Janel, Emily, Stephen and Dave Voglewede

Michigan, Fall of 1999

29 May 2000

Hello John,

I didn't expect such a quick reply - thanks! Its Sat. evening, I've been un-wall papering/painting our upstairs bathrooms since this morning, so your note was nice to get as I relax here for a few minutes, ready to call it a day. I'll give you a little background on my family, but first, are you the same `John' with the website that I saw a few years ago (1995-6 or so when I was first `web enabled') that references the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, or something as such - and, has a joke refering to `two story outhouse'? If so, I had to laugh, because my Dad is also named `John', and his (many) friends often referenced the same `2-story outhouse' joke. In our town, he is always referred to as `big John.' (he used to be a solid 250 lbs,. 6' 2"). A few weeks ago when I was home, one of his friends had apparently made him a wooden model of a 2-story outhouse which he proudly put on their fireplace mantel! By the way, I'm especially proud whenever I hear about our extended family, including things I sometimes see things on the web. Seems the family is full of prominent, devoted people, including several professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, etc.). Also, I've traveled to Germany on business several times. They remember our great... grandfather, Walther. I'm usually not the type to embelish things like this, but more than once I've been taken back when German citizens have literally said `vut uhn ahnher' [what an honor] to meet you... I understand that for most Germans/Austrians, Walther's poetry is pretty much a standard reading/memorization exercise during elementary school.

My Dad was born in Decatur, Indiana (1925). His Dad was Raymond Voglewede who was born a Glutting and, adopted by Anthony Voglewede after his parents died, I believe related through his mother's side - although I'm not clear on the entire story. Grandpa Voglewede died in 1970 but spent most of his life farming the Voglewede farm that he bought/inherited from Anthony during the depression, retiring in 1960. He had a brother Charlie who he was very close to and lived in Indiana until he died, and a somewhat distant (after he married) brother Tony Voglewede who lived somewhere here in Detroit. His Mom was Mary Voglewede (formerly Meyer) who died in `74. Dad has seven brothers and sisters - Mary Ann, Joanne, Jim, Jerry, Don and Rosie. They are an extremely close and fun loving group, and the best relatives you could have growing up, including my 63 cousins that we had on the Voglewede side alone. We made several trips from Michigan to Indiana every year, including to visit my Mom's side, the Schoenle's of Fort Wayne - and, visa versa, often pulling up in their camper trailers which was a favorite pastime, especially my aunt's families when my cousins were young. You would also be proud of this side of the Voglewede family - solid citizens, every one. I jokingly consider myself the blacksheep of the family since I was one of the few who it seemed didn't go to college on either an academic or athletic scholarshp (or, often both) as a disproportionate number in our extended family have. Most are very active Catholics, including my family.

Of latest news, cousin Phil (Jerry & Carolyn's son - about 27 yrs. old) is going to leave his lead engineering position with Whirlpool at the end of this month, finish an advanced degree, and has an Associate Professorship awaiting him at Notre Dame (where my Dad went on the VA Bill in the late `40's) where he attended and played sports. Then, on July 15th, just about the entire Decatur-originated Voglewede family is getting together, in Decatur, to celebrate Aunt Rosie's 60th birthday, and retirement. She is the `baby' on my Dad's side of the family. Dad turns 75 on June 18th (just doesn't seem possible). We are all really looking forward to it, our first trip down there in awhile. Our cousins will be coming in from all over the country.

We grew up in a quiet town, Allegan, MI - only 5000 pop. Since you're from the DC area, its minor claim to fame is that Clare Hoffman (House Majority Leader during Eisenhower administration) and General Pritchard (captured Jefferson Davis) lived/died there. My Dad & Mom still live there, but are planning to move back to Decatur this Fall, to be nearer to their family. The farm where he was raised was recently developed into a golf course with Town Homes, where they plan to move. Ironically, coming full circle. Dad was in WWII, first infantry division (The `Big Red One' - same unit as shown hitting the beach in `Saving Private Ryan', although he didn't join it until they were inland a few miles). He was awarded a Purple Heart. He still limps a bit, missing three toes that were frozen in a foxhole during action in the Battle of the Bulge. He is the greatest guy you could know, including probably my best friend. A typical unassuming and hardworking guy of his generation, very active in the community, especially church, etc. My Mom, Mary Ann, was a stay at home mother, with myself (now age 40), Dan (38), John Jr. (36) and Anne (31 - recently married to Tom Adams and living in Frederick, MD. Dad spent most of his work life selling animal health (antibiotics) and other agricultural support products, covering western Michigan.

We've lived in the Detroit area for over six years. I have 16 yrs. with Ford Motor Company. I now manage a couple of departments, but, spent most of my interesting career in the Denver Region calling on Ford-L/M dealers in Idaho, New Mexico, and Colorado. Boy, we really miss it, and still consider it "home". We'd move back tomorrow if I could make a comparable living, but I'd probably decline if offered - Dad & Mom are slowing down and I don't want to be so far away. My wife, Janel, is a Colorado native, so we still get back there at least once a year. (if you ever want to visit CO, I'll be glad to scope out a map of the State's best scenic routes/places to see). We have two children, Emily (9) and Stephen (7). I'll go ahead and include a picture of us that we had taken in our backyard last Fall.

Take care, John. It was great getting your note. Stay in touch.

Dave