Bring your family and friends for an enjoyable afternoon.  Details in the flyer.

Hildegund Rabiteau

September 24, 1941 - December 14, 2025

It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of beloved wife and mother, Hildegund “Hilde” Rabiteau.  Hilde was born in Hoerstein Germany.  Her early years were largely spent serving locals and travelers in search of Gemütlichkeit in her family’s well-esteemed Gasthaus Zum Weissen Rossl.  It was there in 1961 that she met her husband of fifty years, Neil Rabiteau.  They came to the United States in early 1964.

Hilde was the loving mother of Barbara, son-in-law Dennis Carter, and son David Rabiteau.

She became an active member of the Detroit GTEV Edelweiss and the German American Cultural Center.  She served as a Trustee and Kartenobmann for Edelweiss.  Her husband Neil served as Vorstand.  They also danced together in our Folktanz group.   She received the Ehren Mitglied award in 1988. 

Hilde enjoyed a great many years as the treasurer of the GACC Women’s Auxiliary Bowling League and was a skilled bowler.  She also had a passion for cards and was always willing to teach family and friends a game.

Our deepest condolences to her family.  Ruhe in Frieden. 

Pamela Gassel

December 1, 1954 – March 8, 2026

Pamela Gassel, age 71, of Macomb, MI passed away on March 8, 2026.  She was born on December 1, 1954.   Pam joined Edelweiss in February, 1973.  She received her Golden Edelweiss in 1988.

Pamela was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Helen Gassel.  In recent years, she served as a caregiver to Helen.  She is survived by her siblings Chris Gassel and Cathy Delbeke and many nieces and nephews.

Pam danced as a Schuhplattler for many years. She assisted with the children’s dance group in the mid 1970s.   She also served as first and second Kassiererin for Edelweiss.

She was an avid pet lover who rescued and fostered many birds throughout her life.

There are no services planned at this time.  Pam will be dearly missed.  May she rest in peace.

At the January meeting, Edelweiss held its election of officers.  The committee members haven't changed; evidence that the membership is happy with the officers. At the February 8 meeting, the officers took their oath to uphold the Verein's main goal of "Sitt und Tracht der Alten wollen wir erhalten."

• 1. Vorstand - Erwin Rauschendorfer
• 2. Vorstand - Fred Walker
• 3. Vorstand - Rick Michels
• Kassier - Colleen Michels
• 2. Kassier - Sharon Walker
• Schriftführerin - Rita Dziersk
• 2. Schriftführerin - Chrissy Walker
• Sachenverwalterin - Chrissy Walker
• Karten Obmann -- Sonja Bresett
• Küchen Obmann - Annette Edelhauser
• Bar Obmann -- Bill Bresett
• Trustees -- Annette Edelhauser (3 year); Lori Carpentier (2 year); Roger Kraft (1 year)
• Pressewart & Historian -- Karin Dean Kraft
• Musikwart -- Rick Michels
• GACC Delegates -- Fred Walker & Roger Kraft (alt)
• Fahnenträger -- Barry Lamerand

The Dance Officers for 2026 are largely the same except that we have a new secretary -- Sean Liska. Welcome to Sean and a big thank you to Sharon Walker, the outgoing secretary. 

• Vorplattler -- Eric Walker
• 2. Vorplattler -- Kevin Walker
• Vortänzerin -- Chrissy Walker
• 2. Vortänzerin -- Annette Edelhauser
• Secretary -- Sean Liska
• Sachenschlepper -- Annette Edelhauser
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The 34th Mittelwest Bezirks Heimatfest is being held this year in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 27-28. It's jointly hosted by D'Fröhliche Schuhplattler of St. Louis along with D'Holzar of Dallas, Texas. Friday evening we're in for a special treat -- celebrating the 50th anniversary of D'Fröhliche Schuhplattler Verein with a Heimatabend! On Saturday it's all-day fun with Jugend Einzelplatteln, a meeting, workshops, and a Flohmarkt. In the evening the banquet, awards for our young dancers, Ehrentänze, and a good dance band. The $90 Fest ticket covers beverages for much of the weekend and Saturday's banquet meal. Accommodations and events are at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel.

If you're interesting in attending, contact Rita Dziersk. Tickets must be prepaid by the end of February.  Hotel block is available until March 9 to get the $155/night rate. Call 1-888-627-7066 and mention the Mittelwest Bezirks Heimatfest. We always have a great time with our friends from all over the midwest.