2010 reunion in New Braunfels a Success by Carla Bottorf
A wonderful location in a town that offers many things to do and see made the 29th biennial reunion of the Hoelscher – Buxkemper family a success. The family reunion was held at the New Braunfels Civic Center on June 26 and 27, 2010. The opening prayer at the Sunday meeting was led by Father Paul Gros of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who had also presided over the morning mass, assisted by Deacon Wilbur Hoelscher of San Antonio.
The family meeting was held after lunch on Sunday during which time the attendance at the New Braunfels reunion was announced. Total attendance over the two day period was reported as 723, with 114 for Elizabeth, 118 for Anton, 364 for Joe, 63 for William and 84 for Ben. (Those in more than one family section are counted in all sections; so total number doesn’t add up to 723). There were 42 persons in attendance who were 80+ years old and older. Nathalene Hoelscher of Robstown was recognized as the only person who has attended all 29 reunions. First time attendees at our family reunion were recognized and invited to return for future reunions.
Past reunion chairpersons in attendance were recognized, including Rosamond Bedrich, Dottie Frerich, Theresa Gold, Alice Hoelscher, and Doris Voltin. The various chairpersons for this reunion were recognized and thanked for their long hours and hard work in making this reunion a success.
Arlie Benton, 89, of Big Sandy, received the award for the oldest man present and his wife, Celestine Benton, 86, of Big Sandy received the award for the oldest lady present. The youngest baby boy award went to Peyton Slaven, 7 weeks, son of Russell and Megan Slaven, of Temple while the youngest baby girl present was Taryn Grace Hoelscher, 3 weeks, daughter of Michael and Kathryn Hoelscher, of San Antonio.
Bernard and Grace Beach, 62 years, of Rowena were recognized for the couple married the longest. The newlywed couple was Joseph and Brandy Huckay, married June 12, 2010 of Marshall. Brandy is the granddaughter of Arlie and Celestine Benton, Oldest man and lady winners.
Largest Family recognized as being present at the reunion was the Jeff and Frances Spalding family of San Antonio, with children Christopher, Gretchen, Elizabeth, Veronica, Sarah, Bernadette, Steven, Gabriel, Jacinta, Isaac, Cecilia, John Hardon, Raymond, and Melissa.
Ronald Hoelscher of Bellingham, WA received the award for Greatest Distance traveled.
Raffle items had been awarded prior to the meeting. The raffle items were the table decorations that had been admired during the reunion. When a person’s winning ticket was drawn, the person went to the table that held the decoration they wished to claim as their prize. It was very entertaining and well received!