2015 Page 2

A Note from the President

by Linda Binns

Hello Cousins,

Our ancestors left Germany to start a new life here in the United States and they stayed a close family over the years. It has been 62 years since the first reunion meeting was held in October 1953. That reunion was the first of many to bring together the descendants of Anton and Marie Catherine Hoelscher.

That first board meeting, twenty-six cousins gathered to make plans to host the first reunion. Elected officers were: Edward G. Hoelscher, Rowena, General Chairman; Mrs. Johnnie Moeller, Lott, Local Chairman; Clarence Hoelscher, Rosebud, Secretary; and Ed Hoelscher, Rowena, Treasurer. Well over 1000 people attended that first reunion in 1954 at Westphalia.

The current board met in April and elected the past officers for another two years. Leonard Buxkemper resigned due to health issues, from which he later passed (See below).   Two new members, Al Henneke and Susan Ruiz were elected to serve on the board. Al is from the Columbus area and Susan is from Brownwood. Glad to have them on board. They both are looking forward to helping at reunions and with family information.

We also discussed the past reunion in Temple and the next reunion in New Braunfels. The reunions take lots of planning and setup to make them successful but the main ingredient is you! We hope you plan to attend in 2016. The reunion is a good place for you and your first, second, or third cousins to meet. The reunion is done for you. The board also had a discussion on the 2003 books, and if we are ready to start a new book. Look for the article on the “new” book later in this newsletter. 

Happy Birthday Wishes

There are a few milestone birthdays. The board would like to send birthday cards to those family members who have a 90th birthday, and anyone over 95. If you have a family member turning 90, or any birthday after 95, please email lindagbinns@gmail.com, or mail a note to Linda Binns at 3617 Old Post Court, San Angelo, TX 76904.

In September 2015, we know one family member will be 102, Sister Helen Lange. She lives in Florida at Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation.

Linda Binns,  President

Board of Directors

Majorie Baumbach, James Bernsen, O.A. Bernsen, Linda Binns, Joan Black, Carla Bottorf, Shirley Burk, Karen Cosper, Patricia Decker, Clarence Entrop, Dorothy Frerich, Barbara Fuchs, Mary Beth Gaspard, Carolyn Gottschalk, Diane Hadley, Al Henneke, Barbara Hoelscher, Johnny Hoelscher, Hubert Lange, Nadine McDonald, Lee & Judith Meurer, Reba Ott, Susan Ruiz, Paula Rodgers, and Doris Voltin