The person featured in our "Spotlight on Unsung
Heroes" was born on Dec. 23, 1926 in Bulkes, Yugoslavia.
He was drafted into the German army during the Second World
War at age 17. As a prisoner of war he was taken to a forced
labor camp in Siberia to work in the coal mines.
Due
to health issues, he won his freedom and found his new home to
be in Leipzig, Germany (then East Germany).
After
regaining his health and strength, a new chapter of his life
began. He got married and started a family. Holding on to the
hope that he would some day find his parents and sister, he
began searching for some news about them. Word did come that
his father and sister were alive. With many sacrifices made by
him and his new family, he was able to be reunited with them.
After living a few years in West Germany, the decision was
made to move to America.
Upon
arriving in New York on December 6, 1956, the journey to St.
Louis began but lasted only a few months. Due to work
conditions the journey continued to Mansfield, OH and some
years later back to St. Louis again. While in Ohio, he was
very involved with the German Society at that location. Since
his return to St Louis he has been a committed volunteer for
many years within the maintenance group keeping our Hall
facilities in good order as well as our Fest Committee. He
is a meticulous craftsman and never shies away from work, and
contributed many labor man-hours in the the installation of
flooring materials for our facilities. He has worked behind
the scenes in a quiet and unassuming manner never asking for
recognition. |
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Many thanks to our Nick Glasz
for his many contributions. Nick resides in the St
louis Hills area with his wife Gerda.
They have a married daughter,
Annerose, two grand children, and
a
great granddaughter.
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