Rita & Leslie Mutziger 7 May 1946 ~Ethan,South Dakota

Mom & Dadused to tell us ~

“Do not digyour hole in

the garden toodeep or you will

end up on theopposite side

of the world!”

By 1868, creation of new territories reduced Dakota Territory to the present boundaries of the Dakotas. The Dakota Territory was divided into the states of North Dakota and South Dakota on November 2, 1889. The admission of two states,as opposed to one, was done because there was pressurefrom the Republican Party to admit two states to add to their political power in the Senate.

These families (our great-grandparents) were all pioneers. They were fleeing war and famine in Europe. Upon arrival on the east coast they were encouraged to settle in the Dakota Territory where the land had been taken from the Native-Indians and the American government wanted settlers to farm the land. Europeans believed they were moving to a country as seen below.

Missouri River

James River

Lewis & Clark map 1805

When the Europeans arrived the

prairies were covered in high

grass – there was nothing else –

not even any trees!

However, they were pushed further west to the Dakota Territory! At this stage in their journey these pioneers were exhausted, and those that could not go further stayed and worked to make small homesteads.

This land belonged to the Native-Americans (Indians)until 1803 Lakota, Arikara, Nakota, Chippewa, Ojibwe, Cheyenne, Ponca, Yankton Sioux,Dakota Sioux, Sistone were the major Indian Tribes living on these prairies!Then European-Americans annexed this region calling it theLouisiana Purchase. From May 1804, to September 1806,the Lewis & Clark Expedition mapped the territory ~ and in 1861 it became officially the Dakota Territory.

In 1809 the “Americans” claimed this land ~ our great grand-parents arrived around 1850

Weber Family Tree ~ (Josephine & Joseph) 1. Ludwig Weber; born Prussia 1825 (Dimock 1906) ~ Katherine Motzer; born Prussia 1828 (Dimock 1903)

1. Sigmund Weber; born Perry, Wisconsin 1873 (Parkston 1947) ~ Mary Schoenfelder; born Deluth, Minn 1873 (1918)2.Joseph was the first child in the above family of 9 children Joseph S. Weber, born: September 10, 1896, Ethan, South Dakota: died: 1961, Dimock, South Dakota

***********Josephine’s family****************

1. Anton (Anthony) Wermers, born: August 15, 1860 in Prussia / died: April 20, 1938 in Ethan, South Dakota1. Sophia (Gerhards) Geraths, born: July 21, 1871 in Cross Plains, Dane Co., Wisconsin /died: May 15, 1949 Ethan married: around 1890 in South Dakota, U.S.A.

2. Josephine was the sixth child in the above family of 14 children Josephine Wermers, born: June 21, 1900, Ethan, South Dakota: died: December 25, 1973, Ethan, South Dakota

Josephine & Joseph married: 13 January 1920 in Dimock, South Dakota Josephine & Joseph raised 11 children, on a farm near Dimock, South Dakota: • Celestine (Sally); born May 11, 1921 ~ Married September 4, 1940 ~ Leo Pollreisz • Lucille; born Feb 1, 1923 (died Jan 25, 1962) ~ Married May 7, 1946 ~ Everett Muth, born 1919 • Rita; born 9 Sept. 1924 ~ Married May 7, 1946 ~ Leslie Mutziger; born: 8 April 1917 (2014) • Leonard; born June 15, 1926 (died Jan 2014) ~ Married January 11, 1949 ~ Delores Roth • Helen; born April 7, 1928 ~ Married May 7, 1947 ~ Authur George Pollreisz • Stella; born May 22, 1930 (died Sept 2003) ~ Married Nov 23, 1948 ~ Urban Puetz • Alvin; born January 2, 1933 (died 1987) ~ Married August 4, 1959 ~ Deanne Mutziger • Jerome; born June 24, 1935 ~ Married May 2, 1959 ~ Rita Berg • Virgil; born November 5, 1937 ~ Married May 2, 1959 ~ Elenor Berg • Marlis; born February 6, 1940 ~ Married August 19,1958 ~ Norbert Miiller • William (Bill) Jan. 22, 1947 ~ Married ~ Patricia Guzzman; Irene; Susie Osborn & Vickie Roberts

Mary & Frank married around 1890 Ethan, Children born in these first three generations were born at home / there were no hospitals! Mary & Frank had 9 children and raised their family on a farm near Ethan, South Dakota: • Irene Margaret Mutziger Puetz; born 1900 (died 1972) • Della Mutziger Wermers; born 1905 (died 2004) • Bud V Mutziger; born 1906 (died 2001) • Lawrence Mutziger; born 1909 (died 1981) • Leo Mutziger; born 1909 (died 1989) • Alice Mutziger Wingen; born 1912 (died 2008) • Francis B. Mutziger; born 1914 (died 2000) • Leslie Daniel Mutziger; born 1917 (died 2014) • Sylvia Mutziger Gepphart; born 1919 -

Mutziger Family Tree ~ (Mary & Frank) 1. Nicholas Mutziger; born Alsace Lorraine 1829 (Ethan 1905) + Catherine Sullivan; born Limerick, Ireland 1850 (Ethan 1928)

2. Frank Mutziger, born: Wisconsin 1869; died: Ethan, 1951 1. Patrick Sullivan; born Limerick,Ireland 1831 (Minnesota 1895) + Elisabeth Hilger; born Luxemburg 1844 (Minnesota 1910)2. Mary Sullivan Mutziger, born: Wisconsin 1876; died: Ethan, South Dakota 1933

They were the second generation to farm this land and both of them had vivid memories of the greatdepression & dust-bowl years (a few years before their marriage). They had very little of anything,however, they had each other, they had Courage, and they lavished their Love on their children.

Young men were “drafted” for the military in 1942

(World-War 2). They did NOT wish to join the military,

however, the day after this pic ~ they had to leave for

basic-training.

Dimock Dance HallRita Leslie Virgil Hohn Joe Erpenbach

In 1953, they moved to a farm on the East side of Ethan. After the long days of hard work on the farm, their first-priority was to assure that the local one-room-school on the prairie had the very best teacher possible. They became best friends with Mrs Vera Moe and she taught in that schoolhouse until the last of our family graduated from the 8th grade.

Mom started work at the Holiday Inn in 1970 to supplement the farm-revenue. In 1978 they purchased and renovated a home in Mitchell which Mom continues to enjoy today.

Snow on the farm was always a challenge. Snow banks were often higher than the house!

Care for home & garden was always a pleasure for them. Their new home was awarded “Garden of the Month” in 1983~ Mom is happy!

In 1946 Rita and Leslie settled on a homestead / farm West of Ethan

Everyone remembers Dad with these words:

“Another beautiful day ~

not a cloud in the sky!”

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Rita & Leslie / Lucille & Everette 7 May 1946

1953

1941

1962

I have lingering memories ofthose moments when Mom &Dad had time to play with us.Maybe just a few minutes like

this picture ~ taken beforewe want to church one

Sunday morning.My first memories go back to

when I was a tiny baby in a coldhouse, and Mom & Dad worried

IF I was warm enough. I canstill feel the Love that they held

for their children and theirefforts to assure that we alwayshad the basics for a healthy life

From the start ~ Serendipity seemed to propel me! My curiosity about the world became my vocation.

Here is a sketch of some of the major events, bumps in the road / new Skills ~ and life on three continents!

Already at a very young age I can remember questioning “Why do we live here?” Although I did NOT know of anything else, I knew that I did NOT want to stay on these prairies.Upon graduation from high-school, I left. First stop was the National College of Business in Rapid City, then to Denver where I worked in an office. As soon as the student loan was paid, I moved to Vail, Colorado and became one of the first ski-bums (people that leave their careers for a few years to live and work in ski resorts).Helene, best friend in Vail, encouraged me to go to Switzerland, she forgot to tell me that there were NO ski-bums in Switzerland!

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Fortunately, the Swiss were open minded, quickly learned about ski-bums, andI enjoyed a few years of skiing & working in St Moritz & Davos. In Davos, I also worked for a small congress, World Economic Forum. Later they asked me to join their permanent staff in Geneva. I felt ready for a change; Prof Schwab then asked IF I could introduce a computer into their offices and create a data base. Although I had not even touched a computer, I felt sure that I could manage the task.

Within a short time our data-basewas one of the best in the world.

Computers were new, most people had not considered their potential. This was the perfect challenge!Again, I enjoyed the challenges

of learning new skills. However, within a few years, our views on life and goalsseparated ~ and we divorced. I then created Apple Fields. The AnnualMeeting remained my client; I also moved towards work with environmental organizations ~ the United Nations, Swiss Government and NGOs.

There was great diversity in the projects and I worked with many artists. However, the world was changing and many clients could no longer defend a need for customized creative services. Enjoying work is always foremost in my goals and it was clear ~ a change was needed!

Seeking a holistic environment ~ within a dynamic city ~ Bangkok is perfect.“Living in Harmony with the Environment”is my belief, and Bangkok has provento be the perfect home. I am writing aseries of eBooks for Unique Holidays.Along with travel-tips, there are plenty of subjects relating to public awarenessabout nature and sustainable living.Sheba Suphannahong is my pen-name.

A couple years later, I married Serge a graphic designer,we created Vert Pomme and we assumed all the visual communication & logistics for the Annual Meeting in Davos.

I chose to use my Time & Energy to promote Sustainable Living

Lois made her family her first priority in life. Lois & Ron provided the best for their their three children; Jason, Becka & Rob ~

and each of them have thriving families …already three grand-children!

More info: www.LeslieMutziger.org Mutziger family tree

Lois Mutziger

Ron Thuringer

16 March 1974

2012

20142014

2015

Kirsten MersberganRob Thuringer 31 May 2014 Jack Elliot born; 28 November 2015 Madison, South Dakota

Becka Thuringer Ryan Burger 25 June 2010 Bronx Burger born; 10 September 2011

Sioux Falls, S. D. Nancy Cocoran Jason Thuringer 21 December 1996 Zack Thuringer born; 19 July 2002 NewBern North Carolina

Everyone knows that if you want to

impress your husband, date (or their family) ~ first stop is Stan’s Boutique. Many locals count on Lois to assure that they are “dressed’ for the occasion. Weddings & Proms are an especially busy time. Lois also designed these corsages to match the prom- dresses.

Lois also developed her talents in fashion. Events in Madison ~ weddings, proms, etc might look quite different without Lois behind the scenes & the Seams!

My favorite memories of growing up always return to Christmas Eve. I remember it that it seemed like every year it was always very cold, and usually snow drifts filled the yard and driveway! I remember opening presents on Christmas Eve, then I always HAD to go to bed so I could be awake for Midnight mass. I don’t believe we ever missed going to it.I remember one year all 3 of us girls got beautiful dolls, in pink and white striped boxes. My poor doll got loved to death.....but Judy and Sue’s dolls looked great. I remember thinking at that time, how could anyone have a doll that pretty and not play with it every day?

Lois visited Thailand in 2013. Here we are enjoying an

evening overlooking

Bangkok.

Lois is a globe-trotter; Ron prefers his home. NO problem~ Ron is delighted when we “PhotoShop” him into exoticlocations. Here Lois & Ronare on the banks of theChao Phraya River in Bangkok!

Perhaps this doll inspired Lois towards her profession!

These Christmas Cards tell

the story at Christmas 2015.

James was born to be the ideal grandfather! …along the way, he was also a wonderful father.

Priority was / IS / always will be, his family ~ “non-negotiable!”

This family-tree already has many branches: • James Leslie Mutziger• Karen Marie Schurz Mutziger

Married 16 December 1978, living in Salem, S Dakota

1. Terry Lynn Mutziger, 7 December 1971

+ Jill Harper Mutziger, 3 November 1970 Married, 21 August 1998 - living in Elkton, S. Dakota

1.1 Ainsley Harper, 24 April 1993 1.2 Madisyn Mutziger, 19 April1999 1.3 Sydney Mutziger, 15 September 2001, 1.4 Lauryn Mutziger, 6 January 2010

2 Tami Marie Mutziger Bies, 22 February1973 + Kurt Allen Bies, 5 January 1971 Married, 27 September 1997 - living in Salem, S Dakota

2.1 Zachary James Bies, 5 July1994, 2.2 Nicole Bies, 15 January 1999, 2.3 Emily Bies,18 February 2002

3 Thomas James Mutziger, 13 May 1979 + Robyn Kampshof Mutziger, 18 August 1981 Married, 23 June 2007 - living in Canova, South Dakota

3.1 Nolan Thomas Mutziger, 21 September 2008 3.2 Jace James Mutziger, 24 December 2012 3.3 Lainy Quinn Mutziger, 8 May 2015

All 10 Grandchildren at Christmas 2015

Nolan

Jace Lainy

Robyn & Thomas

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather,

only different kinds of good weather. - John Ruskin You can enjoy it all ~ go camping with James & Karen!

When we were growing up on the farm, it was a family-effortto assure that that the farm-work was finished. As soon as wecould walk and carry a pail, we were taught how to managetasks that would be helpful. Already around the age of 10,I was driving tractors – my favourite job!At harvest time, I would pull the hayrack-trailer through thefields as the men loaded the oat bundles on it and then takethe loads to the threshing machine. Having responsibilitiesat a young age surely contributed to the shapingof positive self-confidence and discipline.

James’s career kept him close to the land; he was manager of the Howard & Salem Cooperative Elevators. The responsibilities were as large as the bumper-crops and he retired in 2015.

Karen & James also have a home in Salem!

This tractor, from around 1947, was restored by Zach.

Zach Dad James

Family Campsitein Black Hills

Life for James is in nature andeveryone in his family shares thatpleasure; all 10 grandchildrenwere with Karen & Jamesin September 2015.Throughout the year they canbe found in various campsitesaround South Dakota. These pics were taken at a favourite campsite in the Black Hills.

Paul James Dick Don Leslie James Dan Can you find the real James?

Sue’s career path kept her close to the medical community and she is an advocate of Holistic-Health. “Health requires healthy food” ~ R. Williams

Sue’s reminiscence attests to a life-long quest!

Investment in our future ~

the family garden!

Sue’s career took her to Minneapolis, Phoenix and Sioux Falls,where she lives today.Cheltzie was born on 11 December 1984 and also lives in Sioux Falls.

More info about the family tree (+ PDF of this album) at: www.LeslieMutziger.org

Mom and Dad always made Sunday a special day for the

whole family. I remember every Sunday dressing in our very best and taking the ride to Ethan to attend church services. When we returned home

Mom always prepared the most wonderful meal. It was usually fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and

creamed peas.Oh boy, Mom made the best mashed potatoes and gravy! It always amazed me that Mom knew exactly

how much to make to fill 6 hungry mouths (4 kids and Dad & Mom). Many times Mom served her hot apple

pie for dessert. Yep, Mom & Dad made the day special as sometimes relativeswould come and visit for the

afternoon. It was a fun day!

A vivid and very special moment to meis when grandma Reet and grandpa Les

came to see me for my high schoolgraduation at the University of Minnesota.

The moment was secretly captured by a newspaper photographer of me running across the

courtyard in my cap and gown towards grandpa Les ~ full of excitement with my arms outstretched for a hug.

He was sitting on a bench holding outsome roses for me with a big smile. I This was significant for mebecause I felt how proud he was of me.

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Mom remembers that this Cottonwood-tree was already a mature tree beside the house, when they started married life on the farm. In 2015, Mom took this picture of the same Cottonwood. We can assume that it is now almost 100 years old. Respect for trees was the first life-lesson from Dad.

On 25 June 2014 Dad moved to “God’s Garden”. We

loved him dearly and are glad that his life remains

an inspiration!

Mom is in good health and this album is to

mark their 70th wedding Anniversary;

7 May 2016.

1989

2002

Cel

Venice, Italy 1976

Chiang Rai,

Thailand 2012

Life for Rita and Leslie became more fun with each passing year (far beyond their marriage-dreams). They now had a lovely home in Mitchell,

they enjoyed entertaining family and friends ~ and they traveled to Europe and Asia!

Celebrating Dad’s

birthday was an important family tradition!

Rita & Leslie Mutziger family story 7 May 2016 ~Bangkok, Thailand

Precisely theopposite sideof the world iswhere this bookis being written.Perhaps thosewordsinspired me!

7 May 2011 65th Wedding Anniversary