LEO HUNSDORFER – A Life of Service & Verse

Leo A. Hunsdorfer was born in Chicago on April 11, 1910. At only sixteen, he joined Section 3 of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America (L.B.A.) on September 12, 1926, quickly distinguishing himself through energetic service. Over the next four decades, he held multiple officer posts—most notably financial secretary—and lent his talents to countless Schobermesse committees.

Yet it was his gift for poetry that earned him a special place in the Brotherhood’s collective memory. Celebrated as the section’s unofficial poet laureate, Hunsdorfer composed verses for festivals, meetings, and milestones; many appeared in the Luxembourg News of America, preserving community moments in eloquent lines.

Final Farewell

Leo Hunsdorfer passed away on September 2, 1968. His funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Edward’s Church on Thursday, September 5, with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Concetta (née Cinquegrani); daughters Margaret Jo, Mary Ann, and Rita; and sister Ceil Werner.

In its October 1968 issue, Luxembourg News of America honored him with the following epitaph—an adaptation of lines from Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard that perfectly reflects Hunsdorfer’s quiet generosity and artistic soul:

Here rests his head upon the lap of Earth,
A youth to fortune and fame unknown;
Fair Science frowned not on his humble birth,
And Melancholy marked him for her own.
Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere;
Heaven did a recompense as largely send:
He gave to misery (all he had) a tear;
He gained from Heaven (’twas all he wished) a friend.

Resolutions of Condolence

At its meeting of September 8, 1968, Section 3 adopted formal Resolutions of Condolence for three cherished members—Henry Miller, Albert Breckler, and Leo Hunsdorfer. The resolution expressed “heartfelt sympathy” to their families, ordered the section charter draped in mourning for thirty days, and called for a minute of silent prayer in their honor. Committee signatories for Leo’s resolution were Martin Winandy, Melchior Weides, and John Lang.

A Legacy in Poetry

Below is a comprehensive collection of Leo Hunsdorfer’s poems so that all L.B.A. sections might share in his artistic legacy. Through these verses—spirited, humorous, and heartfelt—the voice of a community endures, celebrating heritage, fellowship, and the simple joys of gathering together.

More than a dedicated officer, Leo Hunsdorfer embodied the Brotherhood’s ideals of service and cultural pride. His words continue to resonate wherever Luxembourgers meet, reminding readers that, as long as poetry is cherished, the poet himself never truly departs.

SAURBRATEN

By Leo Hunsdorfer
Published: April 27, 1957

Section 15 wishes to
On Saturday, May 4
Have dinner just for you
A delight is in store.
This date, keep in mind,
At the Gardens, you will find
SAURBRATEN, it’s ideal
Prepared only to appeal
To you, friends, and relations
Accept this invitation
The committee worked like bees
To fill your expectations
Joe Weber holds the Chair.
To this annual affair
Bill Beigert is in command
Of the refreshment stand
Dinner served from 5 to 9
Saturday, May 4 — I repeat
Suggest you come early to dine
Mark your calendar for a treat.

WELCOME TO SCHOBERMESSE

By Leo Hunsdorfer
In 1957, the following appeared in the Schobermesse Program Book:

The Schobermesse will soon be here.
A tremendous gala event
People come from far and near.
For they know their times well spent.
The committee has worked diligently.
To make a huge success
With Johnnie Jung holding the reins
To this year’s Schobermesse.
As Sections official greeter
Harry Trausch takes the stand.
To welcome one to welcome all.
With warm and friendly hand.
Always will Martin Wiltgen?
At whole booth you chance a prize
So, for a buck try your luck.
You may have a surprise.
Those wishing to dance.
May step free on the floor.
To a popular waltz
Or a rock and roll score.
There’ll be many games of chance.
To add to your delight
Too numerous to mention here.
They go far in the night.
Nick Colling in the kitchen
A master chef, is he?
To grant your wish in his delight
And your expectancy.

To Our Grand President

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA – Vol 1 – Skokie, IL
LNA – Saturday, August 10, 1963

I write this with praise
To our Grand President.
His address to the convention
His views and his intent.
As Mr. Eschette stated,
Not all members do comply.
On 100% cooperation,
He so urgently does rely.
So many times we hear,
Let the other Brother do it.
But we should take the attitude,
Together we’ll pursue it.
We need cooperation,
This point I know I stress,
Only then can we achieve
The ultimate in success.
Let’s all join together,
Show Mr. Eschette we’re sincere.
Let us do our utmost,
For the Brotherhood we hold dear.

50-Year Members

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA – Vol. 61 – Chicago, IL
Wednesday, November 13, 1963

The 50-year Members are indeed,
The Brotherhood’s greatest pride.
These stalwart men did mold,
The Brotherhood, side by side.
They built the foundation,
That made the Brotherhood strong.
They are like the pioneers.
To the land which we belong.
When called upon to serve,
On a committee or special event,
Unanimous was their decision,
Enthusiasm was their intent.
To our faithful Brothers,
Ever grateful we shall be,
Hold them in high esteem,
All their efforts and loyalty.
Three cheers for the 50 yr. Members,
And as this life they trod,
May they be blessed abundantly
From the Hands of Almighty God.

Editors Note
A special thanks to our member of Section No. 3 of the Brotherhood, Leo Hunsdorfer, the author of these poems, printed in your Luxembourg News of America. From time to time, for such special occasions as the one referred to above.

Autumn

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA Vol 62
Chicago, Illinois,
Wednesday, January 15, 1964

Autumn is the season,
Which tends much to enthrall,
All Nature in her beauty,
As the leaves begin to fall.
The barren trees, so
Stalwart there they stand,
The brisk winds bend
Branches at command.
Enchantment tends to reign,
The fields a splendid hue,
Magnificence lies everywhere
For those who wish to view.
So much is taken for granted,
As we hasten on Life’s Pathway
If we would but observe
Mother Nature’s errand array.

Our Consul General

By Leo Hunsdotrfer
LNA Vol 62
Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday, January 15, 1964

We congratulate you, Mr. Witry
On your deserved promotion.
All proof of your loyalty,
Faithfulness and Devotion.
As our Consul General,
Your words we all shall heed.
For your wise decisions
Will hasten our every need.
We wish the very best for you,
And your family you so caress,
And pray that the Almighty One,
With outstretched arms will bless.

SCHOBERMESSE

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA Vol 62
Chicago, Illinois, Friday, August 28, 1964

It’s Schobermesse time
That special time of year
When friends congregate
To bring each other cheer
The committee worked diligently
To make a huge success
Now it’s up to you, and you
To bring all happiness
Rides for the kiddies
And many more surprises —
At Leo Eschette’s Booth
You can win valuable prizes
The clown with his accordion
Your songs are on his list
You may sing or dance
You may even do the twist
Mr. Harry Trausch
Who has that certain touch
Compiled a Program Book
You’ll enjoy so very much
The chairman of the Bar
Has a wide selection
In Mr. Ceiling’s kitchen
All food is of perfection
Those who prefer
There’ll be tables to dine
For all to enjoy imported Lux. wine
Come to the Schobermesse
The place is ideal
A picnic atmosphere
That is so real.

SCHOBERMESSE

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA Vol 63
Chicago, Illinois, August 27, 1965

Again, we greet the Schobermesse
To celebrate with cheer
Where all meet at the Gardens
It’s that time of year.
So diligent is the committee
To make an outstanding event
Mr. Gene Koeune is at the helm
Success is quite evident
John Lang in entertainment
His committee has much in store
Games, Races, and refreshments,
And surprises galore.
Radio, Television, and
Many prizes at hand
You may purchase Raffle Books
At Peter Mersch’s busy stand,
An Orchestra to dance to
As you waltz or do the twist
The clown with his accordion
Your songs are on his list
Mr. Nick Colling is in the kitchen
Where foods are of perfection
Delicious Luxembourg sausages
And many other selections.
Bar committee chairman
Mr. Charles Fautsch holds the key
His thought is first, to quench your thirst
Fill all your expectations
Mr. Harry Trausch with
A Journalistic touch
Has compiled a Program Book
We’ll treasure very much
I urge you to come to the Schobermesse
To make a brighter day
Many an attraction, to
Delight you in every way.

THE EDITOR

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA Vol 11
Park Ridge, Illinois, February 1968

We salute you ,Editor
Of the Luxembourg News –
A well-compiled Newspaper
With all unbiased views –
For only through this medium
So informed are we
On captivating stories
On days that used to be –
We look forward to the News
In our homes, it so blends
It is always welcome
Like our very dear friends –
The tremendous task
To edit and compile
Reporting every detail
In a most appropriate style –
Current events all seem
To be right up to par
The Sections on their meetings
Interesting topics from afar –
We salute you, Editor
For your journalistic touch
May the News forever bring
What we appreciate so much.

PATIENCE

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA Vol 2
Park Ridge, Illinois, April 1968

Patience is the virtue, in
Which we all should partake
Yet, so often in our haste
All patience we forsake —
So often we let our temper
Get the better of us all
And with a tongue that’s loose
We say things we can’t recall.
When folks are bitter toward us
We know not the reason why
Perhaps we’re not the target
Of all that they imply
Let us practice patience
Make it our very first rule
For only the patience of the will
It is our most treasured tool.
Yes, the patience of the will
A most profound deed
Builds treasures up above
Whenever we plant the seed

PESCHE’S FOOD MART

By Leo Hunsdorfer
LNA Vol 2
Park Ridge, Illinois, August 1968

When in your car, out for a drive
I wish you would stop
At Pesche’s Flower and Vegetable
An excellent place to shop
Here you’ll find flowers
And many different plants
All to bring you joy
For they so enhance.
The variety in the delicatessen
Something to look forward to
Various sausages, different meats
Displayed for all to view.
A great array of soft drinks
Selecting your favorite brand
Should your preference be spirits
They, too, are at your command.
The Pesche Ad is in the “News”
If information is your quest
Come all to Pesche’s flowerland
You’ll be a welcome guest.
Luxie cheese, Lux. sausage
All bring cheer and delight
Come, meet the congenial people
Here, the customer is always right.
I assure you, dear reader,
With emphasis, I say
Come to Pesche’s, to
Make bright your everyday.
The sales they propose
All bargains to the fore
All the freshest products
All emphasis on the store.
The favorite of those near and far
The Pesche store shall be
An asset to be sure
to all the community.

Research and Article Written by: Nick C. King, Section 3, Historian / Webmaster / Sergeant at Arms