Executive Committee Meeting

FROM THE SPJST Executive Committee

October 18 and 19, 2022, Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SPJST Executive Committee held at the SPJST Home Office Temple, Texas

PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board of Directors John Engelke on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 8:05 a.m.

ATTENDING Board of Directors—Donnie Victorick - District One/Vice Chair of the Board of Directors; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Chair of the Board of Directors; Bobby Davis District Four; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven.

Executive Officers—Brian Vanicek, President/CEO; Delisle Doherty, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller.

Recording Secretary—Linda Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer.

OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed in respect for our departed members. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty led the Executive Committee in an opening prayer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS President/CEO Vanicek announced the visitors who would be joining the meeting: Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS Asset Management at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18; Miller and Newberg actuaries with an online presentation on NAIC guidelines at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18; and Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19.

THANK YOU Director Pospisil thanked the Executive Committee and Home Office for the card and flowers following his stay in the hospital.

tor Stavinoha moved to accept the minutes as presented. Director Vahalik seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES The management team meeting notes were reviewed. Director Vahalik moved to accept the team meeting notes as written. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING NOTES The Special Called meeting notes were reviewed. Director Vahalik moved to acknowledge the meeting notes as written. Director Stavinoha seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Recess from 9:30 to 9:50 a.m.

OLD BUSINESS President/CEO Vanicek, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, and Vice President of Communications Zavodny each presented a report on their old business. Each officer’s report was accepted as presented.

Recess from 10:55 to 11:10 a.m.

AQS INVESTMENT REPORT Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS presented a report on SPJST investment performance and reported on book yield increase from 4.37 percent to 5.02 percent since January 1, 2021.

On the IPS (Investment Policy Statement), no changes were made.

Recess for lunch was from 12:15 to 1:05 p.m.

INTEREST RATES Changes to interest paid out on annuities as of November 1, 2022, were presented. With a motion by Director Victorick, seconded by Director Pospisil, the changes were unanimously approved. See attached chart “Approved Annuity Pay Out Rates - October 2022 Meeting.”

UNIVERSAL LIFE PRODUCT Director Pospisil moved, seconded by Director House, to leave interest payout rates on universal life certificates unchanged from November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS All directors’ reports were accepted as presented.

Recess was from 1:50 to 2 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS The Executive Officers each presented a report on their new business.

APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES The July 19 and 20, 2022, minutes of the regular meeting of the Executive Committee were reviewed. DirecLODGE 13, DIME BOX Lodge 13, Dime Box has requested permission to meet bi-monthly. Motion made by Director Victorick to approve the request was seconded by Director Pospisil. Motion carried unanimously.

Recess from 3:20 to 3:40 p.m.

REAL ESTATE DELINQUENCIES Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reported on three delinquencies. They are being handled as presented.

INVESTMENT REPORT Chief Financial Officer Mikeska presented his report of investments. Motion was made by Director House, seconded by Director Pospisil, to ratify the investments for the period beginning July 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022. The motion carried unanimously.

JRBT AUDIT RENEW CONTRACT The Board of Directors took up appointment of an auditor for the 2023 audit. Director Stavinoha made a motion to renew the contract with JRBT Certified Public Accountants, seconded by Director Victorick. Motion carried unanimously.

Recess for the day at 5:21 p.m.

Chair of the Board of Directors Engelke reconvened the meeting at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19. An opening prayer was led by Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty.

NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED State Fraternal Director Frank Horak was welcomed to the meeting. He and Vice President of Communications Zavodny discussed upcoming events and various ways to enhance the youth program.

Recess was from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

Ideas and proposals for several changes to the youth program were presented and discussed. These included statewide youth camp, state family fun days, merit points program, youth app, state youth showcase, youth brand ambassadors, and DYC roles. Director Vahalik made a motion to move forward with the changes to the youth program with a second by Director Davis. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Davis made a motion to move forward with the proposal for the district funding model, seconded by Director Vahalik. Voting in favor were Directors Davis, Stavinoha, and Vahalik. Voting against were Directors Victorick, Pospisil, Engelke, and House. Motion failed.

CAMP KUBENA Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift presented a comprehensive report on camp operations.

RECOGNIZED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE The Executive Committee recognized Mortgage Loan Specialist Carol Wolf for 15 years of service and Claims Specialist Dorothy Tomasek for 70 years of service. Mortgage Loan Processor Ann Paruzinski was posthumously recognized for 45 years of service. (Sister Paruzinski passed away on September 28, 2022.)

CAMP KUBENA CONTINUED Camp Kubena Executive Director Clift stated that work needs to be done on the water well and clean out of the tank (pond). Motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director Pospisil, to proceed with drilling the well deeper and cleaning out the pond. Voting in favor were Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director Davis, Director Vahalik, and Director House. Voting against the motion was Director Stavinoha. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Director Pospisil, seconded by Director House, to authorize Camp Kubena Executive Director Clift to purchase an HVAC unit for a computer room at camp to house a server, as recommended by BFB Consulting, Inc., who is SPJST’s cybersecurity consultant. Motion carried unanimously.

The Camp Kubena Advisory Committee will meet on November 15 to discuss the 2023 budget.

Recess from 2 to 2:20 pm. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Director Victorick made a motion, seconded by Director House, to revisit and bring back for discussion the district funding model. Vice President of Communications Zavodny then presented information on the district funding model. Motion was made by Director Victorick, seconded by Director Vahalik, to approve the district funding model. Motion carried unanimously.

It was agreed that a committee would be appointed to discuss the lodge/youth group funding model. On the committee would be Director Stavinoha, Director Davis, Director House, Director Pospisil, Vice President of Communications Zavodny and State Fraternal Director Horak. Vice President of Communication Zavodny will schedule the meeting.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES FOR 2023 Monday, January 16 -Audit Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 18 Tuesday, April 18 and Wednesday, April 19 Monday, July 17 - Audit Committee Meeting Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19 Tuesday, October 17 and Wednesday, October 18

ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2023 Director Victorick nominated Director Engelke as Chair of Board of Directors, seconded by Director Pospisil. Director House made a motion and seconded by Director Vahalik to cease nominations and that Director Engelke be elected by acclamation. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Pospisil nominated Director Victorick as Vice Chair of Board of Directors, seconded by Director House. Director House made motion, seconded by Director Vahalik to cease nominations and that Director Victorick be elected by acclamation. Motion carried unanimously.

AUDIT COMMITTEE Appointed to serve on the internal audit committee for 2023 are Director Victorick, Director House, and Director Vahalik. Director House will serve as Chair.

Directors expressed how successful the meeting was and thanked everyone for a great 125 years.

ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Director House moved for adjournment. Director Davis seconded the motion, and the motion to adjourn carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Executive Committee will begin at 8 a.m. on January 17, 2023.

Fraternally submitted by, Linda R. Hill, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer —SPJST—

DISTRICT DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

District One Director Donnie Victorick

Activity Report

July—SPJST State YAD at Mayborn Center.

August—Lodge 9, Snook meeting; cooked hamburgers for District One youth swim party; attended Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje meeting; visitation for RGA James Schroeder; Lodge 48, Beyersville fundraiser; rosary service for Louie Veselka, father-in-law of John Engelke, Chair of the Board of Directors.

September—Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Lodge 9 Snook Grandparents’ Day program; Lodge 17, New Tabor Grandparents’ Day program; Lodge 38, Kovar meeting; visitation for Josephine Pflughaupt; drove District One Queen Jada Parks and State King J. Beaux Hruska in Burleson County Parade; Burleson County Youth Bake Auction and purchased SPJST youth baked item; Burleson County Youth Auction and purchased SPJST youth projects; Lodge 81, Needville Grandparents’ Day program; participated in SPJST Strategic Planning meeting with Executive Committee.

October—Funeral for SPJST employee Ann Paruzinski; Camp Kubena Advisory Committee meeting; Lodge 9, Snook meeting; meeting with officers of Hermann Sons and SPJST Executive Officers; meeting in Bryan with Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doherty and Territory Managers Kerry Herrington and Chris Liebum; cooked briskets for SPJST 125th Anniversary celebration - 2 days; served barbecue sandwiches with other directors at SPJST 125th Anniversary celebration; District One Fall Fun Day/Trunk-or-Treat; participated in Executive Committee quarterly meeting.

Commentary

The October meeting of the SPJST Executive Committee was a very good meeting. Many items were discussed, and great discussion and deliberation was held. Thank you, officers, for being so informative and presenting a very positive outlook for SPJST in the years ahead. We have made a lot of progress in terms of our finances and overall modernization of the organization. Our leadership team is definitely taking the leading role to continue to improve the way we are doing things, improving efficiency, and moving in the direction of innovation.

Our annuity sales and new programs we have made available to existing members and new members is tre-

mendous. Our rates are very competitive, actually exceeding many financial institutions and fraternals. We are blessed with three quality territory managers with great qualifications. I am looking for some excellent performance from them.

What more can we say about our AQS investment partners and the job they have done for us? Our investment income continues to grow in a time when things are very difficult. Being progressive minded and innovative without increasing risks is definitely in our favor. Many thanks for all involved in making AQS as our investment advisors. Our only problem is that it took too long for us to make this move.

The changes we are making regarding our lodge enhancement program need to be carefully studied without making a decision too fast. We must make sure our lodges become more involved in community service and become a center of the community in which they exist. This is all a part of a non-profit fraternal organization. Many of our members are going to have to make a change in their thinking and acting and do more than just meet for the sake of meeting. Many lodges are very active, and for this, I am grateful. More lodges need to join in this mode and reach out to get more members of their lodge involved in helping the lodge grow and become active. Without activity, there is no growth. Everyone needs to step up and become more involved to support and help an organization which must do these things or the big question will be, “What will happen next?”

As far as our revitalization of the Youth Program, more tweaking needs to be made to involve our DYCs as the local leaders of our youth along with dedicated youth leaders with creativity and imagination to get our kids involved. Too much central control can be detrimental. Let us be careful and empower more individuals to do their part and feel they are important. Delegation of power is much more successful than trying to take power away. We all must feel that we are important to make a program successful and to watch it grow.

I am so thankful for the innovative moves made by SPJST to move us into the 21st century in terms of Home Office performance and overall leadership philosophy.

Change is difficult, but no changes and upgrades will be detrimental. Fraternally, Donnie Victorick District One Director

District Two Director Jesse Pospisil

Activity Report

July—Assisted with hamburger meal for junior camp - session 1; Lodge 47, Seaton Annual Barbecue Cookoff; assisted with hamburger meal for junior camp - session 2; District Two Youth Achievement Day; participated in Audit Committee meeting; SPJST Executive Committee meeting; State YAD.

August—Lodge 29, Taylor meeting; Lodge 48, Beyersville fundraiser; Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cookoff Sponsor Appreciation Supper.

September—Lodge 29, Taylor meeting; Lodge 29, Taylor Barbecue Cookoff.

Commentary

I want to thank the officers for their reports, which made our decisions much easier. I want to thank Brian for all his efforts, which made our 125th anniversary a huge success. Special thanks must go to Donnie for his preparation of the brisket barbecue and fixings for the sandwiches. Also thanks to the directors and spouses and SPJST employees who worked very hard at this historic event and also the days of preparation.

I want to wish a safe and special holiday season to everyone.

I want to thank all the employees for sending me a beautiful vase of flowers and also a very nice card while I was in the hospital. Your thoughts and prayers made me feel very special. I want to wish Melanie a very special birthday. Congratulations to the awardees - Carol and Dorothy. Fraternally, Jesse Pospisil District Two Director

District Three Director John Engelke

Activity Report

August—S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers meeting; visitation for George Davis; Lodge 183, Arlington meeting; Lodge 66, Waco meeting; visitation and funeral for Louie Veselka.

September—Lodge 6, Cottonwood potato peeling party; Westfest parade; Ruth Hanusch retirement party; funeral for Susan Chandler; Lodge 92, Fort Worth Czech Fest; lunch/meeting for territory managers; Lodge 66, Waco meeting; Strategic Planning meeting.

October—Funeral for Ann Paruzinski; Camp Kubena Advisory Committee meeting; meeting with the officers from Hermann Sons; Czech Heritage Day at Sokol Dallas; SPJST 125th Anniversary; Executive Committee meeting.

Commentary

Thank you to our SPJST officers, directors, and employees for another good board meeting. As we prepare for 2023, I ask that all our lodges look at your 2022 numbers, and see what you can do to improve for 2023. Also start thinking to 2024; the convention is already in planning mode.

To all our members, I wish you a great holiday season and a great new year. Now is the time to look at your insurance and annuity needs for all your family. Thank you all for a great 2022. Fraternally, John Engelke District Three Director District Four Director Bobby Davis

Activity Report

July—State YAD.

August—Meeting with Boy Scouts Executive Devin Koehler and travel to Rowena meeting with officer; Lodge 49, Rowena - Jodie Nix dance; presentation at Boys Ranch; Boy Scouts Oktoberfest Committee meeting.

September—Lodge 230, Mildand meeting; Lodge 229, Abilene membership drive planning; met with Stacy McGuire - Boy Scouts on project; talked with House for Healing about helping with a fundraiser with Lodge 229, Abilene; meeting in Rowena with catering for Boy Scouts Oktoberfest; attended training with Territory Mangers and Delisle; attended employee luncheon; participated in Strategic Planning meeting - 2 days.

October—Lodge 229, Abilene Membership Drive; Boy Scouts Oktoberfest fundraiser; Boy Scouts Golf Tournament; Lodge 76, Wichita Falls planning meeting with Ray Esparza; worked with Leonard Jansa application submission via computer; SPJST 125th Anniversary Celebration in La Grange.

Commentary

We had another good meeting. I would like to thank Melanie and Frank for the work they are doing with the lodges and youth clubs. Everyone is working together, and it shows. Every department is very important to SPJST. We still have some challenges and some tough decisions ahead of us. We need to stay focused on what is best for SPJST. We need new members to keep us going so it is important as directors to visit with the agents, ask questions, and maybe get some ideas from the agents, too.

I believe 2023 is going to be another good year. Fraternally, Bobby Davis District Four Director

District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha

Activity Report

August—Lodge 196, Houston-West meeting; Lodge 81, Needville meeting; State Comptroller Glen Hegar’s meeting; District Five youth outing; Congressman Nehls’ meeting; festivals - High Hill and Shiner.

September—Lodge 91, San Jacinto meeting; Lodge 88, Houston meeting; Lodge 142, Houston meeting; Lodge 172, Pasadena meeting; Strategic Planning meeting - 2 days.

October—District Five Fall Fun Day at Lodge 88, Houston; SPJST 125th Anniversary Celebration in La Grange; Lodge 81, Needville meeting; Executive Committee meeting.

Commentary

The board is keeping a very close eye on interest rates. Twenty-two years ago in 2000, we saw interest rates at 8.3 percent. Will we hit those rates again? We want to take care of our members and ensure SPJST annuities are very competitive. The average American has already lost 25 percent of their 401(k) in 2022. An annuity offers a safer place for your money. Inflation is also on everyone’s mind. Since 1980, we have seen a 220 percent CPI increase, but college tuition has increased 1,180 percent. Do we see that same increase in wages for college graduates?

In 1980, average salary was $20,000; and in 2021, it was $44,000. Going to see grandma now costs double for gas than what it did two years ago. The next two years are going to be tough, but there will be opportunities. The board with input from our investment advisors and in discussion in our recent planning meeting is ready to meet the challenges ahead of SPJST. The board is looking at the numbers and doing the analytics to keep SPJST thriving.

In La Grange on October 15, SPJST celebrated 125 years. That’s two world wars, the great depression, many recessions, and other turmoil in our nation’s history that SPJST has withstood the test of time. We are a fraternal society, and any input you as a member may have is welcomed. Fraternally, Bradley Stavinoha District Five Director

District Six Director Annie Vahalik

Activity Report

July—Served hamburgers with directors at Camp Kubena for junior camp - session 1; District Six YAD at Taiton; served hamburgers at Camp Kubena with directors for junior camp - session 2; chaperone at Camp Kubena junior camp - session 2; participated in Executive Committee meeting; special called meeting with Executive Committee; State YAD.

August—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting; Lodge 41, Port Lavaca meeting; Lodge 8, Weimar meeting.

September 11—Lodge 28, East Bernard meeting/Age 96 pin presentation in East Bernard; Lodge 97, Placedo meeting; Lodge 23, Moravia meeting; set up SPJST booth, sausage and noodle soup booth for Victoria County’s Czech Heritage Festival; special called meeting with Executive Committee; Strategic Planning meeting.

October—KJT Octoberfest on the Deck at La Grange Fairgrounds; SPJST 125th Anniversary Celebration/District Six Fall Fun Day.

Commentary

Very good and productive meeting. Great presentations! Congrats to our longtime employees on their service awards. We appreciate your hard work and dedication. We are looking forward to the 125th Anniversary and Cars and Guitars later this month then the raffle prize drawing in November. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Fraternally, Annie Vahalik District Six Director

District Seven Director Regina House

Activity Report

July—Audit Committee meeting; Board of Directors’ meeting; special called meeting; State YAD.

August—Lodge 107, Floresville meeting; Lodge 133, San Antonio planning meeting with Jarolyn Popp and Marie Garcia; Lodge 258, Seguin meeting; Lodge 185, New Braunfels meeting.

September—Lodge 202, Jourdanton meeting; Lodge 133, San Antonio meeting; Strategic Planning meeting - 2 days.

October—SPJST 125th Anniversary Celebration; Lodge 79, Corpus Christi meeting.

Commentary

I want to give a big thank you to my fellow board members and officers for making this such a productive meeting these past two days. I also want to thank everyone for such a great and well-attended anniversary celebration this past weekend in La Grange! Here’s to the next 125 years for SPJST!

Congratulations to those staff members who were recognized for their many years of service. You and the job you do each and every day is so important and very much appreciated!

There is a lot of work still to be done, but I am confident that in these uncertain economic times that we as board members, along with AQS - our financial advisors - and all members, can work together to remain a strong fraternal insurance company. Fraternally, Regina House District Seven Director —SPJST—

In Memory of Bob Bayer

Continued from Page 1.

Bob and Polly had three children - John, Roxy, and Wendy. They had five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren, who were the light of his life! He always looked forward to seeing them and had a huge smile on his face when they came around. Bob was an avid hunter and fisher. He loved bowling and playing dominoes with his father-in-law, Joe. They won many tournaments together.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his inlaws, Joe and Pauline Pavliska; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Pavliska Bielefeld and Rebecca “Susan” Pavliska Blubaugh; and daughter-in-law April (Isom) Bayer.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Polly Bayer; son John Bayer and wife Peggy; daughter Roxanne and husband Larry Bertrand; daughter Wendy Pruski; grandchildren Kevin, Josh (Donna), Zach, and Hope Bayer, and Lian (Robert) Lynn; great-grandchildren Colt and Tillie Lynn, Atlas Bayer, and Jack Bayer; sisters MaryAnn (Al) Henke, Ruth Bayer, and Linda (Don) Johnson; brothers-in-law Erich Bielefeld, Joe Bob (Laura Lea) Pavliska, James “Pee Wee” (Leysa) Pavliska, Richard Blubaugh, and Jeff (Carol) Pavliska; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was Sunday, December 4 at 4 p.m. with a rosary recited at 5 p.m. at Franklin Funeral Home in Floresville. The family held a private family interment.

Memorial donations may be made to the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center through the SPJST Foundation, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501, or to a charity of one’s choice. —SPJST—

Remembering Honorary District Seven Director Bob Bayer

August 9, 1939 - November 26, 2022

† Bob had an eagle eye on details of everything at SPJST. He could foresee problems in the future with his years of experience. He always wanted to know what’s best for members and was famous for saying, “What’s next?” With so many SPJST accomplishments, they are too numerous to mention. I don’t want to recite his impressive resume, but Bob was well accomplished with SPJST and his life. Bob was a good visionary person who could foresee any complications in an item the board would move to approve. He was passionate in matters involving SPJST – especially the youth. He was always advising the board on what he thought was right. Bob would not let his age or health hamper him. He wanted to continue his work vibrantly with SPJST as long as he could. Bob had decades of knowledge about SPJST. I can still see Bob in his chair at our board meetings hitting his fist on the table to make a point.

It was an honor to know and work with Bob. I hope to emulate him and his dedication to SPJST. I cherish him telling me that he thought of me as one of the better board members to come through. A quote comes to mind when I think of Bob:

“The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.”

—Albert Einstein † I had the privilege of serving on the board with Bob well over 30 years. I knew him well enough to say that he was truly dedicated to SPJST and living up to being a good director. He was a fraternalist in deed and in heart.

Bob frequently requested detailed information about our operation. I well remember the requests he made to stay on top of things and to be informed on a matter before he took a position. And then, we remember his famous words, “What’s next,” when a serious problem came up.

He took great pride in his longevity on the board and relied on his many years of experience to make decisions. I truly enjoyed serving with him. We owe a sense of gratitude to him for his many years of service to SPJST in many capacities.

My heartfelt sympathy to his loving wife Polly and to John, Roxanne, and Wendy, and the rest of the family.

—Leonard Mikeska Chief Financial Officer † SPJST has lost a member with a great loyalty to the organization. “What’s next?” is the famous question Brother Bob would always ask at nearly every meeting. I don’t think you can find anyone more devoted to an organization than Bob was. Many times, his passion would aggravate others because of his questioning of things that were taking place. Many felt he was a bit too abrasive, but this is who he was. He never meant to come across as abrasive. It was just that he wanted to know.

I will miss the times he and I spent on the phone discussing issues and working on finding solutions to issues we were facing. Many people never were able to get to know the real Bob. Always wanting the best for what we needed to do was what he wanted. I respected him to the fullest – even though we did not see eye to eye on things, but the friendship which developed was priceless. One thing for certain is that you never wondered how he felt or where he stood on any issue. He spared no words.

His family is wonderful, and I know he cared about them. He was always talking with me about the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of them.

May our departed member rest in peace.

—Donnie Victorick District One Director † My sincere thoughts, prayers, and sympathy to Polly and all of the family and extended family. Bob was an integral part of the SPJST organization for many years. I was privileged to work with Bob in two different areas over a period of 20 years. There were a number of years from 2001 to 2011, I worked as State Field Representative for District Seven. I strived hard for him to be proud of my work with the agents. Then from 2012 to 2020, we served as district directors on the SPJST Supreme Lodge Board. Since I was District Six Director and he was District Seven Director, he sat on my direct right side at board meetings. I appreciated his passion and love for SPJST. Rest in peace, Bob. You will be missed and always have a place in our SPJST hearts.

—Karen Kaspar Honorary District Six Director

Remembering Honorary District Seven Director Bob Bayer

August 9, 1939 - November 26, 2022

† My sincere sympathy goes to the Bayer family for their loss. Bob was an inspiration to me and the entire board of directors. He always questioned all issues we were voting on. He thought of things that I would have never thought of. I always admired him - not only for his guidance, but for Bob himself. He has been missed greatly since he left the board.

Rest in peace, my friend!

—Jesse Pospisil District Two Director † My thoughts and our prayers are with Brother Bayer’s family during this time of loss. Brother Bob and I worked together in varying capacities for close to 30 years, and I considered him a friend and ally in matters of Society business – financial as well as fraternal. I will always remember Brother Bob for his determination both in and outside the boardroom – his meticulous reviews of operating statements, communication, and documentation. In that regard, he was tireless in his efforts to make the organization better.

But you know, Brother Bob also had a joyous and playful side! I vividly recall the lighthearted visit that we paid to the office of Sons of Hermann President Leroy Muehlstein in San Antonio in the fall 2004 that led to the first SPJST/Sons of Hermann Bowling Tournament which evolved – after three years – into the Fraternal Alliance of Texas Bowling Tournament, bringing together players from all of the Texas domiciled fraternal organizations, including SPJST, Sons of Hermann, KJT, KJZT, and Catholic Life. On that same note, Brother Bob was a great collaborator and supporter of the first Corpus Christi Getaway Weekend in 2007 and every subsequent event for the next 13 years. That was always a fun and family-oriented end-ofsummer event – and a great party for Bob – who was able to celebrate his birthday with his loving family and many friends from around the state!

Brother Bob will be dearly missed . . . May honor be given to his memory now and forever.

—Brian Vanicek President/CEO † Bob was the one who inspired me to run for District Seven Director. He really encouraged me with kind words of support and inspiration, and for those kind words, I am so grateful! I will definitely miss him at our meetings at Lodge 107, Floresville and in District Seven! May he rest in eternal peace.

—Regina House District Seven Director † During my first board meeting as State Youth Director, I asked for additional funding for youth activities. Most of the directors were receptive and willing to give me a chance. Except Bob. He pounded his fist on the table, and firmly remarked, “Show me the numbers, and we will show you the money.” That was Brother Bob’s way of ensuring that I would do my best to grow the youth program.

Brother Bob lived and breathed SPJST. He loved SPJST. I will miss his smile, infectious laugh, guidance, and wisdom. By the way, I honored his challenge, increased the youth numbers, and received additional program funding. Thanks for your mentorship, Bob. —Melanie Zavodny

Vice President of Communications