About Us

The Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids was founded in December 1980 by ten enthusiastic people: Theresa and Jack Arnold, Hildegard Diana-Herr, Martin F. Kroepsch, Maria A. Miller, Barbara and Erwin Rosenberg, Lydia and Dan Spidell and Beanca Zwarensteyn.

These German-Americans believed that a progressive, family-oriented club would be a welcome addition to the Greater Grand Rapids area.  Since those chilly December days, club membership has grown to over 160.  The club started to operate formally as a business in February 1981.

Past Presidents:

Dan Spidell                    Dec 1980 - Nov 1982  
Martin Kroepsch            Dec 1982 - Mar 1983
Ron Vander Till              Mar 1983 - Mar 1987
Bernie Siehling              Mar 1987 - Mar 1991
Theresa Arnold              Mar 1991 - Mar 1995
Bernie Siehling              Mar 1995 - Mar 1997
Maria Miller                    Mar 1997 - Jun 1998
Ron Vander Till              Jun 1998 - Mar 1999
Terry VanderLaan         Mar 1999 - Mar 2003
Bernie Kleinselbeck       Mar 2003 - Apr 2005
Ron Vander Till              Apr 2005 - Apr 2007
Barbara Koning             Apr 2007 -