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The Wagner Rotary club held a weekly meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. President Jamie Soukup called the meeting to order with a rap on the Rotary bell. Soukup lead our prayer for the meal and our fellowship.

With festive spirit, deputy song leader, Jeff Doom, rallied the Club in singing “Stodola Pumpa” (all three verses!) – later declaring it was our best run ever. Rotarians then recognized, with song, January birthdays: Becky Brunsing and Gerald Henke.

Sergeant of Arms Gerrit Juffer levied the following Club Member fines: Jerry Weber for instantaneous insults ($2); Craig Krsnak for 25-years with an insurance provider ($2.50); Encouragement to each Rotarian female to minimize wrinkles with adequate lotion, as the Clubhouse is sporting new LED lighting ($2 each); Jeff Doom for eluding police ($2); Debbie Houseman for leading an undefeated dart team ($1); Jerry Weber for having siblings who retire too early ($1); Jamie Soukup for his wife’s appointment to City Council ($1); Jeff Doom for his intention to read numerous books, soon ($5); and, Josh Christianson for festive socks ($2).

Happy Fines were offered by Josh Christianson for the December birth of his child ($5); Jeff Doom for his exciting winter plans ($10); and, Jerry Weber who’s delighted that Jeff Doom will be absent ($10).

Jaime Soukup’s ticket was selected for a drawing. Soukup miraculously drew the Queen of Hearts, securing $110 of winnings.

Football winner books were held by Bryan Slaba, Willow Soukup, Colin Frei, and Jodi Kocer – each of whom will receive a payout, delivered by a Wagner Rotarian.

Treasurer Craig Krsnak reported that the Club contributed to the Polio Plus campaign a total of: $2,025.

President Jamie Soukup shared the recent Board of Directors decision to recognize the following (special status) Club members: Bryan Slaba, and Kelsey Doom-Bjornestad.

The Club discussed upcoming events: a Rotary conference (Jan 10) and Club hosting of a legislative cracker barrel (TBD).

Program Chair Jerry Weber introduced his program: Rotarian Kathe Henke. Ms. Henke, who has formerly presented on topics such as My Experience Earning American Citizenship and Germany After World War II, shared with Wagner Rotarians some of the highlights of her life’s journey, thus far.

In 1967, by cruise ship, as German newly-weds, Kathe (23 years old) and husband Hanns arrived on the east coast of America. Looking to home themselves, Kathe and Hanns made their way to California, where Hanns cared for the 17,000 acre ranch of Charles Harney, the prominent contractor who built Candlestick Park (stadium) in San Francisco.

During Kathe’s first months in America, she was struck by the vastness and beauty of this country. She also noted the accessibility of professors in America’s collegiate system – contrasting such with the depths and stuffiness of Europe.

After six months in California, Kathe and Hanns moved to Arkansas, where their family eventually grew with the birth of a son and a daughter. For twelve years, (having been specifically recruited to the industry) Hanns worked for Tyson Foods.

While in Arkansas, Kathe and Hanns came to know the Waltons brothers (Sam and James), who had aspirations for some sort of “discount-store.” During an occasional round of golf with Sam’s wife Helen, Kathe suggested Sam’s plan would never work. And, yet, Walmart emerged… From the U of Arkansas, Kathe earned a master’s degree in literature and language – all while teaching to others the German language.

With teenage children, Kathe and Hanns moved to North Carolina, where they acquired a bit of land and became suppliers in the meat market – raising hogs. Wherever they lived, Kathe and Hanns were always very involved in their community. Kathe coached soccer; helped the business; volunteered.

On a typical morning in 1995, Hanns departed for work. But, Hanns died instantly in a car accident – leaving a Kathe and their two teenaged children.

Hanns’ memory was honored by friends with several memorial contributions, which Kathe found fitting to donate to Hanns’ Rotary Club, which recognized Kathe with a lifetime membership.

For seven years, widow Kathe regularly attended meetings of that Rotary Club. Occasionally, Kathe invited a guest (widower Gerald Henke) to attend Rotary meetings with her. Henke eventually made a marriage proposal to Kathe, which opened a new chapter: retirement on the Missouri River Hills of South Dakota.

Wagner Rotarians look forward to future programs of the beautiful and interesting: Ms. Kathe (Alhusen) Henke.