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THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 278 July 31, 2017, © 2017 by The Burgenland Bunch All rights reserved. Permission to copy excerpts granted if credit is provided. Editor: Thomas Steichen (email: tj.steichen@comcast.net) BB Newsletter Archives at: BB Newsletter Index Facebook page: TheBurgenlandBunchOFFICIAL Our 21st Year. The Burgenland Bunch Newsletter is issued monthly online. It was founded by Gerald Berghold (who retired from the BB in the Summer of 2008 and died in August 2008). |
| Current Status Of The BB: * Members: 2545 * Surname Entries: 8124 * Query Board Entries: 5669 * Staff Members: 12 |
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1) THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER (by Tom Steichen)  This
month's newsletter is a reduced version, consisting only of a few bits and pieces here in my
'Corner' and our standard sections: Ethnic Events and Emigrant Obituaries.The primary reason for the lack of a full newsletter this month is travel: my wife and I hosted a trip to Minnesota for our sons and their families, as that is where we grandparents were born and raised and a place where our grandchildren have never visited. Because the "middle generation" of our family is still of working age, they had limited time and flew their families to Minnesota (it was the first flight for the grandchildren, which was a thrill in itself!). Us retired grandparents drove (in large part to transport all the stuff we needed, including car seats for the little ones). The Minnesota trip was centered on family reunions and play at lakes. Our first stop was in central Minnesota where I was born. We rented a large lake house for our stay, although the reunion was held at the "home place," now owned by one of my brothers. Five of my seven surviving siblings were able to attend, bringing many cousins together. Despite maybe a little too much sunshine for the more sensitive types, a great time was had by all. After a few more days of play at the lake and tours of all the "historical" childhood haunts of grandpa, we moved on to northeastern Minnesota, home turf of my wife. Our first stop "up north" was Duluth, where another family reunion was held for my wife's maternal-side family, bringing together some cousins that hadn't seen each other in decades. The host cousin had put together picture panels for each branch, reminding everyone we once were young and giving us a laugh over some of the hair and clothing styles. We then traveled further north to stay at the lake place of my wife's brother. Events there were centered on boats and fishing, with the grandkids getting their first opportunity to catch a fish (which did happen, though stringing worms and removing fish had to be done by us more experienced and less wussy fishermen!) We had boat rides: pontoon boat, speed boat, paddle boat and canoe; and the elder grandson had his first (moderate) ride towed behind the speedboat on a bouncing tube. My sons, on the other hand, got the full treatment... hanging on for dear life as they were slung around tight turns at high speed! How they stayed on, I don't know. Grandpa, with his already damaged rotor cuff, declined a ride, though he was tempted! The grandkids also got the tour of grandma's special home places. Far too soon, however, it was time to start the long trek back home, which started early in the morning with the clean-up and the four-hour trip down to the airport. Although we had made the trip from Pennsylvania to central Minnesota in two days, the early and much more northerly start turned the return into a three-day effort, though we did divert to Ashtabula, OH (it only added 80-some miles to the return trip) and overnighted there. We went to Ashtabula because family stories indicate that my wife's emigrant maternal grandmother spent part of her first year in America as a housemaid there. Actual records show that this grandmother (then 18 years old) came from Finland in 1902, entering in Ellis Island then going (likely by train) to Erie, PA, purportedly to a "cousin," though we can't identify the listed person as such. A year later she married in northern Minnesota, living out her days there. Ashtabula is only 45 miles down the coast of Lake Erie from Erie, PA, so we suspect (though can't prove) that this "cousin" was really an employment agent and had placed her there. Regardless, she didn't stay long and the man she soon married (my wife's maternal grandfather) was one she knew in Finland. We spent an hour in the Ashtabula library where we learned a bit about the town's history from some helpful staff members, though we could find no record of grandmother. After a tour of the town, we completed our trip home. Thus I sit here writing this note on the morning after our return. Although it will take only a few days to settle back into the daily routine again, too little time remains to construct a full newsletter. You will therefore get only this reduced version, though I hope to publish a full newsletter at the ends of August and September. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on one's viewpoint), I will not publish a newsletter at the end of October, as my wife and I will again be on the road (this time in Italy... we are at that age, after all: old enough to have the time and young enough to still travel!).  Felix Gundacker wrote (in part):  The
longtime Director of the Eisenstadt Diocesan Archives and Diocesan Museum, Prof. Dr. Hans Peter
Zelfel, succumbed to his illness on Saturday, July 22, 2017.Born in Mödling in 1944, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna. In 1971, he entered the service of the Diocese of Eisenstadt. Between 1994 and 2009, he headed the archives of the diocese. Some 50% of the land's records were centrally collected and recorded under his leadership, some of them also being restored. Dr. Zelfel was distinguished several times: in 1989 he received the Ehrenzeichen des Landes Burgenland; in 1999 he was awarded the professional title of "Professor." We mourn for one of the greats of the Austrian Archives.  Looking
for Burgenland Relatives: BB Member
Bela Molnar of Petrosani, Romania, is
looking for relatives, specifically descendants of siblings of his great-grandfather, Johann
Hosch / Hösch / Höscht, who was born about 1860 in Jennersdorf and eventually moved to
Transylvania, specifically Petrosani. Our BB 1850s houselists show Hösch / Hosch families in
Wallendorf, Rax and Jennersdorf. Bela provided this 1935 picture of Johann, taken at a mining
trade union gathering.Johann's daughter, Juliana Hösch, who was born in 1894 to wife Theresia Fasching in Voitsperg, Austria (which is about 14 miles west of Graz), claimed that family members remained in Jennersdorf. Bela would like to exchange information and photos, assuming a connection can be made, as he is writing a family history. He offers "Thanks in advance for your efforts." |
2) ETHNIC EVENTS LEHIGH VALLEY, PA Sunday, August 6: Parish Picnic at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Coplay. Music by the Emil Schanta Band. Polka Mass at 10:30 AM. Info: www.stpeterchurchcoplay.com Sunday, August 20: German-American Day at the Evergreen Heimatbund in Fleetwood. Entertainment by the Josef Kroboth Orchestra as well as German choruses and Schuhplattlers. Info: www.evergreenclub.org Sunday, August 20: Summer Dance at the Holy Family Club in Nazareth. Music by the Walt Groller Orchestra. Info: www.holyfamilyclub.com Sunday, August 27: Coplay Community Days at Coplay Community Park. Music by the Walt Groller Orchestra. Info: www.facebook.com/CoplayCommunityDaysFestival NEW BRITAIN, CT Friday, August 4, 7 pm: Heimat Abend. Austrian Donau Club, 545 Arch Street, $3. Music by Joe Rogers and his band. Friday, August 17, 7:30 pm: Heurigan Abend. Austrian Donau Club, 545 Arch Street, $3. Music by Schachtelgebirger Musikanten. |
3) BURGENLAND EMIGRANT OBITUARIES Anna Keuler (née Reisinger)  Our
mother and grandmother, Anna Keuler (née Reisinger), 90, of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, passed
away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, July 19, 2017.Mom was born in Mosonszolnok (Zanegg), Hungary and lived through difficult times in Hungary and Germany. She and dad immigrated to Canada in 1954. Mom worked hard all her life and was known as a generous and giving person. Oma will be remembered for her cooking, baking and feisty disposition. She is survived by her children Ruth (Craig), Horst, Anneliese (Dave deceased), Mary (Dan); 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Anna is also survived by her sisters Johanna (Herb) and Liesel; brother Hans; and numerous nieces and nephews all in Germany. She was predeceased by her husband Theodor; son Joseph; her parents and several siblings. A Graveside Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, 815 Assiniboine Ave. E., Regina, SK. Please meet inside the cemetery gates. In lieu of flowers donations in Anna's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff of South Wing, Extendicare Parkside for their wonderful care of mom. Published in The Regina Leader-Post on July 22, 2017 Helen Mauhs (née Sambold) Helen
Elizabeth Mauhs, 86 of Hamden, Connecticut, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, July
18, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family.She was the beloved wife and best friend of more than sixty years to Karl Mauhs. Born in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania and raised in Dobersdorf, Austria, she was a daughter of the late Rudolph and Mary (Venus) Sambold. She returned to the U.S. at the age of sixteen, settling in Sewickley, Pennsylvania with her family. Helen had an amazing work ethic. Not speaking the language, she began working and quickly became fluent in speaking, reading and writing English. After marrying Karl, they moved to Connecticut, and settled in Hamden, where they raised their family. Helen worked at the family bakery, Kramer's Bakery, for more than thirty years, mastering the art of cake decorating. In addition to working at the bakery, she also helped raise her grandchildren. Helen and Karl have been members of the German Harugari Singing Society of West Haven, where she enjoyed their twice a year weekend getaways in the Catskill Mountains. Helen loved to travel to local and out of state hockey games with Karl. They had the pleasure to travel to Austria in 1999 to see her home and visit family. She loved to speak of her youth in Austria, as well as the challenges that the war brought. After retirement, Helen went on to care for children in Guilford and Cheshire as well as her own grandchildren. She gave all of herself without hesitation, always loving and supportive, and full of true unconditional love. Helen was an amazing cook and baker. She was always making family gatherings special. She couldn't go anywhere without bringing her signature Apple Cake. She is also survived by her children Margie Fisher and her husband Jack, AnnaMaria Mauhs, Karl Mauhs, II and his wife Maureen, and Richard Mauhs and his longtime companion Daniele, six grandchildren, Carrie Gargano and her husband JD, Erin Balisciano and her husband Jaime, Kelley Stewart and her husband Brian, Karl Mauhs, III and his wife Emily, Brian Mauhs and his wife Sydney, and Alena Mauhs, and six great grandchildren, Ryan, Avery, Matthew, Jake, Dylan and Elliot. She was predeceased by her brothers, Rudolph, Frank and Walter Sambold, and her sister Margaret Valenzi. Wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, you will forever be a bright flame in our hearts. Your love and passion for family will live forever. We love you. THERE WILL BE NO CALLING HOURS. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Saturday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 321 Circular Ave., Hamden. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity that supports children's needs. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven has been entrusted with arrangements. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com. Published in The New Haven Register on July 23, 2017 Agnes Walles (née Frisch) Agnes
Walles, 97, of Midland Park, New Jersey, formerly of Whiting, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017
at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. She was the wife of the late Herman Walles, who died in
1999. Born in Gerersdorf, Burgenland, Austria. she was a daughter of the late Georg and Agnes (Billovits) Frisch. She lived in the Bronx, NY before moving to Whiting in 1978. Agnes was a homemaker and a communicant of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Whiting. She is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Lillian Pirone of Rochelle Park, NJ and Betty and Gene Rahilly of Bronx, NY; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, July 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:45 a.m. at the All Saints Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Whiting. Interment will be at Whiting Memorial Park. For information, directions and condolences, please visit our website at manchestermemorial.net Published in Asbury Park Press on July 12, 2017 Maria Stubits (née Jandrisits) Although
we know Maria, our Mom and Nana, is now joyfully enfolded into the waiting arms of God and
reunited with Dad, it is with the greatest sense of loss and sadness that we announce the
passing of Maria (Jandrisits) Stubits.Beloved wife for 50 years of the late Oskar Stubits; loving mother of Rose Mary, Helen (Simon), Oscar (Terry), Theresa (Kevin), Katherine and Carol (Dave). Cherished Nana of James, Julia, Amanda, Mark, Emma, Erin, Rachel and Matthew. Mom and Dad, both natives of Güttenbach, Burgenland, Austria, emigrated to Canada in 1954 and together built a life, a family and a home, first in Winnipeg, then Montreal and Mississauga. Mom had extensive family in Austria and celebrated her Austrian heritage but she was very proud to be Canadian. Mom always considered her life a blessing. Dad was the love of her life and we, as her children and grandchildren, grew up with her unconditional love, wisdom, generosity, grace, and sense of humour. Thanks Mom for always, always being there for us. You were our rock. Thank you for your legacy of faith in God, hard work, the importance of family, and laughter. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts, forever. Say hi to Dad for us. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at Mississauga Trillium Hospital who took such wonderful care of Mom the last few days. Visitation at Turner & Porter “Neweduk-Erin Mills” Chapel, 1981 Dundas St. W., Mississauga (just east of Erin Mills Pkwy) on Thursday July 13, 2017 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Friday July 14. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hospital for Sick Children would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca. Published in the Toronto Star from July 11 to July 13, 2017 Joseph Scharnitz Joseph
Scharnitz Sr., 93, of Yardville, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday in Compassionate Care Hospice
at RWJ University Hospital at Hamilton. He was the husband of the late Alline Scharnitz. Born in Eltendorf, Austria, he was a son of the late Josef and Theresa (Schermann) Scharnitz. Joseph came to the United States of America at age 8. He originally lived in Allentown, PA, and moved to the Hamilton area with his family in 1954, and was a resident since that time. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He retired from U.S. Steel after many years of service. For a short period of time he then drove part-time for Rick Bus Company. In Joseph's spare time he was a member of the Hamilton Elks, enjoyed camping with his family, and also was a founding member of the Sunny Brae Little League. He also was a lifelong member of the Yardville Presbyterian Church. Joseph is survived by his four sons and their spouses, Daniel and Dale Scharnitz of Roebling, Ronald and Annette of Ashley, Ohio, Martin and Nancy Scharnitz, and Joseph and Nikki Scharnitz, all of Hamilton Township; one brother, Alfred Scharnitz of West Palm Beach, FL; nine grandchildren; three step- grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call on Friday morning, July 7, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Buklad Yardville Memorial Chapel, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road in Yardville. A brief prayer service will be held at 12 noon with local clergy officiating. Burial will follow in Princeton Memorial Park. Buklad Yardville Memorial Chapel 30 Yardville-Allentown Rd. Yardville, NJ 08620 (609) 695-1868. Published in The Times, Trenton, on July 4, 2017 Zita Pigott (née Radakovits) Zita
Pigott, 96, of Madison, Mississippi, passed away on July 24, 2017.Born in Güttenbach, Austria on March 11,1921, she was the daughter of the late Ignatius and Anna (Zwitkowitsch) Radakovits. She married James Francis Pigott Jr., in 1946. They had six children: James F. Pigott III (Barbara), Carole Ann Pigott, Linda Rigell (Steve), Michael Pigott (Cheryl), Vivian Neill (Walter), and Patrick Pigott (Dena). Mama Zita, as she became known to the thousands of people whose lives she touched at Hal & Mal's Restaurant, was a staple of the restaurant from the very beginning. She shared a laugh, a hug, a joke, always happy to see each individual. Whether she was hostessing, accounting or taking concert tickets these past thirty years, she was always up for a good story and loved it when her faithful friends and customers sent post cards from their travels. She enjoyed dancing the polka as she had in her childhood (particularly the Chicken Dance) every year at the German Fest in Gluckstadt, as recently as 2016. She also loved Edelweiss (the flower and the song), crocheting and spending time with her large family. Aside from her six children, Zita, also had 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who affectionately called her Gran. She was predeceased by her husband James, and her grandchildren Mary Zita Pigott and Colten Michael Pigott. Funeral services will be held at St. Richard's Catholic Church on August 1 at 1:00. Visitation for Zita Radakovits Pigott will be held at St. Richard's at 12. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to H.T. White Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson. Published in Clarion Ledger on July 30, 2017 |
| END OF NEWSLETTER (Even good things must end!) |
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News
Update
for book "The Burgenländer Emigration to America": Here is this month's update on
purchases of the English issue of the 3rd edition of Dr. Walter Dujmovits' book "Die
Amerika-Wanderung Der Burgenländer."