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Ein Prosit

Cheers to You

Founded in 1980, the Jasper Deutscher Verein has proudly celebrated over 45 years of preserving and promoting German heritage in our community. Rooted in a tradition of hard work and strong community spirit, our club plays a key role in beloved heritage events and local traditions such as the Jasper Strassenfest and the Sister Cities program, and helped bring both “The Born of Rich Soil” mural and the hand-carved Maypole to life.

We’re more than just a cultural organization—we’re a fun, welcoming social club where people come together to honor their German roots, make new friends, and enjoy great company. With over 300 members (and growing), we’d love for you to join us and become part of this vibrant tradition.

Three abstract starburst designs in gray on a black background.

What We Do

Black and white illustration of a maypole with striped pole and ribbons flowing outward.

May Pole

Community Involvement

Celebrate Our German Heritage

Cultural Events

Provide Scholarships

Black and white line drawing of two handcuffs overlapping.

Strassenfest

A stylized illustration of a quill pen and an open book
A logo with a black shield-shaped background, featuring a yellow and red border, with the text '1980 Deutscher Varein' in black and red.
RESPECTING THE PAST AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE.

A look at our history…

The Jasper Deutscher Verein (German Club) was officially founded in January 1980, born from the growing excitement surrounding the first Jasper Strassenfest held in 1979. That inaugural celebration rekindled a strong sense of pride in the city’s deep German roots, and it became clear that this cultural momentum should not fade with the festival's close.

Recognizing the importance of preserving Jasper’s rich heritage year-round, founders organized the club’s first meeting in late 1979. The club quickly was embraced by overwhelming community interest—resulting in more than 300 current charter members.

The Jasper Deutscher Verein is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich German heritage of Jasper and Dubois County through cultural events, education, and community involvement. The club organizes traditional activities featuring music, dance, and food, fostering a vibrant appreciation for German culture. It maintains a strong international bond through its Sister Cities partnership with Pfaffenweiler, Germany, and supports local education by funding German language programs and facilitating student exchanges. As a proud partner of the annual Jasper Strassenfest, the club helps bring this major cultural event to life each year. It also engages in community projects, such as maintaining the downtown May Pole and hosting special events that highlight local traditions. Learn More >

To ensure this legacy continues, the club has established the German Heritage Endowment through the Dubois County Community Foundation. We also honor outstanding contributions to German-American culture with the annual German-American Award.

GERMAN HERITAGE
OUR HISTORY
NEWSLETTERS

Your Officers

PRESIDENT
Laura Grammer

VICE PRESIDENT
Kurt Hedinger

TREASURER
Mike Ackerman

SECRETARY
Valerie Heim

NEWS
Patti Goepfrich

Email

DIRECTORS

Jane Balsmeyer (Marketing Coordinator), Bridgette Bartley (Booth/Fundraising Coordinator), Patrick Schuler (Special Projects Coordinator), Mary Leah Siegel (Sister Cities President), Paul Siegel (German Heritage Activities Adult Coordinator), Sandy Wehr (Legacy), Landen Weidenbenner (Immediate Past President), Van Ziegler (Legacy)