A Smörgåsbord of Stories
Filling out a family tree is more enjoyable with photographs to bring the names and dates to life. Ancestors are more than an entry on a chart; their lives have stories to tell. Photos help us to know more about those by-gone days. … read more
Last Sunday, I took the opportunity to drive from Salt Lake City to Pocatello, Idaho to visit my (first) cousin (once removed) Charles “Chuck” Humphrey. Karrie and Chuck We had a great time chatting AND he showed me his collection of old family photographs. … read more
Last week’s blog post featured the threshing rig owned by Frank Hesse (1861-1935). When looking at my other Hesse family photos, I came upon this one: Hesse Family, undated My Great Uncle Ed identified all the people in the photo. The adults in … read more
When I began collecting family stories, I also collected family photos. Before each visit to an older relative, I asked them to make ready all of their “old photos.” My grandfather’s brother, Ed Gentzkow (1914-1992), showed me boxes full of photographs and told me who-was-who. … read more
Last week’s blog post highlighted wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, specifically at the grave of Col. Cleon Gentzkow, MD (1891-1961). Today, we’ll look at the life of this fascinating man. Cleon’s Youth Three sons were born to the union of Clara Schneider and William … read more
For 10 years, I have volunteered with Wreaths Across America to place wreaths on veteran graves. Each December, wreaths decorate the final resting places of our nation’s servicemen and women. This is a great way to celebrate Christmas, honor veterans, and remember my family’s legacy … read more
When David and Kayla got married on November 19, 2022, I started a November Nuptials tradition with my blog writing. That first year, I wrote about Lottie and Milton Rector. Last year, I wrote about Carrie and Ed Hesse. This year, I highlight the marriage … read more
Summertime brings memories of my time spent in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Both sets of my grandparents lived “up north” in this small community. Otto and Mae [Lydick] Norenberg had a house on the west shore of Cass Lake, technically in Pike Bay Township. Frank and … read more
One of my American immigrant ancestors, George Edward Gentzkow (aka Julius August Emil von Gentzkow), was born of the noblewoman Julie von Gentzkow. She demanded that his baptism record be amended and his lineal decent be properly acknowledged by the church. By this documentation process, … read more
The Boat Store in Minneiska, Minnesota did not sell boats; it was a grocery and a meat market located on the bank of the Mississippi River. J.C. Gentzkow and unidentified man, 1913 J.C., Rodney and Mary Gentzkow, undated Boat Store in the … read more