2020 German Heritage Award presented to Al and Judy Bennett

The Jasper German Club, Jasper Partnership Commission, and Sister Cities of Jasper, Inc. presented the 2020 German Heritage Award to Al and Judy Bennett. This is the 22nd year that this award has been presented.

The annual German Heritage Award is presented to an individual or group who has contributed generously his/her or their time, talents or resources to maintaining, improving or building upon the German roots in Dubois County. The recognition is open to all individuals who give what they can in order to make a difference.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have been members of the Jasper DeutscherVerein since the early 1980s. They have hosted visitors from Pfaffenweiler on several occasions and their oldest daughter was a member of one of the first JHS Exchange Groups. Al served as Vice President of the DeutscherVerein 2007 and 2008 and was President 2009-2010 and remains on its Board of Directors.

Under Mr. Bennett’s leadership, the DeutscherVerein purchased a 40-foot trailer to house and transport Strassenfest supplies. They were recognized for their continued contributions to ROJAC to support the “Wasserrad Terrasse” which translates to the Waterwheel Terrace at the Jasper City Mill. The DeutscherVerein also celebrated its 30th birthday during his tenure as president.

Mrs. Bennett has been the “artist” of the Jasper DeutscherVerein. She was instrumental in designing and painting the header of the DeutscherVerein Food Stand and continues to repaint and refurbish it as needed. She designed the Tannenbaum plaques that were carved and was one of the artists on the Mural at 6th and Newton Streets.

She also redesigned, refurbished, and repainted the photo-op boards which the DeutscherVerein obtained.

While her husband was president and vice president of the DeutscherVerein, she was at his side as Mrs. President and Mrs. Vice President.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Past recipients of the German Heritage Award are Mary Jo Meuser, Claude and Martina Eckert, Dave Buehler, Linus and Sally Lechner, Joe and Irene C. Eckerle, Danny and Linda Wehr, Leo and Lora Lou Eckerle, the late Lowell and Joan Glendening, Dave and Janet Kluemper, Rafe and Phyllis Ackerman, Vic and Monica Knies, Gary and Rita Egler, Patti Goepfrich, Larry and Betty Hanselman, Ron and Delli Keusch, Jim and Rita Corn, Lois Kuntz, Stan Jochum, Mike and Ann Ackerman, Father John Boeglin, and Rosie Stewart.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Matthias Hilger.