Grandfather turns 100
Story and photo by Suzanne Kindler-Enz

Waldemar Bogsch (r) with his grandson Andrea Enz.

Few people experience 100 years of good health and spunk; however, Waldemar Bogsch has.

This fall, Waldemar Bogsch, grandfather of Andreas and Suzanne Kindler- Enz celebrated a century of life and health. The grandchildren flew to Bad Neustadt- Saale, Germany to join him.

Birthdays at any age are a very big deal in Germany, so when a 100th birthday comes around, it is a colossal celebration.

Throughout his long career as a design engineer, Bogsch developed many advances in 8mm film, radio, and television and holds several patents.

His grandson Andreas Enz is following in his footsteps, working as a design engineer at Lang Mekra in Ridgeway.

Many dignitaries were present at the celebration including the town's mayor, Burgermeister Bruno Altrichter. Bogsch also received a personal letter of congratulations from German Minister President Edmund Stoiber.

A highlight of the celebration camea as a surprise as students of a sports club rolled out a large mat and presented an acrobatic tumbling exhibition for him, right in the retirement home. Bogsch has been very active in the sports world his entire life, especially in tennis, gymnastics and ice- skating.

Bogsch's grandchildren gave him a set of hand weights as a gift, which he lifted high over his head to the cheers of everyone in the room.

Bogsch said in answer to his healthy physical condition, "If it hurts, move it!" He also eats dark wild honey every morning.

That evening the group took Bogsch to his favorite restaurant, Maria Bildhausen, an old nunnery that brews beer. He gave a prost (toast) and drank a mug of beer with his grandson Andreas.