Volume 2 No. 2 - February 1989

Louie Lobsinger presented his sweetheart, Nora Copley, with a dozen red roses and a kiss on Valentine's Day (1984). The two, friends and fellow residents of Caribou Lodge for many years, were each 100 years old at the time.

Louie - the Romantic Printer

Louie the Printer did it the hard way. With handset type. The kind you had to place in a rack, letter by letter. Upside down and backwards. In a cold shop with only the re-melt pot for heat and the smell of flux in the air. Not the quick, clean easy way we to it today, all on computer. Louie probably would have marveled at the changes in his trade since he put out his famous 100 page Christmas edition of the Merritt (B.C.) Herald in 1910.

It took 40 printers to produce that effort. It was a glorious achievement in those days. Some of the pages were even in color. The Herald was established in 1905. Louis Lobsinger moved to Merritt about 1908 and by 1910 he owned the newspaper, according to some reports.

But newspapering is a perilous business. When advertisers can't pay, newspapers fail. And shortly after the famous Christmas edition of 1910, the Merritt Herald fell into other hands. Louis pursued various other occupations until the '30s, end then returned to the Herald as a printer. Those were lean years. The Herald published 4 pages a week, was owned by E.B. Mayon, and the staff consisted of L.G. (Louis) Lobsinger at $15 per week, and an unpaid printer's devil, F.A. Loren Lobsinger, Louis' son, who was privileged to learn the trade after school and on Saturdays.

"Authors, Editors, and Sober Contributors never make mistakes." Loren remembers from his apprenticeship years, "Any mistakes made in a newspaper are traced to the Printer's Devil who is not paid and therefore not liable and is legally unresponsible"

That part of the business hasn't changed any over the years.

Lorne, the printer's devil, who now lives in Maple Ridge, B.C., sent us much of this information on his father, including the following words related from memory in 1965. Louis was 82 years of age when he recalled...

"I have hunted several times for the passport when my grandfather, Joseph Lobsinger (Count Joseph) with his wife and five children came from Meurthe, France to America in 1837 and stetted in Minnesota."

(Other accounts show Joseph had only three children when he came to the New World, and this is the first mention that Count Joseph settled in Minnesota before moving to Ontario. This is also the first indication that Joseph had moved from Langatte, France to Meurthe before coming to North America.)

"The youngest son, George, later went to Waterloo County, Ontario, and married Mary Uberschlag and his mother gave her son George (my father) deed to 160 acres of farmland in Bruce County as a wedding gift. The farm is 9 miles from Walkerton, Ont. They reared 10 children and I was the first one born in a two story brick house (but not the first born). He also built a very large barn and had 35 acres of orchard and a windmill bringing water into the house, barn, and outside water trough.

"Father was a church warden, school trustee and Reeve for many years. And when the Bank of Mildmay failed, he lost everything and became turnkey of the jail for 25 years. He died aged 88.

"His mother (Marie Anne Weber Lobsinger, wife of Count Joseph) died at 96, my brothers John and Joe at 86. (other reports give different ages) I have a sister (Mary Lobsinger Lovedahl) at Edmonton, aged 88. My oldest sister Kate (Hergotte) died at 88 in Saskatchewan. My mother died in May 1911.

"I married Ottillia Voisin June 6,1911 in Formosa, Ont. We were school mates and we knew each others relationships."

Louis didn't put in all of the details. But his daughter Marie Simone Ernestine Bartolome helped fill in the gaps:

"In September 1906, Dad married my mother, Aimee Dagenais, in Montreal and I was born the following July. My mother passed away April 1908, and Dad married Ottillia Voisin," recalls Marie.

Marie's mother died when she was an infant, and her father, Louis, who was working at the Montreal Gazette, moved west to visit his sister Caroline and her husband Jack Collett who were early pioneers in the Nicola Valley. He stayed and went back into the newspaper business. Meanwhile, his infant daughter Marie was in a Montreal French Canadian shelter until Louis remarried. She then rejoined the family in Merritt.

Old George Lobsinger, Louis' father, had 10 children altogether. In addition to Louis, their other children were Mary Catherine (Kate) married Albert Joseph Hergotte and lived in Humbolt, SK. John M. Lobsinger married Mary LaFrance, and later Appolonia Kohler Becker Castor and lived in Ontario. Joseph G. Lobsinger married Mary Diemert. He was a metal smith and lived in North Dakota.

Mary lived in Edmonton, AB., and married a man named Lovedahl, but we know little else about her. Caroline married John Collett, and members of the Collett family still reside in the Merritt and Vancouver area.

Little is known of William, who died at age 19, or Fred, who died at age 28. Tillie reportedly married an Alec O'Connell, and later a man named Harrison. She lived in Hamilton, ON. A son George, died at age 4. Some reports have an 11 th child, Margaret, married to a man named O'Donnell who lived in Merritt, B.C.

Louie the Printer and his second wife Ottillia had four children.

Irene married a fellow named Greer. Ruby married Lu Chase, and her family lives in Vancouver. Rita married Charles McDonnell and the family lives in Chilliwack. And of course, Lorne, who has provided much of this information.

Louie died March 7, 1986, just a couple months short of 103 years old, which makes him one of the longest lived- individuals in the family.

In his later years, he was a resident of the Caribou Lodge Care Home in William's Lake, B.C. where he became acquainted with his third sweetheart, Nora Copley. A newspaper clipping from William's Lake Tribune in 1983 described them as..."Two of a kind."

"These two local pioneers share a common denominator, both celebrated their 100th birthday this past year. Nora Copley was born in Victoria on June 20, 1883 end has lived all her life in British Columbia A shade the elder, Louis Lobsinger marked his century-mark on May 10th. He was born in Deemerton, Ontario and came to B.C. in 1908. He settled in Merritt and followed his trade as a printer, at one time owning the Merritt Herald.

Both now call William's Lake home and both were feted at Caribou Park Home on their respective birthdays."

Another clipping from February 21, 1984 says... "Romance is usually associated with youth but Cupid selects his targets indiscriminately-like the two 100 year old sweethearts at the Caribou Lodge in William's Lake.

Nora Copley had been a resident of the lodge for a few months when Louie Lobsinger moved there in the spring of 1977. Although they had been acquainted for many years they became fast friends that summer when they rode on the lodge float in the stampede parade. Since then the two have been devoted companions. Joan Boomer, an activities worker at the lodge, remembers them challenging her to foot races in the hallway.

"They could almost beat me," she said.

Judy Blakely, a nurse at the lodge, said Louie used to propose marriage to Nora quite often, but she would always tell him to ask her again when she turned 100. On Valentine's Day this year Louie presented his special sweetheart with a dozen red roses, proving there is no age limit for gallantry and romance."

Michael and Amaline (Emily Craig) Lobsinger on their 69th Wedding Anniversary. Photo Courtesy of their daughter, Mrs. Leonard (Bernice) Maslen. (House of Louis)

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lobsinger
Celebrate 69th Wedding Anniversary

Emily (Amaline Craig) and Michael Joseph Lobsinger of Stratford, ON., celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary on November 6, 1988. They were married November 6, 1919, and have two sons and three daughters.

Elmer Cletus, their oldest son, is married to Maureen Ireland. He is a metallurgist, and they are the parents of 7 children: Patricia McConnell, Mary, Margaret Turner, James, Robert, Anne, and Paul. Patricia and her husband John McConnell are now parents of four children of their own: Michael John, Stephen Cletus, Paul Joseph, and Sharon Marie. Margaret and her husband David Turner have three children: Lori Ann, Julie Lynn, and Brian David.

Emily and Michael's other son is Harold Joseph who is married to Lois Audrey Bossence. He is a welder, and the couple have provided Emily and

Michael with another seven grandchildren: Gail and husband David Moloughney are parents of Sarah and Christopher; Gary Daniel and wife Elizabeth Ann Dwyer are parents of Jeffrey, Bradley, and Matthew; Nancy and Husband John McNaughton are parents of Andrew and Katherine; Paul and wife Joan Chessell are parents of Chad; Larry, who is married to Tracey Sharper Mark; and Jennifer.

A third son, Earl, passed away as an infant.

Michael and Emily's eldest daughter is Helen, who is married to Michael Bannon. They have 4 children: Mary, who is a teacher; Catherine and husband Terrence Robinson are parents of Adam, Valerie, and Dana; Eileen and husband David Barclay are parents of Amanda and Christine; and Patrick and wife Adriana Rizzo, who are parents of Michael.

Michael and Emily's second daughter is Bernice who is married to Leonard Maslen. They have seven children: Robert Michael, married to Donna Moon, parents of Robert Michael, Jr, and Shonna Louise; Ronald Leonard, married to Lynn Hedger, parents of Brian and Mark; Bruce Joseph and wife Carol Benn, parents of Kellie, Kathleen, and Stephen; Gary Thomas; Linda Marie; Allan Dale; and Terry Anthony.

Emily and Michael's last daughter is Rita, who is married to Henry Mogk. They have 5 children: Lori, married to Michael Snider, parents of Stacey; Michael, married to Cheryl Henderson; Jeffrey; Jeannette; and Joanne.

That is quite a family. You can count up the number of grand and great-grandchildren for yourself!

Clarence Lobsinger and grand daughter Michelle, photo taken August 24, 1986.

CIarence Remembers "That Darn Comet"

Edmund Haley was an English astronomer who lived in the time of Nicolas Lobsinger, the patriarch of all the major new world Lobsinger families. Nicolas was probably a farmer in the village of Langatte, working his fields and raising his family while Haley poured over his astronomical calculations in England.

Haley predicted that there would be a great comet returning to view about 1685. Nicolas might have seen that comet and wondered at the phenomenon as it lighted the night sky. The appearance of the strange light might have even struck fear or wonderment into the hearts of people in those days.

Haley predicted that the great comet would return to view from earth about every 75 years. And right on schedule, in 1910, it came around to make it's fourth appearance. Clarence Lobsinger was there, and he remembers it.

"Dad (John Lobsinger, son of Louis, son of Count Joseph) was making candles from our bees-wax. He had five bee hives and a 12 tube candle maker in the cast. Then Peter Girodat came and said, 'See Haley's Comet!'

It had a fiery ball at the end and an expanding flashing light ahead." Clarence drew a picture of the unusual sight, with a long streaming tail behind.

"It was about 1/40th across the sky. Seems like the North Pole attracted it by magnetism. It came six nights in a row in Carlsruhe, On., 23 miles east of Lake Huron near Walkerton. Dad was home from his saw mill and shingle mill. It looked more like a powerful flood light."

Clarence has some insights on other subjects he remembers from those days when the comet was in the skies:

"I would never have left home, but dad wanted me to drive horses."

Our horse got scared of a car when I was driving our buggy, and kicked it all to pieces. So I got terrible scared of horses. Mr. Metzger, a farmer, had to drive me home after that."

"I was 12 years old and was spading the priest's garden when I saw my first indoor toilet in his house. When I left home I went to work in Uncle Nathan Tschirhart's Meat Market in Detroit."

Another frightening experience was the time Clarence and his uncle Henry Peter Lobsinger were driving a wagon load of beer in barrels and the hand brakes on the wagon broke as they were starting down a hill. "The horses could hardly hold it back!"

They were on their way to Ayton from the Carlsruhe Brewery at the time, and must have survived, because on the way back Henry dug a fox out of a hole, and the G.T.R. Train hit Oberle's cow and they paid him $10 for the cow. All in all, Clarence considered it a rather scary day! Probably all caused by that darn old comet in the sky.

Clarence says his father John... "sawed enough lumber at today's prices to be worth over a billion dollars."

"He sawed a city block of lumber in Stokes Bay which the British used to build ships for almost nothing. John also sawed a city block 15 feet high in Chepstow, and a city block in Tara. There was no end to the lumber John Lobsinger ran through his saw mill in Carlsruhe, Hampton, Nuestadt, Ayton, Chesley, Barrow Bay, and other areas of Ontario."

"I remember helping to put out fires in the saw dust piles that were bigger than our house!"

"And he ended up with nothing.." Clarence adds rather dejectedly, "Change that old saying, 'Have a nice day,' to 'Eat onions! "'

Clarence and his wife Gertrude (Lamb) have two children. His daughter Maureen (Keane) is a microbiologist with the Pepsi-Cola Company in Seattle, WA. She teaches Irish Folk Dancing in her spare time.

Clarence's son Michael lives in Birmingham, MI., "part time". He travels a lot by air, "Too much to suit me. Too much tension!"

Son Michael is Vice President of Compuware, a computer company. He was in California at the time Clarence wrote his story, establishing a new office for his business. The firm has offices in six other cities, Clarence reports, and they own the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club.

Clarence worries about his airplane hopping kid, but you can tell he's pretty pleased the way he turned out...

"He has a house and boat on Rose Lake, south of Cadillac, MI., and the deer come to his house. Also wild turkeys and pelicans and beaver, etc. He has a daughter Michelle, and a son Joseph. They both ice skate at the lake."

From The Mail Bag

Note arrived just a day or two too late to make the last newsletter. Jan (Lobsinger) Carr and husband Russell are parents for the third time. We have a photo of their "l988 Model" Carr under our birth announcements column. They are from Mammoth Lakes, CA, and members of the Swiss Lobsinger families that we have yet to tie into the rest of us. (Swiss Family Lobsinger)

John F. Lobsinger, who has moved back to Lake Worth, Florida and is sorely missed at the Newkirk Herald Journal where he served as sports editor for several years, sent us a few bucks for the postage fund, and added his daughter Theresa Lobsinger's name to the mailing list He's a firefighter and paramedic with the Lantana, Fla., Fire Department. (House of Peter)

Florence (Lobsinger) Kretsch of Elbow, SK, sent us addresses on her children, and asked us to send each of them a subscription. She says the newsletter is... "really something to have!" She was pleased to learn how many relatives she had in Saskatchewan. When she and her husband Peter were first married, she says they had a one room homestead with a trap door to the cellar. The door was under the bed, so they had to move the bed to even get into the cellar. "Times were hard, but happy, as the neighbors were so kind." (House of Louis)

Nice letter from Len and Theresa Walsh from Brantford, On., (she is Bishop Tom's sister) who says we should have called somebody while we were in the area last summer. Maybe so. We'd love to visit, but hate to be the family mooch, so we just didn't feel good about dropping in on somebody and saying we had no place to stay... But thanks for the offer. (House of Louis)

Joan Luciani also sent us a nice note. (she's Bishop Tom's other sister) And a renewal check. She wishes you all a Merry Christmas season. Which, by the time you read this will be good for either last Christmas or next. Take your pick! (House of Louis)

Brothers Clarence, David Pious and Irwin Lobsinger, 1987

Clarence Lobsinger of Dearborn, MI sent us another nice letter and some more stories about his dad, John Lobsinger, the saw mill operator from Carlsruhe. Also sent addresses for his son and daughter, which we appreciate, some pictures you'll find in here somewhere, and a few bucks for postage. (House of Louis)

Reuben Schnarr and wife Anne sent season's greetings to all. They live in Ahwahnee, CA. (House of Louis)

Tony Lang dropped another note to us. His translation of the inscription on the Langatte Cross is exactly the same as mine and Charles Rinck's, so it must be right. He says his mother, Leona Lang, of Regina, located the stone house that Count Joseph Lobsinger built in Perth, County, On., in 1856. Joseph purchased the farm from the Canada Company and settled there in the 1830's. Tony says his mother is sending the details, so we are awaiting that story. Tony also writes that the numbers on the lintel above the door of Antoine Lobsinger's house in Langatte, France do read 1781. The "l" is just so weatherworn that it failed to show up in the photographs.(House of Peter)

Dorothy and Hattan Bass of Detroit send greetings and report their branch of the family is busy with Christmas. Dorothy is the daughter of Carl (Charles) Lobsinger and Dora Schick. (House of Joseph)

Here's an interesting turn to the story about Barney Lobsinger the wrestler. Harold Lobsinger of Denver and Apache Junction reports that he was indeed a professional wrestling fan in the 30's and in fact lived across from the wrestling arena (a Masonic Lodge) in Chicago. Harold says he remembers reading about the wrestler with the boa constrictor, but never got to watch him. One of his first wife's cousins was also a professional wrestler in the 30's named Whitey Whitler. Harold wonders if Whitler and Otto Lugger ever crossed paths, ... or mats as the case may be. (House of Antoine)

Mary Grambusch of Sacramento, CA., sent a card and was happy to see her poem in the last edition. And we were pleased to print it. (House of Louis)

Christmas card and family picture arrived from James Ross Lobsinger in Phoenix, AZ. Jim is an electrical engineer with Honeywell and also happens to be another of my many brothers. Jim's wife Jody reports that the photo is almost out of date already, as their second child is due about the same time as this newsletter will be out. Little Jimmy wants a sister. (House of Peter)

Were pleased to receive a nice card from David Pius Lobsinger and son Donald Lobsinger of Detroit, who renewed their subscription to the newsletter. David's picture is in here somewhere, along with his brothers Clarence and Irwin, taken at a recent get together. (House of Louis)

Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger, Whitehorse, YT, (House of Louis) sent us a nice letter and some leads on a Louis Lobsinger who was a printer in Merritt, BC area. If you've read the rest of this newsletter, you know that the good bishop gave us a useful lead, and we have since collected much more information on the family of Louis Lobsinger from the House of George.

Christmas card, short message, and printing money came from Ken and Julia Lobsinger of Tara, On. Ken is the son of Gordon (Nixie) Lobsinger, son of August Lobsinger of the House of Peter. He and wife Julie have two children at last count, Paul and Pam. We need birthdates on them, and maybe even spouses names, by now.

Sandy Frensch sent us a card and a check and says she is looking forward to receiving more issues of the newsletter. She's a daughter of Jerome Lobsinger and Evelyn Shilling. Her grandfather was George J. (Geordi) Lobsinger who was married to Matilda Miglarini. George J. was a son of George Meyer Lobsinger and Catherine Kramer... if I've got it straight. Anyway, Sandy and husband Arthur Frensch are parents of one daughter, Karen M. Frensch.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard (Bernice Lobsinger) Maslen of Lucan, Ontario sent us the photo and little story on the 69th Wedding Anniversary of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lobsinger. Michael is a son of Anthony L. Lobsinger, son of Louis and Katherina Gehl, founders of the House of Louis.

Juliette (Lobsinger) McIntee of Pincher Creek, AB. wrote to reminisce about the story her Uncle John wrote about the founding of Carlsruhe in last issue. She remembers visiting him often, and visiting at his summer home on the Georgian Bay. She also remembers seeing Barny Lobsinger the wrestler. (House of Louis)

Dolores (Lobsinger) and husband John Schmidt will be grandparents for the 14th time next month. Their daughter Lauralea Marie and her husband Brian Weiler of Palmerston, ON., are expecting their second child in March. The new young one will be welcomed home by their other child, Kerri Lynn. (House of Peter)

Nice Christmas card and note from Hellmut and Leona Lang of Regina, SK., who have located the home built by "Count" Joseph when he settled in Ontario in the mid 1 800's. Says she will send photos and details later, and we are anxiously waiting for them. She also found a copy of Joseph's will in which he cut off sons Peter and Anthony with $2 each. Interesting.

Nice photo Christmas card of the Byron Lobsinger family arrived just before the holidays. He's another of my brothers from Florida, and is an employee of United Parcel Service. If I have room, I'll print the picture. He and wife Christine have two children now, Shaun, 4 years old, and Stephen, almost 1. (House of Peter)

Congratulations to Marilee (Kennedy) Lobsinger, who was recently featured in the Mildmay, ON., Town Crier for her efforts in the Mildmay Tennis Club. She took home trophies as the Singles and Ladies' Doubles and Mixed Doubles Champion. She is the wife of Charles P. Lobsinger, a son of Seraphine (Pat), son of Joseph L, House of Peter. They have two children, Ken and Kurtis.

Irene Lobsinger (House of Louis) of Brantford, ON has sent in some new addresses from the Vancouver area. We needed the updates and appreciate the help. She also sent us the photos of Johannes Francis Xavier Lobsinger, his wife Christina Westonhoefer, and his mother Catherina Gehl, which are below.

Johannes Francis Xavier Lobsinger and his wife Christina (Westenhoefer) Lobsinger. Photos courtesy of Irene E. Lobsinger, Brantford, ON. (House of Louis)

Joseph George and Rose Marie (Benninger) Detzler of Durham, ON., sent us a check but no letter. Joe is the son of Amelia (Lobsinger) Detzler of Mildmay, ON. She is the youngest daughter of Joseph L. Lobsinger, of the House of Peter. Joe and Rose Marie have three children: Tracy Edwin, who is in electronics, and his wife Debbie (Lantz) are parents of April Rose Detzler; Dr. Leslie Patricia Detzler is a Chiropractor; and Dale Joseph is a civil engineer. Joe is a plumbing contractor and travels extensively.

Gregory Lang of Calgary, AB., brother of Tony and son of Leona and Hellmut Lang of Regina, SK., has done a bit of research into the origin of the Lobsinger name and says he has found indications that it could be a German place name... that a Lobsinger was a person from the town of "Lobsing". Dates go back to about 1109. More will be forthcoming from Greg on this in the future, we hope. (House of Peter)

Card from Dr. William and Sheila (Brady) Lobsinger of Waterloo, On., had a surprise photo of my grandparents (Luke William and Mary Jane [Ross] Lobsinger enclosed. It was taken on their wedding day in Estevan, SK. The next day or so, they moved to the warm and sunny climate of LakeWorth, Fla., and never left. The old photo was found with other memorabilia from Dr. Bill's father's John J. Lobsinger, Luke's brother) house in Mildmay, On.(House of Peter)

Rick and Martha (Lessard) Lobsinger of Grand Bend, On., sent us their family tree and put leaves on some of the branches for us. Rick is son of Sylvester, son of Lambert Wilfred, son of Louis John, son of Louis, son of Count Joseph. (House of Louis)

Gilles Pfrunner, Lingolsheim France, a descendent of Pierre Lobsinger, a brother of Count Joseph, wrote to say he has located some more Lobsinger descendants in France... but none carrying the Lobsinger name. He will revise and send family charts when he gets time. Funny how some of us have to work now and then between playing with ancestors!

Received a subscription check but no letter from Paul Albert Lobsinger of Burlington, On. He is the son of Victor and Susan (Graff) Lobsinger, son of Francis Xavier and Caroline (Krug) Lobsinger, son of Joseph L and Mary (Grossman) Lobsinger, son of Peter and Catherine (Meyer) Lobsinger. Paul is with the Metro Toronto Police department, and he and wife Debbie (Marsland) are the parents of Lucas Victor, born just last April.

Dorothy Bellinger, Hanover, On., reports that her brother Lorne Lobsinger is recovering from a stroke, and is now living in Durham, On., so we made sure we had his new mailing address on the list so he won't miss an issue. (House of Louis)

We've received a couple of letters with lots of information about Louis the Printer from Merritt, B.C. from F.A. Loren Lobsinger, Louis' son, and Marie Simone Ernestine (Lobsinger) Bartolome, his daughter, and a phone call from Jerry Hilton, one of Louis' grand-daughters. Also received a nice letter from Margaret Qualey, who worked at the retirement home in Williams Lake, B.C. where Louis lived in his later years. Louis is one of the members of the House of George who moved out west. His is an interesting story featured in this issue.

New Branches On The Family Tree

Tyson Jay Carr

Born to Russell and Jan (Lobsinger) Carr, Mammoth Lake, CA., Tyson Jay Carr, on May 31, 1988 at 5 Ibs and 4 ounces. Tyson is their third son, brother of Austin 3-1/2 years, and Kevin 2 years. Tyson is the 15th grandchild of the late John William Lobsinger and Betty Lobsinger who lives in Sonoma, CA. (Swiss Family Lobsinger)

Andrew Vincent Ceranski

Andrew Vincent Ceranski was born recently to Mr and Mrs. Gene (Patricia Creighton) Ceranski. No date or other data yet. Andrew is the grandson of Agnes (Lobsinger) Creighton who is a daughter of Johannes Francis Xavier Lobsinger and Christina Westenhoefer of the House of Louis. The Ceranskis live in Cheektowaga, NY.

Craig Daniel Nicholson

Craig Daniel Nicholson was born December 31,1988 to Daniel Joseph and Heather (Hastings) Nicholson. The 91b 3 oz baby is the first grandson of Jim and Irene (Lobsinger) Nicholson. They have three granddaughters and were pleased to see the young man arrive. Craig Daniel joins his sister Stephanie at home in Kitchener, On. (House of Louis)

Ryan Douglas James O'Connor

Born to Doug and Kimberly (Lobsinger) O'Connor on December 20th, 1988, a son, Ryan Douglas James O'Connor. Weighing in at 7 Ibs 12.5 oz., he is the new brother of Kayla Dawn and 6th grandchild of James and Sharon Lobsinger of Tehkummah, On., and the 13th Great Grandchild of Howard John Lobsinger of Elliot Lake, On. (House of George)

SGT Lobsinger One Of First WACS
To Return From Overseas Duty

The following clipping is from April 17, 1945:

Among the first WACs to return from overseas on temporary duty, Sgt. Mary C. Lobsinger is spending a 45 day furlough with her father, J.G. Lobsinger and her sister, Mrs. Walter Olstead of Sanborn, N.D.

Sgt. Lobsinger enlisted in 1942 and went overseas in August, 1943. She served in Algiers and Italy for 21 months."

She later married Ed Hooper and established a family in the Helena, Montana area, where they raised 4 children, Joyce, Gayle, Carol, and Samuel.

Mary Hooper died in 1980.

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