By Gary McKee
At the reception in the Schulenburg KC Hall following Ben Sustr's funeral (which was attended by many uniformed members of the Polka Lover's Klub), Shiner Hobos Johnny Barton, Walter Hermis, Leo Rainosek, Larry Krupala and Nathan Loth took the stage.
Larry told the story of how Ben Sustr had just started teaching in the Agriculture Department at Schulenburg High and encouraged them to enter the FFA Talent Team contest as a band. In 1958, Barton, Hermis, Rainosek, Krupala and Elton Kaase participated in the State FFA contest as a quintet called the Offbeats. (Photos A and B) Back in Schulenburg, the future Hobos added Nathan Loth, got spiffed up, and performed for events while in high school. (Photos C and D)
Photo A
Photo B
Photo C
Photo D