Our February meeting is always the one at which we swear in the committee members who were elected in January. This month the meeting was followed by sharing all the excellent treats that members brought to eat. Who doesn't like that?!  The first photo is our "new" committee. Yes, it looks much like the 2023 committee, with one change! We will miss Michael Campbell as 2nd secretary, a job he did very well for many years. But it's just a little hard to do from his new home in Florida, so we reluctantly let him step aside. Chrissy Walker was elected to do the 2nd secretary job. Welcome, Chrissy, who has done a wonderful job with any position she's been elected to!

The second photo shows all the members who attended the February meeting. We're a great looking bunch, aren't we?

Sunday, February 11, is our "swearing in" meeting.  All the officers elected in January will be sworn in to their new or re-elected positions. We'll be taking our annual group photo, too. Our committee will be wearing Boarisch Gwand; non-committee members are encouraged to as well, since we'll also be taking a picture of everyone in attendance.  

As always, bring some treats to share if you can. 

Note about dance practice -- it will be held from 1-2 pm from now on. Membership meeting is still from 2-4 pm.

J. Thomas Priemer
June 13, 1936 – January 19, 2024 

GTEV Edelweiss would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of J. Thomas Priemer.  He passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 87.  He is survived by Erika, his loving wife of 61 years; daughter Kristine Huebner, son Gregory Priemer, and his grandchildren.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and Opa. 

Tom grew up on a farm in Monroe, MI, graduated from St. John Grade School, Monroe Catholic Central High School (“54”), received his BA from Heidelberg University, and MBA from Indiana Northern University. Tom played on the 1955 Heidelberg undefeated team and in 2005 he was inducted into the University’s Football Hall of Fame. 

After college, Tom joined the US Army, trained as a cryptographer, assigned to the CIC and stationed in Germany where he met his true love Erika. Tom worked in Human Resources/Labor Relations at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.  He enjoyed farming, boating, metal detecting, U of M sports, running, traveling, writing family history, photography, and playing with his grandchildren.  As a member of the Motor City Striders, he ran in the Free Press Marathon.   

Tom originally joined Edelweiss in the 1970s.  After a brief hiatus he returned to Edelweiss in 2005.  He will be remembered most for his years of dancing in the Schuhplattler group.  Tom and Erika danced in several cities in the US and Canada. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 3-8 pm at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons in Shelby Township, 54880 VanDyke Ave.  Please join Edelweiss to conduct our dedication for Tom at 6 pm.  There will be a scripture Service following at 7 pm. 

He will be in state on Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:00 am at St. John Vianney Church at 54045 Schoenherr Rd. in Shelby Twp., MI.  The funeral mass will begin at 10 a.m. 

May his family have peace and comfort in their hearts during this difficult time. 

Ruhe in Frieden 

LINK TO OBITUARY

The October 2023 Wegweiser is ready to read! Find out what happened in the last few months, what's coming up, and other interesting news. CLICK THIS LINK.

Hedwig (Heddy) Pender passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 27 at the age of 87. Heddy was the mother (-in-law) of our members Sonja and Bill Bresette. Heddy came to our functions as well as many other German-Austrian events and was always an interested, lively lady to talk with. She'll be missed by her large and loving family and friends. Our deep condolences to Sonja and Bill and all those who love Heddy.

Visitation is Sunday, Oct. 1, from 4-8 pm (Rosary at 7) at the Muir Funeral Home in Lapeer. Funeral at Muir on Monday, Oct. 2, at 11 am.

Link to Obituary      Link to Funeral Home