Historian's Corner

The Heartland District Sisterhood held its first convention in over two and a half years on April 1st and 2nd. Meeting at a Des Moines, Iowa Holiday Inn, Lodge 186 from Brainerd, Minnesota and Lodge 3 from Davenport, Iowa joined with Lodge 102 from Des Moines, Iowa for a wonderful time of reconnecting and Hygge. Friday night's traditional frikadeller and fixings dinner was delicious! Entertainment of Danish folk dancing and singing was enjoyed by all.

Saturday morning meetings held the election of the new officers, other business matters, and the memorial service for dear members who had passed since the last convention. Our special guest, National Secretary Glenda Madrid, was introduced and welcomed. We were also pleased to recognize two other members of the National Board who were in attendance as members of our district: Linda Holz (National Trustee and Butikken Chairman); and Nealna Gylling (National Trustee and Scholarship Chairman). Our Saturday evening banquet was once again decorated beautifully in a Danish theme. It was the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, and appropriately, each table held 2 beautiful commorative plates showing scenes from his fairy tales, as well as one of his famous quotations. The meal of Danish pork roast with prunes and apples along with many extras, was delightful. Lisa Kramme, a very talented storyteller, shared several of his fairy tales, even paper cutting, as she talked. What a special way to complete our salute to one of Denmark's most famous authors! A standing ovation was given to our Heartland District President Carol Rudisill when she received the award for "Outstanding District Sister." Carol led us through "unprecedented" territory for over 2 years as we dealt with the loss of our dear long time Secretary/Treasurer Jane Paulsen early in 2020, then the pandemic that started 2 months later. She found ways to keep us afloat and organize our group effectively to be able to hold the long delayed convention. Carol has been very active in her own lodge 102 and the convention's theme "Keeping the Danish Spirit Alive" was really a reflection of her personal philosophy as well. One of her favorite sayings when she has been thanked for "going the extra mile" in helping others is "That's what Sisters are for!" It was a memorable convention to all in attendance.

I am here today to talk about Betty and the Danish Sisterhood lodge. Betty joined the lodge as a young girl in her teens (like many of us did) and was active in the activities and meetings. She dropped out of the lodge when Alan was a toddler to take care of him. The Brotherhood and the Sisterhood met at the same time and John, her husband, was active in the Brotherhood. Betty rejoined the Sisterhood in 1960. She continued to be very active in the Lodge. She held all of the offices at one time or the other. She also served on the committees for planning Midwest District Conventions and also was the Co-chair with Lillian Andersen for the National Convention in the mid 1960’s that was held in Milwaukee. She held offices in the Midwest District and also was a delegate to National conventions twice. Betty worked on and participated in the many card parties and Aebleskiver breakfasts When Lodge 5 in Racine dissolved, she transferred to Lodge 20 in Kenosha. Betty had the task of gathering the records, etc. of Lodge 5 and transferring them to the National Office. She continued to be active in Lodge 20 in Kenosha for several years. In September 2015, Betty received the Danish Sisterhood Lifetime Achievement award. She is the first National member to receive this. It was presented at our annual picnic gathering with her son, Alan attending this happy moment. Being a part of the Danish Sisterhood was one of Betty’s greatest joys and she will be missed. She was a True Treasure to our Sisterhood Lodges

In Memoriam

NAME Cert # Lodge # Location Birth Date Birth Place Initiated Died Benefit Edith Munch 90110 142 Schenectady, NY 2.21.43 Brooklyn, NY 5.18.05 12.10.21 0 Phebe Wilson 1351 65 Greenville, MI 11.3.23 Michigan 8.10.07 11.16.21 0 Christina Johnson 23200 125 Detroit, MI 7.27.24 Taylor, MI 12.12.73 1.31.22 125. Marie Johnson 23792 90 Lincoln, NE 8.30.22 Froslev, DK 1.12.80 1.23.22 500. Joan Konstad 22180 81 Portland, OR 1.10.26 Portland, OR 4.1.64 3.20.21 125.

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