Fraternalist of the Year
Louise Weber
Louise Weber
Louise Weber had the surprise of her life when Director Duane Jirik, family, and friends presented her with the Fraternalist of the Year award. As part of this honor, Louise rode in the Austin’s Independence Day parade.
Louise is an integral part of Zara Svobody, Lodge 38 Austin, MN. She has been a member of this lodge for 85 years, since she was about eight. Over the years, she has accepted many positions and responsibilities to help keep the small lodge alive and thriving. Louise was a trustee, secretary for 25 years, then a combination secretary/treasurer, and finally, through last year, she was treasurer. She’s worked hard, and at age 93, still mentors to the new officers.
When asked about all of her years of service for wfla, Louise replied, “I think I was born with it.” She also served for 25 years as a District officer, she commented, “It seems as if I did things in year (increments) of 25.” In addition, Louise helps the lodge with numerous activities, including donating canned goods to the Salvation Army, helping with a winter wear drive for the needy, and collecting various items (pop tabs, used cards, cancelled stamps, medication bottles, etc).
"I want to thank you for the beautiful clock. So many surprises in one day. In my wildest dreams I’d never thought of anything like this happening to me. It’s a day I’ll never forget."
Furthermore, Louise graciously welcomed all of our members into her home for monthly meetings, making everyone who arrived feel special. Along with a warm welcome, she also prepared a delicious lunch. A tasty tray of homemade kolaces, served with hot coffee, was a regular after-meeting treat. Louise did this from 1956 until just recently, when the lodge changed its meeting site to the senior citizen center in Austin, MN. However, Louise still takes her turn in the members’ potluck rotation and warms the hearts and souls of members with her ever-wonderful cooking.
Louise not only is a very active member of Lodge 38, she also participates in her church’s projects. She is a member of First United Methodist of Austin, MN. Recently, the congregation held a rummage sale to raise additional funds for their church. Louise was right there to help. She baked some of her city-renowned kolaces to donate. When she called to check on the status of the sale, she was told that her kolaces were purchased already. Although Louise doesn’t drive her car much anymore, it still doesn’t hinder her desire to assist those in need and be there at “the drop of a hat” whenever someone needs help. She is truly an amazing woman.
Louise strongly believes in mobilizing the generations and is a proponent of helping young people in their pursuit of furthering their education. Louise was one of the founders of the wfla Scholarship Program. She exclaimed, “Can you believe it? Back in the day, there were people who didn’t want to help young people go to college!” Louise worked as a judge on the Scholarship Committee for decades. She would attend the State Meetings every year, faithfully making the trek to arrive early in order to judge the applicants’ essays. For the many youth who benefit from scholarships, the lodge says a heartfelt “Thank You” to Louise, who has directly and indirectly affected the lives of so many. Not only was she a founder, but she so generously contributes monetarily each and every year to help aid this well-deserving program.
In summary, no one can outshine the depth of Louise’s accomplishments. She is a living breathing example, in fact, the epitome of a lifetime of fraternalism.
Past wfla Fraternalists of the Year |
|
| Dan Stursa, 2011 Marjorie Bianco, 2010 Joyce Cisler, 2009 Jane Moucha, 2008 Joan Kotas, 2007 Carole Zellinger, 2006 Ed Svajgl, 2005 Manetta Ohrt, 2004 Janet Kuzma, 2003 Lori Peterlik, 2002 Betty Shaw, 2001 Evelyna Burianek, 2000 Therese Trojak, 1999 Mary Barker, 1998 Frank Vyskocil, 1997 Mary Hudecek, 1996 |
Marita Placek, 1995 Laddie Zellinger, 1994 Frank Novotny, 1993 Helen Gerner, 1992 Dorothy Roy, 1991 Blanche Kral, 1990 Joseph Brauner, 1989 Elsie Semrad, 1988 Angeline Thompson, 1987 Wilma Benish, 1986 Thomas Bradley, 1985 |
