In Memoriam

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 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our longtime singer and Concord Club member, Erika Burkardsmaier. Erika died peacefully after a prolonged illness on August 12, 2025, in Saarbruecken, Germany.

Erika was an active singer in the Washington Saengerbund and an active member of the Concord Club. There was not a club picnic or bus trip or one of many rehearsals where Erika did not bring one of her delicious cakes and coffee, or a baguette and cheese to share with her fellow singers. Erika's generous nature and her cooking and baking skills are remembered by many.

She was the wife of the late Walter Burkardsmaier, the mother of Karen Burkardsmaier and Annette Burkardsmaier, the mother-in-law of Michael Kolschewski, and hugely devoted to her grandchildren, Helena Burkardsmaier and Daniel Burkardsmaier.

She is also survived by her sister, Gerda Jauss, her brother, Werner Hees, her sister-in-law, Margarete Lessiak, her brother-in-law, Reiner Lessiak, her nephew, Frank Lessiak (with Terry) as well as many nieces, nephews, and relatives in Germany. She will be missed by her many lifelong friends.

 On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Christa Helga Grunwald, of Frederick, formerly of Middletown, MD, passed away peacefully in the company of her loving daughters.

Born on November 28, 1927, in Breslau, Silesia, Germany (now Poland) to the late Georg and Emma Helga Gründel.  In June of 1956, she and her husband, Edgar, and their son, Frank, immigrated to the United States under the refugee relief program, which was part of the Marshall Plan, settling in Middletown. A longtime member of the Zion Lutheran Church choir in Middletown, Washington Saengerbund, and the Concord Club of Washington, DC.  Christa loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. For many years, it was a tradition that Christa would sing the first verse of Silent Night in German to the congregation at the Zion Lutheran Church candlelight service.

She devoted her life to her home and family. She was particularly proud of her bountiful garden that she and Edgar planted every year.  Her family and neighbors were the beneficiaries of the delicious tomatoes and beans that they grew each year, in addition to the apples from their trees.  She also worked as an associate at Eyerly’s/ BonTon in Frederick. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Grunwald, and son, Frank Grunwald.

She is survived by her daughters, Martina Grunwald, and Cornelia Kennedy, her husband, Patrick Kennedy; grandchildren Karin and spouse Andrew James Burridge, Matthias Grunwald, Sean Kennedy and spouse Julia Kennedy, Andrew Kennedy; and five great grandchildren (Isaac, Oliver, Penelope, Everly, and Rhett).

On the morning of Monday, February 17, 2025 Gerhard Meinzer passed away peacefully in an assisted living home in Olney, MD.  He was preceded in death by his parents Karl Meinzer and Karoline Meinzer née Hartmann. He is survived by his sister Gerlinde Groß née Meinzer and her husband Dieter Groß, his niece MichaelaGroß and her husband Stephen Hawlitzki-Groß as well as a great niece and great nephew. 

Gerhard was born in Karlsruhe-Knielingen, Germany on August 21, 1936, where he attended school.  In 1959 he left Germany and went first to Canada and then to the United States where he lived in the Washington, DC area and worked as a mason.  In his early years he enjoyed skiing and often went on long ski trips with groups of friends.  He bought a house in Hyattsville, MD where he lived with his dog “Princess” and cultivated a much-admired flower garden in his front yard.  He joined several German-American organizations, including the German-speaking Arminius Masonic Lodge, where he rose to be in the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry.  He served as the president of the Arminius Social Club and the Association of German-American Societies of Greater Washington, DC, for which organization he planned and executed for many years a formal celebration of German-American Day at the German-American Friendship Garden on the National Mall.  He was a mentor for Youth Leaders International.  He sang with the Washington Saengerbund and was a member of the Concord Club, the German Society of Maryland, and the United Church/Concordia Kirche

Gerhard enjoyed traveling and visited Masonic Lodges in several foreign cities, including, London, Jerusalem, and Pisa; he also traveled widely within the United States and Canada.  He was the kind of person whom you could count on, for he so frequently helped German-American groups with their events and festivals.

Gerhard received many accolades associated with his work in the German-American community.  In 1995 he was awarded the prized Verdienstkreuz am Bande of the Federal Republic of Germany in an impressive ceremony at the German Embassy in Washington.  In 2008 he was awarded the Ehrennadel of the Washington Saengerbund, and in 2014 the Friendship Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was named the 2017 German-American of the Year by the German Society of Maryland, for which organization he sponsored several students to study during summers in Germany.

Gerhard will be missed by his family and his many friends in the German-American community.

Franz Josef Lengenfelder, 93, of St. Leonard, Maryland, entered eternal rest on November 28, 2024, after suffering complications from a broken heart after the loss of his beloved wife Erika.

Born in Aalen, Germany in 1931, Franz was the son of Josef and Anna Maria Lengenfelder, later step-mother Franziska Maria.  Franz was an inquisitive child and had a fascination with all things mechanical and electrical.  At the young age of fourteen, he began work as an electrician apprentice.  His work as an electrician provided him the opportunity to meet the love of his life, Erika, while installing light fixtures at his future father-in-laws shoe store in Aalen.  Franz emigrated to the United States in 1956 in pursuit of his beloved Erika, eventually marrying in Muskegon, Michigan.

Franz cherished his Erika and the family they made together, always putting the needs of his family before his own. Franz was proud of his service in the United States Air Force and his 35-year career as a telecommunication engineer with the National Aeronautical Space Administration where he received numerous awards for his contributions to the Apollo Space Missions and Space Shuttle program.  But most of all he was proud of the achievements of his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren.  In his early years Franz could be found in his workshop fixing vacuum cleaners, amplifiers, and just about anything mechanical.  In later years, he enjoyed long walks with his “Schnuggi” along the shores of the Chesapeake and working in his oversized vegetable garden, taking pride in sharing nature’s bounty with neighbors.  He spent countless hours in the kitchen baking his famous oatmeal cookies and banana bread.  You could not leave his house without a jar of his famous cookies.

Franz was an active member in his community and church.  He dedicated many years to coaching youth soccer in New Carrollton, Maryland and later to the Knights of Columbus and St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Prince Frederick, Maryland.   Franz stayed connected with his German heritage as a singer with the Washington Sangerbund, where he also served as president. He and Erika were members of, and regularly attended monthly luncheons and traveled with, the Concord Club of Washington D.C..

Left behind to cherish his memory are his sons John Lengenfelder (Guan Ling) of St. Leonard, Maryland, Michael Lengenfelder (Kimberly) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and David (Eileen Jacqueline) of Crofton, Maryland.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Franz is also survived by his sisters Luzia Uhl and Marianne Haisch of Aalen Germany.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty-seven years Erika Lengenfelder and by his brothers Alfred, Josef, and Anton and his sister Franziska Teresia Lengenfelder.  His humble personality and gentle smile will be missed by many.

 On the morning of Monday, October 14, 2024, William “Bill” Albert Vogel, passed peacefully in his home of 46 years with his loving wife of 36 years, Sonja (Opperman), by his side. Preceded in death by his parents William Alfred Vogel and Martha Stehman Vogel and his first wife, Marianne (Schwalb) Vogel, and siblings Frederick Vogel, Richard Vogel, and Mary Vogel Farley. Our beloved “Uncle Bill” as he was known by so many, leaves behind a loving legacy and caring family including Sonja; stepchildren Marie Skolnick (Curtis), Paul Patrick, and Wendy Griffith (Brian); four step-grandchildren Annika and Olivia Griffith and Jason and Sara Skolnick; and numerous nieces and nephews including Fred Vogel (Mary), Harry Vogel, Martha Taishoff (late-Brad), Patty Vogel (John), Bill Vogel (Patti), David Vogel (Jill), Frank Farley (Jeanine), John Farley (Olga), Patrick Farley (Janet), Mike Farley (Mimi), Michael Browning (Michiyo), cousins Daniel Edwards (Terry), Holly Edwards (Jeff); Bill, Carolyn, and Glenn Engle; son Scott Hering (Sandy), and their children Chase and Kylie Hering.

Bill led an accomplished and full life over his 98 years. Born in Washington, DC on July 9, 1926, Bill graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945. He attended The University of Maryland and in 1951 earned a Civil Engineering degree and went on to earn both a Masters Degree in Physics from Johns Hopkins University and a degree in Meteorology from Penn State University.

Bill achieved the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a non-pilot reflecting his level of service and dedication. Bill received the decoration of Bronze Star during his active duty in Vietnam for his meritorious service as the Commander of Detachment 36, 30th Weather Squadron in 1968 and 1969. The list of Bill’s military related and professional accomplishments is extraordinary and led to a life of good friends and great stories. His service to our country included active duty, reserve, and civilian duty from 1944 – 1996.

 Bill retired in 1996 and never slowed down. Bill and Sonja travelled the world with frequent trips in the United States to towns like Helen, GA, and Massanutten, VA with dear friends and internationally to Germany and other parts of Europe to visit with friends and relatives. Bill was a member of the Arminius Masonic Lodge #25 in Takoma Park, a member of numerous German-American organizations in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD, and a member of multiple State Societies. Bill was a fixture on the campus of the University of Maryland and all but established residence in Cole Field House and Byrd Stadium to cheer on his beloved Terps and sing along with the Maryland fight song. He often travelled down Tobacco Road to root on the basketball team during the ACC Tournament. An avid sports fan with incredible recall for any game, any play, or any statistic, when he wasn’t at a game, you could be sure he would be tuned in on the radio or TV to cheer on the Terps and Baltimore Orioles while the next day, with anyone he knew, regaling in victory or commiserating in defeat. The only things Bill loved more were his family and friends.

Bill was as an authentic a person as this world has known. He never knew a stranger and made friends with ease. He was always up for a good story, a good meal, a good joke, a lively discussion on political events, and a good old-fashioned sing-along. Proud of his German heritage, he had a love for German food, beer, and music. When surrounded by friends, family and pets, he was always at peace and never in a better mood. Bill and Sonja’s backyard July 4th picnics, holiday gatherings, and parties are the stuff of legend with each including a bounty of cold drinks, grilled bratwurst, and dozens of pot-luck dishes and desserts. All you needed to do was follow the sounds of laughter to his home in Columbia or to the farmhouse in Howard County to join in on the fun.

Dagmar Marie (Budde) Georgiev, 82, of Bethesda, Maryland left this Earth on August 18, 2024.

She was born on August 01, 1942, in Geisenheim, Germany and grew up in Kettwig, Germany. She immigrated to the United States in 1961 at the tender age of 19. Her intention was just to learn the language at first and then return to Germany but ended up staying here through twists of fate.

She always loved living in America but never forgot her roots. She was proud to be German and always sought that connection. Her first job in New York City was with Lufthansa. She continued to use her German Skills at other future positions as well. She worked at Volkswagen, Berlitz Language School, The German Embassy and The World Bank.

She loved the arts. She played the piano beautifully as well as her acoustic guitar. She especially loved classical music and was also an Elvis Presley fan. She enjoyed singing with the Washington Sängerbund and especially loved singing at their annual Spring and Christmas Concerts.

She was a proponent of Education and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in German Studies from American University, while being a single mom. She loved a good debate discussing The Bible, Philosophy and History. She enjoyed socializing with people and her famous German Potato Salad and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies were enjoyed by all. She also loved her little “Pooches” named Arno and Marlon. She was unforgettable, and we loved her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Reinhard Budde and Gertrud Budde; sister Ingrid Abt and grandson Dante Zezzo. She is survived by her brothers, Dr Hans Jürgen Budde and Dr. Rolf Budde; daughters, Gergana (Georgiev) Zezzo and Tatyana (Georgiev) Knop; grandchildren, Arturo Zezzo, Dominic Zezzo, Sophia Knop, Damian Zezzo and Phillip Knop.

Erika Franziska Lengenfelder, 88, of St. Leonard, Maryland, entered eternal rest on May 28, 2024, after suffering complications from a stroke.     

Born in Aalen, Germany in July 1935, she was the daughter of August and Anna Schur.  Erika emigrated by herself at the age of fifteen to Muskegon, Michigan leaving behind her family in Germany to live with her aunt and uncle.  After years of correspondence, Franz “Schneckle” found his way across the pond, and they married in 1957. Erika relished her years as the wife of an Airman First Class, moving from New Jersey to France and back again with two boys in tow.  

Erika was a proud mother who took great pride in her responsibilities at home and in the community.  She was a wonderful cook and can be remembered for her legendary potato salad and sauerkraut. Erika was an avid singer and was a member of several choirs, most recently with St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Prince Fredrick, Maryland.  Erika also sang with the Washington Sängerbund and participated for years in the many social activities of the club. She was also a longtime member of the Concord Club of Washington, D.C., enjoying frequent day trips and luncheons. Formerly of New Carrollton, Maryland, she volunteered as an election judge and sang in the choir at St. Bernard’s Church in Riverdale, Maryland.  Erika retired from the University of Maryland College Park as an assistant within the Materials Science and Engineering Department.

Erika had a beautiful smile and enjoyed being the life of the party, entertaining folks with her famous head-stand, cartwheel, or playing the accordion.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her “Schneckle” gardening, hiking, or just sitting in the garden watching the birds and small animals. Erika had strong faith and found comfort in prayer.

Left behind to cherish her memories are her husband of 67 years, Franz, sons John (Guan Ling) of St. Leonard, Maryland, Michael (Kimberly) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and David (Eileen Jacqueline) of Crofton, Maryland.  She is also survived by ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Erika is also survived by her brother, Alfred Schur of Unterkochen, Germany, and was preceded in death by her sister Annaliese Hägele of Fachsenfeld, Germany.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick, Maryland, 20678.  Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and the internment will follow the mass at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a one-time donation of your choosing may be offered to St. John Vianney Catholic Church here: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/MD888

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth In Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

We have been notified that, Helga Vest, a longtime member of the Washington Saengerbund passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on April 10, 2024. She was 97, just two months before her 98th birthday.

Helga joined the Washington Saengerbund as an active singer in 1978. Later she also became a member of the Concord Club of Washington, DC. Helga was born in Berlin, Germany and loved to sing and enjoy the Saengerbund's concerts, dances and especially Fasching at Mardi Gras time.

She is survived by her Son Larry and her daughter Inge. Her obituary is published at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/arlington-va/helga-vest-11766062.

With our condolences to the family.

It is with deep sadness to let you know that our longtime member Fritz Buscher died on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at his home in Leisure World. He was 94.

Fritz joined the Saengerbund as an active singer in 1958, one of the last ones whose membership reaches back to the 1950s. A few years later he met his wife Marita at their workplace. Both loved to sing, and she too quickly became part of the Saengerbund. They got married in June 1962.
Both have been unforgettable members of the Saengerbund, as well as of the Concord Club. 

They were not only active singers for many years, but also were most helpful when it came to club activities. With Marita always at his side, 

Fritz and Marita could be found among the participants having a good time. Eventually age and medical issues caught up and they had to slow down their activities.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday November 7 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20906. Phone 301-924-0067. The Saengerbund is going to sing.

Flowers may be sent through Aspen Hill Florist, phone 301-460-4900; they make deliveries to the church.

We are sad having to say goodbye to Fritz, and extend our deepest sympathy to his loving wife Marita.

UPDATE: If you plan to attend the post-funeral reception at Leisure World, please email maritabuscher@yahoo.com to get on the list for the security gate.

William Herbert “Bill” Morgan of Arlington, Virginia passed away peacefully, surrounded by

loved ones, on 6 August, 2023 in Walnut Creek, California following a year-long struggle with multiple illnesses. He enjoyed 48 years of marriage with his wife, Julia Ferriter (Cochran) Morgan (1942-2020) and was the beloved son of Herbert Morris Morgan and Katherine Weinig Morgan (Elizabeth).

Bill was born on March 17th, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio. The son of a leader of a Survey crew, from an early age he was heavily influenced by his father’s experience as a Sergeant in the Great War (WWI). He was driven by a lifelong desire to excel as a scholar and to serve those that needed help through public service. Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in German from Hamilton College and a Master’s degree in International Studies from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Studies. He

began his career helping others in need domestically, dedicating his efforts to fight poverty and provide improved public housing in areas like Toledo, Ohio and Newark, New Jersey. In later years Bill worked in numerous conflict-affected areas—primarily throughout the Balkans—helping local governments

provide essential services and security to regions emerging from devastating wars and ethnic conflict. In all his professional endeavors, Bill placed the needs of others ahead of his own personal recognition or gain.

Bill and Julie shared many adventures together, living in San Francisco, Hawaii and Washington DC, before settling in Arlington, VA, where they raised their two sons, Rees and Chad Morgan. They lived their lives to the fullest. They loved to entertain, host dinner parties, and delighted in the warm feeling

of a house full of friends, music, laughter, and enlightened conversation. Bill had the rare ability to discuss just about any subject in an educated manner—often over one of his excellent martinis, manhattans, or gimlets.

Bill was a perennial student of history, language, culture, current affairs and music. He read the Washington Post (among other things) from cover to cover, and current affairs were a mandatory topic at the dinner table for his sons. He sang and played the guitar in many bands, most notably in the group Au & Some, and in his later years as a leading member of the Washington Saengerbund. He was fond of

athletics, having run cross country in high school and college. He loved to root on the Washington football team. He cherished time in nature, but particularly loved visiting the cabin built by his grandfather in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the banks of Millecoquins Lake. Leading his sons on long hikes through the wilderness, he usually didn’t get lost.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Rees and Chad, his granddaughter Claire Ellen Cooper Morgan

and grandson Jack Parker Morgan; his brother and sister in law Ted and Pat Ferriter; his nephews John Laqua Ferriter and his wife Stacy Davis Ferriter and their children Breckyn and Pierce, Edward “Andrew” Ferriter, his wife Kristin Davis Ferriter and their children Ivy and John Davis; his brother in law Kim Kramer; and his cousins and lifelong friends Bill Weinig and Janie Stuckman and her husband  Ralph. 

Bill will never be forgotten by his loved ones and his singing voice, stories, conversation and

beverages will be missed by all who had the privilege to share time with him.

It is with sadness to announce that Margaret Moeller unexpectedly died on July 21, 2023 after surgery. She was 73. She and her husband Werner Moeller became members of the Saengerbund in 1994. They were also members of the Concord Club of Washinton D.C. Margaret did not sing in the chorus but was always available when the Saengerbund needed a helping hand.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm and at St. Andrew Apostle Church, 11600 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD, on Monday, July 31, 2023, from 9:30-10:30 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Our condolences and sincere sympathy for Werner and the family.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our wonderful member and friend Josef ‘Sepp’ Schnabl on Saturday, July 8th 2023. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Fairfax, VA. He was 90 years old. Sepp was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Julienne (Julie) Schnabl.

Sepp was born in Sudetenland and, via Canada, immigrated to the United States in 1964. He settled in Fairfax, VA where he made his home. 

He made certain to be part of the German community and found it in his beloved singing society, the Washington Sängerbund, and in the Concord Club of Washington, DC. He made lifelong friendships and kept traditions alive. He loved to sing and enjoy a good German beer at many Concerts, Oktoberfests, Faschings, and Christmas parties.

His never ending energy made him a stalwart in both, the Saengerbund and the Concord Club, where he served on the Saengerbund board as Hausmeister (caretaker), and as Trustee of the Concord Club continuously since 1985. He was also a member of the board of the former German Orphan Home in Upper Marlbor, MD until it closed its doors. As one member noted "The world is a poorer place without Sepp!" He shall be missed dearly!

See Sepp‘s obituary.

With our deepest sympathy to his daughters Rita and Susanne and families.

There will be a memorial celebration on Friday, August 18th 2023 at 2pm, Stacy Sherwood Community Center, 3750 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030. In lieu of flowers, Sepp desired that contributions be made to the Washington Sängerbund, 2434 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007, or the website www.saengerbund.org
S

epp and Julienne will be laid to rest in a private service at Prospect Hill Cemetery on August 20, 2023.

We mourn the loss of an active singer. Camilla Rudolph died unexpectedly on February 18, 2023. She was 80. She suffered heart failure during a medical procedure, lost consiousness and went into a coma. She never recovered and died the next day.

Camilla joined the Washington Saengerbund in 2013 and became an active singer with the sopran section. She was an artist and had a great interest in German choral music.

With our sincere condolences to her sister Garcia and the family.

We share with deep sadness that Mary Stradley tragically passed away on February 10, 2023 at Fairfax Hospital. She was 68. 

Mary has been a long-time, faithful member of both the Washington Saengerbund and the Concord Club. She sang with the chorus, but also served as Membership Chair and Entertainment Chair on both boards of directors. 

We shall miss her dearly.