Pamela Gassel

December 1, 1954 – March 8, 2026

Pamela Gassel, age 71, of Macomb, MI passed away on March 8, 2026.  She was born on December 1, 1954.   Pam joined Edelweiss in February, 1973.  She received her Golden Edelweiss in 1988.

Pamela was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Helen Gassel.  In recent years, she served as a caregiver to Helen.  She is survived by her siblings Chris Gassel and Cathy Delbeke and many nieces and nephews.

Pam danced as a Schuhplattler for many years. She assisted with the children’s dance group in the mid 1970s.   She also served as first and second Kassiererin for Edelweiss.

She was an avid pet lover who rescued and fostered many birds throughout her life.

There are no services planned at this time.  Pam will be dearly missed.  May she rest in peace.

At the January meeting, Edelweiss held its election of officers.  The committee members haven't changed; evidence that the membership is happy with the officers. At the February 8 meeting, the officers took their oath to uphold the Verein's main goal of "Sitt und Tracht der Alten wollen wir erhalten."

• 1. Vorstand - Erwin Rauschendorfer
• 2. Vorstand - Fred Walker
• 3. Vorstand - Rick Michels
• Kassier - Colleen Michels
• 2. Kassier - Sharon Walker
• Schriftführerin - Rita Dziersk
• 2. Schriftführerin - Chrissy Walker
• Sachenverwalterin - Chrissy Walker
• Karten Obmann -- Sonja Bresett
• Küchen Obmann - Annette Edelhauser
• Bar Obmann -- Bill Bresett
• Trustees -- Annette Edelhauser (3 year); Lori Carpentier (2 year); Roger Kraft (1 year)
• Pressewart & Historian -- Karin Dean Kraft
• Musikwart -- Rick Michels
• GACC Delegates -- Fred Walker & Roger Kraft (alt)
• Fahnenträger -- Barry Lamerand

The Dance Officers for 2026 are largely the same except that we have a new secretary -- Sean Liska. Welcome to Sean and a big thank you to Sharon Walker, the outgoing secretary. 

• Vorplattler -- Eric Walker
• 2. Vorplattler -- Kevin Walker
• Vortänzerin -- Chrissy Walker
• 2. Vortänzerin -- Annette Edelhauser
• Secretary -- Sean Liska
• Sachenschlepper -- Annette Edelhauser
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The 34th Mittelwest Bezirks Heimatfest is being held this year in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 27-28. It's jointly hosted by D'Fröhliche Schuhplattler of St. Louis along with D'Holzar of Dallas, Texas. Friday evening we're in for a special treat -- celebrating the 50th anniversary of D'Fröhliche Schuhplattler Verein with a Heimatabend! On Saturday it's all-day fun with Jugend Einzelplatteln, a meeting, workshops, and a Flohmarkt. In the evening the banquet, awards for our young dancers, Ehrentänze, and a good dance band. The $90 Fest ticket covers beverages for much of the weekend and Saturday's banquet meal. Accommodations and events are at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel.

If you're interesting in attending, contact Rita Dziersk. Tickets must be prepaid by the end of February.  Hotel block is available until March 9 to get the $155/night rate. Call 1-888-627-7066 and mention the Mittelwest Bezirks Heimatfest. We always have a great time with our friends from all over the midwest. 

Our yearly trek to our friends at the BSC Holzhacker Buam in Toledo has been scheduled.  Sunday, March 22 is the date. Arrive by 11 am to enjoy Frühschoppen and greet your many friends. What's Frühschoppen? Food, beer, fellowship -- Weisswurst, big fat pretzels, potato salad, cold cuts, Leberkäs, salads, and, of course, Weissbier. Then when we are stuffed, we'll go upstairs to the spacious dance floor and teach one another some dances and continue the fun. Besides the Holzhacker folks, there are usually fellow Trachtler from other nearby clubs--Cleveland, Windsor, Fort Wayne. It's a great afternoon. All are welcome. Free will donation for the food; cash bar (with really reasonable prices!). Contact Edelweiss Vorplattler Eric Walker if you want to attend so he can pass along a count to our (most excellent) hosts.

Bavarian Sport Club Hall, 2102 LaGrange St., Toledo, Ohio.  Corner of LaGrange and Moore.  Enter the secure parking lot from Moore.

Helen Gassel

July 10, 1930 – November 15, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Helen Gassel.  She passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025 at the age of 95 years old.  Helen was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Gassel (Ehrenvorstand).  She was the devoted mother of Pamela Gassel, Cathy Delbeke, and Chris Gassel, and a proud grandmother.

Helen has been an active Ehrenmitglied member of GTEV Edelweiss since 1972.  She held many committee positions over the years including:  GACC Vertreterin, Frauengruppe Präsidentin, Kindertanzgruppe Leiterin, Schuhplattler, and was always there to lend a helping hand.

Throughout the years Helen was also a member of the GACC and the Austrian Society. She held the German American of the Year award.

Her family is presently planning a private celebration of life ceremony.  We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.  Ruhe in Frieden.