Youngstown Saxon Club honors lady, man of year

Photo

Teutsch

Photo

Gentile

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown Saxon Club honored its Lady and Man of the Year at the 33rd annual Goulash Dinner on March 28. Hermine Gentile and Michael Teutsch Sr. were the recipients chosen by the Ladies Society Lodge 22 and Men’s Lodge 30 of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons.

Hermine Gentile grew up in and attended school in Rain, Lower Bavaria, Germany, along with two sisters.

She met her husband, Frank, while he was stationed in Germany after World War II. After coming to the United States in 1955, they married and had a daughter, who now lives in Colorado. After Gentile’s husband passed away in 2004, she Joined Branch 22 in June of 1975. She has been a faithful and diligent member, attending meetings, supporting various functions and serving on numerous committees as a willing helper.

On the occasion of the Ladies’ 76th anniversary in 1981 and again on the 100th anniversary in 2004, she served as convention marshal.

Michael Teutsch Sr. was born in Waltersdorf, Transylvania, Romania, and was 14 years old when he came to the United States in 1950 from Austria. The retired General Motors worker of 27 years and co-owner of Homes by Michael, builders of custom-made homes, is a 54-year member of the Saxon Club.

He has served as a trustee, and helped to found the 500 Club and Memorial and Celebration Club, both raising needed funds for club projects. The full renovation of the upper and lower lounges bears his dedicated hard labors of time and money.

In 2007, he was honored with the “Saxon Honor Pin” by the national organization, recognizing his many years of meritorious service.

The 58-year resident of Austintown and his wife, the former Margaret Mulichak, have two children, Michael Jr. and Maria Lisa, and four grandchildren: Michael, Samantha, Jordan and Alexis.

The ATS national president ,Thomas J. Manning, presented the Saxon Honor Pin to Thomas Fizet for his faithful and dedicated years of service to the Saxon club and the greater Youngstown community.

Branch 30 president Walter Benesch also recognized 40-year members Randall Bokesch, Dave Cisine Sr., Raymond Colasante, David Heinselman, Paul Klein, Gary Schinker and John Schinker Jr; 50-year members John Davidson, Vernon Ostovich; 60-year member Ludwig M. Schenker Jr.; and 70-year members Robert Fox and Alfred Wellman.

The Saxon Culture Group Band entertained during dinner and for dancing. Bonnie Baker, Branch 22 president, was chairwoman of the program, and John Boehm Jr. was master of ceremonies.