Cathy Winsor donated door prizes.

Attendance prize winners were Loyce Anderson, Aimee Engelhardt, Albert Stavinoha, Adelina Mindieta and LaVonne Stavinoha.

A catered meal of lasagna was served with desserts provided by members. Kevin Engelhardt helped serve, and Margie Krenek gave the blessing.

– Loyce Anderson

Members celebrating anniversaries in September and October at Rosenberg Richmond Lodge were, from left, W. Lee and Sharon Hedt, Calvin and Rita Hedt, Fred and Margaret Maynard and Calvin and Joyce Lamensky.

Members celebrating birthdays in September and October at the Rosenberg Richmond Lodge were, from left, William Benton, Otto Tiemann, Evelyn Kassey and Fred Maynard.

Thanksgiving Crossword

4. Thanksgiving is celebrated in the month of ____.

7. A horn that is overflowing with food and flowers.

8. A big meal that is called a

9. The pilgrims came to America seeking religious

1. Gathering of crops.

2. This dessert is typically filled with pumpkin or apples.

5. The name of the pilgrims’ boat.

6. The first Thanksgiving was held in _______ Massachusetts.

8. The season Thanksgiving is always in _________.

Fall Days Word Search

Fall Word Scramble

HERMANN SONS LIFE

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