Category Archives: Family History

Remembering Art Laemmlen on his Birthday in 2026

Posted on September 20, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

Things I think about when I remember Dad. He worked HARD, every single day.  He didn’t leave his farm work to relax or enjoy time with family.  The farm always came first and he really worked hard from sun up … Continue reading →

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A Booster Seat from the 1930s

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

When I was a little girl, I lived on the farm next to my Grandparents’ farm.  I’d walk through the field to visit her, almost every day.  I loved going to Grandma’s house.  There was once a bench at her … Continue reading →

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The Elizabeth Degen Bushman Bible to be housed in the BYU Special Collections

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

This afternoon I received a delightful phone call from Ellie Johnson in Las Vegas. She has been the family member in possession of the Elizabeth Degen Bushman Bible for many years. This last week she attended the BYU Education Week. … Continue reading →

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First Mennonite Bible School, ca. 1964

Posted on August 4, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

This is the Reedley First Mennonite Church my family attended when I was a girl.  My Grandparents. Rudolf and Elsa Laemmlen, attended church after coming to America and moving to Reedley.  When their little 2-year-old daughter, Ruth died of pneumonia … Continue reading →

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Happy Pioneer Day 2026!

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

Today I honored my Pioneer ancestors from England by eating delicious Fish & Chips. Here are my ancestors who came to America.  You can see that many of them were from England.  I love them all. Rudolf Laemmlen, b. 1899, … Continue reading →

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A China Plate Handpainted by my Grandmother, Ruby Smuin

Posted on July 1, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

Today I packed up this plate.  I need to tell a story about it.  After I was married, my Mom gave it to me.  She said it was one of the only things she had made by her mother, Ruby … Continue reading →

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Heirlooms Treasures from Grandma Elsa Schaefer Laemmlen and her mother, Susanna Schaefer

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

Packed away in the cedar chest my Dad made for my Mom in the 1950s, I’ve kept some treasures and linens from my Grandma.  Elsa loved doing handwork.  Her mother, Susanna Schaefer had a needlework shop with sewing supplies on … Continue reading →

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Memorial Day 2026

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

This year was an especially fun Memorial Day, visiting Mom in the Orem Cemetery because we will soon be Neighbors!  Our new home is right across the street from the cemetery, which was a big selling point for me.  I … Continue reading →

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Pfannekuchen, a Family Favorite

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

This is one of my favorite meals.  My Grandma Elsa fed Pfannekuchen to her boys, covered with berries or applesauce or other fruit.  My Mom made these in a big electric fry pan, covering the whole pan with one big … Continue reading →

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Grace Laemmlen, Calligrapher

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Ann Laemmlen Lewis

My mother, Grace Laemmlen, was a 3rd grade teacher for many many years.  She had the best penmanship of anyone I’ve ever known.  She taught children to write beautifully. In her later life, she loved going to UC Santa Cruz … Continue reading →

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