In 1965 the founders of our Cultural Group sought a program that would organize and occupy the Children of the members of the United German Hungarians. What they organized was a dance group, but it would accomplish much more. When it was written into the By-Laws the main goal was spelled out with words like discipline, self-assurance, and a sense of responsibility.
The 50th Anniversary History of the Cultural Group states:
“Involvement in the Cultural Group has become the young member’s first foray into club-life.”
Michael Wagner at the age of 10 became a member of our club in 1965. He is one of the original members of our Cultural Group. He played in our youth soccer program from 1965 to 1969.
The oldest of three children, he is the son of Peter and Elisabeth Walter Wagner. His mother was born in Marijanci today in Croatia. While his father and grandmother were born in Philadelphia, Michael is the is the grandson of immigrants from St. Andreas in Banat.
Growing up in Bucks County, he graduated from Council Rock High School. The name Wagner is synonymous with Concrete and Michael worked and managed for many years his family’s business Wagner Contractors.
Participation in the club has also been a family affair. Michael’s father Peter was active in the club as was his Grandmother Catherine. They both were recipients of the Ehrenwürdig. His brother Tommy and sister Kathy were also members of our dance groups in their youth.
Michael’s wife Betty Wagner, née Buerger, was also an active member of our Cultural Group and various other committees. They have two children, Erik and Stephanie, who were also active in our Cultural Group as children and young adults. Son of Stephanie, Alex Zygmont is a member of our Cultural Group and active today. Nicholas and Emily, Erik’s children have been members of the dance group in the past.
As a young man he quickly became active in other aspects of the club. Over the years he has been a member of various committees and special committees and has been in charge of finances at many of our large and important festivals. He was for a time in charge of various areas of our Kirchweihfestival.
He was a recipient of the United German Hungarian “Ehrenwürdig” pin in 1990.
He was a member of our Board of Governors until he was elected to serve as Secretary on our Executive Board in 1986 under President John Blank. He held this position until 1990 when he was elected to serve as Vice President/Treasurer.
Then in a restructuring of the Executive Board, Michael was appointed as Treasurer. He has served this position under Presidents, John M. Blank, Werner Fricker Jr., William Galgon, and Janet Fricker Malofiy.
As far as we are aware, Michael Wagner was the longest serving member of our executive board, having been on the board for 38 years.
At a meeting in February of this year Michael announced his intention to retire from the executive board and the role of treasurer. He took part in the nomination of Kathi Noel as his successor in that position and was then nominated to fill the seat on the Board of Governors left vacant. At the Annual General Meeting he received a standing ovation, and many members thanked him including our president.
So, after 38 years Michael Wagner has retired from the Executive Board and returned to the Board of Governors.
1965 was his first foray into Club-Life, but it was not his last. It’s clear almost 60 years later that Michael Wagner has not lost that sense of responsibility.
The post featured image shows the Junior Dance Group in 1972. This photo was included in the 1972 50 Years of Sports & Soccer Souvenir Book.
Front row (LtoR): Katharina Kesselgruber, Marlene Fricker, Eileen Herbert, Betty Buerger, Kathy Serwo, Sue Mueller, Ruth Kreutzer, Terry Weber, & Karen Jacoby.
Back Row (LtoR): Fred Ruthhardt, Florian Kempf, Otto Fischer, Paul Serwo, John Caporletti, Michael Wagner, Wolfgang Schiffer, John Walter, Mark Jacoby, John Blank, and Richard Michi.
(missing: Kathy Wagner and Vikki Fischer, Ms. Antonia Kreutzer, instructor)
