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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Maureen O'Donnell

Erich Himmel, a leader in Chicago’s German American community, dead at 86

Chicago America Germany Volkswagen Munich
Erich Himmel was president of the United German American Societies of Greater Chicago, which represents approximately 35 groups of immigrants and their descendants who are keeping their heritage alive with activities and fundraising. (Provided)

In 1958, Erich Himmel and his wife Inge arrived in the United States from West Germany with $110.

Within a day, they were down to $10. A wharf worker who stored the trunk that held all of their belongings demanded $100 for keeping it overnight, according to their daughter Carol. The new immigrants felt they had no choice but to pay him.

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