The News from November and December 2018 Volume 101, issue 6

Minnesota

Odd Fellow Published Bi-monthly

Available For All Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Promoting Odd Fellowship through Positive Communication

IN THIS ISSUE: PG

Coming In January & February

Month Day Event January 1st Happy New Year January 15th Thomas Wildey Day January 21st Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 1st National Freedom Day February 2nd Groundhog Day February 3rd Super Bowl (Go Vikings-wishful thinking!) February 14th Valentine’s Day February 18th President’s Day

Grand Masters / Assembly Presidents Messages 2 Season’s Greetings from the Grand Lodge & Rebekahs 3 Sovereign Grand Masters Message 4

President I.A.R.A.’s Message 5

Grand Lodge Nominee’s for 2019-20 6

Grand Lodge Nominee’s for 2019-20 – con’t 7

2019 Rose Parade Float 8

2019 Rose Parade Float – con’t 9 Aitkin Rebekah Bake Sale / New Members 10

Lodge Pour Pori 11 Hassan Valley #109 Xmas Party/Mapleton Dazzle Days 12 Minnetonka Lodge #101 Christmas Party 13

Unity Rebekah #129 Christmas Party 14

Camp FA-HO-CHA Update 15 Three Links CEO Report 16

Broken Links – Vernette Warling, Detroit Lakes#105 17 Broken Links – Donald R. Lawyer, Detroit Lakes#105 18

Broken Links - Dorothy Laycock, PPIARA 19 BIRTHDAYS / Sick and in Distress 20

MESSAGE FROM YOUR GRAND MASTER

MESSAGE FROM YOUR ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT

Dear Rebekah Sisters and Brothers: Holy Cow! Cannot believe how fast the past two months have gone. In October, I attended the installation of Lakeside #26 Rebekah officers and the reception of Grand Master, Bob Arthur in Excelsior. In November, I was able to have lunch with the Lakeside Rebekahs at Maynard’s in Excelsior and their meeting afterwards. Thank you so much! In November, we had an executive, membership, visual service and youth group meetings at the Grand Lodge offices in Hutchinson. The Grand Master and I have booklets available for each member and will be bringing them to lodge meetings we attend. These booklets contain historical information (and more) and may help you when trying to get new members. The Happy Home #161 Noble Grand, Judy Crandall, invited me to a meeting she had to attend at Three Links in Northfield. A nice surprise awaited me as one of our devoted Rebekahs was the chairperson - Betty Richtsmeier. The officers of Three Links and several members of the Northfield community were in attendance. Some of these people have served for over 30 years! What a special group they are and it made me proud to represent the Minnesota Rebekahs. Do hope each of you enjoyed a very Happy Thanksgiving and with Christmas fast approaching, please remember those Rebekahs who are unable to leave their homes or care centers. To all of you, have a very Blessed Christmas as well as a Happy New Year. In Friendship, Love, and Truth, Doreita Reynolds, Assembly President 2018-2019 oldaladee@yahoo.com - 651-565-5368

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(Candidate for Grand Master – Douglas Klocek) • Address: 31590 170th Street, Granada, MN. 56039-8708. • Place of birth, Winnebago, MN, on September 4, 1958. • Member of Winnebago City IOOF Lodge #030, Date of initiation, 2010. Member of Starlight Rebekah Lodge # 011

since 2010. • Offices held; Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Secretary and Treasurer of the local lodges. • He has served on the Pilgrimage for Youth and Membership committees. • Occupation; works for MET for Boats, a maker of DC Motors in their machine shop and shipping department for

30 years.

(Candidate for Deputy Grand Master – Russell Barnes) • Address: 707 Penn Ave. North, Minneapolis, MN 55411. • Place of birth Minneapolis, MN, on August 15, 1955 • Member of Hopkins IOOF Lodge #17, Russell is a member of several committees, some of which are, the Visual

Services Committee, the Judiciary Committee, Investigation of Grievances Committee for the Grand Lodge, he also sits on the Foundation Board for Three Links Care Center in Northfield, MN. Russell is also the Grand Color Bearer for the Grand Lodge and the Representative for Hopkins Lodge #17 for Grand Lodge Sessions.

• Russell has held several positions within his lodge, including, Noble Grand (twice), Vice Grand (twice), Warden, and Treasurer (5 times).

• Russell Barnes is currently retired, but was a Small Business Owner previous to retirement.

(Candidate for Grand Warden – John Sonnek) • Address: 541 Nicollet Ave. North Mankato, MN 56003. • Place of birth Mankato, MN, on November 21, 1973 • Member of Mapleton IOOF Lodge #101, John has served on several committees for Mapleton, the most recent was

on their building committee for their new lodge and the renovation of apartments upstairs. John also served on Camp FA-HO-CHA’s Board of Directors for 5 years. John is a member of Desmain’s Valley Encampment No. 18 of which he has been a member since 2014. John is also a member of Fairmont #18 Canton of which he as been a member since 2014 also.

• John has held the office of Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Warden, Inside Guard and is currently the Secretary of Mapleton Lodge #101.

• John is self employed as a flooring installer out of Mankato.

GRAND MASTER DEPUTY GRAND MASTER GRAND WARDEN

DOUGLAS KLOCEK RUSSELL BARNES JOHN SONNEK

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(Candidate for Finance Committee – Rick Benesh) • Address: 17308 Candlewood Parkway, Eden Prairie, MN. 55347 • Place of birth Chicago, IL, on January 25, 1960 • Member of Minnetonka IOOF Lodge #102, Date of initiation 2008. • Member of the Three Links Home Board since 2013. • Rick Benesh is an experienced Manufacturing/Operations professional with a passion for creating improvements in the

workplace. He has worked in various manufacturing environments, including injection molding, automotive fabrication and medical devices. Specifically, he has worked for organizations that develop and implement the Toyota Production Systems (TPS) methodology. Rick is presently Director of Operations at JunoPacific based out of Anoka, working in Santa Cruz, CA.

• Rick earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin – Platteville and MBA from University of Phoenix. • Rick serves the community through volunteer work, including serving as an officer in Odd Fellows Minnetonka Lodge #102 for

the several years (Secretary, Vice Grand, and Noble Grand). Through Odd Fellows, Rick has donated hours volunteering for Hope for the City as well as participating in 2-3 IOOF fundraisers for Odd Fellow Camp and the Pilgrimage for Youth fundraising events annually.

(Candidate for Grand Secretary – Alex Saloum) • Address 825 Main Street N, Hutchinson, MN. 55350 • Place of, birth, Chicago, IL, on March 16, 1946 • Received his Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Wahpeton State School of Science, North Dakota in 1971. • Member of Hassan Valley Lodge #109, Date of initiation, 1984 and Unity Rebekah Lodge #129, Date of initiation, March 20 2012 • IOOF Offices I have held: Warden, Vice Grand, 2 terms as Noble Grand, Secretary for 20 years. • Committees served Trustee at Hassan Valley Lodge for 15 years. • Currently Grand Secretary for Grand Lodge of Minnesota. • Occupation: Semi-Retired • Currently serving on 3 links Home Board and Sponsorship Committee at Northfield, MN.

(Candidate for Grand Representative – David “Ace” Adams) • Address 947 S. Orient Street, Fairmont, MN. 56031-4346. • Place of birth, Winnebago, MN on October 22, 1962. • Member of Winnebago City IOOF Lodge #030, Date of initiation 1978 and Starlight Rebekah Lodge # 011. • Member of Starlight Rebekah Lodge #011, Date of initiation, 2000. • David has held many offices and has been our Minnesota Grand Representative since 2004. • He was also the Minnesota Grand Master in 2007-2008. • Occupation Drafter/Designer in the Specials Division for Avery Weight Tronix, a leading scale manufacturer.

GRAND SECRETARY GRAND LODGE REP FINANCE COMMITTEE

ALEX SALOUM DAVID “ACE” ADAMS RICK BENESH

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2019 ROSE PARADE FLOAT

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The Odd Fellow / Rebekah Float this year will be the 67th float out of 91. Be sure to watch for it and wave to Ace and Deb!!!

2019 ROSE PARADE FLOAT – con’t

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Aitkin Rebekah Lodge #151 held their annual bake sale on November 8th and 9th at the Members Co-operative Credit Union in Aitkin, MN. Nine (9) members baked and worked the sale while others donated generously. The sale was attended by the following members: Mary Andrews-Spilman, Arliss Spicer, Anna Eells, Kim Clement, Elaine Keitiz, Ellen Grohlke, Judy Anderson, Wilma Sandberg, and Elaine Wischmann. They made an amazing $700.00 + which they use to support their community projects. A big hats off to those that provided baked goods and donated their time and efforts!! Lorilie Robinson, daughter of their eldest member made and donated 12 loaves of homemade bread. What a treat for anyone who has never had the opportunity to taste fresh homemade bread. Her mother, Margery Howard will be 99 years young on December 2nd. Marge is always fun to visit with and her family very supportive of anything she asks them to do.

Picture and article provided by Elaine Wischmann

AITKIN REBEKAH’S ANNUAL BAKE SALE

AITKIN REBEKAH’S NEW MEMBER’S

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Initiation of new members to Aitkin Rebekah Lodge #151 was conducted on October 2nd at the Aitkin Odd Fellows Lodge hall. The new members are, sitting: Kim Clement, standing l to r; Roger Johnson and John Doherty. The Aitkin Rebekah lodge was assisted by members from other Rebekah lodges of Minnesota. Assembly President Doreita Reynolds, Assembly Chaplain, Shirley Kataska, and Past Assembly Presidents, Jeanne Reynolds and Linda Benjamin helped with the initiation. A big Thank You to these sisters who traveled the miles to help us.

Picture and article provided by Elaine Wischmann

Sadly, below is a picture of Donna Steele in the Hutchinson Hospital. Donna Steel, Doreita Reynolds, and Eva Steele came to stay overnight in Hutchinson on Friday, November 9th as Eva had some work to do prior to the Grand Lodge committee meetings on Saturday, November 10th. From here on out, the story lends itself to either suspicion, mischief, or both. The story goes like this, when these ladies got to the motel in Hutch, Eva lead the way into the motel, followed by Donna. Well, the sliding doors opened fine for Eva, but as Donna entered the doorway, the sliding doors closed on her and would not open, causing her to fall. She was taken to the Hutchinson Emergency Room by ambulance and eventually admitted for the night with a sprained wrist, elbow, knee, and a fractured shoulder. When the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly members heard about her misfortune, they felt so sorry for her and after their meetings on Saturday, several visited Donna at the Hospital. Donna was given sufficient pain med’s that her ride home was hopefully somewhat pleasant. We are all thinking and praying for Donna’s quick recovery from this unfortunate mishap. If you want to drop her a get well card, I’m sure she would love the thoughtfulness.

Picture provided by Eva Steele

Hassan Valley Lodge #109 of Hutchinson, MN were the recipients of a $2,000.00 grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation. Receiving the grant from Hassan Valley Lodge were l to r: Dave Sebesta, Treasurer, Steve Gasser from the Foundation, and Alex Saloum, Secretary. There were about 15 organizations that received grants that totaled $35,000.00. Alex Saloum applied for Hassan Valley’s grant which is to be used to provide 10 additional kids the opportunity to attend Camp FA-HO-CHA for one week in addition to the 10 that Hassan Valley currently funds. Hopefully, Hassan Valley will be able to apply next year for a larger amount.

LODGE POUR PORI

Donna Steele’s Unfortunate Mishap

Hassan Valley Lodge #109 Receives Grant!

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Hassan Valley Lodge #109 of Hutchinson, MN had their annual Christmas party on December 20, 2018 at their lodge hall. There were approximately 74 quests and members present. The lodge supplied the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, and beverage. Santa even showed up to give out gifts. There were several Boy Scouts and their parents that attended as quests of Hassan Valley Lodge. All had a great time!!

Left: Gifts under the lodges Christmas tree. Right: Santa and his helper (Dave Sebesta) talking to one of the Boy Scouts. Btm left: Boy Scout troop 623 of Hutchinson with Scout Master Brett Rasmussen. Btm right: Boy Scouts helping clean up after dinner. In charge was Theresa Berg.

Mapleton Lodge #101 of Mapleton, MN stuffed 200 Santa treat bags in preparation for Mapleton’s Snowflake Dazzle days. This is a yearly event which kicks off the holiday shopping season in Mapleton.

Top Left: Filling bags are Barb Lake, Pat Marzinske, and Brian Pucik. Top Right: Group photo of Mapleton Lodge members. Front: Barb Lake, Brian Pucik, Jerry Marzinske, Pat Marzinske, John Sonnek, Chad Kunkel. Back: Amanda Robinson, Joe Bowen, Gary Whitney, Stanley Whitney, and Lanny Cox.

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Rick Benesh and Jane Kuhn hosted their annual Christmas get together on December 2, 2018 at their home in Eden Prairie. There were over 20 friends, Odd Fellows and Rebekah’s that attended. Rick and Jane have hosted this get together for several years now and each year it seems to get bigger. The majority of guests were from Minnetonka Lodge #102 and Rebekah Lodge #11. The evening included great conversation, a potluck dinner, trivia games, Christmas carols, and Vikings football. It was a great evening to connect with friends and spread holiday cheer.

Above is Rey Lindquist loading up on some meatballs. Looks like there wasn’t a shortage of food for the evening!

Jane Kuhn playing the piano while several others sang along. Those seated are from l to r: Lisa Barnes, Helen Leach, Jan Schallberg, Jane Kuhn, Shirley Troska, Marlow Peterson, Linda Benjamin, and Art Benjamin.

Above are several gathered at the dining room table trying to figure out some of the trivia questions that were handed out.

To the right bottom is l to r: Jan and Rod Schallberg, their daughter, Pam, and Karen Peterson having a conversation while in the back are several getting ready to fill their plates with a lot of good food.

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Unity Rebekah Lodge #129 of Paynesville, MN held their annual Christmas party on December 12, 2018 at Ron & Judy’s Restaurant in Paynesville. There were 17 guests and members that attended this event. Katy and Allen Hubred, members of Unity, were the host and hostess for the evening. After a great meal, each guest and member got to pick a card from the deck and if your number was drawn you got to select a gift that Katy had made and wrapped. There were gifts for both women and men, so needless to say, everyone got a gift. After all the gifts were opened, everyone found time to do some visiting with friends that they hadn’t seen for some time.

Left: Minnesota’s Rebekah Assembly President, Doreita Reynolds and her husband Larry were Unity’s honored guests.

On the right are host and hostess, Allen and Katy Hubred. Both are members of Unity #129. Everyone who attended had a great time this evening and hope to do it again next year! Thanks for a great night of fun and fellowship!

Above: Those that attended Unity’s annual Christmas party. From l to r: Dave Sebesta, Brett Rasmussen, John Reynolds, Jeannie Reynolds, Kristin Abrahams, Margaret Reamer, Allen Hubred, Katy Hubred, Doreita Reynolds, Larry Reynolds, Lisa Rasmussen, Connie Saloum, and Jan Sebesta. Taking the picture was Alex Saloum.

On the way back to Hutchinson, some were surprised to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train parked at Eden Valley. The photo’s below show how decorative all the train cars were. There was approximately 12-15 cars, each one decorated differently.

Also attending were John Reynolds, Rebekah Assembly Grand Warden and his wife Jeannie.

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Left are: Stanley Whitney and Tony Nichols taking the holding tank to the island with one of the island’s pontoons. They need to have everything done by April of 2019 otherwise, they will need to file for another extension. Things look promising to have everything completed before this deadline. The Grand Lodge would like to thank all those that volunteered to help with this project on their time off. You all went above and beyond!!!

Pictures provided by Stanley Whitney.

CAMP FA-HO-CHA UPDATE

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Tony Nichols has headed up the work on the septic system at Camp FA-HO-CHA over the last two years. It has been a pain-staking task working with the County and all their rules and regulations and not to mention the weather. They have been hoping for thick ice in winter to move the sand that was needed for the drain field. Due to the thin ice the last two winters, the crew was forced to attempt carrying sand in pails on the pontoons, but this proved to labor intense. Thanks to thick ice last winter, they were able to drive the rest of the sand over to the island.

An excavator was purchased for digging and covering the mound. The excavator will stay until all work is done and the ice is thick enough to drive it off the island. Brush and trees have been cleared to make an area for the mound system and also an area was cleared where they will dig out black dirt to top the mound. They hope to finish the dirt work this fall and the electrical work in the spring.

Above are: Bill Alitz (pointing), Tony Nichols, and Stanley Whitney in the bobcat installing the holding tank. Mound system is nearly completed in background.

Above are: Stanley Whitney, Bill Alitz, and Christine Dorgan digging a line from the bathroom to the holding tank.

THREE LINKS CEO REPORT

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BROKEN LINKS In Loving Memory

SISTER: VERNETTE WARLING DATE OF BIRTH: March 3, 1925 DATE OF DEATH: November 16, 2018 MEMBER OF: Lakeside Lodge #105 (Detroit Lakes) DATE OF MEMBERSHIP: 2001

Vernette Edna (Christoffers) Warling passed away November 16th, 2018. Vernette was born March 3rd, 1925 in Dale, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Augusta (Seydel) Christoffers. Vernette grew up on a farm near Dale and attended country school near her home. She graduated 8th grade in 1938. Through the years, Vernette worked on the family farm and spent time gardening, canning and sewing . On October 25, 1945 she was united in marriage with Floyd Warling in Lake Park, Minnesota. They were blessed with 4 children – 2 sons and 2 daughters. The couple made their home on the farm, raising their family in Hamden Township of rural Audubon.

In 1979, they moved off the farm and built a house near the farm. Floyd passed away January of 2010 and Vernette continued to live in the house until 2015 when she became a resident of Oak Crossing for the last three years.

Vernette was a very caring and nurturing person. She enjoyed gardening and passing on her talents of cooking, baking, quilting, and crocheting to her children. Family was the most important thing to her. Vernette had a love for square dancing and was a member of the Rebekahs and the Lot-A-Wata C.B. Club.

Vernette is survived by her children, Albin (Carol) Warling of Audubon, MN, Lavonne (Michael) Smith of Audubon, MN, Mavis (Jim) Best of Volga, SD, and Bernhard (Ann) Warling of Cold Spring, MN; twenty grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; many nieces and nephews.

Vernette was preceded in death by her husband Floyd; her parents; brother, Vernon Christoffers; and sister, Viola Voehl

Visitation Prayer Service Funeral Service Graveside Service

Friday, November 30, 2018 Friday, November 30, 2018 Saturday, December 01, 2018 Saturday, December 01, 2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 6:30 PM 11:00 AM 12:15 PM

West Kjos Funeral Home West Kjos Funeral Home First Lutheran Church – Audubon Hamden Cemetery 900 Summit Ave. 900 Summit Ave. 373 3rd Street Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Audubon, MN 56511 Audubon, MN 56511

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BROKEN LINKS In Loving Memory

BROTHER: DONALD ROGER LAWYER DATE OF BIRTH: December 10, 1935 DATE OF DEATH: October 23, 2018 MEMBER OF: Lakeside Lodge #105 (Detroit Lakes) DATE OF MEMBERSHIP: 2008

Donald R. Lawyer, 82, of Lake Park, MN, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at Bethany in Fargo, ND, after injuries he suffered in an ATV accident. Donald Roger Lawyer was born December 10, 1935, in Dows Township, ND, to Elmer Lee and Viola (Borud) Lawyer. He grew up in the area and graduated from Arthur, ND, High School in 1954. He was employed at Burkholder Service in Hunter, ND, for 7 years. In 1963 he joined the Fargo Police Department where he was employed until retiring from the Force in 1992. He married Jean Ellison on October 25, 1956, in Fargo, ND. The marriage was later dissolved. He married Patricia Kern on July 25, 1983, in SD. Don lived his retirement years together with Pat at the lake. He spent his time reading westerns, watching and feeding wildlife, tinkering in his garage, and visiting with anyone who was around. In fact, Don never ended a conversation. His gift of time was appreciated by all who knew him, especially his wife. Donald is survived by his wife and seven children. They are Sharon Lawyer, Eagan, MN, Launee Lawyer Hamnes, Bottineau, ND, Amy Goodwin, Grapevine, TX, Roger (Julie) Lawyer, Bismarck, ND, Scott (Michelle) Such, Hudson, WI, Brad (Nadine) Such, Woodbury, MN, and Ryan (Jennifer) Such, Fargo. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and two brothers, Douglas Lawyer, Grand Junction, CO, and Darrell Lawyer, Ardmore, OK. He is preceded in death by his parents.

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BROKEN LINKS In Loving Memory

SISTER: DOROTHY MAXINE LAYCOCK, PPIARA DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF DEATH: November 11, 2018 MEMBER OF: Past President of International Association of Rebekah Assembly DATE OF MEMBERSHIP:

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The Grand Lodge of Minnesota Grand Secretary/Editor: Alex Saloum PO Box 7415 Hutchinson, MN 55350-7415 Office Phone 320-234-0101 E-mail: glofminn@hutchtel.net

Grand Lodge of Minnesota Instituted May 5th, 1853

Your Minnesota Odd Fellows Website is mnoddfellows.org

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!! Minnesota’s Odd Fellow/Rebekah Birthday Club

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS: FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: Date Name Lodge Date Name Lodge

5th Norma Schmitt # 011 1st Eric Jacobson # 084 5th Everett Hantge # 109 2nd Peter Gural # 109 5th J. Douglas Plott # 102 & 026r 2nd Arne Josephson # 002 9th Eric Heglund # 164 2nd LuAnn Lanz # 122r & 154

9th Christopher Hill # 101 3rd Lewis McFerran II # 154 & 122r 11th Wilma Schultz # 024 5th Maurice Iliff # 011r 12th Barbara Hunter # 011r & 030 5th Pam Mortensen # 105 15th James Tuomisto # 017 6th John Hoehne # 084 16th Sandra Carlson # 161r & 050 6th Keith Wilts # 230 16th Patricia Oliver # 151r & 164 10th Cordelia Arthur # 109 19th Kristina Heggeseth # 161r 11th Sheryl Christopherson # 024 21st Kristin Abraham # 129 15th John Doherty # 164 25th Rick Benesh # 102 & 026r 16th Mary Ann Braun # 134 26th Randy Larson # 230 17th Greg Richards # 230 29th Lewis F. McFerran # 154 & 122r 18th Harry Olson # 230 29th Joseph Kostichka # 002 19th Allen Hubred # 129r 29th Richard Houghton # 084 19th Dana Blume # 230 30th Donald Hoffman # 164 20th Judy Anderson # 151r

21st Ana Jindra # 109 25th Francis Mott # 109 & 129r 25th Joel Ekberg # 230 26th Eric Trosdahl # 118 27th James Johnson # 230 27th Judi Frahm # 024 28th Thomas Buckingham # 024 28th Dominic Blume # 230

Sick and Distressed Those that are sick and in distress are listed below. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

In Sickness or Distress Lodge Sickness or Distress Recuperating at: Joan Adams Winnebago #30 Heart valve replacement. Blue Earth Hospital Donna Steele Winnebago #30 Fell attending GL meeting. Home. Ed & Mary Spilman Aitkin #164 & #161 Loss of their son Joel. PSGM W. Larry Ferguson West Virginia Hip surgery.

Please send any information that could be used in the newsletter or the Web Site to me (Editor:) at the address listed below. If you think someone may have sent it, send it anyway, better that I get 5 copies than none at all. Anytime you send me information please enclose your name and lodge number. If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas call me anytime at 320-234-0101.

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