Currently our immediate family of Scott Ahlsmith and Pam Miller are both in Luxury Travel businesses in Glen Ellyn, IL, Seattle, Dallas and Boston; Scott’s son Taylor Ruecking produces video and film projects in Santa Barbara and Sacramento, CA.
Sana’s daughter Deanne married Patrick O’Hollearn October 28, 2006; they live in Johnston. Pat works with Allied Insurance and Deanne is accountant at Orchard Place, a home and school for children with special needs in Des Moines. Duane continues the role of single parent since Sana’s death September 11, 1991 and works with the Principal Group in Des Moines. We celebrate birthdays and special occasions with them at a variety of area restaurants.
Next May 16-18th we will repeat the reunion described in the May 21st Blog at the Marriott Residence Inn Des Moines West at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. About a dozen Bruene, Koster, Smith, Van Metre cousins have been invited to join this reunion to meet and get acquainted.
Eleanor’s younger sister Ethel Pippert died August 18, 2006 after a short illness from acute leukemia. Her daughter, Sue retired from teaching in 2007 and lives in Stillwater, MN. Her daughters are Amy, an Attorney in Denver and Lindsey a Physicians Assistant in Minneapolis, MN.
Gene’s older brother Max and wife Nancy live in the Mayflower Retirement Home in Grinnell, IA. Max and Dolores had two children; Bruce and Lisa who live in Plainfield, IL with their children Chandra and Terrance, and Karna and David Bosman live in Urbandale, IA with their children Emily and Annette. Max was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003 and is unable to communicate. Nancy and his family have been loyal caregivers and we all appreciate the excellent care offered by the Mayflower Home.
At the closing of 2007 we are ending the celebration of our 60 years living together. Besides relationships there have been many other projects attempted and completed, goals set and attained, but there have also been unplanned opportunities and experiences that have enriched our lives unbelievably. Do we have any words of wisdom or guides for living? Yes, our Blog entry of December 29th will include:
“Our Words to Live By" philosophy”.
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