Vol. 122, No. 11
INSIDE New agents complete training ➤ Pg. 4
Cynthia Merz Bentley shares her Hermann Sons story ➤ Pg. 5
Campers, parents rate the Camp experience ➤ Pg. 13
hermannsonslife.org
September 2019
Camp extends age limit SAN ANTONIO – As the summer of 2019 comes to a close at Hermann Sons Life Camp, planning has already begun for the 2020 season. This summer saw an overall increase in the number of campers attending compared to the previous year. This is the first year there has been an increase since 2011. The increase can be attributed to the number of campers who chose to return for a second week during the summer. This was the first year that campers have been given the opportunity to attend a second week. A total of 50 junior members took advantage of that offer. “Our goal this summer was to fill more bunks and offering a second week allowed us to do that,” Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly said. “Filling more bunks means more children are there having a great time. Filling more bunks means we can operate our Camp more
cost-effectively and keep the cost to attend as low as possible for all members.” Shortly after Camp closed in August, Cecily and Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett announced that for the first time in 2020, 14-year-olds will be allowed to attend as campers. Historically, Camp has been open to junior members ages 9 to 13. They would then have to wait until they turned 15 to apply for the counselor-in-training program. The news was announced on social media and received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents and campers. The move was made in response to the answers received on a survey sent to all parents the week after their child attended Camp. The campers also filled out a survey during their week at Camp. Turn to Page 13 to read about other results from the camper and parent surveys.
Page 2 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
HERMANN SONS LIFE USPS 242200 Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, Texas Published Monthly by HERMANN SONS LIFE 515 S. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 DIRECTORS Sandra Jones, Chair Mike Beam Suzanne Hildebrand David Noak Stan Steiger David Wolf OFFICERS President and CEO Eugene Zollinger Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier Vice President of Finance and CFO Harry Werland Vice President of Marketing Timothy P. Kolbe Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker LAWS COMMITTEE
Norma Bruns Tommy Daum Agnes Dreibrodt Lillian Franckowiak Debbie Gold Charles Knibbe David Lewis Jeanette Preuss
Robert Prewitt Tim Salge Steven Schellenberg Marlin Tanneberger Ronald Wiatrek Janet Zabransky Gerald Ziemnicki
MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Frank Brandon Shirley Faske Tammy Kelley
Bradley Klein Ed Kurtz Laura Thigpen
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Elizabeth Byron Tammy Haecker Marsha Kocurek Sayra Martinka
Sherry Rakowitz Lisa Rozacky Irene Schwertner
BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Brad Dietrich Robert Herridge Tammy Jones Edward J. Muehlbrad
Doug Saathoff Laura Tiffin Lori Todd
A Message from the Chair of the Board By SANDRA JONES Chair of the Board The Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on May 13 at the Home Office . The day before the Audit Committee met to discuss budget items and the Governance Committee met to begin a review of the bylaws for possible changes . The regular meeting began with a report from President and CEO Eugene Zollinger . He talked about his first three months in office . He said his immediate plans are to focus on the sales and marketing aspects of the organization . He reported visiting lodges and getting to know all of the employees and their duties . The five vice presidents then gave their quarterly reports . Vice President of Information Technology Matt Walker reported on the new policy administration system and provided a
timetable for how long the project will take and the benefits of a new system . Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly reported on several programs and projects . She noted that a second week would be offered to currently enrolled campers after May 16 . She explained that as of that date 50 Grief Camp applications had been received with 23 of those already approved by the Children’s Bereavement Center . Contracts for the rental of Camp facilities had been finalized and advertising was to begin as soon as possible . In her update on the Retirement Home, she detailed that there are currently 43 resident members with one pending move-in and one pending approval of the application . She reported that the Chili Cook-off in March had raised more than $6,000 for the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund
and that recipients had been chosen to receive the five $1,500 scholarships for 2019 . The Dance year is winding down with the last recital set for June 9 . In 2019-2020 a second parent liaison will be chosen to help run the schools of dance . A statewide event will be held on Make a Difference Day at the Seguin Coliseum . Plans for the Oct . 26 event are under way . Vice President of Finance and CFO Harry Werland gave an update on the company’s finances and details on the investment plan and how our vendors assist in handling our investments . Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe gave his report on premium income and number of applications written . He explained the referral program for campers and dancers through the website and noted that this has shown positive results . He is putting together a program for non-captive agents in an effort
Lodge Reports Anton Wenzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Bandera County . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Bellville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Bernardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Boerne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Cat Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Cibolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Da Costa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Deanville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dunlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Edelweiss-Magnolia . . . . . . . .23 Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Fredericksburg . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Giddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Gulf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Harmonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Helotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Hochheim-Prairie . . . . . . . . . . .26 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Kerrville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Kypfer-Salge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Laubach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Louise Schuetze . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Macdona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Marion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Moulton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 New Bielau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 New Braunfels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Paige . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Pershing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Plum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Poth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Prinz Solms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Rosenberg-Richmond . . . . . .12 Round Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Rutersville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Schulenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Seguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Spring Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Vineta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Womack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
to expand the distribution of our products . Vice President of Operations and COO Samantha Schulmeier gave an update on projects in her department . She explained the underwriting process and how each application is handled when it comes into the Home Office . She welcomed input from the Board on topics it would like to see covered in the reports from vice presidents in the future . The Board thanked the officers for their reports and looks forward to hearing updates at future meetings . The Board is here to work for the members and Hermann Sons Life . If members have questions, they are encouraged to call or email any or all members of the Board . We are all in this together – to make Hermann Sons Life the best fraternal organization . Thank you for putting your trust in us to do the right thing .
Monthly Features 3 6 7 7 & 10 8-9 10
Calendar of Events Retirement Home News In Memoriam Medical Notes Pioneer Members Donations
2 5 10
Message from the Chair of the Board Merz/Bentley family shares its story Grant money available for dance halls
3-4 4 4 4 27
September is Life Insurance Month Recommenders listed Welcome our new 100% Families New agents complete training Listing of agents
1 10 10 13 14-15 28
Camp extends age limit Answers to puzzles on Pg . 28 Dance registration under way Camp survey results shared Making friends, making memories Shining Stars
New This Month
Marketing News
Youth in Action
Read the newspaper online at hermannsonslife.org
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 3
Marketing
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month By TIM KOLBE Vice President of Marketing Hermann Sons Life will be participating in Life Insurance Awareness Month in September. LIAM is a nation-wide awareness campaign that the nonprofit Life Happens created and has coordinated for the past 15 years. It brings national attention to our industry and the importance of life insurance, making it the perfect time to reach out to clients and prospects about their life insurance needs. The best part: This year the spokesperson for LIAM is none other than Brooke Shields. She is an actress, model, author and designer, but most importantly, a mother. As a mom of two teen girls, she’s fiercely protective of them and their future. And her mes-
sage rings true: “Protecting my family financially means everything to me. That’s why I have life insurance, and you should, too.” It’s Affordable Brooke also emphasizes that life insurance is something that most people can afford. This message is important as well, as most Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance by three times or more, according to the 2019 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA. It’s Not for You, It’s for Them Most Americans admit they don’t know much about life insurance, according to the study. This general lack of understanding leads to insufficient coverage. And not having adequate coverage has severe conse-
quences for many American families. This same study found that four in 10 households without any life insurance say they would have immediate trouble paying living expenses if their primary wage earner died. That’s why September’s Life Insurance Awareness Month continues to be such an important event. This national education campaign is designed to get consumers to take stock of their life insurance needs and protect their loved ones with proper insurance planning. Things to Consider Use LIAM as an opportunity to do your own research on how much life insurance protection you really need. You may be surprised. We have easy-to-use needs analysis tools available on the Hermann Sons Life website
at hermannsonslife.org. Our agents have similar tools available if you need help with recommendations to meet your needs. A properly completed needs analysis is vital to assessing individual and family protection. Remember, it’s not for you. it’s for them. Take Stock A Hermann Sons Life member recently contacted us about an insurance checkup. I visited with him at a lodge event. He held and paid for multiple products for three generations of family. During the checkup visit, we were able to discover that he needed to change beneficiaries, last names due to marriage, amend ownership designations, and update contact information. How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your life insur-
ance products? Not considering such arrangements at least every two or three years can lead to some unexpected and unintended consequences. Your agent or the Home Office staff is glad to assist you. Give us a call. Help Us Out In June’s edition of the newspaper, we spoke about using digital media to spread the word about our organization and the great member benefits we provide. With Life Insurance Awareness Month upon us, we will be posting selected items and video of awareness and education on our Facebook page. Our members can help by sharing these posts to their own pages. We need organic growth to reach thousands of people who See RECRUIT, Pg. 4
Events EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT
It’s Game Night every Thursday night at the Brenham Lodge Hall, 304 E. Germania, Brenham. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Drinks and food available. Everyone is welcome. The phone number at the lodge hall is 979-836-2053.
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
It’s Trivia Night at the Rathskeller Bar in the San Antonio Home Association Building, 525 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio. The fun runs from 7-9 p.m. and there are great prizes for the winners.
21 –
Seguin Lodge will host a Food Truck Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the lodge hall, 2918 W. Kingsbury St. There is no admission cost. There will be food trucks, shopping, craft beers, live music, pony rides and prize drawings. Proceeds will benefit the lodge’s building fund.
21 – The Goodtime Polka and Waltz Club will host a dance at Eagles Hall, 257 E. South St., New Braunfels, from 7-11 p.m. The Dujka Brothers from East Bernard/ Brenham will provide the dance music. Call 210-5665864 or 210-800-3625 for more information. Or follow the club on Facebook @goodtimepolkaandwaltzclub.
SEPTEMBER 13 – Anton Wenzel Lodge will host its annual Crispy OCTOBER Chicken Taco Dinner from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the 1 – Today is the last day to enroll in one of the 31 Rathskeller of the San Antonio Home Association Building, 525 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio. Plates are $6 each and include two tacos, rice and beans. Splitthe-pot drawing tickets will be available at a cost of 3 for $1. Desserts will cost 50 cents each. For tickets, contact Merlinda Elizondo at 210-815-3468.
14 – The DaCosta Hall Raisers will host a dance from
8 p.m.-midnight at the DaCosta Lodge Hall. Charles and the Fabulous Four will provide the dance music.
Schools of Dance.
5 – The DaCosta Hall Raisers will host a dance from 8 p.m.-midnight at the DaCosta Lodge Hall. The Nathan Colt Young group will provide the dance music.
13 – The Goodtime Polka and Waltz Club will host a dance at Eagles Hall, 257 E. South St., New Braunfels, from 3-7 p.m. The Cloverleaf Orchestra from New Braunfels will provide the dance music. Call 210-5665864 or 210-800-3625 for more information. Or follow the club on Facebook @goodtimepolkaandwaltzclub.
If you would like to see your lodge’s event listed here and in the Events section of the Hermann Sons Life website, call Kathie Ninneman, 210-226-9261, ext. 273, or 1-800-234-4124, ext. 273, or email kathien@hermannsonslife.org.
Editor/Communications Director Kathie Ninneman 210-226-9261, ext. 273 email: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Assistant Editor/Assistant Communications Director Elaine Soto 210-226-9261, ext. 279 email: elaines@hermannsonslife.org Fax: 1-888-443-3377 or 210-892-0252 Website: www.hermannsonslife.org All news articles and photographs should be mailed to: Editor, Hermann Sons Life, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941 or emailed to: kathien@hermannsonslife.org Deadline for each monthly issue is the 10th of the month of publication. The Hermann Sons Life newspaper is an official publication of Hermann Sons Life. The management and editorial policy of the newspaper shall be in the hands of the President and CEO, and the President and CEO shall have the authority to appoint a member or members of Hermann Sons Life as editor and/or business manager thereof (Art. 38, Grand Lodge Laws).
Page 4 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Marketing
Recommendations earn two members gift cards The Marketing Department is recognizing 46 recommenders for the month of July. This brings the total to 265 members recommending 355 new members to Hermann Sons Life in 2019. The winners of the $50 gift cards for July are Emma Fitch from Biry Lodge and Michael Koennecke from Kerrville Lodge. Congratulations to the following July recommenders: Recommender Aubrey Avey, Spring Branch Lodge (*) Aubrey Avey, Spring Branch Lodge Eric Christilles, La Coste Lodge Aidah June Davidson, New Braunfels Lodge Cheri Lynne Easton, Siemering Lodge Kristen Faltesek, Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Emma Fitch, Biry Lodge (^) Adrian Flores, Giddings Lodge Alice Golla, Pershing Lodge Ray Griggs, Castroville Lodge Chelsey Grigsby, Da Costa Lodge Kelli Marie Haass, Castroville Lodge Joshua Holguin, Mission-Alamo Lodge Megan Nichole Hunt, Corpus Christi Lodge Tammy Lue Jones, Deanville Lodge Michael Koennecke, Kerrville Lodge Brenda Kay Kolinek, La Vernia Lodge James Lampley, Schwertner Lodge Addisyn Lara, Biry Lodge Lacy Dawn Lukich, Prinz Solms Lodge Sayra Jo Martinka, Da Costa Lodge Pauline Mazurkiewicz, Brenham Lodge Madaline Medlock, Karnes City Lodge Sherie Diane Moody, Austin Lodge Eleyna Anne Morales, New Braunfels Lodge Lennon Morales, New Braunfels Lodge River Morales, New Braunfels Lodge Jacquline Moreno, Nixon-Smiley Lodge (*) Trinity Onan, Prinz Solms Lodge Jana Page, Castroville Lodge Korbin Pechacek, Boerne Lodge Emily Paige Petrisky, Marion Lodge (^) Jonah Claire Poole, Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Emily Ann Posey, D’Hanis Lodge Carol Faye Procell, Paige Lodge (*) Jonathan Schulz II, Karnes City Lodge Barbara Schulze, Louise Schuetze Lodge Grayson Smaistrla, Gulf Lodge Marsha Lane Tipp, Cat Spring Lodge Rose Catherine Vernon, Castroville Lodge Noah William Volk, Austin Lodge Kelsey M. Walla, Pershing Lodge Aubry Waneck, Mission-Alamo Lodge Franklyn D. Warwas, Nordheim Lodge (*) Presley Wiemers, Castroville Lodge Kayleigh Ann Wilkins, New Braunfels Lodge Patrick Joseph Wolf, Wichita Falls Lodge
Agent Gloria Gass Teresa Saathoff Glenford Boehme Kathryn Green Carol Krauss Wayne Tiffin Cynthia Sultenfuss Loretta Chilek Eulla Krueger Glenford Boehme Nancy Walraven Glenford Boehme Teresa Saathoff Lena Pearl Hunt Donnie Blinka Sandra Jones Marlin Tanneberger Norma Bruns Eulla Krueger Gloria Gass Nancy Walraven Robert Herridge Russell Swize Eulla Krueger Kathryn Green Kathryn Green Kathryn Green Diana Moreno Clifton Klabunde Glenford Boehme Marilyn Vogt Nancy Walraven Judy Schulmeier Glenford Boehme Gary Falkenberg Russell Swize Darlene Irwin Al Stryk Terrel Maertz Eulla Krueger Shirley K. Faske Roxy Pruski Lauren Brehm-Long Judy Wolf Glenford Boehme Kathryn Green David Wolf
(*) Recommended 2 new members (^) Recommended 3 new members
Hermann Sons Life welcomes 100% Families 100% Family Coleman Family James Karole Zachary 100% Family Brugger Family Christopher Laura Brylee 100% Family Fitzgerald Family James III Lisa Gracie 100% Family Gonzalez Family Michael Brianna Vincent Kira
City Houston
Lodge Houston
Agent Gary Falkenberg
City Ellinger
Lodge Rutersville
Agent Terrel Maertz
City San Antonio
Lodge Prinz Solms
Agent Teresa Saathoff
City San Antonio
Lodge Prinz Solms
Agent Teresa Saathoff
Two new agents complete training SAN ANTONIO – Two new agents have completed their training and are on the job adding new members to Hermann Sons Life. They are Joni Kirkwood Moore of Blanco and Lauren Brehm-Long of San Antonio. A licensed agent, Joni previously sold insurance in San Marcos. She is the mother of three grown sons and the wife of Allan Moore, a business owner in Blanco. She can be reached at 512-922-8283. Lauren was born and raised in southeast San Antonio. She attended East Central High School and Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. She is married to Justin Long of Kirby. She can be reached at 210643-9836. “Please join me in welcoming these new agents to our Marketing Team,” Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe said. “I encourage everyone to help me keep them busy by referring new members.”
New agents Joni Kirkwood Moore, left, and Lauren Brehm-Long of San Antonio have completed their training. They are pictured with Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe.
Recruiting new agents could win you cash Cont’d. from Pg. 3 could benefit from this important subject. In July’s edition we talked about a new agent recommender program. Recommend an agent prospect to us via phone, web form or email at marketing@hermannsonslife. org. Include your name, address, telephone number and the contact information of the
person(s) you wish to recommend. Please ensure the prospective agent knows that they are being recommended as a Hermann Sons Life agent. If the agent produces 10 applications and $4,000 in annualized premium income in the first six months of appointment, we will pay the recommender $250. Help bring in new agents to Hermann Sons Life and be rewarded for your efforts to assist the new agent succeed
by referring new clients for life insurance, annuities and membership growth. County fairs are just around the corner, and we want to remind all lodges and dance programs that our parade float is available for use, absolutely free to members. We have our own drivers and get the float to you. You provide the helpers and riders to set up and take down the float. Call or email Marketing to reserve the float today!
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 5
Merz/Bentley family has roots in Seguin Lodge Editor’s Note: Hermann Sons Life is celebrating “Generations of Service and Protection” in 2019 by sharing the stories of our members and their generations of family membership in our organization. This is the fifth in a series of articles. If you would like to share your family’s story, call Communications Director Kathie Ninneman at 800234-4124, ext. 273, or email her at kathien@hermannsonslife.org. This month’s Hermann Sons Life family story was written by Cynthia Merz Bentley. Hermann Sons. Those words have been such an integral part of my life for so many years. From lodge meetings to picnics and Christmas parties and dance recitals and Camp to tagging along with my mom as she wrote insurance policies, Hermann Sons has impacted my life in so many ways. I was first introduced to Hermann Sons as a child. My parents were already members of Seguin Lodge and soon after I was born, I too became a member. After many years of being active members, my mom (Laura Merz) became a Hermann Sons agent. She absolutely loved going out and “selling” what Hermann Sons was about and letting her clients know what a great fraternal organization Hermann Sons was. In fact, my mom made sure my husband and stepson became members shortly after we were married, as well as my daughter when she was only 1 day old. My son has also been a member since he was 1 month old. Both of my parents were very active in Seguin Lodge. Up until my mom’s illness, she was an active agent and lodge officer. She also served as a dance class officer for many years when I was in the Dance Program. During my mom’s illness and after her death last year, my dad (Roy Merz) still played an active role in the Seguin Lodge. He is the current past president and has served in several other offices and positions over the years. At the age of 3, I became a Hermann Sons dancer and danced for 15 years. My years of Dance instilled in me a love of dance
Pictured is the Bentley family, Robert, Noah, Hannah and Cynthia.
Cynthia Merz Bentley is pictured with her mother Laura Merz. so much so that I became a Hermann Sons Dance teacher for three years with Seguin Dance from 2003-2006. Sharing my love of dance with our junior members was such a rewarding experience. I have passed that passion on to my daughter who just completed her 10th year in the Dance Program. Attending Camp was always the highlight of my summer. I attended Camp for two years and returned as a counselor for two summers. Those summers spent at Camp are memories I will cherish forever. And driving up to Camp to drop off my daughter the past five summers has always made me smile because I know she is creating her own lifelong friendships and memories. Camp has also provided her with wonderful opportunities to grow and have fun in a safe and caring environment. I am so excited she gets to go back for her sixth summer next year! She too wants to become a counselor. My 6-year-old son enjoys lodge meetings, Christmas parties, food truck festivals and playing games at various lodge events. He is looking forward to Camp in three years! I am so fortunate to carry on my family’s membership in Hermann Sons. And my children are
Roy Merz is the current past president of Seguin Lodge and has served in several other positions over the years. also continuing to carry that on through Camp, Dance and lodge involvement. We are a proud 100% Hermann Sons Life Family that will continue to keep Hermann Sons in our daily lives. Hermann Sons has brought so much love and joy to our family and I hope that continues for generations to come!
Cynthia Merz Bentley was a Hermann Sons dancer for 15 years.
Cynthia Merz Bentley is pictured with daughter Hannah at her first dance recital.
Hannah Bentley just completed her 10th year of dance.
Noah and Hannah Bentley visit with Santa during a Seguin Lodge Christmas party.
Noah Bentley is pictured at a recent Seguin Lodge food truck festival.
Page 6 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Retirement Home
Anton Wenzel Lodge members visit Home COMFORT - Recent guests at the Home were Jewel Krauter Brown and Fay Lindner; Madeline Johnston from Columbia, S.C. who came to visit her grandmother, resident Diana Johnston; Cecil and Corrine Widner, Cameron, Jeff and Lisa Widner, Bandera, Mike Widner, Helotes, and Violet Widner, Dubuque, Iowa, who came
to visit residents John and Helen Widner; Corey and Heidi Murphy and children, Lakehills, who came to visit residents Ross and Betty Murphy; Sissi Ormsby and Debbie Kiolbassa, who came to visit resident Billie DeSalme before taking her on a road trip; Micki, Sherry, Samantha and children, who visite resident Rick McMahon for his
birthday; and two new agents, Lauren Brehm-Long of San Antonio and Joni Kirkwood-Moore of Blanco, who came with Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe for agent training. On July 14, Anton Wenzel Lodge members had lunch at the Home with residents and provided entertainment and prizes for games.
It’s always fun to have them come to spend time with us. Chapel service and Holy Communion were conducted by Anglican Priest David Guthrie on July 22. Ross Murphy assisted. Frank Hedges played the hymns on his flute. Birthday cake and ice cream were served as dessert at the
noon meal on July 30 to honor Susan McGuire, Frank Edwards, Sam Franklin, Woody McClure, Rick McMahon, Chief Boring and Nina Spenrath. Welcome to new residents Ken and Carol Sweeney. We hope they both will be happy living at the Home. – Helen Widner
Sam Franklin and Frank Edwards were two of the birthday boys at the Home in July.
Susan McGuire and Nina Spenrath celebrated their birthdays at the Home in July.
Resident Billie DeSalme, center, took a road trip with her daughters, Sissi Ormsby, left, and Debbie Kiolbassa. They stopped in Roswell, N.M. to visit with the “aliens” on their way to Ruidoso, N.M. to visit with family and friends. Billie reports they all had a good time.
Resident Billie DeSalme is pictured with grandson Brian DeSalme after he received his “white coat” as he begins his medical education. Brian is attending the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Merlina Elizondo and Anton Wenzel Lodge President Edward Elizondo visited with resident Myrtle Kirchhoff when the lodge hosted a games party for the residents.
Rick McMahon serves up a bowl of his homemade ice cream for Elaine Keating.
The Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home is an independent living community in Comfort open to eligible members. For more information, call 800-234-4124.
Medical Notes Cancer affects people from all walks of life. The American Cancer Society says that in 2019 there will be approximately 141,000 cancer cases diagnosed and about 103,000 can-
cer deaths in the United States. Breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer are some of the most common cancers, although just about any area of the body can be affected by the
cell mutations that lead to cancer. There is no cure for cancer, although billions of dollars are spent each year researching the disease and potential cures. Un-
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 7
til a cure has been found, individuals must rely on screenings and prevention methods. Cancer screening tests are designed to find cancers in their earliest stages, when the disease
is most treatable. Many cancer screening tests have been found to lower the death rate from particular cancers, according to the See MEDICAL, Pg. 10
In Memoriam of Our Deceased Members FELIX A. MUELLER JR. Fredericksburg Lodge Died July 4, 2016 • Age 87
MARY E. METTING Gruenau Lodge Died Feb. 16, 2019 • Age 97
JOHN DEE LAMBRECHT Deanville Lodge Died May 17, 2019 • Age 82
LORETTA T. MARTIN Da Costa Lodge Died May 31, 2019 • Age 91
MILTON H. PFEIFER Da Costa Lodge Died June 17, 2019 • Age 93
GLADYS A. HERR Shelby Lodge Died July 6, 2017 • Age 83
ERVIN REAL Kirby Lodge Died March 18, 2019 • Age 95
RONALD L. TAGLIABUE Da Costa Lodge Died May 17, 2019 • Age 66
NICKY C. KOLODZIE Harmonia Lodge Died June 2, 2019 • Age 87
KATHLEEN C. BENDER Comfort Lodge Died June 19, 2019 • Age 90
CUBIE ANN MCGREW Washington Lodge Died Aug. 17, 2017 • Age 83
BECKY T. OBRIEN New Braunfels Lodge Died March 20, 2019 • Age 64
PAUL J. BARRON Harmonia Lodge Died May 17, 2019 • Age 93
ADELINE H. ALEX Gruenau Lodge Died June 2, 2019 • Age 94
LENORA MAE MAHAN Yorktown Lodge Died June 19, 2019 • Age 85
BOBBY JEANETTE NEHRING Waco-Robinson Lodge Died Dec. 6, 2017 • Age 78
PAULA HICKS HARKEY Taylor Lodge Died March 28, 2019 • Age 94
ELWOOD HEINSOHN JR. Poth Lodge Died May 18, 2019 • Age 78
REBECCA A. IBARRA Kirby Lodge Died June 4, 2019 • Age 66
BIRDIE JEAN THIELEMANN Brenham Lodge Died June 20, 2019 • Age 89
ELGIN B. FRIESENHAHN Prinz Solms Lodge Died May 18, 2018 • Age 89
EDITH MARIE PAUL El Paso Lodge Died April 4, 2019 • Age 82
PATRICIA J. RETZLOFF Karnes City Lodge Died May 20, 2019 • Age 64
WILLIAM KIRCHOFF SR. Nordheim Lodge Died June 5, 2019 • Age 88
PATSY H. TRIPURE Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died June 21, 2019 • Age 86
JULIUS R. KAHN Siemering Lodge Died July 16, 2018 • Age 89
EDDIE JUNE BUCKNER La Vernia Lodge Died April 16, 2019 • Age 91
ELSIE L. LIPINSKY Brenham Lodge Died May 20, 2019 • Age 93
MILTON J. HAAS JR. Schulenburg Lodge Died June 5, 2019 • Age 72
ELVIRA H. WEIDNER Spring Branch Lodge Died June 21, 2019 • Age 96
KENNETH DEAN LANGLEY Kerrville Lodge Died Nov. 2, 2018 • Age 61
LAWRENCE E. DENMAN Pershing Lodge Died April 26, 2019 • Age 88
NOLA GOEHRING Round Top Lodge Died May 24, 2019 • Age 100
BERNELL F. VINES Paige Lodge Died June 6, 2019 • Age 85
DOROTHY M. PALMER Louise Schuetze Lodge Died June 22, 2019 • Age 94
ELVIRA DIERINGER General Bee Lodge Died Dec. 23, 2018 • Age 98
DORINDA SUE STANUSH Vineta Lodge Died May 2, 2019 • Age 78
VERAGENE L. BECKER Fredericksburg Lodge Died May 24, 2019 • Age 93
SANDRA L. RIHN Biry Lodge Died June 6, 2019 • Age 78
ELIZABETH M. CAWOOD Abilene Lodge Died June 22, 2019 • Age 78
FLORANCE M. CORDES Shelby Lodge Died Dec. 26, 2018 • Age 77
DENNIS RAY BAUMANN Kirby Lodge Died May 2, 2019 • Age 70
WILLIAM ALBERT BANKS Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died May 25, 2019 • Age 82
OLINE M. SAGEBIEL Fredericksburg Lodge Died June 6, 2019 • Age 96
ARNOLD A. RABEL JR. Harmonia Lodge Died June 23, 2019 • Age 70
GISELA MARCINOWSKI Vineta Lodge Died Feb. 2, 2019 • Age 85
DORIS RUTKOWSKI Brazosport Lodge Died May 2, 2019 • Age 80
FERNANDO MARTINEZ JR. Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died May 26, 2019 • Age 47
P.A. KOENNECKE Kerrville Lodge Died June 7, 2019 • Age 62
GLADYS M. DITTRICH Rutersville Lodge Died June 24, 2019 • Age 80
DALLAS S. KOSAREK Corpus Christi Lodge Died Feb. 3, 2019 • Age 92
WALTER L. RADTKE La Vernia Lodge Died May 5, 2019 • Age 106
LONIE L. MICHAELIS Cat Spring Lodge Died May 27, 2019 • Age 99
DORIS S. WINKLER Womack Lodge Died June 7, 2019 • Age 93
RUBY T. DIETERT Stern Lodge Died June 27, 2019 • Age 93
HELEN LOUISE HERBST Jourdanton Lodge Died Feb. 9, 2019 • Age 72
JILL DIANNE GRANT Lockhart Lodge Died May 12, 2019 • Age 54
KYLE THOMAS ROHAN Yorktown Lodge Died May 30, 2019 • Age 56
LEROY HENRY JAEGER Yorktown Lodge Died June 12, 2019 • Age 86
EDWARD E. KRAATZ Siemering Lodge Died July 1, 2019 • Age 75
SARAH C. ARONSTEIN Cuero Family Lodge Died Feb. 9, 2019 • Age 99
JOYCE MARIE GRIMM Giddings Lodge Died May 14, 2019 • Age 87
LONNIE W. WHITTINGTON Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge Died May 31, 2019 • Age 62
VINCENT A. BAROS Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died June 12, 2019 • Age 88
WAYNE L. KARNEI Goliad Lodge Died July 12, 2019 • Age 86
PATRICIA J. DIETZ Cibolo Lodge Died Feb. 11, 2019 • Age 77
MAX H. SCHUEBEL Hochheim-Prairie Lodge Died May 31, 2019 • Age 87
The names of deceased members are listed on this page only after a death claim has been filed.
Page 8 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
80 Years
RAYMOND J. FICKEY Bryan Lodge
75 Years
ROY SCHUETZEBERG Niederwald Lodge LOUIS J. VONTUR JR. Poth Lodge
ALFRED G. BEYER Ellinger Lodge
EDWARD L. FREUDENBERG Plum Lodge
LLOYD H. YARBROUGH Harmonia Lodge
ALICE ANN MORRIS Prinz Solms Lodge
ELAINE SCHUENEMANN Karnes City Lodge
KAREN KEILERS CARL Rutersville Lodge
DOROTHY H. HOEY Roscoe Lodge
MARY FRANCES OHNHEISER Schwertner Lodge
70 Years
WARREN J. MEISCHEN Shelby Lodge
NANCY KAY TUCKER Bexar Lodge DELORES DITTERT HERBERT KOLLATSCHNY OTIS H. TIPP Cat Spring Lodge KAREN H. DOLEZAL Comfort Lodge CAROLYN MARIE VELLA Dallas Lodge JERRY W. ALTHAUS JULIA CORNEHL KATHLEEN A. KLEIN Fredericksburg Lodge EARLEN M. JALUFKA WILLIAM O. KOOPMANN Gruenau Lodge JAMES E. HARTLING Harmonia Lodge WILLIAM O. BAROS Hochheim-Prairie Lodge VERNELL FOYT Houston Lodge CAROL SCHULZ MARTIN Kirby Lodge
ROBERT C. AMELUNKE Waco-Robinson Lodge SHARON DIANNE GREEN Weesatche Lodge
60 Years TRUMAN DAVID HILL Anton Wenzel Lodge MARGIE ANN WALLER Bernardo Lodge LOUISE V. FOWLER Bexar Lodge IRENE A. WASAG Biry Lodge SANDRA FAYE NORVILLE Brenham Lodge
Pioneers JUDITH ANN HUNTER DONALD RAY KIRCHHOFF GLENN MICHAEL KOENIG LEONARD CHARLES REEH MARY KATHERINE SCHMIDT LARRY ARTHUR SPENRATH Comfort Lodge
SARALYNNE PERRYMAN ROBYN RENE RICHTER DEBORAH A. ROBINSON Gonzales Lodge
MARIE E. DELGADO KENNETH R. KNEUPPER ROBERT E. KNEUPPER Converse Lodge
GLEN B. NICHOLSON STEPHEN EARL STOCKTON KARL IRWIN TRAPPE Harmonia Lodge
JACQUELINE L. GOVE JUDITH L. GOVE JO LEE MCCONNELL Corpus Christi Lodge
LINDA G. CARPENTER Haskell Lodge
JAMES KERR CRAIN DONALD W. GOHMERT RICHARD ALAN GOHMERT ALAN KAY KAHLICH BETTY MYRL TACKER Cuero Family Lodge CHARLES W. GOHMERT DAVID M. GOHMERT CLAUDIA C. SCHOENER Da Costa Lodge CHARLES E. KNESEK DAVID RAY KNESEK LEONARD KNESEK Deanville Lodge MINNIE M. COLLINS DIANA ANN HOWSE Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge BILLY ROYCE ILSE DIANE FAYE MARUSIK BEATRICE M. POLASEK Ellinger Lodge DIANNA J. KALLUS DOUGLAS EARL MICA Flatonia Lodge
ADELE M. LUMPKINS Cameron Lodge
ROBERT CARL BASSE LINDA K. CHASE MARGARET ADEL DOOLEY JUDY O. MCGOOKEY RORY SCOTT PAPE BRYON A. SCHAETTER Fredericksburg Lodge
MARILYN FAYE NELSON Cat Spring Lodge
BERNELL RUTH KOSLAN Giddings Lodge
MELANIE L. BENDELE PATRICIA BOWMAN MARY L. CLARK Brunhilde Lodge
BRENDA G.L. FISSELER Gruenau Lodge
CAROLYN A. HOEPFL Hochheim-Prairie Lodge OTTO LEO HENKE JR. MARGA EL LIEKE Karnes City Lodge JOHN KENNETH REED ROBERT JAMES TRACY Kerrville Lodge EDWIN O. ROSSOW KATHRINE M. ROSSOW Kirby Lodge ELGIN A. SCHMIDT JR. Kypfer-Salge Lodge DAVID HENRY BUCHHORN La Vernia Lodge JULIA BAKER HUBER BARBARA N. WICK Louise Schuetze Lodge PERRY GENE WORNAT DAVID C. ZMESKAL Moulton Lodge
JOAN MARIE JANECKA Plum Lodge DENNIS V. OFFER JANET ELAINE WRIGHT Prinz Solms Lodge ANNIE FAY LAAS Round Top Lodge LAWRENCE O. WEHLMANN Rowena Lodge DONNA LYNN FOEHR DONALD RAY TREYBIG RICKY LYNN WEYAND Rutersville Lodge THOMAS L. BEECROFT DAVID DEAN GOURLEY NANCY ANN HUTZLER ROGER DALE LINEBARGER San Marcos Lodge DEBORAH KAY BOHLMANN Schulenburg Lodge REBECCA ALINE CHRISTIAN MARJORIE FERRILL STEVEN DALE JONES Schwertner Lodge CRAIG ALAN LUENSMANN STEVEN ARNOLD NEUMANN DOLORES JEAN SCHMIDT LINDA DIANE SCHMIDT Seguin Lodge ROGER W. SCHNEIDER Shelby Lodge GARRY W. MUEHLSTEIN Shiner Lodge
LYNDA COBB BRANDES JULIE HAGEN CARROLL MICHAEL FORD COBB PATRICK W. COBB CLAUDIA M.H. DILTZ JEAN MARIE KOEPP DAVID ROSS PILLAR New Braunfels Lodge
W.H. TOEPPERWEIN Siemering Lodge
RANDY L. BROKMEYER New Ulm Lodge
CONTINUE ON PG. 9
RANDY CECIL KASTNER Paige Lodge
RODNEY DALE BRUEMMER Spring Branch Lodge DORIS LEE NUCKLES Twin Sisters Lodge
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 9
Pioneers 60 Years CONTINUED FROM PG. 8 DIANA SALLEE DEAN MELODY BROOKS HASTINGS JAN MARIE HUNTER JOAN E. KANNING KATHRYN POWELL Vineta Lodge NANCY ARMES THERESA KAY R. BLAKE DORIS J. GELUSHIA Waco-Robinson Lodge MITZI SUE WAUSON Weesatche Lodge DAVID CRAIG CULP Womack Lodge CARLYN F. SEMPER Yorktown Lodge
50 Years GLEN FRANKLIN DAWSON GILFORD ALLEN NAUERT MISTY M. WITCHER TAMMY SUE WITCHER Austin Lodge BRIAN K. REYNOLDS Bellville Lodge ANDREA JO LOPEZ LARRY W. WEHMEYER Bexar Lodge DAWN RENE BERGMANN KATHY ROHDE HENDREX DENNIS A. VADNAIS Boerne Lodge CHAD STEVEN HUGO DARRELL WAYNE STEIN MISTY JOSWIAK WOMACK Brenham Lodge DARLA JEAN CARPENTER TIFFANY JO CARPENTER Castroville Lodge
JAY MAURICE HUDKINS ANTHONY BLAINE ROARK GREGORY CORDELL ROARK Comfort Lodge GARY OWEN DREW Corpus Christi Lodge BILL J. DREHR DAVID ALAN DREHR LISA KATHRYN KAHLICH DARLA ANN LIESMAN JACKOLYN L. STREETY VALERIE RENE VERNER Cuero Family Lodge WILLIAM A. KALICH DOUGLAS J. RIESTERER SHERI LOU RIESTERER RENA MARIE STASNEY LANA GAIL TESCH Da Costa Lodge KERRY LYNN DANCHAK Dogwood Trail Lodge SUSAN E. APPLING DAMON E. CALDWELL LINDA KAY BOSCO-SERR Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge PEGGY SUE DIGGS Ellinger Lodge H.V. LIVINGSTON JR. SANDRA K. LIVINGSTON El Paso Lodge DENISE HEINEN HARRIS LINDA ANN KNEESE Fredericksburg Lodge BRIAN LEE BENTKE Gay Hill Lodge MILDRED FISCHER GUYNES SHANNON GREG WOLF SHAUN CRAIG WOLF Giddings Lodge THOMAS HAROLD CULWELL II SIGMUND P. CZAJA Harmonia Lodge ROBERT E. JUNGMAN KEVIN A. KUENSTLER Hochheim-Prairie Lodge
JEFFREY RYAN JONES AMY NAOMI VOELKEL Cat Spring Lodge
RENIE LEE GILLIAM Hondo Victory Lodge
DONNA MARIE HILD Cibolo Lodge
MARLON CLYDE HANNES Houston Lodge
ALLEN DAVID WOELKE Jourdanton Lodge JULIE ANN JAUER KAREN SUE JOHNSON BELINDA L. MATTHEWS DEANNE WILLIAMS Karnes City Lodge BRENDA KAY BLAKELEY MARY ANNE MCCOMB Kerrville Lodge SANDRA E. HALDEMAN ARLETTA K. JENKE DEBRA MARIE SCHMIDT Kirby Lodge COLETTE RENEE HAY TERRI LYNN SCHORN Kypfer-Salge Lodge JOAN MARIE BRITTEN ELAINE R. KROEGER La Coste Lodge VALERIE LYNN NEWPORT Live Oak County Lodge JENEE LEE ERSKINE JANET FRIZELL D.L. GRABARKEWITZ RUSSELL T. SEELIGER REINE K. SMITH SCOTT AUGUST SMITH GREGORY S. VANHORN Lockhart Lodge SHARON ANN ATEN EILEEN MARIE EDMUNDS DENICE M. GROTHUES SHELLIE ANN JUPE KAISER JEANETTE NASS Louise Schuetze Lodge KARLEEN J. CHAMNISS Marion Lodge PAMELA ANN HILBIG Mission-Alamo Lodge PAMELA S. HERBER Paige Lodge DAVID LEE REITZ NANCY R. STRATTA Paul Vogt Lodge
LISA M. ARMSTRONG MITZI A. CLARK CYNTHIA KAY FARR CLARENCE E. KOSUB MARY LOIS KOSUB STEVEN WAYNE KOSUB EMMETT KRACHALA MARY HELEN KRACHALA WADE A. LANGSTON JR. MICHAEL RAY MENEFEE Pershing Lodge KERRY E. FREUDENBERG Plum Lodge JAMIE EARL DAVIS LAVERNE A. DAVIS TIMOTHY J. DAVIS BETTY A. ROHAN Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
Jimmie E. Warnke of La Coste has received his 75-year membeship pin. Jimmie is a member of Siemering Lodge. He joined on Oct. 24, 1944.
AMY ANN HOOGE CHARLENE ANN STORK Round Top Lodge JEFFREY ALAN GABLER Schulenburg Lodge YVONNE FAYE FOERG DONNA LEAH LAUBACH TANA KAYE QUENT ANNETTE DIAN ROECKER Seguin Lodge BECKEY HUFFMAN Shive Lodge WILLIAM A. BROCHU JASON ANTHONY FASONE ANN MARIE LOWES MICHAEL E. NASS Siemering Lodge
Al Breiten of San Antonio has received his 70-year membership pin. Al is a member of Dunlay Lodge. He joined on Feb. 3, 1949.
CLINT DANIEL KRAUSE Spring Branch Lodge TERRI LYNN BORGFELD BRIGID GILLOCK DE ANN LYNN NAVARRO CHERYL ANN RECHNER DENISE R. WANJURA Vineta Lodge
Charles R. Davis of Corpus Christi has received his 70-year membership pin. Charles is a member of Corpus Christi Lodge. He joined on May 4, 1949.
Page 10 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Grant money available to halls
AUSTIN – Texas Dance Hall Preservation Inc. has money to give to historic dance halls throughout the Lone Star State. The nonprofit organization is accepting applications for its Preservation Fund grant program through Sept. 3. The application, which requires a project description, photos and budget estimate, is available to download at www. texasdancehall.org/PFG2019. Now in its second full year, TDHP’s Preservation Fund provides small grants – typically up to $2,500 – to fund repairs to these Texas treasures. In 2018, the program helped halls fix damage to roofs, dance floors and other critical items. Deanville Lodge has received a grant through TDHP to help it with renovations to its historic lodge hall and representatives
from TDHP have toured the Dallas Hall. Funding for these grants in 2018-2019 is made possible by Lone Star Beer’s Tabs and Caps for Texas campaign and an additional donation from Lone Star Beer to help with recovery from Hurricane Harvey. “We encourage any non-profit hall that is tax exempt to apply,” Deborah Fleming, TDHP executive director, said, “and to call me with any questions or if they need assistance with the application. We want to make this as easy for them as possible.” Deborah notes that, although the Preservation Fund grants are only available to tax exempt nonprofit halls, TDHP has other programs in the works to help for-profit halls too. For example, one upcoming initiative will help all dance
halls access insurance coverage tailored specifically for historic buildings. TDHP is also conducting a survey in an attempt to learn more about the historic dance halls in Texas and their specific needs. Surveys have been sent to the dance halls in the organization’s database. If you have received a survey, you are encouraged to complete it. If you have not received a survey but your lodge has a hall that you think qualifies for this program, contact Deborah at admin@texasdancehall. org or 512-921-1250. “Our goal is to provide the support that hall owners need to thrive, whatever that is,” Deborah said. “There’s nothing more exciting than seeing an historic dance hall come back to life.” For more information, go to texasdancehall.org.
Medical Notes Cont’d. from Pg. 7 health and wellness resource site MedicineNet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports various cancer screening tests as recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. The average person should discuss with their physicians their risk for certain cancers. By considering individual medical history, family health history and/or prior screening results, doctors can develop a screening plan to reduce patients’ risk of cancer. • Breast cancer: Mammograms can help find breast abnormalities early on when they are easier to treat and can produce a very good success rate.
Answers to puzzles on Pg. 28
• Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy: These tests help detect colorectal cancer early on and also may help prevent the disease. These tests can find abnormal colon growths that can be removed before they become cancer. • Cervical cancer: A Pap test can find abnormal cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer increases survival rates. • Lung cancer: Yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography for those with a history of smoking, particularly heavy smoking, is often recommended. Prostate cancer testing, including blood tests and a digital rectal exam, used to be the norm.
Across 2. Pencil 3. Crayons 5. Computer 9. Glue 11. Test 13. Sharpen 16. Teacher 18. Notebook
Down 1. Music 2. Principal 4. School bus 6. Ruler 7. Friends 8. Read 10. Lunch 12. Think 13. School 14. Math 15. Library 17. Eraser Crossword Across
However, Cancer.org says expert groups no longer recommend routine prostate cancer screenings because many of these cancers are not deadly and early detection has not been shown to reduce the chances of dying from prostate cancer. Some people may still ask to be screened for prostate cancer as well as cancers of the ovaries, pancreas, testicles and thyroid even though screenings have not been shown to reduce deaths from those cancers. Some cancer screenings are recommended to help catch cancer early and prevent the disease from progressing. People are urged to speak with their doctors about which tests are best for them.
Dance registration continues The 2018-2019 students from the Corpus Christi School of Dance are pictured with their dance instructors. Online registration is currently under way for the 2019-2020 dance year in all of the schools. Students should be hearing from their instructors soon and classes will start after Sept. 1. Registration will close on Oct. 1.
Donations
Donations to the Retirement Home in Memory of: JILL D. GRANT (GUENTHER) Donor: Lockhart Lodge LOIS E. ARNDT LAWRENCE E. DENMAN PHYLLIS J. CHAMBERS SEAN HOLLAND DANIEL REGINALD D. DAVIS
ELENA D. GUERRERO PATRICIA A. ENGELKE ROTRAUD R. HODGE GLORIA M. HEWLETT ELSIE MAY ABERNATHY BERNIE MOORE BERTA L. PARKER Donor: Pershing Lodge
Donations to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in Memory of: MARGARET HAECKER KEITH S. STANFORD Donors: Jack & Dianne Larned
Donations to the Camp in Memory of: EMIL KOEHL Donor: Ellinger Lodge
LAURAINE A. OGNOSKIE Donor: Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge
Donations to the Grief Support Camp: MISSION-ALAMO LODGE LORI SANDERS BOBBY GEORG CONSTRUCTION INC. STATEWIDE BOWLING TOURNAMENT DALE POTTER ROSENBERG-RICHMOND LODGE
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 11
Deanville hosts meal for volunteers
Seguin Lodge holds Flag Day ceremony Cub Scout Pack 317 presented the U.S. and Texas flags at the June meeting of Seguin Lodge in honor of Flag Day.
DEANVILLE – Deanville Lodge hosted a catered meal for all the volunteers who worked during the lodge’s annual Fourth of July celebration prior to the regular meeting on Sunday, July 28. Thanks to the community’s support of this event, improvements on the hall grounds and the dance floor are being made. Members voted to make a $500 donation to the Deanville Volunteer Fire Department for all of its work in the community and for allowing the lodge to use its facility to prepare for the Fourth of July celebration. The annual matching funds Brazos Valley Hospice drive-thru dinner will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15. Lodge members volunteered their time at the annual Back to School Bash in Caldwell on Wednesday, July 7. The event is
Tom and Joyce Krenek were among the volunteers from Deanville Lodge who passed out glue sticks donated by the lodge to the Back to School Bash hosted by Strengthening Families of the Brazos Valley on July 7. hosted by Strengthing Families of the Brazos Valley. More than 200 glue sticks were donated and handed out at the event by
lodge members. The next meeting was set for Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m. – Reporter
Anton Wenzel taco dinner set for Sept. 13 Game and door prize winners at the July meeting of Seguin Lodge were, from left, Jeremy Huebner, Emily Copeland, Velma Huebner, Georgia Naumann, Alton Mattke, Mary Ann Bienek, Evelyn Neumann, Tammy Beutnagel, Brenda Schrank and Dottie Kallies.
Door prize winners at the June meeting of Seguin Lodge were, from left, Velma Huebner, Cheryl and Paul Gescheidle, Cory Hawkins, Tim Kolbe and Evelyn Hummel.
SAN ANTONIO – Anton Wenzel Lodge will hold its annual Crispy Chicken Taco Dinner on Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Rathskeller, 525 S. St. Mary’s St. Plates are $6 each and include two tacos, rice and beans. Split-the-pot drawing tickets will be available at a cost of three for $1. Desserts will cost 50 cents each. Anyone wishing to buy tickets or who has a question, is asked to call Merlinda Elizondo at 210-815-3468. Spaghetti and meatballs will be served at the Sept. 3 meet- Volunteers at the games party hosted by Anton Wenzel Lodge for the ing. Members are asked to bring residents at the Retirement Home were, from left, Elizabeth Dorrell, covered dishes and desserts. Merlinda Elizondo and Paula Reid. Members of the lodge visited the Retirement Home in Com- Burns, Eugene and Geraldine drawing but he was not there to fort on July 14. Volunteers were Kellner and Elizabeth Dorrell. claim the cash. President Edward Elizondo, Larry Burns was the split-theAt the August meeting, the Merlinda Elizondo, Joseph Figo, name of Matthew J. Wilson was pot winner. Edward and Paula Reid, Larry selected in the membership – Elizabeth Dorrell
Gulf Lodge will meet Sept. 22 Gulf Lodge will hold its third quarterly meeting on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. at a new location, Spring Creek BBQ, 2710 Gulf Freeway South, League City. A representative from the Home Office will be on hand to present pins to 60-year and 70-year members. A guest from the Ronald McDonald House Galveston was been invited to attend. Pictured are members of the lodge celebrating anniversaries in the last quarter.
Eugene Kellner, right, receives a birthday card from Anton Wenzel Lodge President Edward Elizondo.
Larry Burns, left and Edward Reid called the games when Anton Wenzel Lodge visited the Retirement Home in July.
Page 12 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Prinz Solms Lodge donates for school supplies BULVERDE – Prinz Solms Lodge will meet Sunday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. The lodge has made a $500 donation to the Provisions Food Pantry for its back-to-school program to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need. At the Aug. 11 meting, Community Coordinator Jackie Oldfield reported on two possible events. The next play being presented by S.T.A.G.E. is “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” It will run for three weeknds beginning Oct. 3-5. The Air Force Band of the West will perform Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the New Braunfels Civic Center. Jackie will provide more information on both events at
the September meeting. Membership Coordinator Doug Klabunde has contacted Brenda Lindemann, local Bulverde historian, to give a presentation in October on the history of the schools and notable property in Bulverde. Doug is looking for additional speakers to talk on areas of interest to members. President Cliff Klabunde reminded those present that membership pins will be presented in October to 50-, 60-, 70- and one 80-year member. Eleven members are eligible to receive pins. Game winners were Dale Hahn, Tom Pardue, Everlyn Teague, Doug Klabunde and Audrey Klabunde. – Reporter
Will Laubach presents a $500 donation on behalf of Prinz Solms Lodge to Weslea Miller, executive director of the Provisions Food Pantry. The money will be used to buy backpacks and school supplies for children in need in the Bulverde area.
President Cliff Klabunde celebrated his August birthday at the Prinz Solms Lodge meeting.
RosenbergRichmond to meet Oct. 14 ROSENBERG – RosenbergRichmond Lodge will meet Oct. 14. Sausage, sauerkraut and a side dish will be served. Members are asked to bring desserts. Ice cream was served at the Aug. 12 meeting. Loyce Anderson and Marjorie Orsak were in charge of serving. Margie Krenek gave the blessing. Membership Coordinator Rosalie Byrd reported that a sympathy card was sent to the family of Lauraine Ognoskie. Get well cards were sent to Tom Atkins, Delvin Reuter, Edwin Anderson, Wayne Schmidt and Marjorie Engelhardt. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Lauraine Ognoskie. Community Coordinator William Benton reported that National Night Out will be observed Oct. 1. He also noted that the annual food drive will be Dec. 6. Members played games after the meeting. – Reporter
Members of Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge who celebrated anniversaries in July and August were, from left W. Lee and Barbara Schmidt, Otto and LaVerne Tiemann, Lupe and Susie Palacios and Johnnie and Annie Zak.
Celebrating birthdays in July and August from Rosenberg-Richmond Lodge were, from left, Janie Sitka, Barbara Schmidt, Margaret Maynard, Shirley Pavlock, Barbie Benton, Susie Palacios and Annie Zak.
Helotes Lodge to meet Sept. 10
Poth has new member POTH – A new member was welcomed at the Aug. 4 meeting of Poth Lodge. The members mourned the passing of Marilyn Ortmann with a moment of silence. Lucille Novak was at the meeting. Members were glad to see she is doing well after surgery. Members agreed to award two Camp scholarships this year, one to a girl and one to a boy. The lodge plans to create a
Facebook account. Door prize winners were Paul Hosek and Beth Cutsinger. Three names were drawn for the kitty but Claudia M. Aherns, Charles Nathan Strum and Tiffany J. Griego were not there to claim the money so $2 will be added for the September meeting. Members enjoyed sandwiches with chips and strawberries and bananas and then played games. – Beth Cutsinger
Paul Hosek celebrated his birthday in August. He is a member of Poth Lodge.
HELOTES – Helotes Lodge will meet Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. Pins will be presented to members who are celebrating 60, 70, 75 and 80 years of membership. Rebecca T. Henley will host the dinner. Everyone in attendance will have a chance to win a cash door prize at the end of the meeting. – Letty Fragoso
Best Part of Camp
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 13 Hilltop Riverside The Dance Making NEW Friends Hilltop Riverside Everything! The Daily Activities The Dance Making NEW Friends Best Part of Camp PART OF Activities CAMP Daily The Dance Best Part of Camp BEST The Everything! The Daily Activities Rec Swim Friends Hilltop Riverside Best Part of Hilltop Camp Riverside The Daily Activities The Dance Making NEW Friends TIE:Dance Friends and Making Counselors The The Dance NEWRiverside Friends Hilltop Rec Swim Friends Everything! The Daily Activities The Dance Making NEW Friends Capture the Flag Everything! Activities TIE:Everything! Friends and The Daily Counselors The Daily Activities The Daily Activities The Dance Worst Part Activities of Camp The Daily The Dance Capture the Flag The Daily Activities The Dance Friends Rec Rec SwimSwim Friends Rec Swim Friends Hilltop WorstTIE: PartFriends of Camp Counselors Riverside TIE: Friends and and Counselors TIE: Nothing! Friends and(By a CounselorsNothing! (By a Capture the Flag Capture theCapture Flag Riverside theHilltop Flag landslide) landslide) Worst of Camp Worst PartPart of Camp Nothing! (By a Nothing! (By a Worst PartPART of Camp WORST OF CAMP Showers Hot weather landslide) landslide) Hilltop Riverside Hilltop Riverside Hilltop Riverside Rest Period Missing family/home Nothing! Nothing! (By Nothing! (By aShowers Nothing! (By aHot Nothing! (By a(By a Nothing! (Byaweather a Food Waking up early landslide) landslide) landslide) landslide) Rest Period Missing family/home landslide) landslide) Showers Hot weather TIE: Hot weather and Hot weather TIE: Showers and no Showers ShowersFood Hot weather Waking up early Period family/home Not Rest making finals MissingMissing lunch dessert RestRest Period family/home Period Missing family/home TIE: HotFood weather and TIE: and no Waking upShowers early Food Waking up early Food Waking up early TIE: Hotmaking weatherfinals and TIE: Showers and no Not lunch dessert TIE: TIE: Hot Hot weather and and TIE: Showers and noand no Not making finals dessert weather TIE: lunch Showers Favorite evening activity. Not Not making finalsfinals lunchlunch dessert looking into: making dessert • The Board approved the pur- Favorite Hilltop Riverside evening activity. Favorite evening activity. EVENING ACTIVITY chase of a bus. The bus helped FAVORITE Capture the Flag The Dance Favorite evening activity. with transportation of campers Hilltop Riverside Hilltop Riverside Favorite evening activity. Rec Swim Game Night for both the Dance and Game Capturethe the Flag Flag TheThe Dance Capture Dance Riverside TheRec Dance RecNight Swim Night. Moving forward, it will Hilltop Swim Game Hilltop Riverside Rec Swim Game Night the Flag also help with transportationCapture of TheNight Dance The Dance Rec SwimShow Game Capture the Flag The Talent Dance Dance Rec Swim the campers to and from Chal-Rec SwimThe Game Night Game Night Talent Show Ga Ga Ga Ga SwimGaNight Night lenge and Climbing and it alsoThe Rec Ga Ga Ga Show Game Dance RecGame Swim Talent The Dance Swim opens up the possibility of addGame Night Show Ga Ga TalentRec Ga Ga ing Fishing and Canoeing to the Game Night Talent Show Gatop-rated Ga TheGa top-rated counselors for each Camp worked a minimum The counselorsGa for each Camp (who(who worked a minimum of four wee FAVORITE COUNSELOR schedule for the boys. Ga Ga Ga(who Ga worked at least 4 weeks) • Based on an overwhelming Hilltop Riverside Hilltop Riverside The top-rated counselors for each Camp (who worked a minimum response to our parent survey Slimfor each Camp (who Bounce The top-rated counselors worked a minimum of four weeks Slim Bounce (more than 80 percent), we will Eric Magneto The top-rated counselors for each Camp (who worked a minimum of four Riverside be allowing 14-year-olds to at- Hilltop Hilltop Eric Magneto Riverside Matrix Bacon Slim Bounce tend Camp starting in 2020. This Endy Tick-Tok Hilltop Riverside Bacon Matrix Slim Bounce will require some tweaking to Eric Magneto Slim Bounce Eric Magneto Endy Tick-Tok the beads given however, we are Matrix Eric Bacon Magneto FAVORITE FOODS excited to allow campers to en- Bacon FAVORITE FOODS Matrix Tick-Tok BaconEndy MatrixTick-Tok joy another summer at Hermann Endy Hilltop Riverside Thealso campers were what their Tick-Tok favorite food and least favorite food w Sons Life Camp. This will alEndyasked Pizza Pizza
Campers, parents rate the Camp experience Best Part of Camp
By IAN BRASSETT Executive Camp Director The summer of 2019 has wrapped up and it was a great one. Thanks go to the parents for entrusting us with your children. To the campers, I have to say that I was really impressed with the friendliness and politeness you displayed. It was refreshingly awesome. While the summer was successful, with the majority of the campers thoroughly enjoying their stay with us, we want to do better! In order to accomplish this, each camper completed a survey on Friday night at dinner. As a follow-up, we also e-mailed all of the parents after their child’s stay with a survey and received a healthy 539 responses. Thank you. It is important that we listen to the consumers and customers of the Camp. We want the Camp experience to improve. We want the Camp to grow. Before my first summer at Hermann Sons Life Camp I spoke with many parents, grandparents and staff. Based on those conversations, we made some changes. Some of the biggest changes were: • Arrival day was streamlined. • More photographs were posted online for the parents. • We added a second evening activity to bring the boys and girls together (Game Night). • We converted the Hilltop Dining Hall to cafeteria-style with the campers sitting by dorm with their counselors. Your feedback will help us steer the Camp forward and hopefully improve the quality of the summer camp experience for both the campers and parents. Camp is an important part of Hermann Sons Life. It has been awesome to meet the many parents and grandparents who attended Camp and are experiencing Camp again through their children and grandchildren. Traditions are important, however there does need to be an understanding that the children of today are not the same as they were in the 60s, 70s and 80s. We
need to provide a Camp that they want. So what are some of the results of the surveys? The campers and parents were asked to rate several categories on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Overall Camp Experience • The campers rated the Camp a 4.55/5.00. • The parents rated the Camp a 4.43/5.00. Evening Activities • The campers rated the evening activities a 4.58/5.00. • The parents rated the evening activities a 4.42/5.00. The Counselors • The campers rated their counselors a 4.70/5.00. • The parents rated the counselors a 4.58/5.00. The Food • The campers rated the food a 4.24/5.00. • The parents rated the food a 3.99/5.00. In the column to the right you will find other results from the camper surveys about Camp, the activities, the food and the counselors. I’m currently reading every parent survey. I will be calling a number of parents to discuss their surveys (as requested). As we proceed through the offseason, we will be bringing you updates on the 2020 summer Camp experience. Some changes that we will be
low us as a Camp staff to talk to Spaghetti/Meatballs Spaghetti/Meatballs were asked what theirwhat favorite food and least favorite food favorite was: The campers were asked their favorite food and least food (and evaluate) The the campers 14-year-olds Burgers Burgers about joining our The counselor-incampers were asked what their favorite food and leastChinese favorite food was: Chinese training program. Tacos Tacos • We will be working on RiverLEAST FAVORITE FOODSFOODS FAVORITE FOODS side Camp and spending capital LEAST FAVORITE and labor improving the bath- FOODS FAVORITE Hilltop Riverside Hilltop Riverside FAVORITE FOODS rooms/showers. Chinese Corn Dogs FAVORITE FOODS • We will be tweaking the apHilltop Riverside None – I liked them all Chinese Hilltop Riverside plication process for counselorsSloppy Joes HotRiverside Dogs Hilltop in-training for the 2020 Camp Pizza Shepherd’s Pie season. More information will be Corn Dogs None – I liked them all forthcoming soon to all eligible improve the quality and quan- enjoyed meeting the parents, campers. • We are looking into a variety tity of photographs, making the grandparents and campers. I can of tweaks to further improve the health form an online fillable be reached at 830-995-3223. I thoroughly enjoyed my first parental experience including form, and more. I would again like to visit as summer at Hermann Sons Life an app for sharing photographs many lodge meetings as posCamp and look forward to many during the summer, the hiring of a designated photographer to sible during the off-season. I more.
Page 14 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Making friends, making memories!
Fun for everyone!
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 15
Page 16 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Boerne selects Vogt for Humanitarian Award BOERNE – Boerne Lodge will meet Friday, Sept. 6, at 12 noon at Kronkosky Place. Lunch reservations must be made in advance by calling the Rainbow Senior Center at 830-249-2114 by 9 a.m. the day of the meeting. Bryan D›Spain, vice president of SAM’S Kids (SK) Foundation, spoke at the Aug. 2 lodge meeting. The presentation centered on the purpose and activities of the SK Foundation’s efforts to help at-risk students in Boerne. SK provides funds for student tutoring, band instruments, re-
quired class supplies, uniforms, funds for required science experiments and extra-curricular fees and equipment. The nonprofit organization helps schools and families bridge the gap for the less affluent students so they can fulfill their academic potential and become contributing future citizens. The program is exclusive to Boerne and depends on charitable donations. Agent Marilyn Vogt noted that dance registration for the 2019-2020 dance year is currently under way for members
ages 3-17. Dancers may continue to register up to Oct. 1. The Boerne School of Dance will have a new dance instructor this year as the former instructor, Rici Chaney, has been hired to coordinate the Dance Program for the Home Office. Kathy Graham sent a note thanking the lodge for her scholarship. The lodge has chosen Erna Vogt as its Humanitarian of the Year for 2019. She will be honored for her work and dedication to the Hill Country Mission for Health, Mission Gardens at
Brenham celebrates Kettler anniversary BRENHAM – Brenham Lodge enjoyed a meal of hotdogs and trimmings at the July meeting provided by Nora and Kenneth Kettler in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Members provided several desserts. Special Representative Gary Falkenberg spoke about the Senior Adult Final Expense Plan for members 50 to 90 years of age. Plans for the upcoming 130th anniversary celebration for the lodge will start soon. President James Hyvl will appoint committees. It was reported that the appreciation dance held June 28 was enjoyed by all who attended. Jack and Betty Schramm celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in July.
Brenham Lodge members celebrating birthdays in July were Kenneth Kettler, Gilbert Spinn and Ora Nell Kuretsch. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Birdie J. Thielemann. The Cheer Committee reported mailing a get-well card to
Herman Borchardt. Sympathy cards were sent to the families of Fred Henry Sander and Birdie J. Thielemann. – Lena Mae Goessler
Bernardo earns certificate for project BERNARDO – Bernardo Lodge meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Station. At the July meeting, Henry Joseph Sutherland was welcomed as a new member and Sarah Jean Behlen was welcomed by way of transfer. Agent Terrel Maertz noted that Camp season was going strong and that the weeks were filling up quickly. Anyone needing information about Camp or Hermann Sons Life should contact agents Terrel and Robin Maertz.
The lodge received a Black Level Certificate for its Join Hands Day donation to the Healing Hearts Casino Night in Comfort. The event benefitted the Grief Support Camp. The lodge has added six new members so far in 2019. The goal is 10. Members are encouraged to spread the word about Hermann Sons Life. Robin Maertz noted that the lodge will participate in the Colorado County Fair Parade on Sept. 7. Members are encouraged to let her know if they will be riding the float.
Terrel and Robin Maertz rode the float in the Schulenburg Festival Parade held Aug. 4 in Schulenburg. Beatrice Hill reported sending a get-well card to Ronnie Frank. A thank-you card was received from the family of Grover McRae Gross. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Adeline Heinschel who passed away recently. Attendance prizes went to Ruby Belle Henneke and Anita Zaskoda. – Reporter
the Nov. 1 meeting. Happy Birthday wishes are extended to Barbara Christensen, Esther Faecher, Elizabeth Markell Don D’Spain and Annette Bourgeois. Birthday honorees attending the Aug. 2 meeting were given free meal tickets to the Rainbow Senior Center for future use. Congratulations were extended to Barbara and Don D’Spain who celebrated their 52nd anniversary on Aug. 5. Erna Vogt was the winner of the door prize. – Reporter
Bryan D’Spain was the guest speaker at the August meeting of Boerne Lodge. Bryan is vice president of SAM’S Kids Foundation, a non-profit in Boerne that helps at-risk students with school supplies, fees and equipment.
Harmonia Lodge to honor past presidents Sept. 13 SAN ANTONIO – Past presidents will be honored at the Sept. 13 meeting of Harmonia Lodge. A spaghetti dinner will be provided by the lodge. Members are asked to bring desserts. The meeting and meal will be held in the Rathskeller. A meal of hamburgers and hot dogs was served at the July 11 meeting. The lodge celebrated its 158th anniversary. Brad Dietrich reported that the Tee It Up For a Cause Golf Tournament is set for Sept. 28 at the Republic Golf Course. Proceeds from the tournament go to Camp Discovery and The 100 Club of San Antonio. Volunteers are needed to assist in the event. Camp Discovery is a summer
camp for children with cancer. The 100 Club supports the families of law enforcement and fire department personnel who have given the ultimiate sacrifice for their community. Past President Mike Beam, a member of the lodge’s Finance Committee and the Home Office Board of Directors, gave a short but informative talk on the history of Hermann Sons Life and Harmonia Lodge. Angelina Kretzschmar, wife of member Charles Kretzschmar, celebrated a July birthday and the couple also celebrated their anniversary in July. The attendance prizes were won by Charles Kretzschmar and Roger Buley. Split-the-pot was won by Brad Dietrich. – Reporter
Austin has new member AUSTIN – Austin Lodge will meet Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. The lodge will furnish pizza and salad. Members are asked to bring desserts. Junior members and their parents prepared hot dogs and the trimmings for the Aug. 4 meeting. Noah William Volk was welcomed as a new member. The Cheer Committee reported sending a sympathy card to Jim and Pat Spradling following the passing of Jim’s brother, Er-
nest Spradling. Chair of the Board Sandra Jones and husband Sam attended the meeting. Sandra thanked Austin Lodge members for their help at the Statewide Bowling Tournament which was held in Austin. She also reported on the Grief Camp and other programs. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Edna Groeschel and Ed Kurtz. The attendance prize was presented to Mary Shugart and the “kitty” was won by Ed Kurtz. – Reporter
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 17
Rutersville barbecue fund-raiser set for Sept. 28 RUTERSVILLE – Rutersville lodge will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The lodge will host its annual barbecue chicken fund-raiser on Sept. 28. Members are welcome to donate auction items. Two new members were welcomed at the Aug. 7 meeting. They are Christopher William Brugger and Carol Sue Carmean. A meal of hamburgers and homemade ice cream was enjoyed. Celebrating anniversaries were El Gene and Darlene Weyand and Roy and Susan Weyand. Attendance prizes were won by Sherry Noak, Roy Weyand, David Noak, Lynda Wheeler, Glen Altwein, Weldon Hartmann, Linda Mattocks and Kyle Hartmann. – Reporter
El Gene Weyand, center, receives his 60-year membership pin at a Rutersville Lodge gathering this summer. El Gene has been a member since Nov. 9, 1959. Making the presentation were David Noak, left, a member of the Board of Directors for Hermann Sons Life, and, right, President and CEO Eugene Zollinger.
Roy Weyand, center, receives his 60-year membership pin at a Rutersville Lodge gathering this summer. Roy has been a member since Aug. 8, 1958. Making the presentation were David Noak, left, a member of the Board of Directors for Hermann Sons Life, and, right, President and CEO Eugene Zollinger.
Fredericksburg will honor pioneer members Sept. 3
Darlene Weyand receives her 50-year membership pin at a Rutersville Lodge gathering this summer. Darlene has been a member since May 1, 1969. Making the presentation were David Noak, left, a member of the Board of Directors for Hermann Sons Life, and, right, President and CEO Eugene Zollinger.
David Noak celebrated his birthday in August. He is a member of Rutersville and the Hermann Sons Life Board of Directors.
FREDERICKSBURG – Fredericksburg Lodge will honor its pioneer members at the Sept. 3 meeting. The lodge will furnish the barbecue and members are asked to bring a side dish. For more information contact Hans Enderlin at 830-8951343. Members will be receiving their 60-year and 70-year pins. A sandwich meal was served at the August meeting.
Members were informed that Dennis Henke has resigned as an agent. President Hans Enderlin reported that he had contacted Glenda Rusin. She fell a couple of times in recent months and is currently convalescing. She expects to return to meetings in October. Attendance prizes were awarded to Irene Grosenbacher and Dennis Henke. – Reporter
Steven Weinheimer celebrates his birthday in August. He is a member of Fredericksburg Lodge.
The Bryan Bierschwales celebrate their anniversary in August. They are members of Fredericksburg Lodge.
DaCosta looking for new hall manager DA COSTA – DaCosta Lodge is still seeking someone to manage its hall. At the July 9 meeting, members agreed to hire a thirdparty company to seek out prospective hall mangers in addition to posting the job vacancy on the lodge’s Facebook page and the Texas Workforce Commission page. Numerous sympathy, condolence, get well and congratula-
tory cards were sent to members throughout the past few months. If you know of any members this may pertain to, contact Geraldine Venglar at 361-5733941 or LaVerne Hajek at 361575-1712 so that a card can be sent to the family. The next lodge meeting is scheduled for Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Officer elections will be held. Two public events are
planned at the hall. On Sept. 14 the DaCosta Hall Raisers will host a dance from 8 p.m.-midnight. Charles and the Fabulous Four will provide the dance music. Then on Oct. 5, the DaCosta Hall Raisers will host another dance from 8 p.m.-midnight. This time the Nathan Colt Young group will provide the music. – Sayra Martinka
Page 18 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
San Marcos to meet at Mamacita’s SAN MARCOS – San Marcos will meet Monday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Mamacita’s Restaurant, 1400 Aquarena Springs Drive. Members are asked to contact Janice Kuhen at 512-393-1431 or Agnes Dreibrodt at 830-3793870 no later than Thursday, Sept. 5, if they plan to attend so they can contact the restaurant. The Nominating Committee for the 2020 slate of officers and calendar will be named. The lodge did not meet in August due to the heat. – Reporter
Members of San Marcos Lodge are pictured with the food they donated to the San Marcos Food Bank this summer.
Yvonne and Bob Robbins celCelebrating August birthdays from San Marcos Lodge were, from ebrate their anniversary in Auleft, Janet Magin, John Schawe, Joy Schultz, Bruce Moreau and Shir- gust. They are members of San ley Faske. Marcos Lodge.
Junior members of Marion Lodge who spoke about their Hermann Sons Life Camp experience are pictured with the lodge officers during the annual summer picnic.
Marion junior lodge member Gavin Moltz shows off his bowling skills during the lodge’s summer bowling party.
Thelma Zwicke is still going strong and bowling at the young age of 89. She is pictured at the Marion Lodge summer bowling party.
Columbus plans Oct. 14 meeting COLUMBUS – Columbus Lodge will meet Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. At the Aug. 12 meeting, Agent Robin Maertz reported on the successful Camp season. She also reported that the Hermann Sons Life float will appear in the Colorado County Fair Parade on Sept. 7. Members of Columbus and Bernardo lodges will ride. She also encouraged everyone to recommend new members. Celebrating July birthdays
were Herman Brune, Helen Hammack, Nora Peeler, Paige Sebesta, Juan Sanchez, Anne Marie Dimas and Lynn Buxkamper. Celebrating August birthdays were Nicholas Leopold, Carolyn Renz, Constance Sebesta, Christopher Wienken, Alexander Fritsch, Ryan Peters, Henry Smahlik, Dawnah Pina, Jessica Dimas, Stephen Ashorn and Kevin Lilie. Celebrating August anniver-
saries were Adrian and Virginia Fritsch, Bill and Rhanda Lattimore and Douglas and Virginia Lilie. Elsie Kahlden reported sending get-well cards to Jerry Mikeska and Carolyn Renz and a sympathy card to Mike and Anne Faichtinger. Elsie led the entertainment after which everyone enjoyed refreshments. – Reporter
Cat Spring Lodge will meet Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The lodge will provide the hot dogs and trimmings and desserts. Everyone in attendance will have a chance to win the $130 attendance award.
Marion will meet on Oct. 17 MARION – Marion Lodge will meet Oct. 17. The lodge’s annual summer picnic was held Aug. 8 at the Marion Bowling Club. Approximately 30 members enjoyed pizza, drinks, bowling and socializing. Junior members talked about their experiences at Hermann Sons Life Camp. Two new members, Hadley
Maddox and Hadley Pearson, were welcomed. Three more new member applications are being processed. Grace Burg was the winner of a cash drawing for graduating seniors. Members with questions about their life insurance policies are encouraged to contact Agent Lorene Bielke. – Reporter
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 19
Spring Branch pioneers receive membership pins SPRING BRANCH – Spring Branch Lodge will meet Sept. 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bulverde Community Center. The July 21 meeting was held at the Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch. Correspondence from the Home Office included a Certificate of Appreciation for the lodge’s participation in Join Hands Day and a reminder that the goal for new membership in 2019 is 25. Mary and Jerry Penshorn transferred from Seguin Lodge and were in attendance. Three new junior members were welcomed. Vice President of Operations Samantha Schulmeier was there to present membership pins. Mary Woody received her 70year pin. She has been a member since July 9, 1949. Jo Schwab received her 60-year pin. She has been a member since Oct. 13, 1959. Agent Gloria Gass remarked that enrollment is in full swing for the Dance Program, which
Mary Woody, right, receives her 70-year membership pin from Vice President of Operations Samantha Schulmeier at the July meeting of Spring Branch Lodge. is open to junior members ages 3-17. Alverne Halloran reported sending a get-well card to Gloria Voges and Gloria Gass. Celebrating recent birthdays were Avery Johnson, Gloria Gass, Alverne Halloran and Fred Coopwood.
Jo Schwab, left, receives her 60-year membership pin from Vice President of Operations Samantha Schulmeier at the July meeting of Spring Branch Lodge.
Attendance prize winners were Mary Woody, Jane Wanke, Alverne Halloran, Sandra Duncan, Phyllis Havens and Carlton, Kristen and Jo Schwab. The Knibbes provided the meal of brisket, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls and beans. – Jane Wanke
Round Top welcomes new member ROUND TOP – A new member was welcomed at the July meeting of Round Top Lodge. He is William Matthew Sanchez, Agent Linda Mattocks’ grandson. Barton Garlin reported on the Scholarship Committee’s work on the rules for next year’s scholarship. Another monetary donation was approved For the the Hospice Brazos Valley fund-raiser. Jeanette Schoenst gave an update on Fritz who is now at Giddings Residence and Rehab
in Giddings. Margie Stardig gave an update on her sister, Wanda Borgstedt, who is now at Monument Hill Rehab and Nursing Center. A note of thanks was read from the Nola Goehring family. Attendance prizes were won by Floyd Braun, Leonard Meinkowsky, Betty Porter, Lila Garlin and Jeanette Schoenst. Members enjoyed a meal of sandwiches, chips and dips and Floyd Braun celebrated his birthdesserts. day in July. He is a member of – Reporter Round Top Lodge.
Plum will serve sandwiches on Sept. 9 PLUM – Plum Lodge will meet Sept. 9. The lodge will provide cold cuts, sandwiches and fruit platters. Members are asked to bring chips, dips or desserts. The July 8 meeting was held at the Prairie Valley Schoolhouse. Agent Linda Mattocks reminded everyone to be sure that
their address, name and beneficiaries were up to date on their policies. She also spoke about Camp and asked for names of possible new members. Everyone enjoyed the Domino’s Pizza donated by Wallace Hobratschk. There was no meeting in August so Gloria Raschke and
Charlene Meinen were recognized for their August birthdays. Winning the lodge’s quarterly door prize was Gene Wessels. Other $5 door prizes were won by Myrtle Harbers, Wallace Hobratschk, Verlene Hobratschk and Wilbert Hoffmann. – Reporter
Spring Branch Lodge President Sharon Knibbe, from left, presents birthdays girls Alverne Halloran and Gloria Gass with a card from the lodge during the July meeting.
Houston Lodge to meet at Don Jose’s restaurant Sept. 9 HOUSTON – Houston Lodge will meet Monday, Sept. 9, at Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant. The social hour begins at 6 p.m. The July meeting was held at Sokol Hall and included a potluck dinner. Welcomed as new members were J.R. Coleman, Izaiah Cleve Rowland and Amber Zeffie Graska. Future meetings were discussed. The Oct. 14 meeting will be held at Sokol Hall and will include a potluck dinner. The meal for the Nov. 1 meeting will be catered. It is hoped that Logan’s Roadhouse can be reserved for the Christmas
party on Sunday, Dec. 1. Emily Falkenberg served as a counselor-in-training at Camp this summer. The next volunteer date for the Houston Food Bank is Sunday, Sept. 29. The one after that will be either Nov. 3 or Nov. 10. Members voted to keep the best game cards and donate the rest with the second wheel and ball holder. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Sheila Lee. Winners in the monthly attendance drawing were Lavinia Patterson, Shelia Lee, Patricia Bushman, Grace Falkenberg and Darlene Ellison. – Catherine Manchack
Page 20 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Fort Worth Lodge has third-generation campers FORT WORTH – Fort Worth Lodge will meet Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. at Westcreek Lanes. Summer is coming to an end and camping season at Hermann Sons Life Camp has come to an end. Fort Worth Lodge thanks those of you who sent pictures and stories from Camp. This story is about third generation campers, Scott Wagner and Emma Snider, who attended Camp at the same time. In the 1970s their grandparents, Sheila Azar and Russell Wagner, attended Camp every year. They came from El Paso. In the 1990s, Therese Azar (Sheila’s daughter) and Luke Wagner (Russell’s son) were again among the large group of Wagner cousins at Camp. A decade later, Luke met Jennifer Koop from San Antonio and they were surprised to find out she was also a Hermann Sons Life camper. This year their son Scott Wagner and Therese’s daughter Emma Snider (all the way from New York) attended Camp as third generation campers. Scott and Emma are the oldest cousins. Their siblings are anxiously waiting to be old enough to attend Camp. This is what Hermann Sons Life is all about, tradition and keeping it alive in families. The next story is about cousins meeting cousins for the first time. The story begins with Marcia Walters attending Camp in the 1960s. Marcia’s daughter Marianne and son Brett both attended Camp. Brett’s daughter, Ellie, went to Camp this year at the same time as her cousin Caden Jones was there. Caden’s sister Makayla was working as a junior counselor and was there at the same time as these two. So, on dance night they
Pictured at Hermann Sons Life Camp this summer are Fort Worth Lodge members, Jennifer, Luke, June, Scott and Mark Wagner.
These Fort Worth Lodge members are cousins and met for the first time at Hermann Sons Life Camp this summer. They are, from left, Makayla Jones, Ellie Walters and Caden Jones. got to meet for the first time. Ellie is a third-generation camper and Caden and Makayla are second-generation campers. Ellie and Caden are excited to go back next year and look forward to meeting again and both would like to become CITs when they are old enough. Marianne’s son Ty went earlier in the Camp season. The lodge still has time to meet
its new member goal for 2019. Members are asked to talk about Hermann Sons Life with friends, family, neighbors and anyone they meet. Recommending a member could win you a gift card. Contact Agent Sandra Jones or the Home Office. Call Sandra at 817-781-7155. Bowling leagues will be starting in September, so if you want
Cousins are pictured at Hermann Sons Life Camp this summer. They are Scott, June and Mark Wagner and Emma and Grant Snider.
Fort Worth Lodge had the most members participate in the recent Statewide Bowling Tournament in Austin. The lodge provided Tshirts for the bowlers to wear during the competition. to bowl the Hermann Sons Life Tournament next year, call a center near you and join a league. The tournament is always looking for more bowlers. This year the bowlers from Fort Worth wore shirts provided by the lodge on Sunday. Fort Worth had the most bowlers in the tournament followed by their neighbors in Dallas.
Happy Anniversary to Bill and Karen Burns-Lane. Birthday wishes go out to Otto Brauer, Mickenzee Brown, Jo Ann Bullock, Donnie Burns, Ronnie Burns, Darby Durbin, Cole Gibson, Ronnie Jones, Devon Kassler, Sharon Kassler, Ronnie Burns-Lane, John Stephenson and Mary Terrell. – Reporter
Dallas members to volunteer at City Square food pantry DALLAS – Dallas Lodge will meet Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Hall. The afternoon will begin with lunch served at 1 p.m. Members are reminded there will not be a meeting in October. At the July meeting, Daryl L. Leick of Plano was welcomed by way of transfer. New members of the lodge are Sophia
Gonzalez of Heartland and Hazel R. Hicks of Prosper. Mary Jane Ligon was attending her first meeting. Agents Cecilia Phillips and Gilbert Shelby presented information on life insurance and annuities and answered questions. They are members of Columbia Lodge but serve both Dal-
las lodges. Members are encouraged to help them and the lodge by recommending others to join. Cecilia can be contacted at 214-982-8905 and Gilbert at 214-289-1815. Members approved a $500 scholarship for Katya Uhrich. Katya joined the Navy for two years after graduating from
high school but plans to attend college after that. In order to receive the scholarship, she will need to complete the application and enroll. In observance of Make a Difference Day, members will volunteer at the City Square food pantry. Eva Day has arranged for the volunteers to stock the
pantry on Oct. 26. More details will be announced in the next article. Clint and Terri Holmes, Eva Day, Brigitte Robinson and Anni and Ean Howe provided the lunch. Terri won the attendance prize. – Reporter
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 21
Vineta Lodge to hold anniversary celebration Sept. 5 SAN ANTONIO – Vineta Lodge is making plans for its anniversary celebration on Sept 5. A Chicken Cordon Bleu meal with the trimmings will be served. Reservations need to be made no later than Aug. 29 by calling 210-602-5147. Past presidents will be honored and pins will be presented to pioneer members. If you received a letter about your pin, call Ruth Bailey at 210-602-5147 and plan to attend so you can be honored. On Sept. 18 a social gathering will begin at 10:30 a.m. Games will be played and then lunch will be served. Thanks go to Debbie Jordan for preparing the meat loaf served at the August meeting and to all the members who brought covered dishes. Gladys
Vineta lodge members are pictured with the school supplies members donated to the Children’s Shelter of San Antonio.
Vineta Lodge members celebrating birthdays in August were, from left, Gladys Garrett and Lucille Stremmel. President Debbie Jordan presented them with birthday cards from the lodge.
Garrett provided the cake in honor of her birthday. Thanks go to all members who brought school supplies. The supplies will be donated
to the Children’s Shelter of San Antonio. Brynlee Faith Hill was welcomed as a new junior member. Attendance prize winners
were Beth Byron, Debbie Jordan, Frances Bara and Ron Bara. The split-the-pot winner was Carol Bielke. Hope to see lots of members
The group from Moulton Lodge riding the Hermann Sons Life float in the Moulton Town and Country Jamboree Parade received the award for Most Spirited.
Moulton Lodge sponsored the Hermann Sons Life float in the Moulton Town and Country Jamboree Parade. Riding the float were Christine and Bridgette Sandlin, Shelly Fagan, Kayla, Kaylynn and R.J. Traylor, Arlene Adams, Melissa Markham, Amanda and Lindsay Orsak and Lilly Vrana.
at the anniversary celebration on Sept. 5 for an evening of fellowship and fond memories. – Reporter
Moulton wins award at Jamboree Parade
Celebrating July birthdays from Moulton Lodge were, Amanda Orsak and daughter Lindsay, Barbara Anderle and Gladys Seifert.
New Bielau meets Sept. 23 WEIMAR – New Bielau Lodge will meet Sept. 23. At the July 22 meeting, two agents were in attendance, Mary K. Seifert and Robin Maertz. Agent Seifert spoke about Camp coming to a close and the opening of dance registration. The agents also reported the Hermann Sons Life float appeared in the Schulenburg Festival Parade on Aug. 4 and on Sept. 7 will be in the Colorado County Fair Parade in Colum-
bus. Lodge members were photographed on Flag Day at the Weimar City Hall. The photo was published in the Weimar Mercury. Thank-you cards for memorials from the families of Ellyn Stryk and Al Marshall were read. Celebrating birthdays in July were Mariette Bellamy and Dorothy Chevalier. Members enjoyed cake and ice cream following the meeting. – Reporter
Stern Lodge camper shares his summer camp experience SEGUIN – Stern Lodge members enjoyed a lunch of fried chicken, potato salad and green beans at the Aug. 4 meeting held at the American Legion Hall in Seguin. An assortment of pies was served for dessert. Members enjoyed hearing Hermann Sons Life Camp member Hayden Smith highlight his Camp experience. Hayden did a great job talking about the
rocket he made while at Camp. He was also chosen as Camper of the Day. Hayden is the grandson of member Liz Witten. Members discussed an overnight gambling trip for January 2020. Members interested in participating in this trip need to sign up in October. Attendance-prize winners were Gloria Reininger, Debbie Engelke and Colton Engelke. – Reporter
Camper Hayden Smith shared his Hermann Sons Life Camp experience with Stern Lodge members at the August meeting.
Page 22 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Kypfer-Salge donates to Habitat for Humanity CLEAR SPRINGS – Kypfer-Salge Lodge will meet Sept. 6 Members are asked to bring a salad, sandwiches or dessert for the meal. Chili dogs were served at the Aug. 2 meeting. There were ice cream sodas along with other desserts to complete the meal. A
big thank you goes to Art Brinkkoeter for cooking the hotdogs. Ryan Wommack was welcomed as a new junior member. The $50 monthly donation will go to the Sophienburg Museum. The lodge has made a donation to Habitat for Humanity. Members had the opportunity
Kolcen Noble gives Bellamy Salge a big “Happy Birthday” hug at the August meeting of Kypfer-Salge Lodge.
to autograph a stud that will be used in the building of the next house. Volunteers also are needed to help with construction Thanks go to Kery Noble for putting up the new Hermann Sons Life sign at the hall. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Joyce Ko-
epp who passed away in June. A sympathy card was sent to her family. Harold Friederick had been in the hospital. Kailey Koepp was to receive a get-well card as was Reinhold Hildebrand who had been in the hospital. Members are asked to let Nel-
Jim and Donna Sureddin celebrated their 28th anniversary in August. They are members of Kypfer-Salge Lodge.
rose Koepp know if someone is sick or has passed away so she can send a card on behalf of the lodge. Attendance prizes went to Kery Noble, Celeste Salge, Art Brinkkoeter, Merry Brinkkoeter and Donna Sureddin. – Darline Preiss
Celebrating August birthdays from Kypfer-Salge Lodge were, from left, Kery Noble, Bellamy Salge and Melia Koepp.
Kirby plans anniversary celebration for Oct. 7 KIRBY – Kirby Lodge will meet Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. The lodge will provide hamburgers. Members are asked to bring side dishes and/or desserts. The lodge’s campers are invited to come and give a report on their Camp adventures. If you volunteered at Camp this summer let Angela Netherton know so that your volunteer time can be logged. The lodge will celebrate its anniversary at the October meeting. It will be held Monday, Oct.
7, at 7 p.m. A catered meal will be served. Members are asked to contact Tammy Haecker or Andra Fore at 210-291-1623 or 210-661-3958. Leave a message with your name and number of people attending if no one answers. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Agents are reminding members to contact them if they need help updating their policies. Members also are reminded that Oct. 1 is the deadline to reg-
ister for dance class. If you know someone who is not a member but interested it is important for them to get with an agent right away because paperwork takes time to process and it must be complete so that the junior member can register before the Oct. 1 deadline. St. Jude Ranch has posted a thank you on its Facebook page in appreciation for all the donations it received from the lodge as part of Join Hands Day. The organization helps children who
Giddings will honor pin recipients GIDDINGS – Giddings Lodge will host a dinner in honor of its membership pin recipients as part of the regular meeting on Sept. 12. It begins at 7 p.m. at Silos Hall, 1031 CR 223 in Giddings. There are two 70-year, four 60-year and fourteen 50year pin recipients. Invitations will be sent soon.
At a recent meeting, members welcomed Caleb Wayne Schimank as a new member. He and his family are invited to attend meetings on the second Thursday of each month at Silos Hall. Birthday cards were sent to Ty Kasper, Valgene Ebner and Mercedes Flores. Invitation cards to attend meetings were sent to
the Rayden Lange family and the Zoey Jenke family. The drawing winners were Cecilia Martinez, Belle DeLaRosa, Oliva Mize, Pat Abell and LaVerne Urban. The meeting closed with a prayer and everyone enjoyed sandwiches and sides. – Reporter
have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services due to neglect or abuse. Storrie Lee Toney was welcomed as a new member at the August meeting. A donation was made to the lodge’s scholarship fund in memory of Margaret Haecker by Judy and Irvin Schulmeier. The Home Office has reminded the lodge that its new member goal for the year is 22. If you know of someone who would appreciate the services provided
by Hermann Sons Life, get them in touch with an agent. Celebrating birthdays were James McQuatters and Bob Scheel. Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary were Carroll and Linda Gloor. The attendance prize winner of $30 was Lillian Brietzke. Door prize winners were James Lowak, Lillian Brietzke, Arthur Luensmann and Angela Netherton. – Reporter
Laubach meets on Sept. 8 SEGUIN – The next quarterly meeting of Laubach Lodge will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in the Pecan Museum at the Red Barn, 390 Cordova Road. The meat will be provided. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert and their own drinks. Geronimo Volunteer Fire De-
partment Auxiliary members have been invited in observance of Make a Difference Day. All members are encouraged to attend. At the June 9 meeting, members enjoyed a meal of barbecue chicken with snacks. Members provided the side dishes and desserts. – Dorothy Constable
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 23
Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge donates backpacks Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge recently made a donation of backpacks to the Foster Family YMCA’s Operation Backpack drive in Houston. The lodge donated 70 backpacks and other school supplies to the organization that will distribute them to children living in three low income apartment complexes. The lodge recently joined the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, which is a supporter of this program. Pictured are, from left, Cindy Reibenstein representing the Heights Chamber; Jerry Ziemnicki, Mary Krippner and Larry Huff, all members of Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge; and Harry Oliver from the YMCA. Mary is also a volunteer at the Foster Family YMCA.
Doug and Anne Miller, left, made a presentation at the August meeting of New Braunfels Lodge about the city’s upcoming 175th birthday celebration. Also pictured is lodge President Tommy Daum.
Celebrating August birthdays at the New Braunfels Lodge meeting were Delbert Tanneberger and Jolene Meuret.
New Braunfels has13 new members NEW BRAUNFELS – The September meeting of New Braunfels Lodge will include a potluck supper hosted by Violet and Delbert Tanneberger. The lodge will furnish the meat. Members are asked to bring side sides and/or desserts. Thirteen new members were welcomed at the August meeting.
A thank you from Project Graduation was read. A resolution of respect was read in memory of Charles Graustein. A donation will be made to the Retirement Home Scholarship Fund in his memory. Doug and Anne Miller made a presentation on the upcoming 175th anniversary of the founding of the city. They dis-
played pictures of the new signs to be built and new medallions to be put on street signs. Activities will begin in September and continue until April when the final celebration will be held. A group from Braunfels, Germany, will attend. Tommy Daum hosted a chicken tender supper served after games and refreshments. – Reporter
Bellville Lodge will meet on Sept. 23
Alice Naughton celebrated her 105th birthday in July. She has been a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge for 63 years. Many of her lodge sisters attended the party given in her honor on July 20.
Louise Schuetze plans anniversary celebration SAN ANTONIO – Louise Schuetze Lodge will celebrate its 123rd anniversary on Sept. 9. Members are asked to bring their favorite potluck dish. The lodge provided hot dogs and all the trimmings for the Aug. 12 meeting. Alice Naughton celebrated her 105th birthday with a party held in the parish hall at her church, St. Matthew’s Catholic. Many lodge members were in attendance. – Reporter
Elizabeth Markell celebrated her birthday and won splitthe-pot at the August meeting of Louise Schuetze Lodge.
BELLVILLE – Bellville Lodge will meet Sept. 23. All members are encouraged to attend. The lodge met June 24 at the El Jimador Restaurant in Bellville. Members enjoyed an informative presentation by Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes. Following the meal, a brief business meeting was conducted by President Marie Herridge. Emily Pfeffer reported a symAustin County Sheriff Jack Brandes gave a presentation at the June pathy card was sent to the fammeeting of Bellville Lodge. He is pictured with two of the lodge’s ily of Robert Engelholm and youngest members, Luke Schumann, left, and Ethan Schumann. the family of Milford Gross. – Reporter Celebrating recent birthdays from Bellville Lodge were, from left, Betty Herridge, Patsy Marek, Ora Dell Remmert and Laura Schumann.
Page 24 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Pershing Lodge will meet on Sept. 4
Louise Mulhern, center, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Pershing Lodge presented her with a cake and potted plant. Pictured with her are lodge President Beth Warne and grandson Greg Tabor.
SAN ANTONIO – Pershing Lodge will meet Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Home Association Room. The meal will include sandwiches, chips and dessert. In August, Dale Jason Wenzel and Kinslee Nichole Guerra were welcomed as new members. Chaplain Tony Valek reported on the passing of Lois E. Arndt and Lawrence E. Denman. Louise Mulhern who recently celebrated her 100th birthday attended the meeting along with her grandson, Greg Tabor. President Beth Warne presented her with a potted plant and birthday cake from the lodge. Dorothy Pawlik won the $35 attendance prize and Amanda Deicke won the split-the-pot drawing, – Reporter
Celebrating August birthdays from Pershing Lodge were, front, from left, Pat Plouch, Wayne Kilborn, Teeni Johnson, Marilyn Hoster, back, from left, Dale Wenzel, Greg Tabor and James Lay.
Celebrating an August anniversary from Pershing Lodge were David and Teeni Johnson. They have been married seven years.
Corpus Christi Lodge holds ballpark outing Corpus Christi Lodge members and guests enjoyed a day at the ballpark in August. First members met at a local Whataburger and then attended a Corpus Christi Hooks game. The Hooks are affiliated with the Houston Astros.
Vice President of Operations Samantha Schulmeier was a guest for the Corpus Christi Lodge outing to the ballpark in August. The lodge’s next meeting will be held Sept. 3 at Nolan’s Steakhouse in Calallen.
Dunlay Lodge welcomes new member
Pearl Hunt, left, and Instructor Shannon Westmoreland visit with dancers after the annual Corpus Christi School of Dance recital. Corpus Christi area dancers are reminded that online registration is now under way. Classes will start in September.
Katherine and Morris Baxter celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in July. They are members of Dunlay Lodge.
DUNLAY – Dunlay Lodge welcomed a new member at the July meeting. Brett Andrew Busch is the son of member Kylie SaathoffBusch, the grandson of members Curtis and Terry Saathoff and the great-grandson of past members Matt and Wilfreen Saathoff. Members also celebrated the 62nd anniversary of Morris and Katherine Baxter. They were married on July 27, 1957. The Baxters have been Dunlay Lodge members since July 1, 2008, and are a 100% Hermann Sons Life Family. – Reporter
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 25
Columbia Lodge doing its part in community service DALLAS – Columbia Lodge is keeping the Hermann Sons Life community service tradition alive by throwing parties and getting involved. Late July showcased the Blue Christmas in July party, featuring live music, smoked meats and a Christmas potluck dinner. The hall was decked, the stockings were hung with care and bicycle helmets and locks decorated the tree in the Old Bowling Alley. The almost $900 raised will ultimately benefit children in need at Christmas time. August features SonsStock, Columbia Lodge’s tribute to Woodstock. This year is the 50th anniversary of that iconic event. SonsStock is always a big crowdpleaser, with beautiful people wearing plenty of tie-dyed clothing and flowers in their hair, groovy psychedelic music and arts and crafts for the discerning hippie. In September, Columbia Lodge will join with Dallas Lodge and
the National Kidney Foundation to participate in the 2019 Dallas-Fort Worth Kidney Walk. Columbia Lodge members will walk and donate to honor Pat Avery, who passed earlier this year. Dave Moynihan is the captain of the Columbia team. Walkers and donors alike are welcome to visit http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/ Walk/NKFServingTexas and search for Sons Of Hermann. The walk will take place at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie on Sept. 8. Check-in time is 8 a.m. The regularly scheduled lodge meeting will follow back at the Hall. Another chance for fun and fellowship in September will be the State Fair of Texas Parade. Columbia Lodge will meet up for staging and start at the parade route on Friday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m. Costumes are encouraged! Some members have promised to turn out in dirndls and lederhosen while others want to sport their favorite t-shirts. Whatever you choose, come on out and
show off your Hermann Sons Life spirit as members ride the Home Office’s beautiful float through Dallas’ downtown area. October will bring the “Last Chance” Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 5. Committees are forming now so be sure to let Stanley Whitehead know if you want to help out with this exciting fundraiser. Members will be gearing up for Make A Difference Day in October, perhaps teaming up with Dallas Lodge to make it twice as much fun for all. The Hall recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of Ranger Randell’s Electric Campfire Jam! So many years of making fun and music together have formed bonds and friendships that have spanned decades. Some things never change. Like Friendship, Love and Loyalty. Come and getcha some down in Deep Ellum! The beer is always cold, and the music is always hot! – Anni Howe
Take a look at this time capsule showing Ranger Randell and fellow jammer Jimmy Duvall tearing it up “then” and “now.” Ranger Randell’s Electric Campfire Jam is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Dallas Hall.
Cibolo memorial service Sept. 5 CIBOLO – Cibolo Lodge will hold its annual memorial service as part of the Sept. 5 meeting to be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Universal City. Members who passed away during the last year will be remembered. The lodge will furnish the pot roast. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. For those unfamiliar with the area, the church is located directly across Pat Booker Road from What-a-burger. The lodge will hold a rummage sale Oct. 12 to benefit the
Trulight127 Ministries. This organization provides foster care for children in need. This is the lodge’s Matching Funds project. Items to sell are needed. Trulight127 also accepts donations through its website. The Aug. 1 meeting began with a prayer by junior member Javion Campos. The meal included fried chicken and the side dishes and desserts provided by members. Gail Gray’s spinach/strawberry salad was voted best side dish. There were lots of desserts with the pineapple upside down cake and the peanut
Kerrville Lodge to meet on Oct. 2 at Wells Fargo Bank KERRVILLE – Kerrville Lodge members gathered for a social evening on Aug. 7 at the Acapulco Restaurant Members discussed buying school supplies for the Ingram schools. Etta Blankenship, Sally McGrew and Tony Straube agreed
to meet at Walmart to buy the supplies. The next meeting will be held Oct. 2 in the Wells Fargo Bank board room, 301 Junction Highway, Kerrville. The Christmas party is set for Dec. 6 at Buzzies BBQ. – Juanice Grona
butter cookie lasagna tying for best dessert honors. The lodge presented Zane Gray with a $750 scholarship. This is Zane’s last year in college He has maintained at least a 3.0 GPA all four years. Fay and John Fey also presented Zane with a $450 check from the Brenda Fey Memorial Scholarship Fund. This is the first year for the Brenda Fey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Zane thanked the Scholarship Committee and the Feys for the additional scholarship money. – Reporter
Zane Grey received two scholarships at the August meeting of Cibolo Lodge. He received a $750 scholarship from the lodge and $450 scholarship from the Brenda Fey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Pictured with him are his parents, left, John and Gail Gray, and his grandparents and Brenda Fey’s parents, Fay and John Fey, right.
Womack plans pin presentation Oct. 7 WOMACK – Womack Lodge will meet Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. A representative from the Home Office will be in attendance to present membership pins. Come and help celebrate. At the Aug. 4 meeting, members stood for a moment of silence in memory of Oscar Hampe who passed away June 15.
The lodge extends condolences to the family. It was reported the fish fry fund-raiser on June 29 to benefit the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department was a huge success. The food was delicious and attendance was great. Many from the lodge and the fire department worked together
for the event. Beverly Reuter was the lucky winner of the 50/50 drawing and John Rueter won the attendance prize. David and Dorothy Conrad hosted the evening meeting. There will be no meeting in September. – Nadine Rueter
Page 26 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Schulenburg welcomes new members in August
SCHULENBURG – Schulenburg Lodge meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Schulenburg Community Center. Refreshments are served at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and the meeting follow at 7 p.m. In September, a catered meal of chicken fried steak, potatoes, green beans and bread will be served. Delores Michalke will
bring the ice cream the lodge is providing for dessert. Helping in the kitchen will be Kathy Loth, Becky Bohlmann and Emma Nitschke. A meal of pulled pork sandwiches and desserts was served at the August meeting. Welcomed as new members were Evrain Albert Krischke, Kate Cecile Simons, Jack William Simons and Nora Jane Si-
Displaying the third-place plaque that the Hermann Sons Life float received when it appeared in the Schulenburg Festival Parade are, back, from left, Katry Kobza, Kylie Jones, Agnes Tofel, front, from left, Briley Zapalac, Braylee Hanslik, Hanna Bartos and not pictured Zayda Lara.
Some of the dancers were also scheduled to ride. Frank Bohlmann reported that the Hermann Sons Life float won a plaque for third place in the Schulenburg Festival Parade. Becky Bohlmann and six of the dancers rode the float with adults. Membership Coordinator Mary Schroeder read a thank you note from Carolyn Tobola.
Thank you notes also were read from Shirley Machicek and Mildred Bohlmann. Arline Ulrich reported she took birthday gifts from the lodge to 95-yearold Edith Kocurek and 96-yearold Marguerite Hagens who both live in nursing homes. Junette Rodecap took home the Arlan’s grocery gift card. Other prizes were awarded. – Reporter
Frank and Becky Bohlmann rode the Hermann Sons Life float with a group of dancers when it appeared in the Schulenburg Festival Parade. Others riding were Debora Jones and Agents Robin and Terrel Maertz.
Verdell Hafer and Elmer Ulrich celebrated August birthdays at the Schulenburg Lodge meeting.
mons. Agent Mary K. Seifert reported that next year 14-year-olds will be able to attend Hermann Sons Life Camp. Hilltop Camp can now be rented for other uses. Dance registration continues. Mary K. said she would be riding the Hermann Sons Life float when it appears in the Colorado County Festival Parade.
Bandera to host appreciation dinner
Macdona to honor pioneers
BANDERA – Bandera County Lodge will host a member appreciation dinner on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Saltgrass Restaurant The lodge met July 14 at the home of Gary and Kathleen Reile. Members were excited to hear that one of its Camp scholarship recipients had been named Camper of the Week during her stay. She is Journey Davis, the granddaughter of Gary and Kathleen Reile and daughter of Sarah and Roland Davis. This was Journey’s first year to attend Camp.
MACDONA – Macdona Lodge will honor its pioneer members on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Daniel Constanzo Jr. and Florence E. Sloan will be receiving their 6o-year pins. Campers (new and experienced) also are invited to attend to share some of their Camp ex-
Welcomed as new members were Aiden Irene Kavanaugh and Kolbie Ann Lawlis. A new game set was ordered for Cedar Creek Nursing Home. The old set was missing some pieces, so the lodge purchased a new set. The Bandera County School of Dance recital was attended by several lodge members. The annual Christmas party with dancer entertainment and ice cream social will be held at the Lake Hills United Methodist Church Hall, 150 Ave. J, Lakehills on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The next meeting will be held
Journey Davis was named Camper of the Week at Camp this summer. She is a member of Bandera County Lodge. Nov. 17 at a location to be announced. – Susan Hillje
Paige Lodge to serve German-style meal PAIGE – Paige Lodge will serve a German-style meal prior to the Sept. 8 meeting. Membership pin recipients will be honored. Members are reminded a potluck lunch will be served prior to the Oct. 13 meeting. At the July 14 meeting, get-
well wishes were extended to Waylon Kunkel and Randa Kinsey. Brigette Burttschell won the attendance prize and Paige Burttschell won the dollar pot. Halle Dube, Debbie Harmon, Michael Dube, Chelle Dube, Jan-
ice Bilberry, Paige Burttschell, Sandy Botkin, Frank Bilberry and Ronnie Harmon won door prizes donated by Brigette Burttschell on behalf of the Nitsche Group. Best wishes go out to all youth starting a new year of school. – Reporter
periences. The lodge will provide the salads and cold cut trays. Members are asked to bring side dishes. Those planning to attend are asked to call or text Eulla at 210863-0546 or Kathy at 210-4265817. – Reporter
Hochheim-Prairie meets Oct. 6 YOAKUM – Hochheim-Prairie Lodge will not meet in September. The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6. At the August meeting, members approved a donation to the local food bank. Also approved was a donation to Cuero Family Lodge’s fund-raiser dance. Wilburn and Mary Pargmann and Charlie and Carolyn Hoepfl attended the dance. A sympathy card was sent to the Buford Dreyer family and a moment of silence was observed in his memory.
A get-well card was sent to Joe Machalec who had knee surgery. Carolyn Hoepfl read notes from the Sonnie Baros family and from the United Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Shiner for the donation made in memory of Buford Dreyer. A thank you note from Del Mar College was read for the scholarship given to Melissa Jimenez. Charlie and Carolyn Hoepfl were celebrating an anniversary. Charlie Hoepfl won the attendance prize. – Reporter
September 2019 – Hermann Sons Life – Page 27
Agents Directory (alphabetized by area) Adkins Roxy Pruski 210-218-6204
Corpus Christi Becki Carley 361-550-9358
Georgetown Brad Klein, FIC 512-497-0678
Austin Shirley Kuhen Faske 512-789-3975
Pearl Hunt 361-960-0276
Giddings Loretta Chilek, FIC 979-542-2806
Bandera Stephanie Brown 210-621-3891
Troylyn SisnerosGonzalez 361-232-7413
La Vernia Sharon Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-0526 Marlin Tanneberger, FIC 210-827-7229
Gonzales Bobbie Polasek 830-672-6317
Lubbock April Behnke 806-797-3585
Graham/Wichita Falls David Wolf 940-550-5202
Marion Lorene Bielke, FIC 830-420-2380
Bellville Robert Herridge 979-865-3222
Cuero Laura Tiffin Wayne Tiffin 361-275-8421
Bernardo/Columbus Robin Maertz 979-732-1687
Dallas Helen Tyson Brown 214-796-0668
Hondo Richard Muennink 210-827-0053
New Braunfels Becki Carley 361-550-9358
Terrel Maertz 979-732-1727
Cecilia Phillips 214-982-8905
Stacy Saathoff 830-444-9160
Kathryn Green 830-463-9455
Blanco Joni Kirkwood Moore 512-922-8283
Gilbert Shelby 214-289-1815
Houston Jennifer Stryk Garner 832-596-9425
Shirley Huebinger 830-629-1196
Boerne/San Antonio Pamela Poulk 210-753-2626 Boerne Lisa Rozacky 210-838-3306
Del Rio Pat Fritz, FIC 432-292-4483 Devine Cynthia Sultenfuss 210-219-6409
Marilyn Vogt, FICF 210-630-9874
El Campo Dennis Wigginton 832-278-9636
Caldwell Donnie Blinka 979-596-1309
Floresville/Poth Beth Cutsinger 210-325-6667
Castroville Glenford Boehme, FIC 210-219-9792
Floresville Lynn Wiede 830-393-4660
Cibolo/Schertz Tracy Campos 210-860-6675
Fort Worth Sandra Jones, FIC 817-295-2666
Ashley Pfeil 830-534-2571
Fredericksburg Todd Bierschwale 830-997-2130
Judith Schulmeier, FIC 210-667-1938 Doreen Tisler 210-519-7859 Comfort Norma Bruns, FIC 830-995-3980
George West Tracy Caron 361-449-0348
Al Stryk, FICF, LUTCF 281-485-4095
Tim Salge 830-625-4816
Gerald Ziemnicki 713-622-9001
Laura Ann Timmermann 830-556-7527
Jourdanton Valerie M. Vick 210-748-5598
Nixon-Smiley Diana P. Moreno 830-379-2244
Katrina Wiatrek 210-326-9505 Karnes City Abigail Fenner 830-534-6982 Russell Swize 830-780-4053 Kirby Angela Netherton 210-831-1293 La Coste Elaine “Lainey” Franklin 210-789-1649 La Grange Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988
Orange Grove Paula Gebert 361-384-2375 Pflugerville Julius Dubcak 512-272-8393 Port Lavaca Nancy Annette Walraven 361-552-9403
Marketing Department Staff
210-527-9113 • 877-437-6266 • 888-839-7667 Vice President of Marketing Tim Kolbe timk@hermannsonslife.org Marketing Analyst Ana Vasquez, FLMI, AIRC, FIC anav@hermannsonslife.org Administrative Assistant Gladys Rowley gladysr@hermannsonslife.org Special Representatives: Dan Boenig - 210-705-1815 danb@hermannsonslife.org Gary Falkenberg, FICF - 713-466-6069 • 713-899-4138 gfalken908@aol.com Eulla May Krueger - 210-863-0546 • 830-985-3643 eullak@hermannsonslife.org Teresa Saathoff - 210-276-0361 • 210-422-6996 teresaasaathoff@gmail.com
San Antonio Philip A. Abell 210-771-1213
Seguin Annette D. Roecker 830-832-0724
Ruth Bailey 210-602-5147
Tina B. Ynfante 210-859-1973
Darlene Irwin 210-392-2649
Diane Terp 830-305-3564
Rayna Sue Irwin 210-710-7038
Spring Branch Gloria Gass 830-885-4405
Clif Klabunde, FIC 210-219-6142 Lauren Brehm-Long 210-643-9836
Stockdale Ronald Wiatrek 210-771-4354
Jim McNeel 210-601-2097
Victoria Jason Hybner 361-652-6924
San Marcos/Lockhart Janice Kuhen 512-393-1431
Victoria Laura Thigpen 361-676-8307
Schulenburg/Weimar Mary K. Seifert 979-743-0312
Yorktown Judy Wolf 361-564-2452
Needville /Rosenberg Chris Stoeltje 979-559-6127
Schwertner Irene Schwertner 254-527-4470
Round Top/Rutersville Linda Mattocks 512-736-9988
Seguin/San Antonio Carol Krauss, FIC 210-725-4106
Page 28 – Hermann Sons Life – September 2019
Shining Stars Shining Star Registration Form Become a Shining Star! Just send us a photo of yourself (that we can keep) and fill out this form and send to: Tammi Sutherland, P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297. The form is also available online at hermannsonslife.org. Photos of our Shining Stars also are featured online. Name:
LAUREN E. MILLER is a member of Hochheim-Prairie Lodge. She is in pre-kindergarten. Her favorite food is French fries and her favorite TV show is “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” Lauren has a pet Yorkie, Riley. Her activities include dancing, singing, coloring and swimming.
GEORGIA CUNNINGHAM is a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge. She is in third grade. Her favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs and her favorite TV show is “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego.” Georgia has a pet dog and three cats. Her activities include cheer, soccer, reading and writing.
KAYLEIGH CUNNINGHAM is a member of Louise Schuetze Lodge. She is in first grade. Her favorite foods are broccoli, carrots and chicken and she likes to watch baby kitten videos. Kayleigh has a pet dog and three cats. Her activities include gymnastics, running and swimming.
Home Phone: Daytime Phone: Address: City:
Zip:
E-mail Address:
Back-to-School Word Search Backpack Binder Classroom Educate Finished Homework Learning
Birthday:
Notebook Project Recess Ruler Studied Studying Subject
Grade in school: Favorite food: Pets: Favorite TV show: Activities: It is OK with my parents that I am featured as a “Shining Star” in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper, website and any other advertising publications. Parent’s Signature: I am a member of
Lodge
Certificate No._______________________________________________________
Back-to-School Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 2. Tool for writing 3. Tools for coloring 5. Device used to connect to the internet 9. Used to stick papers together 11. Another word for quiz 13. To put a point on a pencil 16. Person who plans lessons and helps you learn 18. Book with blank pages for writing.
DOWN 1. You learn about songs and instruments in this subject 2. Person in charge of the school 4. Yellow vehicle that brings students to school 6. Measuring tool 7. People you like being around 8. Look at words and understand them 10. Afternoon meal 12. What you do with your brain 13. Place where students learn 14. You learn about numbers in this subject 15. Place where books are kept 17. Item that helps remove mistakes
Puzzle answers on Pg. 10
