Two communities signed original Friendship Partnership in 2003

Watertown Public Opinion
·3 min read

Editor's Note: John Suhr is the publisher of the Webster Reporter and Farmer.

WEBSTER — When Mike Grosek became Webster Mayor in 1985, he thought he would be dealing with local issues and people of Webster. Just over a year into his term Grosek found out he would need international diplomacy as Webster was to host a group of wrestlers from Germany and their coaches.

In 1986, that group of German wrestlers and coaches made a mark on the community of Webster that neither Grosek or any of them could imagine. The community opened their homes to wrestlers and coaches during their stay. Grosek opened his home, hosting German coach Anton “Tony” “Donner” Abele. Many who hosted built friendships, none stronger than the friendship between Abele and Grosek.

Tony Abele and Webster Mayor Mike Grosek were presented with globes and a commemorative plate for their determination of bridging the gaps between two counties and forming a friendship city relation that celebrated its 20th anniversary in Dewangen, Germany July 8.
Tony Abele and Webster Mayor Mike Grosek were presented with globes and a commemorative plate for their determination of bridging the gaps between two counties and forming a friendship city relation that celebrated its 20th anniversary in Dewangen, Germany July 8.

With some people you meet in life it is a passing and a faint memory, but for Abele and Grosek their friendship grew. Abele kept coming back. He brought his family on one trip. On another he returned with friends from Dewangen. This carried on into the late ‘90s. In 1999, Grosek and with his sister attended a business meeting in London and made a side trip to Germany specifically to see Abele. From that casual wrestling match in 1986 sprang new life in the late 1990s as Abele had a vision of forming a Sister City between Dewangen and Webster.

Dewangen is under the larger city of Aalen. Aalen was already in partnership with several Sister Cities and was not inclined to add another. What followed in talks was an agreement to for a Friendship Partnership between Dewangen and Webster. These talks started with groups from Dewangen and Webster traveling back and forth until, in 2003, the two communities officially signed agreements in front of residents and guests from the opposite city.

Twenty years later and almost four decades since Grosek began his international diplomacy, the two communities will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this official partnership Sept. 23 in Webster.

September 23 is also German Fest. The day will kick off at the Webster Armory with a vendor fair. While shopping and enjoying the day, there are free inflatables and kids activities starting at 10 a.m. as well. Test your skills at axe throwing, another free event for people to enjoy. There is live music by the band J.A.I.K. under the beer tent from noon to 3 p.m., a car show from 1 to 4 p.m. with registration starting at 11 a.m. A corn hole contest begins at 1 p.m., beer and wine contests as well as kuchen contest judging begins at 2 p.m. There will be samples available after each. The Wendinger German Band from New Ulm (Minn.) will be playing on the stage inside from 3 to 7 p.m.

In 2003 Tony Abele, Mike Grosek and then Mayor of Dewangen, Germany Margit Schmid were presented three pieces of of the friendship world puzzle and asked that anytime a major friendship event was held that those three pieces would come back together to celebrate the occasion. Abele, Dewangen Mayor Andrea Zeissler and Grosek honored that July 8 as the group celebrated their 20th anniversary.

At 4 p.m., Hermann “The German” Lessle and crew of cooks will be serving up an authentic German meal of schnitzel, spaetzle, kraut and brats. Advance tickets can be purchased by calling (605) 265-1637 or can be purchased at the door for a little higher price. People can also call the same number for additional information of the day-long event, to sign up for contests or the car show.

Following the meal and band, a group will transform the stage and seating area to prepare for a short presentation by the mayors of Webster and Dewangen as well as entertainment from the Webster Area High School Band, color guard, cheerleaders, Native American dancers, singer Eden Barkmeier, singer Tina Norton and Nick Fosheim on piano.

Webster Mayor Mike Grosek was honored by the TSV Dewangen music group when he was selected to be honorary conductor of a selection of music at the 20th anniversary celebration July 8 in Dewangen, Germany.
Webster Mayor Mike Grosek was honored by the TSV Dewangen music group when he was selected to be honorary conductor of a selection of music at the 20th anniversary celebration July 8 in Dewangen, Germany.

Following the presentations and entertainment, fireworks will be held outside and people are welcomed back in for music and visiting with the 18 guests attending from Dewangen, Germany.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Idea started when group of German wrestlers visited Webster in 1986