SECTION 8 HISTORY (1902 – 2013)

SECTION 8 – EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – 1902 – 2013

Section 8 was organized on February 23, 1902, in Evanston, Illinois. Grand President, John N. Watry, initiated the following forty-two members into the L.B.A.:

John Becker	Nick Majerus	Henry Schmit
Nick Brosius	Steven Marso	Martin Schmitz
J.P. Damit	John May	Michael Schumer
Peter Didier	Martin Mersch	Frank Shelsky
Lorenz Elsen	Mathias M. Miller	Nick Steffen
Frank Elsen	Frank Miller	Paul Sterpenig
John Fischbach	Nick Olinger	John P. Sterpenig
Nick Fischbach	Henry Olsen	Andrew Theisen
Nick Gans	William Pestka	John P. Wanderscheid
George Guirisch	Adolph Reding	Mathias Watgen
Michael Hintzig	Michael Reding	John N. Weiland
Hubert Hoscheid	Andrew Reisch	Michael Weiland
Frank Leider	John P. Remich	N.K. Walter
Michael Louis	Peter Schimberg	Frank Williams

The first officers were:

President	J.P. Koob
President	Hubert Hoscheid
Vice-President	John P. Remich
Recording Secretary	Henry Geimer
Finance Secretary	Nick Gans
Treasurer	John Weiland
Trustee	Michael Schumer
Trustee	N. K. Welter
Trustee	Peter Schimberg
Marshal	Mathias M. Miller
Grand Representative	Nick Gans

These charter members began, in 1902, a Section whose contributions to the L.B.A. and its community have been too numerous to count. It has supported a variety of charities, among them St. Nicholas Catholic Church, the Luxembourg Club of Evanston, and most recently the Doniphan Rescue Mission in Missouri, which member Ed Schleker began.

Since its inception, the following individuals have held the office of President of Section 8. They are Hubert Hoscheid, John P. Remich, M. Weiland, Nick Steffen, John May, Jacob Schaak, John Schaul, Charles K. Schwind, Peter Muller. Peter Fuertsch, Lawrence Elsen, Nicholas Hofmann, Richard Hofmann, Glenn Murphy, and John Murphy.

Section 8’s members have attained many accomplishments. In 1913 Henry Geimer was elected the 7th Grand President of the L.B.A. and served for 13 years. During his tenure, the National Convention of Luxembourg people in the United States was convened in Chicago, IL on November 17, 1918. The purpose of the convention was to demand, of the world leaders meeting at Versailles, the independence and security of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

In 1930, John Weiland became the 9th Grand President of the L.B.A. and the second member of Section 8 to hold this office. As the Depression sank its teeth into the American fabric, the monetary affairs of the L.B.A. reached their nadir. John Weiland held the watch during these turbulent years and is credited with maintaining the stability of the Grand Lodge until he was succeeded by Fred Gilson, in 1933.

Charlie Schwind died two years ago. Section No. 8 not only lost its best member but also its President. He will be remembered for years to come and on the pages of Luxembourg history, you will find his name illuminated for services well rendered. And again, to my friends, who asked me to write about “Charlie” may I say, the companionship of Charlie Schwind for all concerned must have made a better man out of each one, and all who had known him in the Luxembourg circles will join with me now, “Charlie was a swell man.”

In 1952, Section 8 celebrated its Golden Jubilee. Unlike Section 15, Section 8 celebrated its 50th in grand style at the V.F.W. Hall in Skokie on February 3, 1952. Fred Pesche, Sr. was Co-Chairman of the event with Charles Jans. Sr. Fred was born September 12, 1892, in Folschette, Luxembourg. In 1911 he immigrated to America. By 1915, he started his own greenhouse business in Evanston, and by the time of the Golden Jubilee, in 1952, he was the owner of one of the largest greenhouse businesses in the Chicago area.

The celebration was held at the VF.W. Hall in Skokie. The event was so well attended that it reportedly took three seatings to serve the banquet. The floral arrangements for this affair were, according to eyewitnesses, breathtaking.

After the banquet, Nick Hoffmann, President of Section 8, delivered his prepared remarks. Following President Hoffmann, Grand President Leo Eschete delivered his speech, thanking all for their consistent and generous support of the L.B.A. With tongue in cheek, he reminded Section 8 that it was the second largest Section in the Grand Lodge, behind his own Section 3.

Nicholas Hofmann (married to Cecelia May) was born in Evanston on August 18, 1907. He was the son of Peter and Elizabeth Letzer Hoffmann. Peter Hoffmann was born in Sandweiler, Luxembourg, and came to this country in 1892. For all of his adult life, Nick operated a truck farm at 3700 W. Touhy Avenue, Skokie, with the help of his wife Cael. They had five children, Patricia, Richard, Violet, Fern, and Peter.

Upon Nick’s death in 1974, Richard would succeed his father as Section President, and Nick’s grandsons, Glenn Murphy and John Murphy, would succeed Richard as Section Presidents. The last four Presidents of Section 8 have been Hoffmann’s.

Joe Murphy, Sr., Section 8’s Grand Representative, remembers that his father-in-law was never home when he would drop by to call on Nick’s daughter, Patricia. He discovered that his future father-in-law was always attending the wakes and funerals of Section 8 members or their families. It was traditional at these wakes for Grand President Leo Eschette and Section 8 President Nick Hoffmann to pin a Section badge on the decedent and then lead the mourners in the rosary.

Nick’s devotion to the Section was well known. One year, he and past President Peter Fuertsch traveled to Florida for a vacation. In the middle of their trip, Peter reminded Nick that there was a Section meeting scheduled for the next evening. They cut short their vacation and returned home in time for the meeting.

Eugene Ros (married to Violet Hofmann) was born in 1930. He graduated from Nelis Township High School in 1949 and then joined the Ari Force. While on active duty, he spent time in the Philippines and Korea, prior to the Armistice.

Upon returning to the States, Gene met Violet Hoffmann, married her, and was gently persuaded to join Section 8. Shortly after joining the Section, Gene found himself immersed in the affairs of the Section, including a stint as its Vice-President. In 1967, Gene was elected the sixth Grand Treasurer of the L.B.A. He and Violet reside in Highland Park.

William Hellman (married to Rosemarie Peiffer) was born in Fort Jennings, Ohio. In 1947 he came to Chicago to study refrigeration with every intention of returning to Ohio. However, while here, he met Rosemarie Peiffer and decided to stay. They eventually married, purchased a home in Evanston, and raised two daughters and a son.

Bill’s father-in-law, Frank Peiffer, had joined Section 8 in 1906. As an inducement to join the Section, Frank gave Bill eight shares of stock in the Luxembourg Gardens. Bill has been the Financial Secretary of Section 8, a trustee, and its Grand Representative.

Section 8’s oldest active member is Philip Steffen (married to Mary Huber). His father, Philip, Sr. immigrated to America from Bissen, Luxembourg in 1891. His mother, Ann Reichling immigrated to America from Bissen, Luxembourg in 1891. His mother, Ann Reichling immigrated from Vichten, Luxembourg in 1895. Shortly after her arrival, they met, married, and moved to Evanston.

In 1935, Philip, Jr. joined Section 8. He was employed by the Chicago Growers Cooperative and succeeded his father as its business manager. Today, Phil still attends Section meetings at the age of 85.

Perhaps the family with the oldest known history dating back to Luxembourg is the Scher family. Jean Pierre Scher, Sr. immigrated to America in 1921 from Schieren, Luxembourg. Upon arriving in Chicago, he met Lucille Bintener, married, and raised four children. In 1928, Jean Pierre joined Section 8 and was an active member until he passed away in 1970.

Jean Pierre Scher, Jr. (married to Janet Dougherty) was born in Evanston in 1934. In the mid-1950s, Jean Pierre visited the family farm in Schieren while on active duty with the U.S. Army. He was stationed at the Fulda Gap in West Germany.

On the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary, Jean Pierre took Janet to visit his Luxembourg family. They were given keys to the church and the bells were rung in celebration of their anniversary. To show their affection for this Dougherty girl who had the good sense to marry a Luxembourg boy, the Scher family gave Janet a 17th-century crucifix and monk’s rosary that had been in their family for generations.

In 1984, Richard J. Witry, a member of Section 15, went to Luxembourg on business. Unaware that he had any living Luxembourg relatives, he traveled to Ettelbruck to visit the Patton Museum and met Jean Pierre’s first cousin, Leon Scher. Upon introduction, Leon Scher announced to Witry that his mother, Anna, was first cousin to Witry’s father, Joseph Witry, Sr. Jean Pierre Scher, and Janet reside in Evanston. They have four children, Jenny, Patty, Pauline, and Jean Pierre IV. Jean Pierre is retired from the Monarch Asphalt Company.

In the 1950s, Section 8 joined the effort to purchase Deckert’s Hall for the benefit of the L.B.A. As did all of the Sections, Section 8 contributed its financial resources to purchase stock in the organization. In addition, it began holding its Section meetings at the Gardens, commencing in late 1934.

When the Grand Lodge stopped issuing insurance benefits in the mid-60s, membership in Section 8 began to decline. During this period, President Nick Hoffmann held meetings in his home on Touhy Avenue in Skokie and served up great helpings of food and beverage to encourage attendance. Card games after meetings were always welcomed by Section members. As membership waned, meetings were attended by a few members – Richard Hoffmann, Bill Hellman, Gene Ross, Joe Murphy, Sr., and beginning in 1975, Bruce Hofmann. However, beginning in 1979, the fortunes of Section 8 took a favorable turn. John Murphy, Glenn Murphy, and their friends joined Section 8.

John R. Murphy (married to Theresa Wojnarwicz) was born on February 8, 1950, the eldest son of Joseph and Patricia Murphy. His mother is the daughter of the late Nick Hoffmann, former President of Section 8. John is the present President of Section 8, having succeeded his brother Glenn in 1985.
If ever there was a Section 8 member who was steeped in the traditions of Section 8, it was John Murphy. As a child, he spent much of his free time on his grandfather’s farm in Skokie delivering vegetables to the Luxembourg Gardens in Morton Grove and helping his Uncle Pete clean up the grove after the Schobermesse and Kirmes festivals.

On several occasions, he would be required to operate the coat check room for the L.B.A. New Year’s Eve parties. When it was time for the Sections’ Annual Turkey Raffle, Nick would give him an empty crate and send him out back to catch a live goose, turkey or pig for the raffle. During his summer vacations, John would work his grandpa’s farm unloading flowers delivered by the Schwind, Jans, Clesen, and Pinkowski greenhouses. While there, he met other L.B.A. members who came to visit with his grandfather – men like Steve Heinz, Sr., Joe Witry, Sr., Harry Trausch, Peter Fuerstch, Fred Pesche, Sr. and Fred Pesche, Jr.

After returning from the military in 1973, John began attending the Section 8 Turkey Raffle. Attendance at the raffle declined, until in 1978, only fifty people attended. At the December 1978 meeting, there was considerable discussion devoted to discontinuing the turkey raffle. At the urging of Bruce Hoffmann, several young men – Al Lange, Fred Schneider, Joe Provost, Mike Tinetti, and the Murphy brothers joined the Section and became involved in running its events. The first event sponsored by the newly invigorated Section was a candlelight bowl held in June 1979, which was an unqualified success. Their next effort was aimed at reviving the Kirmes picnic which had lain dormant since the mid-fifties.

The Section voted to have its first Kirmes picnic on September 10, 1979, at St. Paul’s Woods in Morton Grove. The picnic committee consisted of Dan Murphy and Cliff Murphy. Rich Hoffmann, Bruce Hoffmann, Glenn Murphy, and John Murphy. Although it was a gloomy and chilly day, about one hundred people braved the elements. The Section had not expected to make any money but earned a tidy profit. The success of the picnic brought renewed enthusiasm and confidence from the older members who had been holding Section 8 together for so many years. Bill Hellman, Rich Hoffmann, Tony Peiffer, Gene Ross, and Joe Murphy gave the younger group the support needed for the next event, the Turkey Raffle.

For that event, a committee consisting of John Murphy, Fred Schneider, Bill Hellman, Cliff Murphy, Rich Hoffmann, Bruce Hoffmann, and Glenn Murphy, as chairman, was established and was given authority to do whatever was necessary to revitalize this annual tradition. The committee felt that to draw more people to the event, the Section had to give more prizes for less money. The previous format was completely revised except for the live animal raffle. The Turkey Raffle of November 1979 drew over 350 people to the Legion Hall in Morton Grove, and it became necessary to turn people away at the door. To this day, the Annual Turkey Raffle plays before a full house featuring live music, twenty-five cent beers, and the traditional “Live Turkey Raffle”.

Glenn Murphy (married to Melanie Lach) was born on January 13, 1955, the second son of Joe and Patricia Murphy. In 1979, Glenn established his business, Murf’s Landscaping and Snowplowing, Inc. He and Melanie live in Morton Grove with their four daughters, Christie, Kelly, Kathleen, and Kimberly.
In 1979, Glenn joined Section 8. In 1980, he was elected President of the Section, succeeding his uncle, Rich Hofmann. As the younger crowd assumed the leadership positions in the section, attendance at meetings increased.

Rich Hoffmann’s home became too small for the monthly meetings, and it was decided to meet at the Morton Grove Legion Hall. In 1982 the following were elected officers:

President	Glenn Murphy
Vice-President	Rich Hoffmann
Treasurer	John Murphy
Secretary	Fred Schneider
Financial Secretary	Cliff Murphy
Marshal	Peter Hoffmann

The Kirmes picnic has grown larger every year during the 1980’s. The events are designed with children in mind. Attendance has risen from one hundred in 1979 to almost five hundred in 1987. The first-place raffle prize in 1979 was a ten-speed bicycle. In 1987 the first prize was a round trip airfare for two to Luxembourg.

One of the purposes of the Luxembourg Youth Organization was to entice young men to join the L.B.A. by interesting them in group sporting activities, one of which was bowling. Joe Murphy, Sr., a member of Section 8 since 1954, remembers when the L.B.A. ran a bowling league at the Markay Lanes in Chicago. At the end of the season, the L.B.A. would charter a bus and travel to Aurora and compete against Section 7. These affairs came to an end in the late 1950s’.

During the mid-1970s’, John and Glen Murphy began bowling in the Morton Grove Moose League at Schaul’s Alleys on Dempster Street. When Schaul’s closed in 1979, the Moose were required to relocate to alleys further away from their base. As their membership declined, the six Murphy brothers, Fred Schneider, Bill Elesh, Jim Stoneberg, and Bruce and Rick Hoffmann induced Section 8 to sponsor them. From one team in 1979 to ten teams in 1981, the L.B.A. was again in the business of sponsoring bowling leagues. Today, the LB.A. sponsors a mixed bowling league at the Skokie Lanes, owned by Section & members John and Jim Hammersmith.

In 1981, John Sharp, a friend and co-worker of Cliff Murphy joined Section 8. John became Secretary in 1984. He immediately took charge of reorganizing the Section records and became very active in the organization’s social functions. John is from the north side of Chicago and induced many friends to join the Section whom he felt would enjoy participating in its affairs.

To keep the interest of its members, Section 8 has looked for a variety of events to sponsor. In 1981 an outing was organized to Wrigley Field. In 1982, the wives of the officers, Terri Murphy, Doris Heinz, and Melanie Murphy organized the first Halloween party for the adults. Also in 1982, the first outing to the Arlington Park racetrack was held.

Notwithstanding the fun the Section has had in organizing these events, it has not forgotten the charitable instincts that have always been present. The Section events were making money and the bills were being paid. Since 1983, clothing has been donated to a mission for the poor in Missouri which is run by a former Section member. Ed Schleker.

With a growing number of activities, it was decided to devote some energy to increasing membership. In 1984 the Section began advertising for new members in the Luxembourg News and Pioneer Press. Letters were mailed to all subscribers of the Luxembourg News and the members of the various sections. Because several other sections were no longer active or refused to admit new members, Section 8 felt this was a golden opportunity to open its doors for the descendants of those who were so instrumental in the beginning. Over the next year, such familiar Luxembourg names as Frees, Jung, Victor, and Scher were back on the membership roster.

Don and Ron Hutter, Tim Geminn, Al Lange, Chris Shirmer, Dick Mohr, Norm Schea, Martin Kroschel and others have become very active members. They seldom miss a meeting and are always quick to volunteer for Picnic and Turkey Raffle committees. Older members of Section 8 like Mat Weiland, Nick Jung, and Phil Stefan are again seen at meetings and various other functions. Nick Jung’s son, Bob, joined and has become very active. Steve and Mike Victor joined with their father Henry. Steve and Mike wasted no time in becoming active. They have been on almost every committee and became officers in 1987. Forty-eight new members joined during 1985 and 1986.

Nick Jung is the oldest son of the late Mathias and Ana Jung. Nick was a fireman for Evanston for twenty-four years before he retired from that job, and then joined A.B. Dick as a security guard.
Nick’s son, Bob, joined Section 8 in 1984. He is a pipe fitter for G.D. Searle &Co. and has participated in the clothing drive for the Doniphan mission each year since he joined. Bob’s cousin John, a Vincentian priest, is a member of Section 15.

Martin Kroschell joined Section 8 in 1984. His grandfather, Anton Reginald, his father, Henry, and his brother Joseph are members of Section 21. Ever since he was a small boy, Marty attended the summer picnics of Section 21. At the picnic held in 1984, he met John Sharp, who induced him to join Section 8 rather than Section 21.

In 1985, Marty was elected a Trustee. Also, he constructed the pennants used by Section 8 in the 1985 Morton Grove Fourth of July parade. He, his wife Maryellen, and their four sons, Henry, John, Albert, and Kevin live in Morton Grove.

George Tim Geminn (married to Jane Clemen) was born in Chicago in 1950. He is the son of W. Hugo Geminn and Corine McElhany Geminn.

In 1970, Tim was drafted into the Army and served one year with the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne. Upon discharge, he completed his sheet metal apprenticeship and became affiliated with Local 73 of the Sheet Metal Workers Union.

In 1985, Tim was induced to join Section 8 by his brother-in-law, Don Huter. He has been involved in selling turkey raffle tickets and helping out in the beer wagon at the Kirmes picnic. He and his wife Jane live in Chicago with their daughters, Jennifer and Patricia.

In 1985 the Section meetings were held at the Morton House and the following officers were elected:

President	John Murphy
Vice-President	Al Lange
Recording Secretary	John Sharp
Financial Secretary	Glenn Murphy
Treasurer	Rick Hoffmann
Marshal	Peter Hoffmann

In December of 1985, the Section held its first Children’s Christmas Party held at the Morton Grove Park District Field House. This is the newest addition to the Section’s activities. This party is held in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”. On this day all of our little Luxembourgers are asked to bring a toy for a needy child in exchange for an afternoon of crafts and games followed by an appearance by Santa Claus. With the help of member Richard Smith, Jr. these toys, and a monetary donation by Section 8, are presented to the U.S. Marine Corps at a “Toys for Tots” dinner dance held at the Skokie American Legion Post.

Many of the men who have contributed to the success of the Section over the last 85 years have been mentioned. But the success of any organization is due in large measure to the women who supported not only their husbands but also the events sponsored by Section 8. For example, in the 1940’s the ladies formed the Luxembourg Ladies Society of Evanston. It was a very active adjunct to Section 8 and was not without its noteworthy successes.

In 1956, the Electric Living Institute held a cooking contest in which the Ladies Society participated. Ceal Hoffmann was adjudged to be the best cook based on her recipe for Luxembourg Sausage and Sweet Sour Red Cabbage, which is reproduced here:

LUXEMBOURG SAUSAGE and SWEET-SOUR RED CABBAGE

1 medium head red cabbage	¼ cup vinegar
1 large, tart apple, cored and quartered	3 tablespoons sugar
½ cup water	3 strips bacon
1 teaspoon salt	5 Luxembourg Sausages

Cabbage:
Shred cabbage with a knife. Cook on low heat in salted water for 10 minutes. Cut bacon into small squares; try until crisp. Add bacon drippings, sugar, apple, and vinegar to cabbage and cook until tender; about 25 minutes.

Sausage:
Cover sausages in a saucepan with cold water, and bring to boiling on high heat. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Prick each sausage with a fork; allow the fat to drain. Serve with sweet-sour red cabbage.

Serving:
Arrange on a platter with the steaming plump sausages surrounding the colorful cabbage. Garnish with a few parsley sprigs. Luxembourg Sausage and Sweet Sour Red Cabbage present an aromatic main dish sure to tempt any appetite.

Michael Schumer of Evanston, Illinois, was a Founding member of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America, Section 8, when the LBA was still called the Luxemburger Bruderbund (Brotherhood in German). Mike was also named one of the First Officers (Trustee) of Section 8 in 1902. Mike and the Schumer Family were given a Memorial Ribbon in 1923 by the LBA of Evanston, Section 8. Barely visible on the ribbon is “Section 8.” “Mitglied”, on the reverse side of the ribbon, means “member” in German. What an amazing relic of the LBA from over a century ago! The Schumer Family carries on the tradition of Section 8 membership to this day with both Michael & Sue Schumer as members.

Over the last twenty-five years, Section 8, which in 1996, was the largest section in the Brotherhood, has hosted an annual Kirmes Picnic, a Day at the Races held at Arlington Park, an annual Turkey Raffle, and a Children’s Christmas party. It was at the Christmas party held in 1992 when the Kanner Kouer was conceived.

Section 8 members Joseph Murphy Sr and his son, John Murphy have served as Grand Vice-Presidents. Bill Clesen served as Grand Treasurer. Today, Section 8 member, Jim Stoneberg, Sr is Grand Vice-President and has chaired the 2012 and 2013 Schobermesse picnics to financial success. Member Maryann Hughes, retired Editor of the Luxembourg News, was the first woman selected to receive the Steven Heinz Award. Seven of her fellow members of Section 8 have also received the Award.

Section 8 continues to meet quarterly. Two members of Section 8, John R Murphy and Maryann Hughes were inducted into the Order of Merit.

Luxembourg Christmas tree at the annual Christmas Around the World exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Section 8 members/the extended Clesen family decorate the tree every year on behalf of the LBA.

With the help of everyone who has been mentioned in this essay and those who have contributed but were not mentioned, along with the behind-the-scenes efforts of member’s wives which too often go unrecognized, Section 8 has achieved a great deal. Its membership now stands at over one hundred with sometimes as many as fifty members attending meetings. The Section continues to hold its monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at Hoffman’s Morton House in Morton Grove. Installation of Officers is on the second Sunday of January at which time all members and guests are treated to Sunday Brunch.

Section 8 can be very proud of the accomplishments of its members, especially over the past ten years. These men did not allow the Section to become dormant with age, but instead re-seeded and grew stronger.

As Section 8 peers happily into the future, let us end this essay with a collage of memories from the collective minds of its members.

CHARLES SCHWIND – held the office of President the most years, fifteen. He agreed, under pressure, to give up office for one year, but was then re-elected the next year by acclamation.

PHILLIP KNEPPER, SR. – Financial Secretary for thirty-one years.

FELIX SCHAUL – active member for sixty-four years and Grand Marshal of the L.B.A. for thirty-four years.

DR. LUESSMAN – always at meetings with a stethoscope to examine new members for insurance. His fee: is $1.00. Sick benefits which ended in 1964, were $5.00 a week.

PETER FUERTSCH – the top recruiter; never went anywhere without getting a dollar for an application for a new member. He even shortened his Florida vacation so he would not miss a meeting. Section 8 was always on Pete’s mind.

LAWRENCE ELSEN – President for eight years.

NICK and JAMES MOLITOR – Financial officers for years of Section 8 and of State National Bank of Evanston.

GENE ROSS – Vice-President for sixteen years and Treasurer of the Grand Lodge.

BILL HELLMAIN – Financial Secretary for fifteen years and Grand Marshall.

JOE ALTEN – the Luxembourg undertaker in Evanston.

ALEX SAEGER – last Justice of Peace in the State of Illinois who performed many marriages and whose office was equipped with an altar.

TONY HAMEN and PAT McGINLEY from the Evanston Post Office are always at the door of Section Affairs collecting tickets. Fun times at the Kirmes – the bar that never made enough money (too many free beers).

FRANK PEIFFER – at the “Lookhaus” (hit the bell for a cigar), a large dance hall in the picnic grove, and auto parades down Oakton Street. Greenhouse operators – STEPHEN HEINZ, CHARLES JANS, NICK MERSCH, FELIX SCHAUL, CHARLES SCHWIND, MICHAEL LEIDER, MARTIN SCHWIND, MARCEL ANTON. Florists FRED PESCHE, SR., and MATT WEILAND – are always the first ones with donations. More fun times many card parties, corn beef and cab bage-hasenpheffer, sauerbraten dinners, turkey raffles.

NICK HOFFMANN – President for eleven years who owned a vegetable stand on Touhy Avenue. Many special meetings were held at Nicks’ house along with the roast pigs, rounds of beef, and steaks on the grill always plenty to eat.

RICHARD HOFFMANN – followed his dad as President of Section 8 for six years and like Nick, always volunteered.

EDWARD SCHLEKER, SR. – Recording Secretary for many years who retired to go fishing every day, but instead devoted his life to helping the needy in Missouri. Became Grand Lodge Secretary in 1969.

PETER HOFFMANN’S great handshake and smile. Alternates between Marshall and Assistant Marshall every year.

JOE MURPHY, SR. – Treasurer and Grand Representative for many years.

NICK WILWERS – Trustee for many years who passed the pot-of-gold tickets.

STEPHEN N. HEINZ – Became Grand President in 1965.

PETER MAY – Father of Archbishop JOHN MAY of S.t Louis.

DICK SMITH – owner of the Glass House where many meetings and parties were held.

Two members of Section 3 who became social members of Section 8 – Consul General, NICK COLLING and MIKE FLAM, the first manager of the Luxembourg Gardens.

EDWARD VOTAVA – Trustee for many years.

BILL OLINGER – “The Corby Man” who supplied the liquor.

LARRY DUPRE – one of four brothers, who supplied the Meister Brau for the parties.

EDDIE BELL and BUD LOSCH – always on opposite sides of arguments but they kept the meetings interesting.

FRED PESCHE, SR. – Brought refreshments for meetings, especially Luxembourg sausage from “Pesche’s Supermarket.

AL and JACK LEIDER – opened a liquor store in Bensenville.

CHARLES JANS, JR. – moved to Kankakee to operate his greenhouse.

FELIX BREDEN – a Labor Union boss who worked hard for our parties.

MATT WEILAND – HERB EIDEN – NICK JUNG – PHIL STEFFEN – Senior members, 75 years plus who still regularly attend meetings.

SECTION 8 OFFICERS (CURRENT as of 2024):

President	Lauri Grzelak
Vice President	Bruce Hoffmann
Financial Secretary	Earl Arndt
Treasurer	Jim Stoneberg Sr.
Recording Secretary	David Hoffmann
Marshal	Richard Hoffmann Sr.
Grand Representative	Judy McKay
Trustee	Judy McKay
Trustee	Gary Grzelak

SECTION 8 OFFICERS (PAST):

PRESIDENTS:

Glenn Murphy	1988-91, 94-2000
Bruce Hoffmann	1992-93, 98-2000, 2004-11
John Murphy	1995-97
Richard Hoffmann	2001-03, 2012-2013

VICE-PRESIDENTS:

Robert Jung	1988-92
Fred Schneider	1992-92
Eugene Ross	1993
Don Huter	1994-95
Earl Arndt	1996-98
Jim Stoneberg Sr	1999-2001
Rick Smith	2002-05
Jim Stoneberg Jr	2005-06
Kevin Jung	2007-2013

RECORDING SECRETARIES:

Bruce Hoffmann	1988-91
Bill Hellman	1992-93
David Hoffmann	1994-99, 2003-2013
Earl Arndt	2000-02

FINANCIAL SECRETARIES:

John Murphy	1988 – 89, 1992-93, 98-2000
Don Huter	1989 – 91
Jim Stoneberg Sr	1994-96, 2004
Don Huter	1997-98
Bruce Hoffmann	2001-03
Earl Arndt	2005-2013

TREASURERS:

Steven Victor	1988-91, 2000
Cliff Murphy	1992-94
Larry Saumier	1995
Robert Jung	1996-2000
Steve Victor	2001
Jim Stoneberg Sr	2002-06, 2010-2013
Carol Lynn Jung	2007-09

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES:

Joseph Murphy Sr	1988-91
John Murphy	1992-94
Steve Victor	1995
Bill Hellman	1996-2000
Shawn Hoffmann	2001
Bruce Hoffmann	2002
David Hoffmann	2003-2013