Meet Theo Knust. This summer he turned 102. He is the oldest resident in New Berlin. His grandparents came over from Germany to Illinois in the mid 19th century. Theo never spoke German  „My parents, when I was young, they didn’t want me to know what they were talking about, they talked German.“

Through High School he carried journals for 4 years as a paperboy, earning 15 cents a week. After finishing school Theo ran the Berlin restaurant for 18 years. Then he got out of that and ran a shell service station until he retired in the mid-sixties. He has been retired since 1965. Theo is also huge fan of horse races. He went to the Kentucky Derby a record-breaking 75 times. Quote Theo:  „I am just a little old country boy. Never had less, I have had a good life and a good wife and a good family and I just bet a little and if I win a little I am alright and if I loose a little I am not hurting.“ Until 3 years ago you could see him cycle around the streets of New Berlin.  Since his small accident, Theo unfortunately has  to keep his bike now locked up in the garage.