The Jasper Deutscher Verein is celebrating 45 years

The idea for a club to keep the German theme alive all year came from the Jasper Action Team following the first Strassenfest in 1979.

Dave Buehler called the first meeting to pursue interest, and the group met several times in the fall of 1979 at Beck’s Tavern, and later BeBops.

The founding members in 1979 were Dave and Judy Buehler, Ron and Dellie Keusch, Ron and LaVerne Kieffner, Gary and Rita Egler, Jim and Jeanne Holler, and Dan and Linda Wehr.

The first official meeting was held in January 1980 with 320 paid charter members. By April, there were 372 paid members.

The first officers were President Dan Wehr, Vice-President Gary Egler, Secretary Jeanne Holler, and Treasurer Ron Kieffner. The first board of directors also included Larry Hanselman, Harvey Berger, Dave Buehler, and Jan Hulsman.

The present officers are President Laura Grammer, Vice-President Lonnie Nicholson, Secretary Valerie Heim, and Treasurer Mike Ackerman. The board of directors are Jane Balsmeyer, Bridgette Bartley, Patrick Schuler, Mary Leah Siegel, Paul Siegel, Sherri Uebelhor, Sandy Wehr, Landen Weidenbenner, and Van Ziegler.  

The club meets the third Wednesday of the month at the Jasper Moose Lodge and periodically does move dates and locations.  Additional information can be obtained at their website – www.jaspergermanclub.org.  

Meetings are open to the public.