The beekeeper

Josef Schoser (far right) was among those who received the Badge
of Honour in Gold of the Baden Beekeepers Association for their
long-standing membership in the Meßkirch section of the association

Methuselah

According to the Hebrew bible, Methuselah was 969 years old when he died. He is the oldest person mentioned in the bible and has become the symbol of longevity. Schosers have not quite yet reached such biblical age, but two Schosers - with the biblical names Mary and Josef - are almost centenarians.


Methuselah -

the oldest living tree

Mary Alice was born on 23 September 1905 in Durango, Colorado and died there on 6 September 2001 at the age of almost 96. She was the eldest of six children of Dora and Ludwig Schoser. She married Elmer Schumacher in October 1924 at the age of 19. The couple had three children and their marriage lasted 44 years until Elmer died in November 1968.

The longest living male Schoser appears to be Josef Schoser of Friedrichshafen. He turned 95 years on 27 September 2008. The local Südkurier mentions him also as one of the oldest participants in the local music festival in September 2008. If still alive Josef would now be 97 years old and the longest living Schoser ever recorded. Knowing that the region around Lake Constance where Friedrichshafen is situated is famous for its favourable and mild climate there is a chance that he is.

Wanderlust & Wine Walk

Josef Schoser of Messkirch is a dedicated hiker. Josef has co-edited hiking guides for the Swabian Alb, the best known including 120 hiking tracks all along the Alb mountain range.

Between 1985 and 1997, Josef was also chairman of the Messkirch section of the Swabian Alb Club mainly organising hiking activities. Josef is still today a member of the board. In this function, he has guided a tour through the highest Alb mountains as recently as in July 2010.

Another long-standing member of the Messkirch Alb Club section is Josef's wife Zita Schoser. In March 2010, she was honoured for her 25 year membership in the club.

Another very enjoyable way of hiking is practised by Birgit Schoser of Mannheim. In May 2009 and in May 2010, she participated in the "Worms Wine Walk". Along the 14K track through vineyards, participants can taste wine offered by the local wine growers. Cheers!