Staff photo by Fritz Busch Turner Hall Ladies Society members Jeanne Kretsch, left, and Carol Steinhaus were honored for more than 80 years of service and leadership at Stiftungfest Saturday at Turner Hall.

NEW ULM — Turner Hall celebrated its 165th birthday Saturday and honored two women who have been instrumental in helping the organization reach this significant milestone.

Turner Ladies Society members Jeanne Kretsch and Carol Steinhaus, who have served Turner Hall for more than 80 years between them, were introduced following the Stiftungfest meal. They were presented flower bouquets and highlighted in interview videos created by historical consultant and Turner Hall director Dan Hoisington.

Turner Hall Executive Director Andrea Boettger said she was unable to chose just one honoree for this year’s Stiftungfest, so she chose two. Kretsch was the Turner Ladies Treasurer for many years. Steinhaus was a Turner Ladies secretary.

“These two ladies come and go as a team,” Boettger said. “Between them is the power of three, maybe four. Their efforts are inspiring. The board of directors echoes those sentiments.”

“Over the last decade, it’s been my pleasure to get to know both Jeanne and Carol personally,” Boettger said. “They are two women both brimming with spunk, character, and unwavering determination to live their lives as they choose, and sharing their gifts with others. I can only hope to be as incredible as these ladies as I move into my next stage of life, and that like they have inspired me to do so, I can inspire others to do the same.”

Steinhaus talked of coming to Turner Hall with her mom and dad, who was “Mr. fix-it at Turner Hall.

She said her parents were so involved at Turner Hall, it was a lot of what she knew when she was young.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to help people you meet that have been so friendly,” said Steinhaus. “If you’re a people person, this is a great place to be. I worked in the kitchen with Clara Berg and bar tended. We were always open. Even on holidays.”

Steinhaus said more Turner Ladies and Turner Laddies are needed.

Kretsch introduced many family members and friends who attended the event, some from as far away as California.

Both women talked about how the popular Turner Hall sauerkraut supper and bake sales helped the organization raise money.

“I think I’ve done my share. It’s time for somebody else to step up, but I don’t plan on quitting soon,” said Steinhaus. “I guess I’ll keep going until I drop.”

“We work well together. It’s been a pleasure. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” said Kretsch.

In addition, Ruth Mowan was recognized for 50 years of service to Turner Hall.

Boettger said despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic the past 18 months, Turner Hall has continued to progress.

“Not only have we been able to make necessary and overdue improvements, we continue to thrive in many aspects,” said Boettger. “We’ve completed 17 projects in the last 18 months. They would not have been possible without the financial support of our membership, the Turner Ladies, and a legacy gift.

“I am so proud to share with you today that our gym program, the Turner Gymnastics Academy, has operated at our new facility at the New Ulm Recreation Center since Oct. 4,” said Boettger. “The project was made possible by the local option sales tax and a lot of coordination with Turner board members and city leadership.”

Boettger said the new facility with expanded classes, is used by nearly 1,000 users a week.

On top of that, Boettger said New Ulm Turner Hall was selected as the host for American Turners National Festival in the summer of 2023. The five-day event will include track and field, golf, pickle ball, swimming and diving, mass drill, a 5k (3.1 mile) event; volleyball, a Miss American Turner Pageant, cultural exhibits, and gymnastics. More than 650 participants of all ages and their families are expected.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@

nujournal.com).