(from the "DVHH" listserve)

    My father Johann (Hans) Abt passed away 10 years ago today. He was born on September 25th, 1927 in Semelzi, Croatia; married Maria Hoffmann in Lager Haid, Austria on September 9th, 1951. Hans immigrated to the United States in August of 1955, where he settled his family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was their only child born in Austria, they had 5 more children after moving to the US; Josef, John, Maria, Stefan and Heidi. My father was a member of the Milwaukee Donauschwaben for many years. Some of the list members may have met him and remember him.

    He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and we all miss him. But he left us with many good memories; one of my favorite is of him in his white apron and cap roasting spanferkel. He loved to do this, whether it was at home, at the club, or at Germanfest. My brothers still carry on that tradition, Joe with the Cincinnati DS club, and Hansi and Stefi for family and friends
in Milwaukee. He made and smoked Hungarian bratwurst which he generously shared with everyone that asked, the recipe remains in our family and my three brothers have made sausage making an annual event.

    So if you are pouring yourself a stampfel of schnaps today (as was his custom), make a toast to my dad. My children and I certainly will when we get together later today to celebrate the life of our Tati and Ota.

Prost,

Hermi (Abt)