The listener is introduced to Henry’s family in Germany and the events that led up to their imprisonment in concentration death camps. Henry describes his teen years and the continual humiliation and intimidation of Jews prior to the start of World War II. You’ll hear about the 1938 Kristallnacht event that furthered Hitler’s attacks on […]

In this episode, Henry describes working at a weapons factory illegally—nearly starting the factory on fire. You’ll also hear how Henry’s skills as a furniture maker were put to use—but nearly at the expense of being sent to a place called “Auschwitz-Berkinau.”

It’s now 1943, Henry’s mother had been working in a forced labor camp, but she is now imprisoned full-time. There is a terrifying experience with SS Guards hunting down friends while Henry flees and is just feet away from being captured.

SS Nazi Guards break down the door to Henry’s family apartment and tell them to prepare to leave. Henry, his brother Kurt and Kurt’s girlfriend Sonja are sent to Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia. They were processed and sent to live in horrid conditions. Henry describes the meager food offerings and how to try to gain nourishment […]

Henry describes the devastation of being turned down by the consulate to leave Germany (prior to their imprisonment), but recognizes that the late date (June 1943) for being sent to the death camps helped save his life.  Henry and his brother Kurt are sent to Auschwitz in October 1944. The train car ride was indescribably […]

Henry’s ability to work certainly helped save his life. His slight stature and youth also contributed.  The brothers are sent to yet another concentration camp, Golleschau. You hear about the value and heartache of just one piece of bread, and Henry’s new job to create a custom desk, under the watchful eye of an SS […]

This episode deals with four more links in the events that helped Henry Oertelt survive the Nazi Holocaust.   Henry’s optimism and profession as a fine furniture designer helped him survive.  He was now sent to another death camp, Flossenburg in Bavaria. The camp was horribly overcrowded and daily beatings of prisoners was the norm.  Henry’s […]

In his presentation to faculty and staff during convocation, President Potter welcomes everyone to campus, and discusses the need to continue to elevate St. Cloud State University’s reputation. The President used his address to remark on a new day for the university building on the strengths of the campus to become a force for transformation. […]

Loiue Foote sat down with Jo McMullen Boyer to chat about his love of the rails. In this podcast, Foote talks about his hobby-traveling the Amtrak lines for the last 40 years and amassing more than 200,000 miles traveled. It’s a chance to hear about his experiences on the road with people and interesting places. […]

Responding to concerns of its American Indian community, St. Cloud State University took the issue of offensive sports team mascots to center stage by sponsoring the Midwest Summit on American Indian Mascots on March 21, 2001. The summit brought together higher education representatives, tribal leaders, activists and students who are working to change sports team […]