The News from May and June 2018 Volume 101, issue 3

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 July & August

Month Day Event July 4 Independence Day Celebration July 14 Executive Board Meeting - Hutchinson July 30 Scholarship checks mailed out

August 11 Executive Board Meeting - Hutchinson August Back to school for most

Grand Master & Assy. Presidents Reports 2 Sovereign Grand Masters Message 3 President I.A.R.A.’s Message 4

Update on Pilgrimage for Youth, Inc. for 2019 5

Minnesota Grand Lodge Sessions – Day 1 6

Minnesota Grand Lodge Sessions – Day 2

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Minnesota Grand Lodge Sessions – Day 3 8

Minnesota Grand Lodge Sessions Assorted Pictures 9 Executive Board Meeting at Detroit Lakes 10

Mapleton Lodge #101 Pancake Breakfast 11 Mapleton Adds New Members 12 Hassan Valley’s Bean Bag Tournament 13

SGL Website Login Procedures 14

On The Lighter Side 15 Save the Date – 19th Annual John Falck Golf Tourney 16

What’s Up 17 Aitkin Rebekah’s Bake Sale – Angel Gowns 18

Broken Links - Arnold Gilbertson – Harmony #230 19 BIRTHDAYS / Sick and in Distress 20

My “Project” for my year as Rebekah Assembly President was “Activities and Games”. The photo on the right were some of the items that were donated to my project by fellow Rebekah’s. With the help of Grand Master Wayne Rosengren, he was able to pick these items up at Hutchinson and deliver them to our Three Links Care Center in Northfield, MN. There were a variety of games, yarn, blankets, etc., that was very much appreciated by the residents of 3 Links. For those of you that have been thinking of Art Benjamin, his health is continuing to progress and should be back home very soon. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

MESSAGE FROM YOUR GRAND MASTER Hello Brothers and Sisters. My year of service to our Order as Grand Master is now over and I want to say it has been a great year. I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, visit our lodges, and attend Grand Lodge Sessions in Iowa and Wisconsin showing them how friendly we Minnesotans can be. I didn’t have enough time to fully complete project “spread the word” but I was told by many of our past Grand Masters that the year would pass quickly, they were right. I do appreciate the support everyone in our Order has shown me and I would like all to show the same to our new Grand Master, Robert Arthur, Jr. I especially want to take this opportunity to thank the elected and appointed officers that served on my staff. Without them, this past year would have been a personal failure. Now it is time to prepare for the Bicentennial Celebration of Odd Fellowship’s 200 years in the United States. Starting January 1, 2019, the Sovereign Grand Lodge will be promoting our Order nationally. Therefore we will have an opportunity to take advantage to promote locally Odd Fellowship in Minnesota. I ask that each of you do your part to not only enjoy this celebratory year but also to do your best to promote our Order locally. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this past year and get to know all of you. Remember, I will be around if you should have questions or need assistance.

In FL&T, Wayne Rosengren, Grand Master

MESSAGE FROM YOUR ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT

In Friendship, Love, and Truth, Linda Benjamin Assembly President 2017-2018 bjorgan5yahoo.com 320-583-4407

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SOVEREIGN GRAND MASTERS MESSAGE

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I.A.R.A. ASSEMBLY PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

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UPDATE ON PILGRIMAGE FOR YOUTH FOR 2019

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The Grand Lodge of Minnesota held its 166th Grand Lodge Sessions in New Ulm, Minnesota at the Best Western Plus, from June 14 through June 16, 2018 along with the Rebekah Assembly of Minnesota which held its 131st Rebekah Assembly Sessions, also at the Best Western Plus.

Sessions started with a Banquet on Thursday night for all Past Grand Masters and distinguished visitors from Sovereign Grand Lodge and local Jurisdictions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Those attending, starting with Lewis F. McFerran in center going left, Lewis McFerran II, Brett Rasmussen, Rod Schallberg, Rick Benesh, Dave Sebesta, Bill Alitz, PSGM Larry Ferguson, Larry Carlson, David Adams, Larry Schilling - Iowa, Thomas Hines - Wisconsin, Kevin Heggeseth, GM Wayne Rosengren, John Reynolds, and Peter Gurals.

The Rebekah’s started their Sessions out on Thursday night also with a Rebekah Past Assembly President’s banquet. From left to right; Assembly President Linda Benjamin, Jeanne Reynolds, Sue Zylstra - I.A.R.A. Treasurer, and Shirley Nattress both from the Jurisdiction of Iowa.

Photo on left, from left to right; Patricia Oliver, Donna Perryman, Elaine Wischmann, Joan Adams, LuAnn Lanz,

Photo on right, from left to right; Barb Hunter, Anna Eells, Joanne With, Donna Steele, Eva Steele, Sandra Carlson, and Linda Alitz.

GRAND LODGE SESSIONS – 2018

PAST GRAND MASTER’S BANQUET

REBEKAH’S PAST ASSEMBLY PRESIDENTS BANQUET

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After a fabulous dinner banquet consisting of a salad, followed by the main meal of baked potato, medley of vegetables, and roast beef, the Installation of Officers began. Installing Officers were Joan Adams and David Adams with help from Installing Marshals, LuAnn Lanz and Rick Benesh. After Installation a short reception was held, followed by Bingo. There were several games of Bingo played with cash prizes varying from $30.00 to $50.00. The last game was a black out with $100.00 going to the winner. There were approximately 65 members and guest in attendance for the Installation Banquet. All enjoyed themselves.

I.A.R.A. Treasurer Sue Zylstra

INSTALLATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

The Head Table of Outgoing Officers and Dignitaries

Grand Lodge Dignitaries Rebekah Assembly Dignitaries

Installation Banquet

Speeches by Outgoing Officers and SGL Visitors

Left to right; Past Sovereign, Grand Master W. Larry Ferguson, Jennifer Rosengren, Grand Master, Wayne Rosengren, Immediate Past Grand Master, and Brett Rasmussen.

Left to right; Assembly Immediate Past President, Donna Perryman, Assembly President, Linda Benjamin, Assembly Conductor, John Reynolds, and I.A.R.A. Treasurer, Sue Zylstra of Iowa.

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Assembly President Linda Benjamin

Grand Master Wayne Rosengren

Past Sovereign Grand Master W. Larry Ferguson

Grand Lodge Officers Grand Master Robert Arthur, Jr. Deputy Grand Master Douglas Klocek Grand Warden Russell Barnes Grand Secretary Alex Saloum Grand Treasurer Lewis F. McFerran Grand Representative David Adams Grand Marshal J. Douglas Plott Grand Conductor Marlow Peterson Grand Chaplain Stanley Whitney Grand Herald William Keeler Grand Guardian John Sonnek Grand Musician Robert Arthur, Sr. Grand Color Bearer Rod Schallberg Immed. Past GM Wayne Rosengren

Assembly Officers President Doreita Reynolds Vice President Joanne With Assembly Warden John H. Reynolds Assembly Secretary Eva Steele Assembly Treasurer Sandra Carlson Assembly Marshal Helen Leach Assembly Conductor Roberta Hickey Assembly Chaplain Arlene Noser Assembly I. Guardian Katy Hubred Assembly O. Guardian Janet Hanson Assembly Musician Joanne With Assembly Color Bearer Ralph Crandall Assembly Personal Page Katy Hubred Assembly Soloist Judy Fritz Assembly I. Past Pres. Linda Benjamin

WELCOME 2018-2019 OFFICERS

GRAND LODGE

REBEKAH ASSEMBLY

GRAND LODGE AND ASSEMBLY OFFICERS FOR 2018-19

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Back row, l. to r.; John Sonnek, Stanley Whitney, Douglas Klocek, Russell Barnes, Rod Schallberg, Wayne Rosengren, Alex Saloum, Robert Arthur, Sr. Front row, l. to r.; David Adams, William Keeler, Grand Master Robert Arthur, Jr., Marlow Peterson, and Lewis F. McFerran.

Back row, l. to r.; Richard Erwin, Janice Erwin, Assembly President Linda Benjamin, Katy Hubred, Donna Steele, Jeannie Reynolds, Arlene Noser, Judy Fritz, Ralph Crandall. Front row, l. to r.; Eva Steele, Joanne With, Rebekah President Doreita Reynolds, John Reynolds, Sandra Carlson, and Judy Crandall.

Some bashful members and guests that wanted to stay incognito for the evening Banquet.

Once uncovered, they are from left to right: Douglas Klocek, Tony Nichols, Kevin Heggeseth, Dave Sebesta, Jan Sebesta, and Lisa Rasmussen.

Left to right; Doreita Reynolds, Jane Maiden, Beverly Hart, Bill Alitz, Linda Alitz, Barb Hunter, Patricia Oliver, and Convention Co-Chair Anna Eells.

Picture on right; Bible bearers for Rebekah Assembly President Doreita Reynolds were her three grandchildren. From left to right: Mia Wodele, Cam Wodele, Vinnie Wodele.

Picture on left; Mark Anderson, CEO of Three Links Care Center in Northfield, MN, presented a certificate to Joan Adams, who has decided to resign from being on the Board of Directors of Three Links for the last 18 years. Her knowledge and leadership will be truly missed.

Picture on right; Shirley Troska is helping hold up the blanket that Lewis F. McFerran bid on and WON at the silent auction held between installation and the reception. The blanket was donated to the Grand Lodge from Terri Thompson and Nella Wormington from New York.

Picture below; At Grand Lodge Sessions, Gay Ekberg talked about Gordon Ekberg’s book, ‘Between the Cattails and Bulrushes’. She presented an art rendering conceived by Gordon, to the Grand Secretary Alex Saloum, to be proudly hung at the Grand Lodge.

ASSORTED PICTURES OF SESSION ACTIVITIES

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Dorothy and Bob Hoover, members of Lakeside Lodge #105 of Detroit Lakes were our host and hostess during the Executive Boards visit for their monthly May meeting.

The Executive Board from left to right; Bob Hoover, Bob Arthur, Jr., David Adams, Wayne Rosengren – GM, Alex Saloum, Dave Sebesta, and Rick Benesh.

Detroit Lakes Hosts the Executive Board

A special Thank you to Dorothy Hoover for taking the pictures.

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The Grand Lodge’s Executive Board met at Detroit Lakes on May 12, 2018 for their monthly meeting. They were cordially met by Dorothy and Bob Hoover, members of Detroit Lakes (Lakeside) #105. Rolls and coffee were provided upon arrival and during our meeting. The Executive Board started at 10:00 AM and was done by noon. The noon meal consisted of a salad, lasagna, bread sticks, and a dessert. A big Thank You to Lakeside Lodge #105!!

Members present for the Executive Board meeting, left to right; Alex Saloum, Rick Benesh, Wayne Rosengren, Bob Hoover, Bob Arthur, Jr., David Adams, and Dave Sebesta.

Pictured above is Lanny Cox preparing sausages for Mapleton’s Town and Country Days celebration.

At the pancake grill are from l. to r.: John Sonnek, Lee Jeffers, Jerry Marzinske, Amanda Robinson, and Joe Bowen.

Above serving coffee are l. to r.: Chad Kunkel and Patty Marzinske.

Above is Stanley Whitney, doing undoubtedly the hardest job of all, taking the money from all of the satisfied customers!

To the right is Mapleton’s Miss Bonnie Lass and her Court who also greeted customers and brought them beverages. Photos and article courtesy of

Linda Whitney.

Mapleton Lodge #101 Odd Fellows hosted a pancake and sausage breakfast on June 10, 2018 for 225 people at Mapleton’s Town and Country Days.

MAPLETON LODGE #101 PANCAKE BREAKFAST

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On the left are the five (5) new members of Mapleton Lodge #101 and one (1) from Winnebago Lodge #30, that went through all of the four degrees on May 5th at Mapleton’s new lodge hall. New members are, l to r: Barb Lake, Sam Sonnek, Lee Jeffers, Bryan Pucik, Norma Schmidt, Chad Kunkel. Norma Schmidt is the a current member of #101 who received her second & third degrees, the rest are Mapleton new members.

The degree team of Mapleton #101 and Winnebago #30 Odd Fellows that performed all four degrees are, l to r: LuAnn Lanz, Eva Steele, Stan Whitney, Mark Whitney, Doug Klocek, Dave Adams, Jerry Marzinske, Joe Bowen, Pat Marzinske, Joan Adams, Roger Quirim, Gary Whitney, and John Sonnek.

DEGREE RALLY DAY AT MAPLETON, MN - MAY 5, 2018

THE NEW MEMBERS

THE DEGREE TEAMS

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HASSAN VALLEY BEAN BAG TOSS TOURNAMENT

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Hassan Valley Lodge #109 held their monthly “Fun Night” at the Hutchinson, MN Lodge on Thursday, April 5, 2018. This month’s event was Bean Bag Toss. Hassan Valley has put on this event for the last couple of years. It has always been a fun event for their members along with a lot of fellowship. The April event included two guests that were given membership applications before they left that evening. The next “Fun Night” will be on May 3, 2018 at the Hutchinson, MN Lodge hall.

Members listed from l to r standing are: Eric Carlson, Brett Rasmussen-PGM, Wyatt Hahn, Mark Lansink (guest), Steve Hahn (guest), Duane Jindra, and Thresa Berg. Sitting l to r: Ed Stockert, Mike Berg-VG, and Dave Sebesta. Taking pictures was Alex Saloum.

Single’s Bean Bag Toss Champion was Alex Saloum.

Team Bean Bag Toss Champions were Dave Sebesta and Brett Rasmussen.

Warming up prior to paring off. Teams went first, then it was singles. Looks like everyone is out to win a trophy.

SGL WEBSITE MEMBER LOGIN

The Sovereign Grand Lodge has a website database that is available for you to view your Odd Fellow membership. The database is designed for viewing and editing for the following:

Three (3) Levels of Access Are

(1) Member – Granted to members to review their records or update their public profile. All record changes need to be submitted to your Lodge.

(2) Lodges – Granted to the Secretary/Scribe of a local Lodge. Access is limited to Lodge and member review and changes to public profile.

(3) Jurisdictional Units – Granted to Grand Secretaries/Scribes to administer online changes to Jurisdictional, Lodge and Member information. This includes Upcoming Sessions and contact information.

How to Access Your Level

• Login to the SGL website: www.ioof.org • At the top center of the website page, click on “Sign In” • If your email address is on file with the Sovereign Grand Lodge (example; past and

present SGL officers, Grand Lodge officers or Representatives) you can reset or request your username or password by clicking on the “Forgot my password or my username” on the left side of this page.

• If you cannot retrieve it or would like to request a username and password please email: www.webmaster@ioof.org and include your Jurisdiction and Home Lodge. Also if you are the Secretary/Scribe for either a Lodge or Jurisdiction, please note that in the email. You will need a separate username and password for each unit you are responsible for.

• The webmaster will send you an email with your sign in information. It may take a few days or up to a week depending on his schedule and work load. Once you receive your username and password, take this information and login to your account. Once you get logged in, at the top center of this page, to the right of Sign Out, you should see your name and to the right of that My Account. To view your information, you can click on either your name or My Account, it will list all the lodges you have on record with SGL and will be able to view and make changes here. This should include transfers, closed lodges, current lodges, associates, etc., you can add/update personal information if you wish.

• Every member should be able to access their own individual page ONLY unless they are a Secretary/Scribe. Be sure to “Sign Out” when done.

Member access to this site is limited to dues-paying members and in good standing with the IOOF.

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On The Lighter Side

A Little Humor

Word Search for the Month

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THE 19TH ANNUAL JOHN FALCK MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

SAVE THE DATE

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WHERE: Willingers Golf Club

WHEN: Thursday, August 2, 2018

WHAT: 19TH Annual John

Falck Golf

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Sister Judy Anderson donates her time and material to make “Angel Gowns” for Aitkin’s local hospital and funeral home. These gowns are given to families who are unfortunate to have lost an infant at birth or soon after. Pictured below at the Aitkin Healthcare Center Nursery are, from l to r; Marie Nelson, Judy Anderson, and Mary Belz.

Pictured to the right are Judy Anderson with Tad Brezinsky, one of the funeral homes Directors at the Sorenson-Root-Thompson Funeral Home. The local hospital and funeral home are sponsors of Angel Gowns.

AITKIN REBEKAH SEMI-ANNUAL BAKE SALE

REBEKAH SISTER DONATES TIME TO A WORTHY CAUSE

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The Aitkin Rebekah Lodge #151 of Aitkin, MN held their semi-annual Bake Sale on May 10th and 11th. There were seven (7) Rebekah’s that provided baked goods for the sale. As you can see the tables were loaded with all sorts of goodies. Elaine Wischmann said, “The opportunity to do this combined effort makes us closer as Lodge Sisters and friends.” Elaine Wischmann indicated, sales were “great”.

The seven (7) lodge sisters that provided all the treats, from left to right; Judy Anderson, Elaine Kienitz, Rebecca Young, Anna Eells, Arliss Spicer, Mary Andrews-Spilman, and Elaine Wischmann. Not pictured Wilma Sandberg.

BROKEN LINKS In Loving Memory

BROTHER: DATE OF BIRTH: ARNOLD GILBERTSON DATE OF DEATH: April 7, 2018 MEMBER OF: Harmony #230 DATE OF MEMBERSHIP: 1948 Arnold “Arnie” Phillip Gilbertson was born on the family farm in Herman Minnesota to Axel and Lillian

Gilbertson on October, 3 1930 and passed away at the U of M hospital surrounded by family on April

7, 2018. He was a graduate of Herman High School in 1948. He worked on a local farm until 1953

when he joined the US Army serving until 1955. After his honorable discharge he took up work with

Northwest Airlines where he was employed for over 35 years. During that time, he married his wife

of 58 years, Muriel (Schendel) on August 30, 1959 at Faith Evangelical United Brethren Church in

Norcross MN by her father, the Rev. Vern Schendel. After a few different apartments they landed in

a new Orin Thompson home in Apple Valley on October 1, 1963 where he and Muriel lived for the

rest of his life. In 1964 they became charter members of River Hills United Methodist Church. They

had two sons, Steve and Chad. He proudly served on the Apple Valley Fire Department over 20

years. He was a longtime coach with the VAA. Arnie was an avid golfer, bowler and runner completing

his last marathon in his late 70s but continuing with local runs and walks for many more years. He is

preceded in death by his parents and his five older brothers. He is survived by his wife, Muriel; son,

Steve (Diane Rauschenfels); grandchildren, Aleesha and Zachary; and son, Chad (Becky Jo

Messenbrink); grandchildren, Nathaniel, Matthew, Jonathan, Abby & Mia Thilges and Hannah

Rose. Visitation at 9:00 am and the service following at 11:00 at River Hills UMC (11100 River Hills Dr.

Burnsville MN) on Saturday, April 14, 2018 with the burial following at Lebanon Cemetery in Apple

Valley.

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The Grand Lodge of Minnesota Editor: Minnesota Odd Fellows 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

The Minnesota Odd Fellows Web Site is at mnoddfellows.org

Happy 4th of July!! Minnesota’s Odd Fellow/Rebekah Birthday Club

JULY BIRTHDAYS: AUGUST BIRTHDAYS: Date Name Lodge Date Name Lodge

1st Dan Kloos # 230 2nd Nancy Bothwell # 017 2nd James Teubner # 230 2nd Wade Bluemer # 084 3rd Joseph Sweitzer “Mike” # 002 3rd Roland Schallberg # 102 & 026r 5th Randy Schmiesing # 230 3rd Pryce Score # 230 8th Gail Brennan # 122r 7th Mildred Day # 111r

11th Janet Hanson # 024 9th Dale Elston # 108 12th Eugene Lundak # 024 10th Matthew Wilson # 101 13th Kenneth Meyer # 108 10th Samuel Carlson # 109 13th Marie Nelson # 151r 11th Ralph Carter # 084 14th Millard Houser # 164 12th William Keeler # 102 14th Robert Dox # 002 12th Colby Larson # 230 16th Chris Larson # 230 13th Debra Adams # 011r 17th Shirley Lliff # 011r 14th Lanny Cox # 101 19th Keith Schuck # 084 15th Russell Barnes # 017 20th Gerald Beckman # 084 16th Donald Hyytinen # 164 20th Cecil Riley # 164 17th Mary Andrews-Spilman # 164 & 151r 21st Eric Carlson # 109 17th Sharon Thompson # 140r 22nd Christopher Post # 109 21st Jeffery Bowen # 002 22nd Jerry Anderson Jr. # 109 22nd Toni Buckingham # 024 23rd Mark Adams # 030 & 011r 25th Thomas Johnson # 154 25th Lynn Engquist # 230 28th Bart Hoffman # 002 27th Matthew Steffes # 012 29th Ray Elston # 108 28th Stephen Riley # 194 30th Pearl Kohler # 105 28th David Blake # 109 31st Richard Olson # 024 29th Roger Johnson # 164 Robert Lindahl 29th Donald Kretsch # 109 30th Elaine Wischmann # 151r 31st Christine Dorgan # 108

Sick and Distressed

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

Name Lodge In Sickness or Distress Bill Keeler Minnetonka #102 Attended Sessions and is doing well. Barney Leach Minnetonka #102 Recuperating at nursing home. Art Benjamin Hassan Valley #109 Recuperating after a broken leg.

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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