Paul's Treasure Trove

While I was visiting dad in Spokane this past week we enjoyed meeting Paul Staeheli, son of Glenn Staeheli who was the son of Paul and Erma Staeheli.  Paul came to dad's house on Wednesday, April 13 and we sorted through two large boxes of photos, documents and letters which Paul recovered from the home of Pauline Staeheli, daughter of Paul and Erma. 
Pauline is in an assisted living arrangement for Alzheimer's patients and trusted neighbors are disposing of her property.  Fortunately for us, Pauline was a collector of family history and artifacts, some of which Paul has passed on to me. 
I now have a box of Staeheli information to publish on the Staeheli website.  As we read through some letters and other documents we came to understand more about how Staeheli's settled first in Wisconsin then in Addy, Washington.  I am grateful to Pauline and Paul for saving and sharing this valuable collection of Staeheli history.

Bob Dempsey's Passing

Bob Dempsey, husband of Daphne, passed away recently.  There was a celebration of his life at the Bothell Senior Center on Saturday, March 26, 2011.  Attendance was approximately 70 family and friends.  Dad and I saw family who we have come to know these past few years and met some others for the first time. 
Dennis "Den" Dempsey, son of Burt Dempsey, prepared and read a memorial to Bob.  Den has given me permission to publish his tribute to Bob on the Staeheli family website. 
Daphne graciously greeted all the people present to honor Bob.  She is managing well and still drives so gets to appointments and social events as she chooses.

Dad's 90th Birthday

Dad - Thomas Charles Staly - had his 90th birthday on February 14, 2011.  To celebrate we held a party for him at the CenterPlace event center in Spokane Valley on Saturday, February 12, 2011.  Many family and friends participated in the celebration which certainly pleased dad.  A highlight was presentation of a video which had been prepared by my friend, Arlis Hoglen, showing dad's life and some Staeheli family history. 
There was a followup gathering at Old Country Buffet and Sunday morning we had a group breakfast at IHOP.  Family members had travelled from Portland, Arlington, Tucson and Virginia to take part in the activities.    

Contact with Paul Staeheli

Today I opened my Google mail to find two messages from Paul Staeheli.  He has found one of my web sites and wrote to tell me he is the son of Glenn Albert Staeheli and grandson of Paul Staeheli.  His brother is David Staeheli.  Paul has family information which he acquired from Pauline Staeheli (wife of Don Hagen).  I believe Paul will be able to provide family photos to add to the Staeheli family web site. 

This is good news for the new year with the potential to add to our family story.

Sharon and Travis

On October 25th, Dad and I returned to Sharon and Travis' home in Spokane to return the original photo of Caspar Albert Staeheli.  We had a nice conversation about the family and agreed to take a trip together to Addy in the spring to visit the area on Addy Mountain where the Staeheli's used to hunt.  Again, I express my gratitude to Sharon, Travis and Lillian for providing family photos for use on the web site.    

Caspar Albert Photo Restored

Caspar Albert Photo Before Restoration

After Sharon Thompson and Lillian Staeheli loaned me their photo of Caspar Albert Staeheli I contacted Barb Blair at Anew Photo Restoration in Beaverton, Oregon and sent her a digitized image of the damaged photo.  Over a two week period Barb cleaned up the image and repaired missing or damaged portions.  Caspar's face had suffered the most damage so we communicated regularly by email as she completed the restoration. 

The repair is done and I am ordering prints.  The digitized image will be posted on the Staeheli Family website.  Any Staeheli who wants a print can order an 8 x 10 for $2.  or a 5 x 7 for $1.

Restored Photo of Caspar Albert Staeheli

Contact with David Staeheli

Wednesday I was pleased to receive an email from David Staeheli, son of Jack Leroy Staeheli, son of Harry Staeheli whose father was Caspar Hermann Staeheli from Gubsenmoos.  I had met Jack last June when he visited my home in Kennewick.  David lives in Snohomish, Washington with his family and offered to provide detailed information about himself and his family to update the family tree and Staeheli Family of Gubsenmoos website. 

I sent his information to Tienne in Switzerland who is creating the Staeheli family tree which will be available soon.  The tree will trace our family back to a marriage in 1653.