Volume 6 No. 1 - March to September 1995

Frank Lobsinger Descendants...
Annual Reunion Open To All Lobsingers

According to Dolores (Lobsinger) Schmidt of Mildmay, ON., the annual Frank Lobsinger Reunion has been opened up to include all Lobsingers and descendants. The event will be held in Mildmay again next Spring, and is always on the Sunday before Father's Day (June 9th in 1996).

The 1996 version will be at the Pavilion behind the Mildmay Carrick Arena and Community Center. Registration fee is $2.00 per person and an item for a raffle. Pot lunch buffet and BBQ's are there if anyone wants to do some cooking. Dolores says there is usually enough food for an army. If anyone wants more information they can write or phone Bill Robson, 2 Janet Street North, Mildmay, ON., NOG 2JO, phone (519) 367 5305 in the evenings or (519) 881-3401 during the day. Dolores is another contact - write her at 5 Peter Street, Box 408, Mildmay, ON., NOG 2JO, or phone (519) 367 5334. Bill Robson and his wife Darlene and Cheryle Harrison took care of the reunion arrangements this past year and will be looking after things next year, too. They are great grandchildren of Frank Lobsinger of the House of Peter. Everyone who can is invited to attend and enjoy meeting other relatives.

The Bruce Melvin Lobsinger Family at Christmas 1994, from left, Jenny Lee, 17; Luke, 10; Bruce Melvin; Clint, 5; and Julianne.

Arthur Lobsinger Among Those
Who Brought Honor And Respect To Canada

by John Kirkvaag Mildmay, ON., Canada

-The Second World War lasted six terrible years. It left a legacy of death and destruction. It was a war that encircled the globe from the Atlantic to the Pacific and even touched the far reaches of the Arctic.

Among thousands of young Canadian men and women serving the Canadian Army; the Royal Canadian Navy; the Royal Canadian Air Force; and other Allied Forces, was Arthur Lobsinger.

Left are Lois and Arthur Lobsinger of Hanover, ON., the parents of Allen and Ann, and grandparents of Allen's children Adam, Trevor, Jason, and David.

Arthur was among the many Canadians ready to defend the United Kingdom when it appeared that a Nazi invasion was imminent. And he was there when the Allied Forces returned to Continental Europe on D-Day 1944.

Arthur was among the nearly one million young Canadians who enlisted during World War II. Almost 46,000 Canadians died and another 55,000 were wounded during those six terrible years.

They brought honor and respect to Canada. But most of all, they helped to win the struggle against the tyranny and oppression which threatened to engulf the World.

It was for our freedom that these young Canadians fought... and it was for that freedom so many of them died.

Arthur Lobsinger is among those who returned and now lives with memories of horror.

He likes to chat and he can tell stories for hours on end... but he seldom talks about the war years and we therefore gratefully thank him for letting The Crier publish his recollections from those years.

In fact, Art will never forget the nineteen air sorties he flew as a rear-gunner over European enemy territory aboard a Lancaster bomber aircraft.

He especially remembers March 3, 1945 when "Lanky Jox" was on a bombing mission with Dortmunde, Ems Canal (in Germany) as its main target. Arthur recalls F/L Bert Martin (pilot and Captain of the "Lanky lox") reporting over the intercom that their aircraft was damaged at 7,000 feet over the target area. One ack-aack shell entered the fuselage between Arthur's gun turret and mid-upper gunner Ron Thorpe's position where it exploded peppering the fuselage sides of the aircraft with shrapnel. Neither Arthur or Ron were injured in the explosion because of the armor platings back of each gunner's turret. A second ack-ack shell passed through the starboard sailplane throwing the top surface over the elevator and took with it the hinged socket of the rudder. Needless to say, these explosions left Pilot Martin with very restricted control of the aircraft and he therefore headed for home with a severely damaged aircraft.

The "Lanky lox" luckily held together throughout the homebound trip to England, and the crew happily made an emergency landing in the southern part of England.

"It was necessary to replace the "Lanky Jox" with anew aircraft, which was named the "X-quisite" Arthur explained quietly. Arthur's nineteen sorties over enemy territory left him with a lifetime of memories he would rather forget... but never will. His memories of war will never end... and so it is with thousands of other Canadians whose horror stories will never be told.

Arthur was born in, Ontario, November 3,1922, a son of Vera (Kalte) and Isadore Lobsinger. He completed Public School; High School; a course at Galt Aircraft School and a business course at Northern Business College in Owen Sound in his early years. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1942.

Postings in Canada included Toronto Manning Depot; St. Thomas Technical Training School; No. 1 Service Flying Technical Training School at Camp Borden, On., and was transferred to aircrew service in June 1943. .Arthur trained at Mount Pleasant, P.E.I. and graduated in January 1944. He was posted to Three Rivers (Quebec) and then shipped overseas to Britain in March aboard a Dutch passenger ship. In England, Art transferred to the Royal Air Force for further combat training and eventually became a member of the seven crew bomber "Lanky Jox". As it turned out, five of that crew were from the RCAF.

After more air battle training, the crew was transferred to participate in a Royal Australian Air Force Squadron and the nineteen bomber sorties that followed over enemy territory. (Each sortie lasted some seven to twelve hours).

"A rear gun turret of a Lanky is very small indeed, and very difficult to maneuver in" Arthur explained, "You are stuck in there for a long, long time with very little chance of escape in case of attack. We witnessed many of them and would rather forget. It was frightening, indeed!"

On his last operational flight, Arthur became ill and was hospitalized. He was returned to Canada aboard the hospital ship "Lady Nelson" and transferred to a Toronto hospital and later taken to a Veterans' Hospital in Kingston. He was discharged from hospital in January of '46 and after three years of more medical care, was ready to return to civilian life.

That's when he began his employment with the Pilot Insurance Company at their Claims Office in. Arthur remained with the company until his retirement in 1987.

In 1950 on September 11th, Lois June (Weidner) and Arthur Lobsinger were married. They became the proud parents of a son Allan (April 1952) and a daughter, Ann (June 1956). Allan is now married to Joan (Cronin) of Mildmay and they have made Lois and Arthur the proud grandparents of four sons, Adam, Trevor, Jason, and David. Ann Lobsinger resides with her parents in and is employed as an Insurance Broker with a firm. She is not married.

Arthur is grateful to his longtime friend, Eric Winkler, who provide him with much insight into political life. Arthur is an avid fan of radio-controlled airplanes and has built many models at his home. Boating is another hobby and he truly enjoys his own boat.

He knows hundreds of area people and has an exceptional ability of remembering names and places whenever he travels in the Bruce Peninsula area. Most of all, Art always has a friendly smile or greeting to one and all... And he's only too happy to tell you one of his many thousand yarns of good humor.

Laverne and Leo Ruetz celebrated their 40th Anniversary on June 18, 1995. Leo is a descendant of Caroline Lobsinger Ruetz

Deaths and Funerals

Bertha Elizabeth Dietrich

Sympathy of the community is extended to all the members of the Dietrich families in the sudden passing away of Bertha Elizabeth Dietrich at her residence in Mildmay on Friday, March 24th, 1995. Mrs. Dietrich was seventy-seven years of age.

Beloved wife of the late Seraphine (Pat)Lobsinger and the late Robert (Bob) Dietrich; Dear mother of Robert (Bob) Lobsinger and his wife, Wilma of Mildmay; Frances and her husband, Bev Mothersell of Mount Forest; Joseph (Joe) Lobsinger and his wife, Barbara of Midhurst; Charles (Chuck) Lobsinger and his wife, Marilee of Mildmay. Loving stepmother of Betty Ann and her husband, Joseph Kueneman of Waterloo; Doreen and her husband, Kenneth (Ken) Kueneman of R.R. #5, Mildmay; Lynda and her husband, Kenneth (Ken) Diemert of Neustadt; Rose and her husband, Wayne Klein of; David Dietrich and his wife, Julie of Kitchener; John Dietrich and his wife, Betty of St. Jacobs. Also survived by twenty-three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Pre-deceased by her parents Joseph and Mary Detzler; one sister, Clara Lobsinger and one brother, Ed Detzler. Family and friends expressed their respects at the Greg Roberts Funeral Home, Mildmay on Sunday afternoon and evening. A Vigil Service at the Funeral Home took place on Sunday evening at 8:45 while a Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Mildmay on Monday, March 27th, 1995 at eleven o'clock in the morning.

Pallbearers were John Mothersell, Kurtis Lobsinger, Tim Diemert, Jeff Klein, Kevin Kueneman and Jamie Kueneman. Spring interment in Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery, Mildmay. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated and may be made at the Funeral Home.

Michael Ambrose Tangney

Michael Ambrose Tangney, of Mildmay passed away at the County of Bruce General Hospital, Walkerton, on Tuesday, August 30, 1944. He was 77.

Beloved husband of Irene Lobsinger. Dear father of Mary Anne Tangney of Dundas, Jack and his wife Mary of Kincardine, JoAnne and her husband Henry Paliga of Chesley, Doug and his wife Mag of Vancouver, B.C., and Patricia and her husband Kevin Ratchford of Chesley. Loving grandfather of Ryan, Adam, Matthew, Ben and Christian. he is also survived by his brother Joe Tangney of Mount Forest and many nieces and nephews. Family received friends at the Greg Roberts Funeral Home, Mildmay, where a vigil service was held on Thursday evening. Funeral mass was conducted by Father Michael Bennett in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Mildmay, on Friday, September 2. Interment at Sacred heart Cemetery, Mildmay.

The flower bearers were Adam Paliga and Matthew Tangney, Pallbearers were Mike Moran, Tim Moran, Ryan Paliga, Paul Bolen, Ron Schmidt and Steven Tangney. Donations were made to the Cancer Society.

Ruth Lobsinger

Sympathy of the community goes out to all the members of the Lobsinger families in the passing away of Ruth Lobsinger of Walkerton at the County of Bruce General Hospital, Walkerton on Sunday, February l9th, 1995. Mrs. Lobsinger was eighty years of age. Ruth will be sadly missed by her beloved husband, Irwin Lobsinger; three daughters; Gail and her husband, John Voisin of Walkerton; Nanci and her husband, David Picken of R.R.2, Desboror; Grace and her husband, Harry Schnurr of R.R. 2, Walkerton; one son, Ron and his wife, Jeanette, of Walkerton; two brothers, Robert Last of and Lloyd Last of Toronto; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Pre-deceased by a daughter, Jean (in infancy); her parents, George and Alice (Maurer) Last; and a stepfather, George Lowe.

Visitations were held at the Tanner and Pearson Funeral Home, Walkerton on Monday and Tuesday. Funeral Service took place Wednesday, February 22,1995 at two o'clock in the afternoon at Walkerton Baptist Church. Rev. Richard McTavish officiated. Pallbearers included Robert Voisin, Paul Lobsinger, Scott Koeslag, Michael Schnurr, Christopher Koeslag and Steven Maxwell. Interment in Walkerton Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Verne Glen Lobsinger Verne Glen Lobsinger, 81, of Holiday, FL., born June 21, 1914, died July 5,1995 at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL.

He was a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Air Force and a member of the First Baptist Church of Elfers, FL. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ethyl Phyliss Chandler and his second wife Mildred Huskey Lobsinger. Although he had no children of his own, he is survived by the children of his second wife Mildred. They are Gary L. Huskey of Lutz, FL., and Diane G. (Huskey) Bright of Palm Harbor, FL.

He is also survived by step grand children Michael Huskey and Courtney Bright; a sister Carrie Paxson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at First Baptist Church of Elfars, FL., with Rev. Harness officiating. Verne was interred beside his wife Mildred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Gilbert V. (Gib) Arnold Mildmay (On., and District is mourning the loss of one of their longtime residents and businessmen in the person of Gilbert "Gib" Valentine Arnold who passed away at the County of Bruce General Hospital, Walkerton on Friday, May 12, 1995 in his seventy-seventh year.

A son of the late Fred J. Arnold and Norma Lobsinger, he obtained his elementary schooling here. He exchanged marriage vows with Florence M. (Toots) Schefter; served in the Canadian Army from 1942 to 1945 when he returned to Mildmay and continued operating the plumbing business of F.J. Arnold & Son. Gib continued that occupation for thirty-five years, retiring in 1984. Gib enjoyed most sports and during the early Post-War years was an outstanding net mincer for the Mildmay "Monarchs" Hockey Club. He was on of the Charter Members of the Nip 'n Sing Fishing Club (and was still a member at the time of his death). The same held true as a member of the Mildmay Rotary Club where he served on various committees and was the Club's President in 1961-62.

Gib was also a member of the Mildmay & District Chamber of Commerce and served faithfully for many years as a member of the Mildmay-Carrick Fire Department. Gilbert was always active in church affairs as a member of the Sacred Heart parish here in Mildmay. He was also a long-standing member of the Father Cummings Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Survived by his beloved wife, Florence; cherished father of Carol and George Miller of Teeswater; Gail and Ed Weber, Pauline and Larry Binkley, Dan and Helen Arnold, Laurie and Michael Ruetz (all of Mildmay); Joanne and Darryl Culbert of Owen Sound; Connie and George Parent of Kitchener. Also survived by sixteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren; two brothers, Oscar and Ed; and one sister, Mary Pearce. Predeceased by his parents, Fred and Norma; one brother, Eldon; and one son, Bob (1992). Visitations for friends and relatives were held at the Greg Roberts Funeral Home, Mildmay on Saturday Evening, Sunday Afternoon and Evening.

The Knights of Columbus held a Rosary at the Funeral Home at seven-thirty Sunday Evening, followed by a Parish Vigil Service at eight-thirty. The Fourth Degree Knights also stood guard Sunday Evening. A Funeral Mass was conducted by Father Michael Bennett on Monday, May 15th, 1995 at Sacred Heart R.C. Church and Mildmay at eleven o'clock in the morning.

The pallbearers were all grandsons of the deceased, Jeff Miller, Phil Miller, Rob Arnold, Brad Arnold, Steve Binkley and Jason Binkley. The flower bearers were Jodi Lang, Debi Weber, Shelley Weber and Krystin Kirkland. Members of the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary Club of Mildmay provided an Honour Guard. Interment took place in Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery, Mildmay.

Catherine Emma Ludwig A resident of Estevan and formerly of Browning, SK., Catherine Emma Ludwig died peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital on Tuesday, January 31 at the age of 89 years. She was known as Katie or Aunt Katie to relatives.

Katie was predeceased by her husband, Henry in 1962; her parents, Andrew and Catherine Fornwald; one sister, Annie May Yoner; three brothers, Andrew, Alphons and Stephen Fornwald; two sons-in-law, Roger Thievin and Paul Madden; two grandchildren, Lucille Thievin and Carolyn Pettigrew. Katie's mother Catherine Fornwald was the daughter of Louis Lobsinger and Catherine Gehl.

Katie is survived by 10 daughters and three sons; Sister Mary Ludwig, Wainwright, AB.,; Edna (Roland) Deland or Estevan; Sister Elizabeth Ludwig of Estevan; Elsie Madden of Phoenix, AZ.; Albert (Ivy) Ludwig of Lampman; Sister Gertrude Ludwig of Peterborough, ON.; Lorraine (Steve) Deitz of Winnipeg, MN.; Jerome (Faye) Ludwig of Lampman; Catherine (Armand) Hoffort of Kenosee Lake; Christine (Harold) Buttazoni of Estevan; John Ludwig of Lampman; Anne Welch of Estevan; Josephine (Doug) Pettigrew of Winnipeg; 34 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers, Cecilia Ludwig of Estevan, Sylvester Fornwald of Estevan, Eugene (Grace) Fornwald of Vernon, B.C. and Genevieve (Joe) Kaphamer of Willmar; one sister-in-law, Mary Ludwig of Meadow Lake; also many nieces and nephews. Katie was born south of Browning on April 20, 1905. She and her husband Henry lived on their farm five miles northeast of Browning until 1959, when they moved to Estevan. During the Depression years and the thirties, times were tough, but Katie and Henry worked hard and provided a happy, faith-filled home for their children. Katie enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening and home-making. Friends and relatives were warmly welcomed when they came to visit.

Funeral arrangements were in care of the Boire Funeral Home and prayers were let there by Doug Third on Thursday evening, February 2. Funeral mass was celebrated Friday, February 3 at St. John the Baptist Church, Estevan with Father L. Abello officiating. Pallbearers were six grandsons: Leonard Thieven, Brian Ludwig, Mark Deitz, Garth Hoffort, David Buttazoni and Henry Welch. Internment was in Estevan Cemetery.

From The Mail Bag

Bruce Melvin and Julianne Lobsinger, East Amherst, NY., sent us a photo for the "blank spot" which is printed in this issue, along with some family news.

Bruce just landed a new position as Vice President of a local waterproofing company. Julianne "continues to tirelessly care for us all." She is also presently designing a new home for them to live in and wonders if there are any relatives with land for sale in Clarence, NY.

Their daughter Jenny is graduating from High School and will be off to college as an honor student with a 96 average. She is also taking advantage of an exchange student program and will be spending time in Wales, England, and France. She earned her way by working at a local fruit and vegetable market. Bruce says he thinks he remembers his branch of the family being apple farmers in Kitchener. (Well, they made applesauce, juice and cider in Mildmay, and their old apple press is now on display at the Ontario Ag Museum) Son Luke is 10 and doing well in school, but soccer is his first love and he has been mentioned often in the local paper for excelling as a goalie. He also won a recent contest sponsored by the local Sabres Hockey team and was given various items of official Sabres equipment and clothing... all presented on TV during a Sabres game.

Son Clint, age 5, has graduated from the terrible twos all the way to the total handful fives... So it goes... (House of Peter)

Harvey and Beverly Lobsinger, Edina, MN., sent a big "Hello to the 1,362 families on the Lobsinger tree. (House of Peter)

Arthur and Lois Lobsinger,, ON., sent clips from the August 9th 1994 Mildmay Town Crier, which featured a story about his years in the service during World War II. He laments that unlike in America, there is no special recognition to veterans for serving in a war zone. (House of Louis)

About the same time we got a note from Dolores (Lobsinger) Schmidt of Mildmay, ON., who said she had encouraged Arthur to send us the article. Glad she did. We need those kinds of items to fill the paper, but also to preserve the information for the future.

Dolores and husband John got away for a month and visited friends in New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California during the winter. John was anxious for his horseshoe league to start up.

She also sent us some clips that we will use, as well as a flyer for the Lobsinger Reunion that is (or was) set for June 11, 1995 in the Mildmay Lions at the Agricultural Pavilion, being organized by Bill and Darleen Robson. She says I'll probably get one from them, too, but two are better than none. (House of Peter)

Giles and Evelyn Lobsinger of Stratford, ON., sent us a note and photo about their 50th Wedding Anniversary that was held on December 28th 1994. Giles says they celebrated the day with a family dinner and their children held and Open House for them in January, at which many relatives, friends, and neighbors got together. Giles is looking forward to Spring and his garden.... but admits he doesn't plant as big a one as he used to. (House of Louis)

Michelle (Schmidt) and Gary Napper celebrated their 25th anniversary on May 29th. Actually, they celebrated a bit early on May 20th. It was held at the Walkerton Community Center where 230 of their closest friends gathered to celebrate with them. Quite a crowd. (House of Peter) Tracey (Napper) and Scott Sharpe are the proud parents (ever know any new parents who weren't "proud"?) of a new 7 lb 12 oz youngster named Hayden Napper Sharpe. That makes Michelle and Gary Napper (above) first time grandparents, and Dolores and John Schmidt first time great grandparents. Youngster was born May 24, 1995 at & District Hospital. (House of Peter)

Kyle Moran, son of Lois and Ted Moran, graduated June 14th from college in London, ON., where he majored in air conditioning and refrigeration and started work with a London company the next day. (House of Peter) Michael and Kim Lobsinger, Port St. Lucy, FL., sent a note and couple of pictures. Their daughter Kari is playing softball now, and Mike managed the team last season. Kari plays 2nd base for the Wildcats and also shortstop. Then she got moved into the pitching position for the rest of the season. Mike says she got 10 strike outs in her first 4 innings. Her team came in 2nd in their Southwestern Tournament, and in the All Star Tournament, finished 3rd. Mike is anxious for next year's season to start. Mike and Kim's other daughter Jessica turned 7 on July 2nd and is taking gymnastics. She rearranges the living room so she can do cart wheels and what not. (House of Peter)

Sister Gertrude Ludwig of Peterborough, ON., sends us the obituary notice about her mother, Katie Ludwig. She also reports that she broke her arm while at home on holidays with her family and has now recuperated enough to type a note to us. They had a good visit with all of her brothers and sisters home except for Lorraine from Winnipeg. (House of Louis)

Michael and Paula Schnarr of Sonora, CA., sent us a note and a check for postage fund. Says they are very busy, just like the rest of the world, and have had a hot summer. (House of Louis)

Harold and Lois Lobsinger, Stratford, ON. send word that they have a new grandson born to their son Larry and his wife Tracey Lobsinger. His name is Eric Daniel, born on May 11, 1995. He is new brother to Stephanie. They also sent us a photo of their daughter Jennifer, who graduated in June from Conestoga College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. (House of Louis)

Jennifer Lobsinger

Sister Elizabeth Ludwig - Sr. Gertrude's sister - sent us a new address. She has moved to Edmonton, AB., from Estevan, SK.

We received a nice letter and lots of information on a rare branch of the family from Lois Marguerite (Lobsinger) Wing in Yuma, AZ. We're not exactly sure where her branch of the family fits into the scheme of things yet.

She is a descendent of Philip William Lobsinger. Trouble is we don't know for sure which Philip William Lobsinger. There is a Philip Lobsinger in the Canadian bunch who could be her ancestor, but there is also a Philip Lobsinger in the St. Louis bunch. Both would be about the right age and in the right time frame but we have no really good information on either one of them. We don't even know for sure if either of them had William for a middle name. The right Philip died on 14 July 1967, and was married to Martha Maud, who died in November 1948. He was a roofer. Anybody know anything else about him? If we had his father's name, we could place the family accurately.

Anyway, one of these Philip Lobsingers adopted a child named Raymond Emmett Lobsinger, who eventually married Hazel Shelton. They had three children: Philip Joseph Lobsinger, John Thomas Lobsinger (adopted), and Walter Raymond Lobsinger.

Philip Joseph Lobsinger, a truck driver, and his wife (ukn) have 4 children (if we get the story straight) named Philip Anthony, Raymond Julio, Betty Ann, and Richard Alexander. No information is available on Philip Joseph's grandchildren, if any.

John Thomas Lobsinger, also a truck driver, and wife (ukn) adopted two children, one named John, the other Jennifer. No information is available on John Thomas's grandchildren, if any.

Walter Raymond Lobsinger, a mechanic, married Judy McLaughlin, since divorced, and they have three children: Jack Emmett Lobsinger, Lois Marguerite Lobsinger (who sent us the information) and Lisa Kristen Lobsinger. Walter Raymond Lobsinger has three grandchildren. His daughter Lois has 2 children, Ray James Fletcher by her first husband Charles Fletcher, and Benjamin Christopher Wing, Jr., by her second husband. His daughter Lisa and her husband Hemaloto Fotu have one child, Susanna Lenore Fotu.

Raymond Emmett Lobsinger's wife Hazel has a sister, Lila Sunderland, living in Alton, IL., who says Raymond had two brothers, Norman Lobsinger and Jack (or John) Lobsinger, and one sister is still living in Godfrey, IL., named Margaret (Lobsinger) Naugle. Unfortunately, Mrs. Naugle can not remember her grandfather's first name. (House of somebody)

Bruce M. Lobsinger of East Amherst, NY., and I suspect many others of you, received an offer from the World Book of Lobsingers in Bath, OH. It purports to have researched to find Lobsinger families, and has located 204 worldwide. It is a computer search type of book with names and addresses, but not relationships. I suspect we have more accurate information in our computer. Nevertheless, it is a good place to start looking - it was a book like that that got me started chasing ancestors many years ago. If any of you purchased the book, I'd like to know what you think of it. I didn't receive the offer, so I know they don't have all of us yet.

Advertising for the book says that the first of us in the US was Michel Lobsinger who came to New Orleans in 1850. Which is more or less true. He was one of three brothers who arrived in this country from Langatte, France. Each of them started branches of the family. Joseph went to Canada and his descendants are the largest group by far. Michel and the other brother Antoine Jean Louis settled in the St. Louis area. Anyway, there is nothing wrong with these books - every few years someone will offer one - as long as you know what you're getting.

If the book actually has any addresses of European Lobsingers, I would be very much interested in getting copies. So far, we have been unable to find any Lobsingers in the Old World. I feel certain there are some in Switzerland and Germany, if we just knew where to look. The name has died out in France, where there are Lobsinger descendants, but no actual Lobsingers left.

David Lobsinger, St. Clair Shores, MI., says he really enjoys the newsletters and has saved every issue. He celebrated his 93rd birthday last March, and says he is in pretty good health. His grandfather was Louis, and his dad was John. (House of Louis)

Len and Bernice Maslen, Lucan, ON., report two new grandchildren since their last note to us. Daniel Michael Maslen was born February 8, 1995 to Heather and Gary Maslen, and tipped the scales at 6 Ibs 9.5 ozs. He was born at Chatham General Hospital. Candace Bernice was born Easter Sunday, April 16, 1995. She weighed 8 Ibs 2 ozs. She is a sister for Sarah Danielle and is the daughter of Lori and Terry Maslen of Nairn. She was born in St. Joseph's Hospital, London.

The Maslen's eldest grandson got married on June 24, 1995. Robert Michael Maslen, son of Robert and Donna Maslen, married Trista Wilson, daughter of Joe and Marla Wilson, all of Lucan. (House of Louis)

Mary Lou Hamblin, Otisville, MI, sent us some postage money, but no family news. Sometimes nothing happens. We appreciate hearing from you just the same. We also received a note from her eldest daughter, Kathleen Marie Tompkins,who gave us a new address for her family. Her husband James is in the Army and is retiring after 20 years.

Jack Bass wrote to inform us of the death of his mother, Dorothy Lobsinger Bass, who passed away on April 23, 1995 at age 90. She was the daughter of Charles Lobsinger, the granddaughter of Joseph Carl Lobsinger. Mrs. Bass has in the past provided us with much valuable information about the family of Joseph Carl Lobsinger. We are saddened at the news of her death. (House of Joseph)

Penny and Al Spidel, Nanaimo, BC., were among many who wrote to express sympathy following the bombing in Oklahoma City. Fortunately, we are about 100 miles north of there. The truck carrying the explosives, however, was sighted at a convenience store in our town the night before the blast. We are on a US highway, but not an Interstate Road. Lots of traffic, but few police to patrol the area.

Three of our children live in the Oklahoma City area now, but all of them were safe. Brother John's son and his wife also live in the area, but were out of harm's way as well. All of us knew somebody who was in the blast. Oklahoma is not that big of a place.

While surfing on the Internet a few weeks ago, I ran across a Brian Lobsinger out in California, and dropped him an email note. Turns out he is not the Brian Lobsinger we thought he was, but a member of the Swiss Family Lobsinger - those few individuals in the US whose families immigrated directly from Switzerland instead of descending from Langatte, France. Haven't heard from any of them in a couple of years. His sister is Jan (Lobsinger) Carr, with whom we corresponded in the past.

Brian, whose email address is lobmeister@aol.com, says:

"My grandparents "Americanized" the last name from Lobsiger when they came to this country near the turn of the century. I'm not sure when exactly, but all of my Dad's siblings were born here. Dad was born in 1916, end he wasn't the eldest (of many). It seems that all Lobsingers must be quite prolific, considering the sizes of the various families I know of.

Jan did a small amount of research a while ago on our history but I don't know if it was Lobsinger or Moll (the other side). My mom, I'm quite certain, know a bit of the Lobsinger history; my Dad past away in 1984. I'm sure my Aunts and Uncles in MI would know something. Who knows, you most likely have all of the information our side has from my sister."

Another Internet contact we ran across is Rollie Lobsinger, House of George. His Internet address is MAHP@aol.com. Rollie reports...

"Hi Bob! How did you find me on AOL? I didn't even know you were out there. Yes I am the son of Jerome Lobsinger, Dad is living in Omaha right now, he is trying to break in to painting and he is taking some courses in alternative medicine.

Chris still lives near Brisbane Australia, he is a fully licensed family therapist and is fast becoming the foremost leader in gambling addictions therapy. He has no children as of yet.

John Lobsinger my younger brother lives near Provo Utah and works at the home office of Flying J. This is a large full service Truck Stop franchise. John is married and Karla is expecting their first baby some time late this fall (I think)

I work for the Metro Area Housing Program, a private non-profit dedicated to the creation of affordable housing. Our programs are geared to help working families buy their first homes. In addition we develop rental housing and we salvage old buildings for their usable contents."

Golden Opportunity: My Trip To Canada's Great White North

By Michael Lobsinger

(Grade Seven Science Fair Winner) Son of Rick and Chyleen Lobsinger Descendent of August Lobsinger, House of Peter.

My mom and I packed my bags and I headed to the Toronto airport Saturday morning, May 14. There I met Jim, Brad, and Sean, three other Bruce County Science Fair Award winners and my chaperones, Marlene Weishar and Mary Ann Schneider.

My plan left Toronto at 5 o'clock and we flew to Vancouver on a 647. Most of the passengers were Canada Wide Science Fair Participants. During the flight I got to visit the cockpit and learn what it's like to be a pilot. The view from the cockpit of the Rocky Mountains was breathtaking.

We had a two hour stop over in Vancouver. We took a smaller jet to Whitehorse and during the flight we had just enough time to watch the movie, "Terminal Velocity." We landed at the Whitehorse airport at midnight, Yukon time. I can understand why they call it "the Land of the Midnight sun." They had twenty-three hours of sunlight that day. I phoned my mom to tell her that we had arrived safely. She had the phone under her pillow ready for my call, for it was 3 o'clock a.m., Mildmay time. Nana's calling card came in handy during the week.

A shuttle bus picked us up and took us to the Yukon Hotel which would be our home base for the week. During my stay it was surprising to find out how many of our Bruce County people are now living up North.

After a good night's sleep we set up our science projects Monday morning at the arena and had them safety checked.

That afternoon we had a forty-five minute bus excursion of Whitehorse, the "tent city that became the capital!" To make it even more interesting, we were on the French speaking tour. Madame Neable, my French teacher, would have been proud of us! We visited the famous national historic site, the S.S. Klondike Stemwheeler, the riverboat that once transported people and equipment down the Yukon river all the way to Dawson City and stopped at Miles Canyon.

Monday, May 15 was our first day of judging. Each science participant was judged at least five times. It was a long day, but visiting and pin trading with other exhibitors made the time go by quickly.

On Tuesday, we were judged for various special awards. In the evening we had a beautiful banquet followed by the Frantic Follies, a Vaudeville Show held at the Yukon Arts Centre. We also enjoyed a Participatory Arctic Sports Demonstration.

Wednesday was devoted to all day tours. My group took a two hour bus ride to the community of Haines Junction, Yukon, nestled in the heart of one of North America's largest Protected areas - Kluane National Park. We spied a Grizzly Bear and a Lynx along the way. We had a tour of the Visitor's Reception Centre to familiarize us with the attractions of the area. We learned about the snowshoe hare and glacier research being done in the area. As we traveled up the mountains it started snowing and we could see the sheep up on Sheep Mountain.

Thursday, we were back at the Takhini Arena with our projects. Local schools and delegates toured the exhibits. In the evening we had a BBQ. My friends tried the Moose Burgers, but I enjoyed the good ol' fashioned hot dogs.

Following the BBQ, we had a Great Scientific Softball Tournament. Teams could be recognized by their coloured coordinated ball caps. Everyone had a lot of fun!

The Award Assembly was held Friday afternoon in the Yukon College gym. It was a pretty fantastic feeling sitting amongst so many young scientists from all across Canada and our international visitors.

We were all extremely proud of my roommate, Sean Liipere, a Grade Ten Student from Bruce Peninsula Secondary School, in Lion's Head, who received a Silver Medal for his project entitled, the Red Blood Cell, A New Recipe. Sean also won the Chemical Institute of Canada Award. Sean was chosen to be a member of Team Canada and will go on to the International Science Fair in Tucson, Arizona.

Closing activities were held at Mt. McIntyre. The Society of Yukon Artists of Native Ancestry presented a First Nations Show after the Awards Banquet.

Saturday, May 20 was our last day in the Yukon and we certainly made the most of it! Early in the morning our projects were dismantled and prepared to be shipped back home to Bruce County.

Then we climbed into our tour van and headed to Skagway, Alaska. On our way we made several awesome stops, one at Emerald Lake and the other at the smallest desert in the world, Carcross Desert.

It was a two-hour ride south of Whitehorse through spectacular mountains descending to sea level. Skagway, "Gateway to the Klondike," was the spot where many hopeful miners landed by boat before climbing the Chilkoot Trail to Bennett Lake and onto Dawson, answering the cries of 'gold.' We wandered around historical Skagway and took a ride on the famous White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, the original narrow-gauge railroad that at one time hauled freight all the way to Whitehorse.

Running along the shore of the Pacific Ocean was certainly a treat. I just had to bring back a bottle of salt water as a souvenir. Watching the seals swim in the ocean was a sight I will always remember.

We had an exciting day and returned to our hotels to catch some z's.

Departure from Whitehorse airport was 3 o'clock a.m. Everyone wished they could stay longer!

The plane was pretty quiet with all the sleeping bodies on board. It was a good flight back with a rough landing in Toronto because of the strong winds that day. It felt great to be home!

I would like to thank Vern Freer, Science Teacher at Walkerton district Secondary School for his guidance along the way; my chaperones; the Village of Mildmay, Carrick Township, and the County of Bruce for donating pins for me to trade; the Mildmay Rotary Club and the Bruce County Board of Education for their continued support in the County Science Fair. Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends and the staff and students at Mildmay-Carrick School who gave me a wonderful send off and some extra spending money. My trip was truly a "Golden Opportunity!!"

"This One's For You, Gramps"

from the Mildmay Crier June 7, 1995

Each year we know that the seasons will change... a new day will dawn... and the local "Nip 'n Sing" Fishing Club will make their Annual Northern Excursion to their favorite fishin' hole and bring back some of those whoppers!

Well, the gang all winter longed for the big day when they would head to the north on their annual trek that dates back many moons since the club was founded by, among others, Gib Arnold.

This year, the fellows packed their gear, and spent from Friday, May 26th to Monday, May 29th dipping their lures into the crisp, clear waters at Manitoulin Island.

With "stand-by" reservations... club members boarded the Chi-Cheemaun (Big Canoe) for their traditional smooth voyage to the far northern island of Manitoulin. A few staple supplies were obtained at a local island Trading Post before club participants proceeded to camp... Timberlane Lodge.

One very, very notable difference this year was the vacant chair of one of the Nip 'n Sing's Charter Members Gilbert V. Arnold of Mildmay.

Gib was an all-round "Nipper" and would be more than willing to fill the shoes of any fellow "Nipper"... be if helping with the cooking, filling in a fourth for cards, helping to untangle fishing lines, acting as a guide, helping to land those big ones, and maintaining the Arnold name in high offices pertaining to the Nip 'n Sing Fishing organization (for instance, the office of the President of the North has always been held by an Arnold, as long as we've known).

At any rate, Gib will be greatly missed... but always remembered because there is a "Gib Arnold Trophy" for the Nipper who catches the largest fish over the weekend.

This year, the trophy was awarded to Nipper Brad Arnold of Mildmay... for the third consecutive year. This year's whopper brought in by Nipper Brad was the biggest to date - a 40.75 inch Great Northern Pike that tipped the fish scale at 16 Ibs 4 ozs. Brad expressed his thanks and appreciation to bigger brother Rob for his expertise with the landing net...

Brad's advice to fellow Nippers was "Ya gotta spend more time on the water and less in the cabin!"

He was also heard to say... "this one's for you, Gramps".

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