Edelweiss Irregulars

1999

From the Sandy Octoberfest tabloid:

You can take the boy out of the Alps, but you can't take the Alpine influence out of the boy! The Edelweiss Irregulars are proof of that. They specialize in Alpine music for both listening and dancing. The group performs polkas, schottisches, waltzes and lander tunes, often with yodels.

Walter Aeppli, who was born in Switzerland, is one of the band members. He worked at Timberline Lodge as an engineer for over 40 years, retiring just a year ago. He resides in Rhododendron and plays the chromatic and diatonic accordions.

Deiter Nachman was born in Bavaria, Germany. When he is not playing the piano accordion, he works as a computer consultant in Hood River.

Robel Straubhaar was also born in Switzerland. Although he is now retired, he worked as a ski school director in Colorado for years. Now he lives in Boring and plays the bass, also referred to as the gut bucket.

To add Oompah to the band, John Miller, born in the USA, plays the tuba. He is a computer system administrator for the regional government in the portland metro area.

The Edelweiss Irregulars have performed at Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, the former Chalet Swiss, the Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room, Full Sail Ale Brewery in Hood River and at vineyards, food and wine fairs in Oregon and Montana.

(I should scan the photo of Dieter that appeared in the tabloid. --jm)


2009

Walter and Robel have passed away. Dieter played with Peter McGrain after we lost Walter. Here are Dieter and Peter, with John providing the high notes, on August, 8, 2009, playing for the dedication of the R.L. Kohnstamm portion of the Mt Hood Wilderness.

Photo by C.D. Stowell.

2011

Dieter's time came in the Summer of 2011. Here is a collection of memories, with my remembrance. Peter now lives in Florida.