New king in town
Pat Eckstein becomes ninth German-Bohemian king
Board member Stewart Veith introduces Eckstein as the new king. Photo by Dylan Jackson
President Wade Olsen drapes Pat Eckstein in his royal attire. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Board member Stewart Veith introduces Eckstein as the new king. Photo by Dylan Jackson
President Wade Olsen drapes Pat Eckstein in his royal attire. Photo by Dylan Jackson
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NEW ULM -- The German-Bohemian Heritage Society (GBHS) met for their annual Fall business meeting with a special item on the agenda, the coronation of their ninth king, Patrick Eckstein.
Formed in 1984, the goal of the GBHS is to preserve German Bohemian culture while sharing traditions with the future generations.
Electing a German-Bohemian king dates back to 1875, when Peter Gag was crowned. The second king, Joseph Eckstein, is an ancestor of Pat Eckstein. Joseph was a teacher and attorney in New Ulm, and was elected to the throne in 1911.
The former king, Denis Warta, who served 23 years after his coronation in 2002, passed away in November of 2025.
To begin Patrick Eckstein's coronation, Mayor Kathleen Backer's proclamation was read.
It stated that The German-Bohemian immigrants and their descendents have made important contributions to the history, culture, and character of New Ulm and the surrounding regions.
The proclamation also proclaimed Oct. 24 to be Patrick Eckstein day.
Eckstein has been involved with the GBHS since 1990. At different times he has served as board member, vice president, and president.
All four of his grandparents were born in Bohemia and he's taken many trips over to the old country.
It's really an honor to have been selected," Eckstein said. "I hope to be able to fill some of the shoes that our former king Denny Warta wore so proudly for many years."
He said that Warta was very intelligent and kind with his knowledge.
"He was an avid reader," Eckstein said. "He was willing to share what he knew about things in the world and so I hope to be somebody who does that."
Eckstein was unanimously elected by the GBHS Board of Directors as the ninth German Bohemian king.
To begin the coronation, GBHS Board President Wade Olsen gave a presentation on the history of ancestors of Bohemia and their kings.
He said that Eckstein's role as king differs from those European kings that came before him.
"The role of our king is a remembrance, telling stories and keeping those stories behind," Olsen said.
The presentation ended with a slideshow honoring Warta, the previous king who died in 2025.
Father Gerald Meidl, fellow German-Bohemian, shared a few words before the crowning of Eckstein.
Following Meidl's words, Eckstein took the royal oath, promising to honor the German-Bohemian heritage entrusted to him, remember those who came before, and help inspire those who follow.
Last but certainly not least, Eckstein promised to "uphold the ancient German-Bohemian tradition that no celebration shall be considered complete without good food, good fellowship, and, whenever possible, a little polka."
Upon completion of the oath, Eckstein was crowned, caped, and took his seat in the royal throne.
Eckstein's first royal decree ensured that the German-Bohemian Society shall preserve the stories, traditions, and memories of those who came before them, sharing them with generations yet to come.
Eckstein's second royal decree regarded fellowship.
"No German-Bohemian gathering shall be considered successful unless everyone has been sufficiently fed, entertained, and welcomed," Eckstein said.
Lastly, Eckstein welcomed his three Great-Grandchildren to perform piano numbers for the conclusion of the ceremony, reflecting the German-Bohemian sentiment of tradition and connection between generations.