Iowa CitY

Bro. Daniel Fuhrmeister, Junior Warden

I have been a member of No. 4 for three years. I decided to join after seeing how the Masons were helping in the community. I read that they were not part of a religious or political group but they all worked together to help others. That really interested me. For two years I noticed a group hanging out at Hy Vee for lunch. After a long time I finally worked up the guts to ask if I could join. I like that we help the community and have fun at the same time. My favorite part about lodge is the brotherhood. I have been blessed to meet so many different people from all over and from so many different walks of life. I enjoy helping with the scholarships we give out to high school seniors, Iowa Cancer Society Hope Lodge and Coats for Kids. The moral virtues and leadership skills the Masons have taught me have helped me become a stronger person. I grew up on a farm near Iowa City. I attended Kirwood and the University of Iowa. I appraise homes, farms and commercial property for lenders and attorneys. I continue to be involved with my parent’s farming operation. I enjoy coaching, travel, Hawkeye sports and time with my family.

Dan Fuhrmeister

Bro. Rob Otto, Senior Warden

Freemasonry Can See You Through Any Trial Of Life

When life knocks you down a few pegs it can take an awful lot of time, patience, and strength to get back in the saddle. Serious gut checks of life, although unpleasant, can be some of the most important and humbling learning experiences ever. Freemasonry has been an integral part of my staying focused, positive, and resilient during challenging times. Since getting out of the military two years ago and leaving the only professional career I've even known, it has been a long and stressful search for a job. I thought getting a job would be a lot simpler; I envisioned coming home, stepping off the plane, and within a couple weeks, landing a high-paying management position with some big corporation. That's what a lot of military officers are led to believe; that finding a job would not only be easy, they would be bombarded with offers right and left. How little I knew, that's not the case, and especially not the case when the economy tanks and even experienced professionals with graduate degrees are fighting each other for third shift, part-time jobs. After searching for a job for the better part of a year, I was fortunate to find a part-time position selling motorcycles at a local dealership. I wasn't making enough to completely cover my bills, but thankfully I had some money saved up which helped keep me afloat for a while. Like many Americans these days in the same situation, I was submitting a lot of resumes and applications with little success. Applying for even a single job is a very stressful and tedious process; after a few months I was beginning to lose confidence that I would find anything during the economic crisis. I started getting frustrated and tired of my situation, watching my savings dwindle to nothing, and not getting any responses from anywhere. Finally, after two years, I began to see a break in the clouds. A few weeks ago I landed a full-time job with a company I had completely given up on; it's nothing fancy, but it's a start. Going through these serious trials has made me a stronger and better man. I choose to look at it that way because of my Faith, the resilience I gained from my experiences in the military, having the love of an incredible lady, my family and friends, and the teachings of Freemasonry. We as Masons know, the Craft is much more than going to meetings, carrying dues cards, and wearing the jewelry. It is a philosophy, a way of life, a Brotherhood that gives us the strength to make it through the toughest times, stay positive and come out on top. I am forever grateful for the support and understanding of my Brothers and am looking forward to the future as a proud member of Iowa City Lodge #4, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons

Rob Otto

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