A Giant who walked humbly and lived among us in a quiet, gentle, loving, caring manner guiding and teaching us to be Servants to Others. His service to JASPER spanned over 64 years.

On September 8, 2010, at the age of 86, Gervase Schwenk was taken from us by cancer. He fought until the end never giving up on living. Less than 8 weeks ago, he was out on his jet ski riding at 50+mph and, prior to one of his treatments, went for a bike ride on his Honda Helix. He truly was a man who Loved Life. He truly lived our mission statement “Do it Right … and Have Fun”.

Just 6 weeks ago, Gervase walked our shop floors talking and shaking hands. Just 2 weeks ago, as we were eating lunch in his kitchen, he inquired about the ESOP, sales, JPS and other projects including the Ground Breaking of an expansion at Crawford County. You see, Gervase lived each minute as if it might be his last, making sure “you felt appreciated”.

Gervase served our nation in World War II and received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He never really talked about that gruesome experience but looked forward to his annual reunions and was always thankful for the service of others.

Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines & Transmissions said, “He truly is the smartest man I’ve ever met and, more importantly, the most humble man I have ever met.” Gervase’s talents include being a self-taught engineer, computer programmer, and great tax advisor. He was recognized as being in the Top 10% of the nation’s Stock Portfolio Managers. You would never know it, however, as he didn’t talk about his success or his accomplishments.

Gervase started working for Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Ruxer as a bookkeeper in 1946 when he returned from World War II. Alvin would brag about Gervase’s great penmanship and the fact his letter of why he wanted the job was delivered the same day of his interview. From bookkeeper to Chairman of the Board of JASPER for some 23 years, Gervase is a true testimony of what can be accomplished by “thinking a little differently and working a little smarter”. Whether it was on the shop floor or in a Board Meeting of our company or at Memorial Hospital, the Evansville Dioceses, Precious Blood Church, Sisters of St. Benedict, VU Foundation, St. Meinrad Archabbey or as President of the Jasper Band Parents for a number of years, he stayed in the background, allowing others to receive the credit and the praise. Gervase truly practiced the teachings of Christ… To Serve Others.

Gervase was a family man committed to his 7 children, 18 grand children and 8 great grand children. Whether it was teaching them how to water or snow ski, he enjoyed helping others excel. He was the first one on the ski lift and the last to leave. When asked why – “so you get your money’s worth”, he responded. But Gervase didn’t have to pay as he was over 70, he truly lived each breath as if it was his last.

We all have great memories and stories of this True Giant who was very serious but always willing to have some fun by sharing in company events and programs. Although he will greatly be missed, each of us has been blessed by his presence and his leadership by example. We must work to allow his Legacy to live on in each of us. Let’s remember one of his favorite axioms - to lead by example, not in what we say, but in what we do with our Family, Friends, Favorite Charities and at Work.

Whenever considering a major decision at work, home or on a board, he would share “let’s sleep on it“. Well Gervase, Sleep well our Good Friend… We Love You and Miss You

If you haven’t heard by now, Jasper Engines and Transmissions is 100% Associate owned.  Before any of us were aware of the changes to come, we the Associates were invited to a morning meeting at the convention center across the street.  You could see the puzzled and perplexed expressions in anticipation of this secretive gathering.  As we sat down, it was obvious something significant was about to happen.  It was on that March morning we found out that we, as a collective group, are part of something much larger.

To celebrate this change in JASPER’s ownership, a coin was designed and presented to all Associates to commemorate this huge milestone in our company’s history.  The issued commemorative coin features: the JASPER logo, founding date, legacy statement, mission statement and our five corporate principles.

We’re in the preliminary stages for our 2011 calendar.  Do you, or any of your customers, have a vehicle that’s calendar worthy? Why don’t you send in your entry?

Entrants must submit a digital color photograph and information about their unique vehicle, or performance car or truck, along with the JASPER remanufactured product that has been installed. Vehicles should be placed in a “show” type setting.  Polaroid pictures and low-resolution digital images transferred onto photo paper cannot be accepted. High-resolution digital images, 8″ x 10″ at 350 dpi, are preferred.

All entries will be judged based on adherence to the category, equipment appearance and the quality of the photograph.  Entries should be mailed to:

Jasper Engines & Transmissions
P.O.Box 650
Jasper, IN 47547-0650
Attn: Roxanne Sherman
rsherman@jasperengines.com

February 2, 2010

Coulterville, IL - Today El Grande Lures of Linton, Indiana announced that Chad Morgenthaler, an FLW Tour pro from Coulterville, Illinois, has joined the company’s pro-staff.

The timing couldn’t be better. With FLW Tour season about to commence on Louisiana’s Red River, Morgenthaler is on the hunt for monster bass.  Fortunately, El Grande’s products should give him the edge he needs.  The company’s lures are most frequently used on the big bass factories of Texas and Louisiana, but they’ll work anywhere that trophy bass swim.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with a great soft plastics company like El Grande Lures,” Morgenthaler said. “I hope to play an instrumental part in helping to brand and market their products as they broaden and expand their business plan.  It is always an honor to be included in the design process while a company ‘tweaks’ their products to maximize their effectiveness.”

El Grande’s owner, Jay Schurz, said the following: “We are excited about this partnership as Chad will be instrumental in working directly with me in product design. Chad fully understands our niche in the market, which is creating big soft plastics with industry leading color schemes.  We look forward to many years of working with Chad and hope to be an integral part of helping Chad achieve his goals.”

El Grande Lures currently has three products in its lineup:

• The Gila Monster, an 8 ¾ inch lizard that can be Carolina rigged or Texas rigged.

• The El Grande Tube, a flipping tube meant to handle the toughest cover and fish around.

• El Grande Sapo, a soft plastic toad that churns the water like a buzzbait.

For more information about El Grande Lures, go to www.elgrandelures.com.  For more information about Chad Morgenthaler, go to www.chadmorgenthaler.com.

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Last Week’s Friddle: Which American car company patented a soy-based, plastic-bodied automobile in 1942?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Henry Ford patented a plastic-bodied automobile in 1942.  The car was 30 percent lighter than conventional cars of his day.  Today many more plastics and composites are being used in the auto industry, although most car bodies are still made of metal.

The JASPER Rolling Showcase will be on site for your enjoyment at the Frog Follies August 28-30.  The event is named for a bullfrog race held at its first event 35 years ago.  An estimated 4000 cars will be on display with events for the whole family including: a car parts swap meet, car craft show, concessions and celebrity frog races.  Visit the JASPER exhibit for the latest product information, informative videos and network video game racing.  Our experienced and knowledgeable sales staff will be on hand to answer any of your drivetrain component questions.  Come see us this weekend at the Vanderburg County Fairgrounds in Evansville, IN, for a unique automotive experience.  See show details at www.frogfollies.org.

Social network technology is becoming an increasingly influential element in business to business decisions; we would like to invite you into the new JASPER social network. By sharing information and ideas we can stay better connected in offering you the best products, customer service and the latest schedule of events. You can post your comments on our blog, join the Jasper Engines & Transmissions fan list on facebook.com, or simply tweet JasperEngines at www.twitter.com. We need your participation as we develop and expand upon social networking, so check it out and let us know what you think.

Friddle: Originally introduced in 1958, what car sold more than 1,000,000 units in 1965 setting a record that still stands today?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: If someone came to the United States on the 4th of July, celebrated for three days and then left on the 4th of July. How would that be possible?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: The individual arrived in the United States on the date “The 4th of July” then departed three days later on a plane named “The Fourth of July”.