About Us
Founding Fathers
Jakob Fleith of Batschka, Josef Bohn of Palanka, Jakob Eppli of Bukin, Stefan Reger of Filipowa, Stefan Mattes of Filipowa, Franz Klespies of Palanka, Sebastian Gauss of Filipowa, Josef Schmidt of Palanka,
Johann Brettraeger of Ilok, Josef Wolf of Palanka, Wilhelm Schmidt of Palanka, Josef Spildener of Palanka,Franz Herdt of Palanka, Karl Paul of Werbass, Josef Stiller of Obrowatz, Josef Relinger of Palanka
Current President
Joe Brandecker
About Trenton Donauschwaben
Who are we?
The Trenton Donauschwaben was founded in 1956. A committee was formed to help newly arriving immigrants in 1956. The Trenton Donauschwaben quickly evolved into a social and cultural institution. The very first Trachtenfest was held in January of 1957. By the end of that year, the club became a member of the Dachverband der Donauschwaben. Since then, it has served as both a gathering place for friends, family und "Landsleute" as well as an organization that seeks to promote and preserve our cherished heritage. In the early years, we conducted our meetings and events in a variety of places ranging from a church hall in the city of Trenton to a member’s farm many miles away. In 1973 our members self-financed the purchase, renovation and expansion of a 100+ year old farmhouse that came with a ¾ acre sized picnic area and a caretaker’s house. Though modest in size, the facilities have served our needs very well over the years - though we always seem to be remodeling or improving something!
Today, we have monthly dinners that feature authentic German cuisine including soups, entrees, and dessert! Come and find out what we are all about at one of our dinners!
Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial
Our club is committed to honoring the memory of those who died during and after World War II. For this purpose we maintain two memorials. The largest of these is located at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Trenton where we have held annual prayer services since 1979.
Trenton Donauschwaben Monument
The 18 feet long by 6 feet tall monument is one of the largest of its kind and remains a powerful reminder of what our people had to endure. As important as it is to remember our past, clearly our club’s survival depends on what we have done and are doing for our future. This monument is located in the front garden of our club house as a reminder of all who has passed.