Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Meeting More Staeheli's in Tacoma

Ann and Dominic
Monday, January 11, I drove to Tacoma to see Ann and Therese Staeheli and meet Chris and Anita Staeheli and their children, Ian and Laura.   I also met Rita Troup and Dominic Staeheli.  Ann and Therese provided a brief oral family history on video and we discussed various early family members and their stories.  Dominic provided his laptop computer so we could view the website and discuss information on the fourteen Staeheli children.  I learned more useful information to be added to the website. 
Anita invited me to stay for dinner and when Chris got home from work we enjoyed a nice meal with the whole family.  Chris offered suggestions for continuing research as he related his trips to Switzerland and Austria. 
Tuesday, I drove to Kenmore to visit Daphne and Bob Dempsey who provided photos of Franziska's family.  Franziska married Vern Dempsey and they were gold miners in Alaska for many years.  Our two hours together went much too quickly but I will see them again. 
Personally, my exploration of the Staeheli family roots is growing more satisfying as I meet more Staeheli's and learn about our individual and collective success as Americans.
Rita, Therese and Dominic