Volume 7 No. 1 - December 1996 to May 1997

Dr. Judy (Lobsinger) Crabtree On Team That
Discovers Pancreatic Cancer Causing Gene

by Aurora Ash
OU Media Services

Chuck and "Dr. Judy" Crabtree

Scientists at the University of Oklahoma and the National Institutes of Health have located the gene linked to pancreatic cancer, a breakthrough they hope will lead to early detection of this lethal disease.

The findings, titled "The Cloning of the Gene for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1", are published in the April 18 issue of Science, the weekly journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

OU's scientists involved in the project are Bruce A. Roe, George Lynn Cross Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ying-Ping Wang, a post-doctoral student at OU, and Judy S. (Lobsinger) Crabtree, a recent recipient of a doctoral degree in chemistry and biochemistry, and graduate of Newkirk High School.

The MEN-1 gene region was located by a team of researchers in Washington, D.C., then sent to OU for DNA sequencing, Roe said.

Crabtree and Wang performed a scanning sequence to locate the gene and then determine its detailed structure. Subsequently, the Washington group located mutations in families that get pancreatic cancer, thereby "proving that this is the precise gene responsible for the disorder," he said.

"This is the first step in developing an early detection blood test, which currently is not available for pancreatic cancer. It's a very exciting discovery," Roe said.

Pancreatic cancer can occur spontaneously but often runs in families. These cancers have attracted widespread interest because of their potential to shed light on the general mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

The study of the MEN-1 gene is part of the worldwide effort known as "The Human Genome Project," designed to locate all genes with specific emphasis on the ones responsible for disease.

After graduation from Newkirk High, Crabtree, then still Judy Lobsinger, enrolled at OU, where she participated in the OU Marching Band for several years while studying chemistry and biochemistry and working in Dr. Roe's biochemistry lab.

She received her Bachelor's degree in May 1992, and her Master's in 1994. In early 1997, she completed requirements for her Ph.D. following successful delivery of her dissertation entitled "Sequencing Analysis of Regions of Human Chromosomes II and 22; Meningioma (22) Cat Eye Syndrome (22), and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 1 (11)."

Dr. Crabtree is now employeed by the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD., where she has joined the team of researchers mentioned above. Her husband, Charles Crabtree, Duncan, OK., is employeed at Summer Production Company which produces graphics and web pages for The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel, and will soon enter graduate school to pursue higher degrees in astro-physics. (House of Peter)

You're Invited...
13th Annual Lobsinger Reunion
To Be Sunday, June 22 In Mildmay

The 13th Annual Lobsinger Reunion will be held this year on Sunday, June 22nd in Mildmay, ON., at the Mildmay Lions & Agricultural Pavilion. All Lobsingers and descendants from any branch of the family are invited and encouraged to attend.

Registration will be $2 per person according to organizers Bill & Darleen Robson and family. Buffet Style dinner featuring BBQ will be supplied.

Since everyone likes to win a small treasure to take home as a remembrance of the day, everyone is required to donate an item to the raffle. The raffle table is a very special part of the project, according to the Robsons (and helps offset some expense as well, I suspect).

The reunion will have use of the ball diamond and playground as well as the Pavilion's kitchen facilities. Camping is available at Brucehaven Campground (phone 519 367-5670) or a weekend getaway can be arranged at the Walkerton Inn at 519-881-0629 or the Lighthouse Motel at 519 881-0202

Country Music entertainment will be provided Saturday, June 21 in Mildmay - for further details call Bill and Darleen at the number below.

If anyone who gets this newsletter has not yet received an invitation from the Robson's, please let them know. If you have any questions, please feel free to call either Bill and Darleen at 519 367-5305 (in Mildmay) or Bill (days) at 519 881-3401 or Cheryl Harrison at 519 894-5865. You can save a long distance call and email Harrison at sharrison@golden.net

Ice-Skating Coach Marilee Lobsinger's Students
Participate In Ice Capades Show

In Part From The Mildmay Town Crier,
March 19, 1997

Mildmay Skating Coach Marilee Lobsinger received a call recently from talent scouts for "The Ice Capades Show" that would be appearing at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.

The scouts had heard of a couple of Lobsinger's students, known as Adam and Eve, and wondered if they would be interested in performing with the group, which features Elizabeth Manley, among others.

On March 15, 1997, Adam and Eve made their debut in the Maple Leaf Gardens under the watchful eye of Coach Lobsinger. They performed a duet by themselves and then joined Elizabeth Manley and another male skater for a foursome.

After the matinee performance, Adam and Eve were asked to attend an autograph session with the rest of the professional stars. This was a wonderful opportunity and once again they performed with great showmanship and were strongly received.

The local skaters and Coach Lobsinger said that even when they later took a walk on Younge Street between performances for dinner, they were recognized and received many great compliments by persons who had attended the performances.

Adam is Adam Schumacher of Mildmay, and Eve is Eve Butchart of Hanover. The pair has had an outstanding year, and because of their success Coach Marilee Lobsinger was also chosen to attend the 1997 Canadians in Vancouver (February 3rd to the 9th). Marilee was one of two Coaches selected from Central Ontario.

That program was designed to give the coach training and insight to prepare and train her athletes for Canadian Level Novice competitors.

In an interview with the Town Crier, Lobsinger said that she trained under a National Level Coach from Saskatchewan who had some thirteen years experience at the Canadians. Marilee added that she shadowed that coach for six days and learned many points and also how to reinforce several other things. Marilee was very proud to have been given the opportunity of this added knowledge.

"Adam and Eve have brought me so many fantastic moments this year... I am very proud of them... it certainly has been one awesome year" she concluded. "Thanks, Adam and Eve, for all the joy and pride you have brought to me and the area... Keep up the great work!" (House of Peter)

 Deaths and Funerals

Siebert, Rose Marie

Siebert, Rose Marie - At Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton, ON., on Saturday, April 19, 1997, after a lengthy illness, the former Rose Marie Lobsinger, of Main Street, Ethel, ON., aged 88 years.

Rose Marie was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Listowel.

Wife of Stanley; mother of Ross and his wife Liz of Gads Hill, Sandra and her husband Kenneth Kraemer of Linwood. Three grandchildren, Craig and his wife Jennifer, Heather and her husband David Cleary and Kimberly Kraemer and three great-grand-children, Dylan, Kendra and Katrina also survive.

Predeceased by her parents, John Lobsinger and Mary LaFrance; five brothers and six sisters.

Friends Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King Street W., Kitchener was in charge of arrangements. Visitation was from 2-4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the funeral home where the service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ralph Dwarika officiating. Interment will be in Woodland Cemetery. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of K-W may be made as expressions of sympathy. Reception to follow in the Ratz-Bechtel Family Centre. (House of George)

Weaver, Glenn

Weaver, Glenn - Of Rt 3, Walkerton, ON., passed away at County of Bruce General Hospital, Walkerton on Sunday, Jan. 26, 1997. He was 41.

Survived by his wife, the former Val Dwyer; parents, Eugene and Venetta Weaver of Walkerton; mother-in-law, Gladys Dwyer of Rt 3, Walkerton; three sons, Ron Dwyer of Kitchener, Ted and Nick Warner of Rt. 3, Walkerton; two sisters, Judy and husband Wayne Zuber of Rt 2, Walkerton; Carolyn and husband Paul Spitzig of Walkerton; three brothers, Keith and wife Patricia of Hanover, Gary and wife Jeanetta of Stratford, Tom and wife Julie of Glammis, and nieces and nephews.

Visitation was at Tanner and Pearson Funeral Home, Walkerton, Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass was held on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 1997 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Formosa. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Walkerton, On.

Parish vigil service was held at the Tanner and Pearson Funeral Home on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1997 at 8 pm.

Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario or Epilepsy Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. (House of Peter)


Kroetsch, Henrietta

Henrietta Kroetsch of Hanover passed away at Saugeen Villa Nursing Home on Friday, Jan. 10, 1997. She was 84.

Born in Hanover to the late Joseph and Caroline (Lobsinger) Kueneman, Henrietta was a member of the Catholic Women's League.

Survived by daughters Merlene and her husband Glen Ruhl of Hanover; Elaine and her husband Dave Hunter of Thornhill; four grandchildren, Leah and David Hunter, Cathy and Chris Ruhl; two great grandchildren Sara and Tory. Also survived by two sisters, Venetta Weaver of Walkerton and Pauline McCorry of Hanover. Predeceased by husband Sylvester Kroetsch, three sisters, Mary Meyer, Florence Priess and Doretta Spitzig, three brothers Albert, Edward and Eugene Kueneman.

Visitation at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover was on Sunday. Funeral mass was held on Monday, Jan. 13, 1997 at 10 am at Holy Family Church, Hanover. Father Bush officiated. Spring interment in Holy Family Cemetery, Hanover.

Pallbearers were Keith Weaver, Steve Vanderheyden, Glen Weaver, Wayne Zuber, Doug McCorry and Adrian Kroetsch.

Vigil rites were held at the Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Sunday, Jan 12 at 8:30 pm. Memorial donations to the Parkinson Foundation of Ontario were appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Ottman, Irene

Ottman, Irene - Suddenly, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1996, at K-W Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, Irene (Lobsinger) Ottman, age 80 years, of St Clements, formerly of Hawkesville.

Beloved wife of the late Earl Ottman (1986). Loving mother of Joanne Bowman of St. Jacobs, John and his wife Mary Ottman of St. Clements. Fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Rodney and Judy, Debbie and David, Trish and Wayne, Kevin and Kelly and Laura and seven great-grandchildren, Nicole, Tonya, Tyler, Scott, Tony, Meagan, and Kristen.

Predeceased by her parents, Louis and Katherine (Stumpf) Lobsinger; six brothers and three sisters.

Irene was a member of St. Clements RC Church and Christian Mothers. She was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for Wellesley township in 1996 and had served as Post-Mistress for Hawkesville for many years.

The family received visitors at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira, Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Prayers were offered at the funeral home on Friday morning at 10:15 a.m. then to St. Clements RC Church for funeral mass at 11 a.m. with Father Mervyn Perera officiating, followed by interment in St. Clements RC Cemetery.

Parish prayers were held at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m.

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, were appreciated as expressions of sympathy by the family.

Irene will be sadly missed by her family and friends. (House of Louis)

Lobsinger, Shawna

Lobsinger, Shawna - Suddenly, at her home in Woodstock, Shawna, at the age of 29 years, on March 8, 1997.

Loving daughter of the late Larry and Patricia Lobsinger. Dearest sister of Debbie Awalt, Rick Lobsinger, Chris Lobsinger and Kelly Duda. Cherished aunt to Jasmen Duda and Lori Ann Awalt. Shawna will be sadly missed by her many relatives and friends.

The family received visitors at the Westmount Funeral Chapel, Kitchener from 2-4 and 79 p.m on Sunday. A funeral service was held in the chapel on Monday at 11 a.m. prior to cremation of the remains.

At the request of the family, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. (House of Peter)

Boy's 911 Call Never Made It
Vital minutes lost as brother lay badly hurt

By John Colebourn
The Province Staff Reporter Sunday, March 30, 1997

Cory Kramb called 911 to help his critical injured brother - but it was the wrong number.

For almost 10 minutes, Cory, 10, pounded away at the phone as his seven year old brother Kyle slipped closer to death, crushed by a fallen hay conveyor at his grandfather's Merrit, B.C., farm.

But Cory's call was in vain - Merrit does not have a 911 service.

Kyle was on life support in a Kamloops hospital, where he later died of the injuries.

The tragedy happened at 7:20 a.m. as the brothers were scouting sites for an Easter egg hunt.

Alerted by the cries, their mom Paula Collett, 32, rushed to the scene and tried to pull the conveyor off her trapped son.

Cory raced back to the farmhouse to dial 911 for help. When he couldn't reach anyone, he ran back to tell his mom.

She left her unconscious son, who was turning blue, and ran to the farmhouse to dial 911 herself.

And that's when she discovered Merrit has no 911 line. She had to call long-distance to Kamloops.

Last night the boy's grandfather, John Collett, said that if a 911 number had been in place, Kyle would have received help before his condition deteriorated.

"If Merrit had a 911 line I feel the boy would be OK today," he said.

"Paula had told Cory to dial 911 and she did not know there was no 911 emergency line because she was from Kamloops, where they have that line," said Collett.

"Kyle had gone so long with out air. When he was transported to Kamloops there was no pulse. They told Paula she should think about donating his organs."

Collett, who comes from one of Merrit's pioneer farm families (descendant of Caroline Lobsinger, House of George), said the family had planned an Easter egg hunt for today in the area where the conveyor crashed on to his grandson.

"They were out scouting places to look for Easter eggs," he said.

"He was so excited about Easter."

Ambulance records show the call to Kamloops for help came in at 7:45 a.m. and an ambulance arrived at the farm at 7:59 a.m.

Merrit Mayor Clara Norgaard said the issue of not having a 911 line in the town has been raised many times. Three years ago the town turned down a proposal to have a 911 line available.

"We did want a 911 number but people did not want to put it on their taxes," she said.

Merrit residents needing emergency service must dial a 1-900 number, which goes to Kamloops. A dispatcher then pages the Merrit ambulance drivers. (House of George)

Research Indicates...
First Wife Of Joseph L. Lobsinger May Have Been
Margaret Grossman Instead of Mary Grossman

JOSEPH L. LOBSINGER family: First family, back, l to r, Catherine, Frank X., Sr. Adelma, and Caroline were children of Joseph's first wife believed to be Mary or Margaret Grossman. Center shows Joseph L holding Jospeh A, Alex, and his second wife Catherine Beitz holding Peter M. In front are Philip J, John, and Luke. (House of Peter)

In October 1996, Leona (Lobsinger) Lang and her son Tony traveled to Mildmay to visit with Dolores (Lobsinger) and John Schmidt. They were joined by Rose Marie (Lobsinger) Heisz, and spent the afternoon comparing pictures of Lobsinger ancestors, trying to identify as many as possible.

Leona brought along a list of Birth Registrations she found at the Archives in Toronto, as well as copies of pictures of Die Löpsinger Strasse, in the city of Nördlingen, Germany.

In the early 1870s, the children of George Lobsinger and Mary Anne Auberschlag are registered as "Lopsinger" and in the late 1870s as Lobsinger. (This also notes the first time we have seen a record of the name of George Lobsinger's wife - it has been variously reported as Uberschlag, and Uhersellry.

While checking the Birth registrations, they believe they have solved the mystery regarding Joseph L. Lobsinger's fist wife, oft reported to be a Mary Grossman.

They knew Joseph L Lobsinger had five children from his first wife, and another twelve children from his second wife, Catharine Beitz. However, none of the direct descendants could tell them the name of the first wife other than possibly Mary Grossman. No one knows where she is buried or what year she died.

Thanks to Leona, we find the birth registration of Joseph Lobsinger, born Carrick Twp. April 27, 1884 to Joseph Lobsinger and Margaret Grossman, and also George Lobsinger, born Carrick Twp. August 20, 1885 to Joseph Lobsinger, Teamster, and Maggie.

As there is no George listed in Joseph L Lobsinger's tree in 1885 they assume that Margaret and baby George died that year. Curious, they checked the 1861 Census for Carrick Twp. and found the following:

Peter Grossman, born German, Age 44

Catherine Grossman, born German Age 31

Barbara Grossman, born German Age 18

Eve Grossman, born German Age 16

Margaret Grossman born U.C.* Age 6

John Grossman born U.C.* Age 1

* U.C. = Upper Canada

This would make Margaret Grossmann, born in 1855, the same age as Joseph L Lobsinger.

In 1880, all these people lived in the Carlsruhe area, the source of almost all the Canadian Lobsingers. Joseph L Lobsinger's father Peter Lobsinger (1833) lived on Concession 13, lot 24 Carrick, 1-1/4 miles west of Carlsruhe. Anthony Jacob lived on Lot 23 Carrick. Louis 1861 Concession 14, Lot 31. 1876 Concession 13, Lot 23, Carrick.

Peter Grossman had a log house on Concession 14, Lot 30 Carrick. This is on the main S.E. corner of Carlsruhe.

Joseph L Lobsinger leased Lot 66, Concession 2 Brant Twp in 1880. This is 1-1/4 miles directly north of Carlsruhe. Clayton Lobsinger said his father, Frank X. Lobsinger told him that he (F.X.) was born on that farm and it had a log house with a pond in front.

So it seems entirely possible that Joseph L. Lobsinger's first wife was Margaret Grossman, due to proximity of age and geographic location.

What remains a mystery is what happened to the Grossman family. It seems to have disappeared entirely from the Carlsruhe area without a trace. (House of Peter)

Chuck Lobsinger Building Fund For New Fire Truck

Mildmay, ON., Fire Chief Chuck Lobsinger recently accepted a check for $8,000.00 on behalf of the Mildmay-Carrick Firefighters from the Formosa Toy show organizers. The money will go towards the department's "New Fire Truck Fund", according to a caption in the Mildmay Town Crier, Feb. 26th issue.

In the Jan. 22 issue, Chuck Lobsinger was again in the news, this time accepting a load of Teddy Bears from the Mildmay Optimists Club for the Mildmay-Carrick firefighters "Operation Teddy Bear." (House of Peter)

 McPhail-Schnarr September Wedding

Lisa Denise McPhail and Christopher James Schnarr were married on Friday, September 6, 1996 at 6 pm at St. Louis Church, Waterloo, ON. Dinner and reception followed at the Walper Hotel, Kitchener.

After a one week honeymoon in Jamaica, the couple will reside in Calgary where both are presently employed. Chris is originally from Waterloo, ON., and is a son of Rita and Cyril Schnarr. (Louis)

 Lost Souls

The following folks have moved without letting us know where they went, and their copy of the last newsletter was returned. They have been deleted from the mailing list.

If you know where they are, please send us a new address and we'll try to get them up to date.

Lobsinger, Janet, P.O. Box 431, West Branch, MI 48661-0431

Lobsinger, Michael, 12 Hanby Acres, Justin, TX 76247

Lobsinger, Michael D., 14403 Ella Blvd #1703, Houston, TX 77014-2549

Lobsinger, James, 206 Cedardale Ave., Pontiac, MI 48341-2724

Lobsinger, Keith, 1817 Shoreway Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870-4442

Schmidt, Lila, 2516 Country Club Dr., High Ridge, MO 63049-3502

White, Carl, 277 Traynor Ave., Kitchener, ON., Canada N2C 1W7

Lobsinger, Judith Alice, 5284 Sarnia, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Rita & Cyril Schnarr Celebrate 50th In Waterloo

Cyril and Rita (Huber) Schnarr were married in St. Agatha, ON., on a cold November day in 1946. A wedding reception followed on the Huber farm.

Rita and Cyril Schnarr

Today (November 23, 1996) they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. To mark this occasion, an anniversary mass is being held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo, followed by a reception.

Congratulations, Mom and Dad, on 50 years together! We wish you many more years of health and happiness. With love, from Ruth Ann and Bob, Allan and Leila, Glen and Deb, Greg and Carol, John and Carol, Barb and John, Pete and Michele, Chris and Lisa, and all your grandchildren... Matt, Ted, Amanda, Melanie, Laura, Andrew, Daniel, Timmy, Jamie, Zackary, Benjamin (all Schnarrs), and Joey Zitars. (House of Louis)

Birth Announcements

David John Lobsinger

Paul and Mary Lobsinger of Kitchener, ON., are pleased to announce the birth of their second son, David John, born February 25, 1997, a brother of Steven. Grandparents are Gordon and Yvonne Lobsinger of Kitchener. (House of Louis)

Kristen Paige Johnson

Kristen Paige Johnson was born January 17, 1997 to Tiffany (Schnarr) and Ron Johnson. She weighed in at 6 lbs, 7 ozs and was 19.5 inches long. Grandparents are Paula and Michael Schnarr, who now have a total of three granddaughters. (House of Louis)

Mailbag Notes

Lorne and Elly Lobsinger of Maple Ridge, B.C. sent us the tragic story of Kyle Kramb, who died for lack of a 911 emergency system. The event caused a big controversy in the area and the government has promised to establish the 911 service throughout the province. The boy's grandfather, John Collett, was one of the people we were pleased to meet when we visited the Collett Ranch some years ago. John is the grandson of Caroline (Lobsinger) Collett.

Lorne also reports that his sister Ruby and several others in her family have been in "sick bay" recently.

On the brighter side, Lorne and Elly also report that they are looking forward to a visit to the Rhur Valley in Germany and perhaps a visit to the village of Bertesgarden in the near future. He hopes to visit the town of Nordlingen to see it's Lobsinger Street and Tower. Says he will go into Bertesgarden "with my hands up, just in case." Lorne was part of a flight team that ran bombing raids on Hitler's headquarters there during World War II.

Lorne's son Len and his wife Janine are in their brand new house (near William's Lake, I think) which Len contracted himself. Lorne and Elly will soon take off to see the new establishment, as well as visit his three sisters early this month. (House of George)

John and Dolores Schmidt, of Mildmay, ON., report that they stayed home this winter in spite of offers to visit California and Florida. They kept themselves busy with family, cards, reading, and grandkid school activities.

She reports the 13th Annual Lobsinger Family Reunion is on schedule and will be held the Sunday After Father's Day - June 22nd. For early arrivals, there will be a live Country Music show in Mildmay on the Saturday before at the recreation complex. The groups playing always attract a full house, so if you want them, order tickets early from the Robsons and save a couple of bucks over door prices. (House of Peter)

Robert Maslen, Lucan, ON., dropped us an note via email (robert.maslen@odyssey.on.ca). We have been trying to get GEDCOM data files transferred by computer without much luck. We use Macintosh and practically everyone else uses IBM. Anyway - we wound up mailing the material by disk . Haven't heard if that worked or not! Robert is the eldest son of Bernice Margaret (Lobsinger) Maslen. (House of Louis)

Loretta and Jim Lobsinger, Calgary, AB., sent us an address change and a few notes on their part of the world. Jim has been suffering through an array of ailments the past few years and they have moved into a condo where there is less maintenance. He says he has sorted out photo albums of his father, Leo Lobsinger, and will send some pictures and stories for the newsletter one of these days before he forgets them all. (House of Peter)

Happy 91st Birthday to Harold Lobsinger in Apache Junction, AZ. Harold wants to know if any Lobsinger has made it to 100 yet? He reports he has outlived everyone in his mother's family and his dad's, as far as he knows. And just for the record - as he does every year - Harold has calculated that his heart has beat approximately 3,410,028,000 times during his lifetime so far. "Quite a piece of machinery, isn't it!" He says. He and wife Allean are headed back up to Denver for the summer. (House of Antoine)

Michael Lobsinger, Seattle, WA., has a homepage on the internet now. Look him up at http:// WWW. netcom. com/~mjlob/page/home.htm. Mike is an engineer with Boeing and is enjoying his first job out in Seattle. He and his sister Michelle (who is an Oklahoma University graduate) in Minneapolis are "siblings of wonderful parents James and Marilyn Lobsinger" (North Dakota bunch). Michael stayed close to home and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. You should be able to contact him on the internet by email at mjlob@ix.netcom.com (House of George)

Paul and Mary Lobsinger, Kitchener, ON., dropped us an email (kelobsin@cousteau.uwaterloo.ca) note about the birth of their second son. He is the son of Gordon and Yvonne Lobsinger. Paul reports that his brother, Fr. Dan Lobsinger, C.R., is now assigned to St. Pious X parish in Brantford, ON., where he serves as associate pastor. (House of Louis)

Gerard E. Ohmer, Key Biscayne, FL., and I have been corresponding. He is collecting information regarding the Ohmer family and much of the Lobsinger family tree contains Ohmer descendants. We have swapped information and he has added considerably to what we know about the ancient line of Pierre Lobsinger and others in France. I have also sent him the Lobsinger descendants of his Ohmer family. It's not all sorted out yet, but one of these days the information will fall into place and fill the gaps.

From rain sodden California comes a letter from Michael and Paula Schnarr, reporting they were very lucky their house was built on a rock so all the rain just drained off. The rest of Tuolumne county was not so lucky as the Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers have booth caused extensive flooding in the valley and delta area where they life. Michael is the Fire Marshal there, and twice had to call a local state of emergency during January. They passed out sand bags and operated an emergency information center for the media and public.

Several reservoirs had to be opened up to prevent overflow, and this caused further flooding in the valley. "At least it was controlled and not a dam bursting."

Their good news is the birth of a new granddaughter, of which they are inordinately proud. (See births). (House of Louis)

Remember Barney Lobsinger the wrestler? He's on-line now, and dropped us an email note (barney@netcore.ca) to say hello. Barny is 83 now and says he still gets around pretty good and can still drive his car and often rides his electric scooter when he's not off 'surfin" the web. Any of you fellow "surfers" out there can drop Barny a note - he'd be thrilled to get it.

Barney Lobsinger

Barney also sent us a Christmas Card and a photo of himself. He says he plays a lot of checkers these days but is running out of challenging partners. "I'd go out of my way to find a good player. Checker players can play any distance apart on the phone with a numbered board..." So if you're interested in a challenge... drop Barney an email note and get yourself a game going! (House of Louis)

Arthur and Lois Lobsinger sent us photos of a new mural on the outside of the storage buildings at the Ontario Agricultural Museum in Baden, On., The mural features the Lobsinger Threshing Machine (originals stored inside the building) and the Waterloo Tractor. The artist who painted the mural is Lance Russwurm of Kitchener.

MURAL OF a Lobsinger Bros. "Lion' Threshing Machine painted by Lance Russwurm of Ketchener, ON., is on the wall of a building housing the actual machines at the Ontario Agricultural Museum in Baden, ON.

Arthur also asks that we include his brother John and wife Thelma on the mailing list. They live in Hamilton, ON., and should get a copy of this issue! John supervises a family apartment building and Thelma operates a Ladies Fashion Shoppe in Hamilton. (House of Louis)

Teresa & Len Walsh, Brantford, ON., sent us a Happy Birthday card, and reports that her family is well. Daughter Mary Bond and family moved back into their home after it was rebuilt following a fire, and they are all very happy to be back 'home'.

The night before Mary's twins Chrissie and Timmy turned 6 years old, the family was watching television when Mary smelled smoke and discovered the pantry on fire. Her husband Mark had just left for night school.

Fortunately, Mary managed to get all the children out of the house which was completely gutted by the blaze. That was last October 22nd. They managed to save nothing, but the community pulled together and helped the family survive the ordeal, and now they are back home and getting on with their lives.

Earlier, Teresa sent us some photos, news clips, postcards and letters in French from Sr. Anne Marie Parrang of Metz, France. They were originally sent to Bishop Thomas Lobsinger -Teresa's brother - in Whithorse, YT. Since I speak only redneck and a bit of English when necessary, I am at a great disadvantage trying to understand what Sr. Anne Marie is saying in them, but I gather she is somehow related to the Lobsinger family. If I ever find anyone in Oklahoma who speaks French, I will try to get a translation. In the meantime, the picture of Sr. Anne Marie is included in this issue, and we'll put her on the mailing list. Maybe she can understand English better than we understand French. (House of Louis)

SR. ANNE MARIE Parrang, Metz, France, second from left, with relatives. The Lady behind her is her cousin and we presume the rest of the people are her cousin's family.

Scott and Elisa (Lobsinger) Richardson, Chicopee, MA., wrote us twice this time around. First to change their address, and then again to cancel the change. Scott's military orders got changed in mid-stream and he's been assigned permanently right where they are. Or as permanently as you can expect from the military.

Scott is a sergeant in the Marine Corp. at Westover AFB, in charge of computer operations. Elisa is a manager at Barnes & Nobles Bookstore in Holyoke and also teaches quilt classes to beginners. They enjoy traveling around New England, photography and their pets, Smokey J and Peanut. They can be contacted by email at SERICH19@mail.idt.net

Elisa reports the rest of her family is also quite well and her dad, Carl F. Lobsinger is busy traveling extensively between his children's homes and enjoying the different areas of the country.

Her brother Eric D. Lobsinger and wife Laura were expecting their second child to arrive by Christmastime, and Eric was recently promoted to Staff Sergeant in the US Army. (Have Eric Lobsinger get ahold of the other Eric Lobsinger on the US Blue Ridge at ericlob@concentric.net or vice versa - see below a few paragraphs) Eric D and Laura are stationed in Vinegrove, KY.,

Siblings Jeremy and Lorna still live at home in Warren, MI., and Jeffrey and Jennifer are in Royal Oak. Nancy and David are in Lee's Summit, MO., now, and Jim and Jill are in Warren, MI. We have updated all their addresses so they should get their copies of this newsletter before long. (House of Louis)

Theresa M. Lobsinger, daughter of Susan and Victor Lobsinger, is doing a bit of her own research on the family tree and reports that her mother is sure that Mary Grossman was definitely the first wife of Joseph L Lobsinger. She got the information from Amelia Lobsinger, youngest child of Joseph L and Catherine Beitz many years ago. We received the same information from Amelia a few years back before her death, but she was having trouble remembering such things, and was unsure of many details then. Even though Mary Grossman disappeared without a trace, we have no evidence that she wasn't the first wife. Still, it is strange that she can't be located in any cemetery records anywhere... Thanks for the efforts and we appreciate the help. Theresa can be contacted at theresam @mail.niagara.com. (House of Peter)

We're still waiting for a story and picture of Dawn (Lobsinger) White's wedding. Last heard from her in November. But since then she has been to Spain on honeymoon and busy setting up housekeeping, I guess. Dawn is daughter of Neil Francis, son of Edward A., son of Louis John, son of Jean Louis Lobsinger. Her email address is dawn@civich.ottawa.on.ca (House of Louis)

Email from Brian Fletcher (fletcher@compusmart.ab.ca) says he got a home page address from the Lobsinger news letter and thought it had to do with the family. At the time the last newsletter came out the only home page we had on the web was for the Newkirk Herald Journal - the weekly paper we put out to make a living. Since then, we have put the Lobsinger Newsletter on line as well, and you can now find it at http://tradersbend.com. Brian says he used to get the newsletter but hasn't since the family moved. Somebody send us Brian's new address and we'll be happy to put him back on the list. (House of Peter)

Bernice (Lobsinger) Maslen, Lucan, ON., writes that she would like to have a photo of her great grandmother, Katharina Gehl, but can't find one anywhere. We don't seem to have one either. Katharina was married to Jean Louis Lobsinger, a son of "Count Joseph" Lobsinger. If anyone can scare up a photo, please send us a duplicate and we'll print it in a future issue. (House of Louis)

Sharon (Lobsinger) Wilson (SJWilson@sympatico.ca) found us on the internet and later sent us a letter with lots of information about the descendants of her grandfather Francis Lobsinger and his wife Elizabeth Weiler. She is the daughter of Laurier and Verna Irene (Sachs) Lobsinger. She is also Barney (the wrestler) Lobsinger's niece. She works as a teaching assistant at a Waterloo elementary school and her husband, John Wilson is a steamfitter. They have two children, Jeffrey - who is studying computer programming at Sheridan College in Oakville, ON., and Angela - who just graduated from high school and works at a mink farm. (House of Louis)

June (Lobsinger) Stevens, Plymouth, MI., writes that she enjoyed the last newsletter because her grandfather's brother August and his family were pictured on the address page. Her grandfather is George Lobsinger, and she has sent us a photo of him and his family which we'll use in this issue. Her father Melvin Lobsinger is one of the kids in the picture. (House of Peter)

Eric Lobsinger, of the Washington bunch, who is a career man in the Navy, sent us a change of address so we'll get this issue to him by snail mail sooner or later. In the meantime, his email address is ericlob@concentric.net. If that doesn't work - he's probably got a new one. Eric would like to correspond with any current or past Lobsingers who were in the Navy or other service. If you can't catch him on the internet, send me a note and I'll get his ship address to you.

ERIC LOBSINGER, right, aboard the USS Blue Ridge Communications Ship after signing his re-enlistment papers for another three year hitch. Eric is a career Navy man who says he enjoys it so much he is almost embarassed about getting paid. He's been around the world twice, and likes the Far East and Japan best of all.

Eric is assigned to the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) which is a communications ship based out of Yokosuka, Japan. Eric says, "I love it over here, and I would be happy to spend my life in Japan. I have always loved to travel, and I have been just about everywhere."

Eric has traveled the world, with tours of duty in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa. He has been around the world twice, and visited France three times - Villa Franche, Marseille, and Monte Carlo/Motico. (House of Michel)

David Lobsinger, St. Clair Shores, MI., dropped us a not to inform us of the death of his nephew John Kretsch on December 18, 1996. He was married to Ellen McLay and was the father of 5 children. (House of Louis)

Our friends Leo and Nadine Lobsinger of Belleville, IL dropped us a nice Christmas Card and they wish "Season's Greetings" to all Lobsingers everywhere. (House of Michel)

Also received a Christmas Card from Hellmut and Leona Lang and daughter Amy of Regina, SK. Leona has done a remarkable amount of the research that turns up in this newsletter from time to time, and we all need to thank her for her time and trouble. (House of Peter)

Another Christmas Card sends greetings to everyone from Sandy and Art Frensch of Kitchener, ON. (House of Peter)

Younger brother Byron Lobsinger sent us a card with his family's latest photo on it, so we'll let you see how fast his kids are growing up. Byron can also be reached by email at BYERUN@aol.com (House of Peter)

Byron Lobsinger Family of Lake Worth, FL., from left rear, Byron, Shawn, Chris; front Shane and Stephen. (House of Peter)

George and Kaye Lobsinger, Mt. Pleasant, MI., dropped us a note to tell us that they celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary June 23, 1995, and that Eugene and Gertrude Lobsinger of Grayling celebrated theirs on Sept. 28. 1996. They are all descendants of Joseph Carl Lobsinger and Josephine Emil, one of the smaller Lobsinger clans. (House of Joseph)

My son John Lobsinger and wife Shannon want to say hello to everyone. They are both civil engineers working with Star Construction in Oklahoma City, and have big plans to visit France later this summer. Unfortunately, they will be touring in the south of France, and probably won't get to Langatte. (House of Peter)

Dr. Ted Franklin sent us a Christmas Card with congratulations on our two boys' weddings in the last issue. Ted is a descendant of Paul Lobsinger and lives in Bryan, TX. (House of Paul)

Patrick and Cheryl Walsh, Bellevue, AB., dropped us a note with a new address. (The coins arrived safely, so don't worry) Cheryl also informs us of the death of Julietta (Lobsinger) McIntee, who was featured a few years ago in some earlier newsletters. Julietta died in Buffalo, N.Y. in August 1993. She lived in Pincher Creek, AB and was Patrick's great aunt. She traveled east with them on a visit to her sister, Bea Long, and suffered a stroke. (House of Louis)

My brother Patrick Lobsinger, Lake Worth, FL., sent a couple of recent photos of his two kids, Matthew and Samantha, who are growing up entirely too fast. (House of Peter)

Samantha and Matthew Lobsinger

Jim and Irene (Lobsinger) Nicholson, Kitchener, ON., sent a Christmas card and some nice words about the newsletter, which we appreciate. (House of Louis)

Harvey and Bev Lobsinger, Edina, MN., dropped us a Christmas Card to say they are doing fine and keeping quite busy. (House of Peter)

Irene E. Lobsinger, Brantford, ON., sends "Peace, live, joy and best wishes to all Lobsingers".. She also reports that her daughter Lori Lobsinger has graduated from Brock University in St. Catharines with honors in Sociology. Her son Rob is in Grade 13 at Pauling Johnson Collegiate. Irene works at Pronto Travel Agency in Brantford. (House of Louis)

Jean and Ron Kay, Thornbury, ON., say they thoroughly enjoy the newsletters and learn a bit more each issue about the family history. Jean says she wishes there were more information about the House of George. So do I. They seem to be scattered about. Many of them in the Dakotas and a few left in BC. (House of George)

Talking about the House of George - Penny and Al Spidel, Nanaimo, BC., sent a card and note to wish all a happy holiday season and to report that 58 people showed up at the summer reunion of the Pacific members of the George Lobsinger clan. They hosted an 89th birthday party for Marie (Lobsinger) DeBartolome, and most of Rita (Lobsinger) McDonnell's family attended from all over the province. They told Rita that none of her family could be there, and when they all showed up she was overwhelmed. The get together served as her 80th birthday party as well. Their sister, and Penny's mom, Ruby (Lobsinger) Chase was there as well as their brother Lorne Lobsinger and wife Elly and most of the rest of the group. Penny says all in all, they had a wonderful day. (House of George)

Alice Haber - who's wedding picture 50 years ago was in the last issue - is the eldest child of Christine (Mier) Hamblin, daughter of Barbara (Lobsinger) and Michael Mier of the House of Joseph Carl. We knew she and husband Bill had 13 children, but we didn't have their names or statistics on the data base yet. So Alice filled us in on the family, including grandkids. She also sent a photograph of the whole family. We appreciate the new information, and thank you vary much for taking the time to put it all together. (House of Joseph Carl)

HABER FAMILY. Front, from left- Michael, Alice, Judy (Assid), and Jerome. Second row- Stephanie (Smith), Christine (McCarthy), Joan (Soderland), Bill, Maribeth (Hutchison), and Barbara (Monro). Kneeling - William on left, Matt on right. Standing - Susan (Shultz), Rebecca (Eldridge), and Jackie (Bucsi)

Dale Lobsinger, Oceanside, CA., dropped us a note to say he was very pleased with the story we ran on his awards as a Pioneer Quality Control Engineer. He says he was also impressed with the story on Nordlingen and is making plans to visit on his next trip to Europe.

Dale also reports that he was not satisfied with a book he purchased called "The World Book of Lobsingers" as it had only a few pages in the rear with Lobsinger addresses and the rest of the 144 pages was simply general genealogical "gadgetry."

These books are hawked periodically by direct mail and really don't amount to much unless you simply don't know where to start looking for others with the same surname. We've probably got a much better picture of the family on our computer data base, so ask us first. Besides, we don't charge anything.

Still, Dale says the book had 3 German Lobsingers listed, and one Italian. We don't have any Europeans yet, so those might be good leads to correspond with. (House of Antoine)

Louis J. Lobsinger, Jr. sent us his new address in San Diego, CA.., where he is currently working as an investment banker. He also asked us to add his brother David in Winter Park, FL., to the mailing list. Done. (House of Louis)

CHILDREN OF Peter Lobsinger: Back from left - Tentatively identified as August, George, Joseph L, Caroline, Frank. Front - Mary, Simon, Henry, Philip. Anyone out there with a positive identification please let us know. (House of Peter)

1902 PHOTO of the George M. Lobsinger family: Back from left - Fred, Herb, Alphonse. Front - George M., Florence, Geordie, Melvin, and Catherine Kramer. (House of Peter)

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