Letter from the Editor: 

Dear Family and Friends, 

 Here it is SPRING AGAIN!  A lot has happened with our family since the publication of our last Newsletter!  Since August of 2004 we are grieving and celebrating the lives of 3 of our Seniors . . . Arthur Francis in August 2004, Albert William in December 2004 and most recently Adolf Joseph in March 2005.  Art, Albert and Joe joined Adolf and Lucy Fromherz, Josephine, Charlie and other family members who have gone before us, with our Heavenly Father in Heaven to welcome our Holy Father the Pope John Paul II into Heaven.  What a celebration!  We have 4 surviving Seniors, Florence, Mary, Walt and Jim.  All have significant health issues and are very fragile.  This has been a bittersweet year for all of us! 

     Happy Mother’s Day! To all of us that are moms and grandmoms . . . I had the precious opportunity to share my Mother’s Day with our kids and grandkids . . . Pics left “Dammaw Dale”, Mac and Cocoa, Next picture Grandma Gale, Amaya and Tayla. 

         Double click on the thumbnail picture on the left.  I'll try and keep this BRIEF! . . . however, the last I looked this edition of the Newsletter clocked in at over 50 pages  in the  Word version printed for the Seniors!  So much for brief!

     Letters, Letters, Letters!  Thank you to all who sent letters, pictures and money for this issue.  Thank you to all who sent updated address information for those family members who have moved and changed their addresses. Please continue to send me your family updates as things change for you.  I continue to send reminder postcards for those of you that have difficulty accessing the internet.  The only way that I know that someone has moved is when I receive postcards back from the post office or when you let me know of the changes. When you do have a change, this is the golden opportunity include a note for the Newsletter.

I am sure that all of you are busy celebrating life.  Please take a minute and send your news for the newsletter.  This is a tool to share your life with the rest of us who don’t get to see each other very often . . . a way to catch up!  It is a way to connect with your family roots and share yourself, your travels, hopes and dreams . . . life in general, which is special to you!  Snail Mail can be sent to Jim & Connie Gale, 12925 W Greenfield Road, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026 or e-mail to congale@ispwest.com.  Newsletters are available to you on the web at www.fromherznewsletter.com. 

Our web page also offers links to our family historians and genealogy experts David Trask (King family) and Daniel Frommherz (Fromherz family).   King Genealogy Contact David Trask, King Family Historian since 1989.  “I am descended from Isaac King, brother of Sol King, and so share common ancestors with the Fromherzs.  I collect obituaries and family trees of the various branches of the Nahum and Serepta (Norton) King family lines.  I have over 1500 obituaries at the present time.  I would appreciate copies of obituaries anyone has of recent family members deaths or of any obituaries people obtain in their research past family members deaths.  Please try to carefully and accurately record the name, date, and town of the newspaper, and the page, section and column number.  This is especially important when one is getting the information from a microfilm.  Enough information should be documented so another person could someday easily find the obituary from the appropriate source, ie newspaper microfilm.  I would also appreciate copies of family members family trees.  These should record family members names, their spouse(s), children, siblings, etc., and the dates and places of birth, marriage and death, and places of burial, if any of this is known.  Copies of death certificates also would be welcomed.  Any information I have on any family member is available for any one.  Just contact me.  Thanks.”   

dltrask@aol.com, David M. Trask, 1533 Nottingham Circle,  Medford, Oregon  97504-7202  Fromherz Genealogy Contact Daniel Frommherz  mckenzie_market@mckenzievalleymarket.com     David’s and Dan’s  links can also be found on our home page.  Just double click on the link and it will take you there! 

If you wish to have your own  .pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader) copy of this newsletter, please contact me either by snail-mail or e-mail.  I can attach a .pdf file to an e-mail for you, which is free to you.  If you want me to save it to a disc I will need $2 pre-paid to cover postage and handling . . . again please send your requests to me via e-mail or snail-mail.

For those of you that don’t have e-mail or internet access . . . you can go to any library.  You usually have to sign up for a time frame (usually an hour)  . . . and sometimes you can just walk-in . . . it doesn’t cost you anything.  You can view the latest Newsletter.  There is usually a fee per page to print. Ask Rita Reichenbach how to do this!  She is getting pretty handy at accessing the internet thru the library system and even doing some printing!  Good Job, Rita!  Rita and Roy can be reached at Rita Reichenback, 3529 Bevans St., Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001-1704    rjrx2@juno.com .  I just recently heard that Rita and Roy now have their own PC (Personal Computer) at home so I think Rita will be frequenting the libraries less and less, unless they are on the road traveling.                                

Jim & I frequent the libraries (or Internet Café) when we are traveling.  We even pay our bills from the internet access at the library when we are traveling. Really, it is fairly easy!

        This issue of the Newsletter is yours to ENJOY!  Spring Greetings to all of you Fromherz Family and friends everywhere!   Plan for our Fromherz Family Reunion Festivities coming to you the end of this month  June 24 thru June 26, 2005. . . Check out our link  Reunion 2005 for more information and maps. See you all there!  

Jim & Connie Gale

12925 W Greenfield Road

Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026

congale@ispwest.com

Dear Newsletter: . . . Letters from you . . .

 HAPPY SPRING!   to all of you Dear Family and A GREAT BIG THANK YOU! to all that sent mail, for it is your mail that becomes the  primary content of NEWSLETTER From The Heart.

Also a GREAT Big THANK YOU to all who sent $$$ to help with the costs associated with publishing this NEWSLETTER FROM THE HEART.  You know who you are!   

Florence & Louis write an Invitation:

April 8, 2005

Dear Family and Other Special People:

This is a note to let you know that you may hear less from us as time goes by - - - reason:  Our old age (91 & 92) is limiting out well worn bodies in all our usual activities.  My writing gets more neglect than anything else - - - Sorry!  I make too many address mistakes, etc.

However, don’t worry about us - - - we continue all our activities but in slow motion.  Dad still works in his berry patch, in the grapes and his tomato plants coming up.  I still play the organ, crochet, work in my flower bed and still use my wonderful machines for lots of things - - - reading and writing hand written material, reading and typing, like I am doing now.  My newest “toy” is a recorder that reads the books and magazines.  I can sit and relax while I am crocheting - - - (Use earphones) Claire got me started on this - - - (all free from the state Library) Thanks, Claire.  Also Thanks to Jerry for the Pansy plants - - - along with daffodils, tulips and primroses we are enjoying our early spring.  Also all the fruit trees and beautiful large pink dogwood tree grace our park-like grounds - - - weather permitting, lots of towers residents and even towns people take their daily walk.  Dad takes a daily walk in and out of the building.  The path is smooth so the ones of us with walkers have a perfect place for our walk, pushing our cart.  Several also take their “fresh air” ride in their motorized carts.

Please telephone, write or come visit us often as you can.  Brunch hours are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - - - Dinner 4:00pm to 6:00 pm.  Happy Birthdays, Happy Anniversaries, Happy other occasions, whenever, Love to Each,  Florence and Louis Gross   

March 1, 2005

I am learning right now that I must do some writing more regularly or I will forget how to set up these machines for writing?????  But I think that I finally have it set up OK.

Actually this forgetting things isn’t a bit funny - - - since I can’t see my hair in the mirror.  I might forget if I combed it.  But luckily, I can tell if I need to brush my teeth and can tell if I’m about out of toothpaste!  I still have sense enough to hold onto bars when I move around in the shower.  Yes, I can take my shower all alone and my legs feel strong and don’t falter (but I do take precautions and don’t want to take a fall - - - as seem to happen to someone almost every day here at the Towers).

I just passed my annual “physical” 100% and I feel good about that but I still feel unbalanced when I walk without my walker or cane - - - this is probably due to my eyes that are no better.  I am thankful that I will probably not go completely blind.

Dad is about the same - - - maybe a bit slower, takes more naps, but still takes care of the grapes and his berry patch - - - even took a bunch of plants to Jerry in Corvallis.  Yes, I too, still spend time with my flower bed and try to keep the apartment and patio in good order.  We still go to the functions and meetings like the Knights of Columbus meetings and dinners. - - - usually go to Chinese Restaurants that I love, and we went to the big annual Celebration of the City honoring the “outstanding” men and women of the year.  It was held at the St. Mary’s Center.  We really enjoyed this occasion as many of them were good friends of ours.  Dad sat next to the Abbott of the Abbey and learned all about their big project of cleaning up their forest area by fencing the place and getting 400 goats and sheep (the kind they do not shear) they expect them to keep the brush down.  (They have had some big fires in the past and don’t want any more!!!!)

It looks like “Spring has Sprung” - - - daffodils, pansies and other blooms are coming out in perfusion.  We surely welcome the beautiful weather even tho we need some rain.

For fun with my lady friends I have joined the “Red Hat” Society.  There are about 20 of us.  We dress up with our red hats and purple dress outfits and have a special luncheon once a month.  We even got our picture in the local newspaper.      

Some trips and excursions are planned. (We will probably not go on any cruises this year - - - we haven’t sold the motor home yet so don’t be too surprised if we show up on your doorstep some time??????

Louis is just now reading the mail.  He is reading about a notice from the Rock Hill School Association.  It is announcing the May meeting for the 22^nd of May.  We are members and usually go, but I am not sure about this year??????  Also I am wondering how many of us (above 80 & 90) will be able to navigate for the family reunion in June?????  Time will tell - - - You young folks may have to run the show from now on if we “old timers” don’t show up - - - Oh, Oh, that could mean we be candidates for the next year’s Kangaroo Court Trial”  How about that Joe, Mary, Walt Jim and myself - - - we’d better keep in “shape” or take what will be coming for us??????  “Oops, that could be sad”.  I love you all and hope we’ll all be together in June.  FG

PS   Since it is very awkward for me to mail this out in the snail mail I will send it to Connie, maybe she can mail it to you by E-mail????

PS #2   Sorry if this is a disjointed letter - - - I haven’t written anything for several weeks - - - “I’m now what I used to be 6 weeks ago, HA??????)

Connie I have sent this letter to all of my family – my brothers and Mary, sisters-in-laws  and Don Van Etten.  - - - if you want, read it and throw it away or can use some of it or all to the cousins.  FG    

continues:

Dear Connie:  I just had the idea to write some of the cute sayings that our children have made when they were little ones - - - for the Readers Digest????  Then I got  carried away.  If you want to use some or all of it, you are welcome.  I will probably send some of it to the Readers Digest.

Our 3 year old Grandaughter Kelly was talking with me on a long distance telephone visit when little Kelly said “Grandma, you really make my heart happy”

Kelly also asked me “Are you going to come and see us?”  I told her “We are many hundred miles away from you, we will see you next spring when we come home”.  She answered by saying “But Grandma all you have to do is follow the road!”

Our Grandson Lance when about 3 years old was playing with his double amputee uncle when he first noticed that Leo had no legs.  Leo noticed how ssad this little boy was feeling, so he told him that his feet got sick and legs got sick and the doctor had to take them off.  Little Lance replied:  “Uncle Leo, you are lucky that you have two good arms!”

Another time Lance noticed that we had a pickup truck in our double garage with one door open.  Little Lance put his hands on both his hips and said:  My goodness gracious sakes alive how did you get that pickup in there?”  I told his dad (Jerry), “You better watch your language around your son!”

Another time Lance was talking with himself about his Grandfather.  (He had two grandfathers that were very large men).  His mother asked him, “What about your Grandfather?”  (Her father was a very heavy overweight man).  Lance answered, “I wasn’t talking about him, I was talking about my skinny Grandpa!”

When our youngest daughter Patty was about 3 years old we traveled a lot, went camping etc.  One time we were up in the wild country where there were no electricity or telephone lines.  All at once, our Patty said with much concern:  “Where are the lines for the birds?”

An other time when riding with me Patty asked if I saw something in the yard off to the side - - - I explained that I was driving and I had to watch the road, but that I saw lots of things out of the “corner of my eye”.  After that she would frequently say, “Oh, mamma did you see that out of the corner of your eye?”

Patty was always observing everything along the way when we were traveling - - - one time an RV passed us and one of us said it was a 28 footer - - - “No,” Patty said, “It was this much shorter.” (She held her hands up about 6 inches apart.)

While I am telling stories on Patty, here is one we will never forget!  We were attending an opera where Claire, one of our

older daughters was the lead soloist in an opera.  We sat so Patty could see her sister on the stage.  The orchestra was in the pit below and started with prelude music.  We noticed that Patty we keeping time with her hands.  She stood up and was directing the

orchestra - - - even got out in the aisle and was vigorously directing the orchestra.  Everyone nearby was watching her with smiles, etc. When she realized what she was doing she would sit back down.  But the orchestra kept doing their music.  And believe it or not Patty got lost in directing that orchestra several times more before the stage curtains opened.  (I must add that Patty is now a music major.  Does lots of directing, writes music, teaches and now has 4 very talented girls, along with her music major husband - - - they have an Oktoberfest band that performs every year at the Mt. Angel Oregon Oktoberfest - - - last fall was their 27^th year.)

While I am telling stories on my family, I have a few “Grown up tales to tell that I thought was quite interesting?”

One time when our other opera singer daughter, Sharon was home from Switzerland with her husband Josef, we were just ready to travel South with our motorhome for the winter.  They asked to travel with us to Arizona to see how we lived.  We were happy to have them with us.  I was a little concerned that they might be a little nervous when I took my turn driving the motorhome.  (We were also towing our car on a dolly with the motorhome).  Sharon commented, “No Mamma You are a peaceful driver”.  I considered that the best compliment I ever had for my driving.

Only a few days ago my brother Albert (87 years) who has suffered a terminal stroke and surprising rallied enough with his speech returning.  Among other things he said, “Tell John to be sure to feed the cats.”

Another brother Arthur passed away in August - - - it was sudden and unexpected.  He was joking with his nurse just before he was gone!  I dreamed about him that night.  I saw him at the “Pearly Gates” of Heaven - - - he was joking with the angel for admittance - - - He said< “I didn’t expect to be here today, I haven’t sent an application, will you please let me in?”  Since the angel was smiling I feel certain that Brother Arthur is surely iin Heaven and when Albert arrives he will find his much loved brothers Arthur and Charley, and our Mom and Pop and sister Josephine will also welcome him.  That should be a real heavenly party - - - I guess we would have to “crash” the party to find out?  I am not so sure about my own soul when I arrive at the “Pearly Gates”.  I hope the angel smiles for me too????? Love,   Florence 

Letter from Aunt Margaret In the Spirit of Christmas 2004

December 20, 2004

Dear Family and Friends,

Seasons Greetings!  May the celebration of Christ’s birth bring peace and joy to each of you.  This year has ended on a sad note.  Al suffered a massive stroke on Sunday morning November 21^st and died Friday evening December 10^th a month shy of his 88^th birthday.  He was getting ready for Sunday morning Mass when he collapsed.  We celebrated his nearly 88 years of vibrant life at a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Selah. 

John, Sue and Bill are looking after me at home.  Marylen, Danny and children were here for the funeral from South Bend, Indiana.   Marylen and Sue took turns spending nights at the hospital with their father.  At times we were able to talk with Al in the hospital and he chimed in several times as we said the rosary at his bedside.

Bill’s house is busy with remodeling and the return of his oldest daughter, Amy and her husband.  Ryan and Amy plan to take some classes in Yakima.  Kelly Ann and son Cameron moved into Aunt Inez’s house on Chestnut.  Matthew graduated from high school and cooks for Whistlin’ Jacks.  Adam and Korissa welcomed Caleb into the world Saturday December 11 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

John is doing his best to do all of al’s chores.  John is always here to keep me company.  John prepares most of my meals.

Marylen started working 4 days a week as a visiting nurse.  Marylen and daughter Irene have both been hired as ski instructors on weekends at Swiss Valley in southern Michigan.  Irene is in 9^th grade and Teddy is in 7^th grade at Trinity school in South Bend, Indiana.  Danny continues as a computer programmer for St. Mary’s College in South Bend.

Sue was in a stage play called “Anything Goes” this spring.  Al and I both attended the play in Toppenish at the Native American Cultural Heritage Center.  Sue and her friends in the play greeted us warmly after the play.  Sue began a job at the Orthopedics Clinic fixing peoples broken bones.

Al was able to attend his brother Jim’s 80^th birthday party in Portland, Oregon in May.  He went  with Sue to the Fromherz family picnic in Corvallis, Oregon in June.  And he went with me up near Mt. Hood for the Stupfel family picnic in August.  Al was able to look after me until 3 weeks before his death.  He only bowled a few games this fall as he was quite nervous about falling down.  Al left a couple of his fall chores for us to finish.  He spent hours each winter cracking all the walnuts.  There is also a half bin of apples in the garage that he planned to slowly turn into applesauce throughout the winter.  He was a good husband and father.  We will miss him.  Yours in the spirit of Christmas,  Margaret 

Yakima Herald-Republic (WA)

December 13, 2004

Section: Obituaries/Death Notices

12/13/04 Death Notices

Charlene Koski

Albert W. Fromherz, Sr. Albert W. Fromherz, Sr., 87, of Yakima died Friday at Landmark Care Center in Yakima.

Mr. Fromherz moved to Yakima in 1946. He raised apples for more than 50 years in the Lower Naches area.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Fromherz of Yakima; two sons, Bill and John Fromherz of Yakima; two daughters, Marylen Robinson of South Bend, Ind., and Suzanne Fromherz of Yakima; two sisters, Florence Gross of Mt. Angel, Ore., and Mary Gerding of Corvallis, Ore.; three brothers, Joe Fromherz of Salem, Ore., Walt Fromherz of Medford, Ore., and Jim Fromherz of St. Paul, Ore.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Vigil service will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the same location. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Copyright, 2004, Yakima Herald-Republic. All Rights Reserved.

Yakima Herald-Republic (WA) 

Published on Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Albert W. Fromherz, Sr.

YAKIMA - Albert W. Fromherz, Sr., 87, of Yakima, passed away Friday, December 10, 2004 at the Landmark Care Center.

He was born January 3, 1917 on Kiger's Island in Corvallis, OR, the son of Adolf and Lucy (King) Fromherz. His family moved to Lebanon, OR in 1925 where he graduated from Lebanon High School in 1937. From 1940-1946, he ran a diversified farm and dairy in Lebanon at Tennessee Bottom with his mother and eldest sister. He moved to Yakima, WA in 1946 where he bought an apple orchard. He married Margaret Stupfel in 1949. They had four children.

Al raised apples for over 50 years in the Lower Naches area of Yakima. He bowled for over 60 years and received many trophies. He also pitched horseshoes. He entered the Washington State Horseshoe tournament in 1950, pitching 50% ringers. For 25 years, Al has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was president of the Lower Naches Horticulture Club for one year and served on other committees relating to orchards. He especially loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Fromherz; his children and their spouses, Bill and Lucy Fromherz, John Fromherz, all of Yakima, Marylen and Daniel Robinson of South Bend, IN and Suzanne Fromherz of Yakima; six grandchildren, Amy Moe, Adam Fromherz, Kelly Ann Fromherz, Matthew Fromherz, Irene Robinson and Teddy Robinson; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Fromherz and Caleb Fromherz; also brothers and sisters, Florence Gross of Mt. Angel, OR, Joe Fromherz of Salem, OR, Mary Gerding of Corvallis, OR, Walt Fromherz of Medford, OR and Jim Fromherz of St. Paul, OR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Josephine Reed and brothers, Charlie Fromherz and Art Fromherz.

Viewing will be Tuesday, 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.

Vigil services will be Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Building Fund, c/o Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.

A special thank you to Landmark Nursing Care Center and to the staff of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital for their special care of our father.   Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

November 29, 2004

Dear Family,

Albert Fromherz of Yakima Washington suffered a stroke last week.  He is currently in the hospital.  He had a feeding tube inserted today.  He is talking and comfortable.  It looks like he will be discharged soon to a nursing home.  I haven’t heard all the particulars about when and where.  The family has asked me to notify the rest of family by e-mail.  Prayer and greetings can be called to the family home at 509-966-5049.  You will most likely get a recorder.  Or you can talk to Suzie on her cell phone 509-930-1689.  . . cg

From: Daniel David Lewis Frommherz

[mailto:mckenzie_market@mckenzievalleymarket.com]

Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 9:38 PM

To: Connie Gale

Subject: Re: Uncle Albert

I will call Louie and Trish in the morning to let them know.  Picked up

your note at my mail box today (Monday night). Daniel

From: william king [ mailto:wjksmr@earthlink.net ]

Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 10:10 PM

To: Connie Gale

Subject: RE: Uncle Albert

 Dear Connie,

    Thanks for letting me know.  I will add him specifically to my prayer

intentions.

Your in our Lord and Lady,

Bill (J.) King 

From: JenMJack@cs.com [mailto: JenMJack@cs.com]

Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 6:31 AM

Subject: Re: Uncle Albert

 Thank you so much for the info. Will keep him in my prayers.   Jenny

From: michael.e.holt@att.net [mailto:michael.e.holt@att.net]

Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 9:58 AM

Subject: Re: Uncle Albert

 Thank you Connie for the update I have been praying and wondering. Talk with you soon.

Love Mary 

From: Fr. Gerard Gross [mailto:gerard@trappist.net]

Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 5:33 PM

Subject: RE: Uncle Albert

Thank you very much for relaying the news.

God smile upon you too.

Love, Br. Gerard David

From: Karen Raskin [mailto:kmraskin@hotmail.com]

Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 11:44 PM

Subject: RE: Uncle Albert

 Thanks Connie.  We just got back from Las Vegas.  I will be at Mom's Sunday until Tuesday.  Thanks for the update on Uncle Albert.  I do appreciate it.  Thanks again.  Love and Hugs, Karen & Dave

 Since I put this Edition to bed, our Dear Albert William Sr. has passed away on December 10, 2005.  His Rite of Christian Burial was this past week December 15, 2004 in Yakima, Washington.  One of the most touching moments of this celebration of his life was when all of his grandchildren presented Albert’s gifts during the Mass, a basket of apples, Albert’s Apple picking bucket, Albert’s bowling ball and bowling pin, a deck of cards, all symbols of how Albert put balance into his celebration of life.  I am including a copy of the article in the Yakima Herald about our beloved Albert.

Albert continues to celebrate life with the announcement of his newest Grandson Caleb Basil Fromherz born to Adam and Karissa Fromherz of Spokane, Washington on December 11, 2004.  Caleb weighs in at a bouncing 8 pounds 11 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long.

I am including Albert’s Death Notice and his Obituary as printed in the Yakima Herald December 13 – 15, 2004.  See above.

Margaret can be found at their home address 161 Fromherz Drive, Yakima, WA 98908.  Her Current phone is 509-966-5049.  Margaret also has e-mail MagaretS@aol.com

Bill & Lucy Fromherz reside at 380 Fromherz Drive, Yakima, WA 98908,  509-966-3838,  John resides with his mother Margaret, Marylen and Danny Robinson, 1516 S Sunnymede Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615, 219-233-2568.  Suzanne “Sue” resides across the street from Margaret for which I only have address of 161 Fromherz Drive, Yakima, WA 98908.  Sue carries a cell phone  509-930-1689.

Thank you to Tom & Kathy for taking Mom & Dad (Senior Jim & Mary Fromherz, November 2005) to Daniels in Woodburn for professional pictures . . . Pictures are ALWAYS so precious and as the cliché’ goes “worth a 1000 words”!

As most of you know Dad (Jim) celebrated his 80^th in May 2004 with a BIG celebration Party.  In attendance were his brothers Art and Albert as well as his 7 sons and daughters and families, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews (including spouses) and friends.  Mom and Dad just celebrated their 58^th Wedding Anniversary on May 3, 2005.

Dad has had serious health issues for the past 11 years (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) and this year was no exception.  The loss of three of his brothers in the past 6 months has been very hard on him.  Jim was hospitalized for about a week with a bleeding problem in January 2005 shortly after attending Al’s funeral in Yakima last December 2004.  He continues to lead an active life attending daily Mass when he can.  Of course Mom (Mary) is there to keep him in line and does an exceptional job of keeping track of his numerous and complicated medications.  What a BIG JOB!  Please say a special prayer for all of our Seniors with all of their age appropriate illnesses.  Mom & Dad, we Love you!  cg 

Wed 2/2/2005

Roy J Reichenbach [rjrx2@juno.com]  (Joe’s Rita)

Dear Family,

            Haven't been feeling "all that great", lately, but, am feeling better, now.  I'd like to tell you, all, a little about us....

          Roy will have been employed by The State of Wyoming, for seven years, this coming February 17th, '05.  He started out as The Weed & Pest Coordinator for The State of Wyoming, on Feb. 17th, 1998.  He's had the new position of Manager of Technical Services (still, with The State of Wyoming, Department of Agriculture) since May 1st, '04.  He loves his job; the challenge; the responsibility.  He supervises 18 State Employees, who enforce 11 State Laws, all, the laws dealing with agriculture.  Right now, our State Legislature is in session.  The State Capitol Building is just a few blocks from The State Department of Agriculture Office Building.  Roy treads that path, frequently, when his job demands it.  He travels around the state, too (many meetings, presentations, training sessions, etc...some of the employees he supervises are located in various places around the state, and, this state has lots of miles to travel.

          We've had a relatively mild Winter, so far.  We do get some of our "worst" storms, or blizzards, sometimes, starting, about now...with heavy wet snow (we hope!) falling "on the tulips and daffodils", which bloom "late", here, in The Rockies.  Most "seasoned inhabitants", here, don't dare plant their annual flowers or gardens until late into May, or, even, early June.  It's been known to snow every month of the year, "out here"!  I can still "see" the picture Roy sent me, of his little red Datsun, covered with snow, parked at the Ranger Station, up, on Laramie Peak (30 miles South of Douglas...the small, friendly, frontier town we were to make our home in) on July 4th!  Now, Harold, Dick, and Roy, may, all, correct me, if my memory is inaccurate!  They should know...they, all, worked for The Forest Service, up, on Laramie Peak, near Esterbrook Lodge (which has a quaint little log church, with a big picture window, spilling out onto the majesty of the mountain...a fitting backdrop to the altar and cross), together.  Today, here, in Cheyenne, where we make our home, in a 700 sq. ft. up, and, down, house, built in 1955, with a big cyclone fenced yard ("too much" yard...you know, the work!), a big "double-plus" garage (room for Roy's tools and things), some big old "cotton less" cottonwood trees, some juniper trees, we planted (and, they're growing successfully...we have them on a drip irrigation system...trees need all the help they can get, to grow, here!), a cement retaining wall, with a gravel driveway, up and down, beside it, and a couple of "Roy-made" flower planters in the yard (Oh!  And, don't let me forget, our chokecherry "bush" tree...which the red red Robins, just, LOVE to eat, when the cherries are ripe, but, to a human taste-bud, "pithy"...if we could, just, get to them BEFORE the birds, we COULD make some mighty fine tasting jelly or syrup...).  Anyway, today, it is cold, here, but, as it is MOST of the time, even throughout the long Winter months, it's cheerfully sunny (we have very short Springs, exactly three month Summers (HOT), short Falls (Antelope hunting, the best in the world, starts, here, on October 1st), and, well, the rest is Winter!).

We LOVE it, out here, in "This God -Forsaken Country", as some "forinners" call it!  We have miles of open spaces between our towns (I don't know that we can boast of more than a couple of "cities", and, they're small, compared to the "Big Folks" of other more populated states), and the BEAUTY; when you look and see "nothing" for miles and miles...if only you knew where to look (EVERYWHERE!), what to look for (EVERYTHING!), and what to "look with" (YOUR HEART, MOSTLY, but, also, with YOUR GOD-GIVEN EYES)...you'd see such precious diversity of landscape (trees, bushes, rocks, hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, dry creek beds, Indian Paint Brush, our State Flower, and a myriad of wild flowers, just, everywhere (plus, sagebrush and cactus);Sky, Oh, the beautiful, mysterious sky...)...diversity of fauna (wildlife...Eagles, Hawks, Meadowlarks, our State Bird, Antelope, Buffalo, Elk, Moose, Deer, Wolves(quite controversial), Coyotes, Fox, Prairie Dogs, Jack Rabbits, and little Cottontail Bunny Rabbits, Squirrels, Geese, Ducks, Fish...need I say more? (Oh, I forgot the rattlesnakes...I wonder why?)....Of course, I wouldn't be a "true" Wyominite, unless, I mentioned, with much importance, our Black Angus and Hereford Beef Cattle, and our numerous Sheep herds, and Goats, too (some people fence them in and let them eat the weeds and brambles, where no man would dare to dabble, then, they pick up the fences and move the "mowing machines" to another troublesome spot!).  I, just, KNOW, I'm leaving SOMETHING out, of all we have, here, in Wyoming...OH!  It's the "scarcity" of our very friendly, wholesome, down-to-earth PEOPLE , that I, almost forgot!  We love US, but, it's so nice to NOT see so many of us!!!  SURE, it gets cold, here, and windy...our " Wind" is a fierce gale, our "Breeze" is quite a wind, to anyone else (well, maybe, not, for the folks in Chicago!?!).  It gets Hot, here, too...we're a countryside of extremes...it's hard on, us, humans (but, it makes us a hardy bunch)..it's, also, hard on the wildlife and the tame life, and on nature...yes, "Mother Nature" IS hard on ALL of nature, "out here", in Wyoming, but, WE LOVE IT!!!  We LOVE to "gripe" about how hard it is, living here.  I, actually, look forward to the old, cold, long Winter (even, with the sun shining...the Winters get L-O-N-G...), precisely, because, the harmless little spiders (but, I hate them!) disappear, SOMEWHERE, for the whole Winter, until, just, about, now, when it starts getting daylight longer.  Where they go, I don't know...all I know, is, I feel compelled to turn everything upside-down in this whole basement, and vacuum, vacuum, vacuum...I'll "suck-out" those little "suckers', if I work myself into earlier wrinkles!  Roy says, "They're harmless;  they don't eat much!"...I don't care, I don't like the looks of any one of them!  Hey!  I failed to mention those little "critters" (see, I'm softening-up on them, already...HELP!!!...), when I was going on and on about the attributes of this Wyoming Home we live in (well, about this Wyoming State, we live in this home we live in...if one of those TV shows which "make-over" homes were to come, here, and offer to re-do our home, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute, BUT, I'd INSIST that they keep me, my kitchen window, small, but, it lets in the most beautiful sun, most all of the day long (you see, it faces South...my neighbors built a big brand new house, on their lot, across the street from us, just to the East, BUT, they built it behind their big cement, "old car" restoring building, in it's shadow, is, half of their beautiful, new home.  To change the subject, a bit, have you ever made spaghetti sauce (we use Prego, Traditional, but, use, whatever...), frying a pound of Safeway Select Italian Sausage, and adding a can (or, fresh!) of Green Giant Mushrooms, letting them get "browned", after the sausage has gotten browned, first...mixing the sauce with the sausage and mushrooms, heating it through, and serving it over some cooked Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Blend Pasta (Spaghetti style)?  Some freshly grated, or, shredded parmesan cheese is sure good, on top, if you like it!  This spaghetti, mixed together, with the noodles, cut up, is even better, reheated (in Microwave, or oven, but, who uses the oven to reheat???), and with a bunch of "decadent" grated medium cheddar cheese melted into it!   Each to his own, I say...just, like, where you choose

and like to live...there's good things (and, not so good) about everything!  Ask me, where I want to live?  I might feel lonely, at times, but, "give me a home, where the buffalo roam;  where the deer and the antelope play...where seldom is heard, a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day!" (usually).  Love, and prayers to each of you and your families, Rita Jo  (This is completely my own doing; don't blame Roy for a word...any of my other E-mails, either...they're "My Own"). "Greetings from Wyoming!"  Love, Rita & Roy

Rita writes more about family to David Trask and sends a copy to the Newsletter:

From: Roy J Reichenbach <rjrx2@juno.com>

To: dltrask@aol.com                                                                        Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2005

Subject: About "Joe" (Adolf Joseph) Fromherz..........

David,  We haven't met, yet.  I'm Joe Fromherz's second child;  I'll be 55 this May 20th;  my name is Rita Jo (Fromherz) Reichenbach; Roy Joseph, my husband since November 20th, 1976, and I, live at 3529 Bevans St., Cheyenne, WY 82001-1704; Roy works for The State of Wyoming, Department of Agriculture, as The Technical Services Manager;  he's been working for the State of WY since February 17th, 1998;  first, as The Weed&Pest Coordinator for The State of Wyoming, then, as of May 1st, 2004, Manager of Technical Services;  he works in The Dept. of Ag. Office in downtown Cheyenne.  I could tell you a lot more about him and us (we have one child; Margaret Mary (Reichenbach) Rayda, married, who lives with Ryan, her husband, in Laramie, WY.), but, I might have told you much of that in a previous E-mail???  If not, I'd be happy to write you about us, when things "simmer down" in our lives.......

My dad ("Joe" Fromherz) has been married twice. The first time, to our mother, Margaret Mary "Peggy" (DeRyke) Fromherz, who passed away after giving birth to her eighth child (Louis Martin Fromherz, who is 43, married, with 4 children, and living in Veneta, Oregon, now...).

"Mother" was 35 when she died.  (By the way, dad was born on August 1st, 1918, to Lucy (King) Fromherz and Adolf Fromherz).  Our mother and dad had, first; Allen Joseph, then, me, Rita Jo, Marie Therese, Francis Anthony, Rose Mary, Barbara Ann, Sylvia Jean, and Louis Martin (mother, also, had a miscarriage once).  Louis was born a month early, I believe (?).

          The second marriage of my dad was to Margie Joan Mischel, single, never married before, and 33, when they married on May 13th, 1967.  Together, they had three boys;  John Arthur, Paul James, and Matthew Michael, so, all together, there are 11 of us;  all, married, with at least, one child (or more), except for Marie, John, and Paul.  (My 17th birthday, was on May 20th, 1967; one week, exactly, after "mom" and dad's wedding day!).

Roy and I have an old computer our daughter generously gave to us when she got a newer one for college (she graduated from The University of Wyoming, in Laramie, WY, with a Bachelor's Degree in Weed Science; she is working on her Master's, while working a full time job.  Her husband got his Master's Degree, also, at The U. of WY. in Architectural Engineering.  He and his family grew up in Laramie, WY; He, also, has a full time job for an engineering company in Laramie).  Roy and I subscribe to Juno Mega Mail, and we don't subscribe to The Internet, YET.  If I want to get the Fromherz Family Newsletter, I must go down to the local City Library and print it off of their computers.  It costs 10 cents a sheet in black and white, but, $1.00 for color, so, I opt for B&W! (but, I'd love to get the color, for the photo's, etc.).  We may get a new computer someday and get on The Internet; get a printer/copier/fax machine, also, but, when???

I wrote you "out of the blue", about my dad going into the hospital.  Did I tell you that the doctors found he has terminal cancer, now?  They guessed he has from 3 months to a year to live (but, how can they know???).  Dad's home from the hospital, not in any more pain than "usual", as he claims, except for the bad cough and upper respiratory infection, he, mom, and my sister Marie, still have.  Dad's stomach has been upset for the last three days, too (but, he's not getting radiation or KEMO treatments...doctors decided it would be harder on him and not feasible).  He hasn't been sleeping at night and he's been keeping mom awake, too, not wanting to.  Mom told Hospice and they prescribed something to calm him down and sleep (I might have that story wrong...she could have told dad's personal physician (?)).  I call home and talk to at least one of them almost every night, since last August, after we'd (Roy and I) driven out to Oregon to visit and help dad celebrate his 86th birthday (Roy was 55, the next day...our Margaret Mary ("Marge") Rayda's hubby, Ryan's 25th birthday was August 3rd...our brother Louis Martin Fromherz's 43rd Birthday followed on August 16th, but, Roy and I had driven back, home, to Wyoming before then...we made a quick week trip;

Roy had just hired a replacement for his Weed&Pest Coordinator job, and he needed training, plus, Roy had 18 State Employees to manage, who, themselves, enforce 11 State laws, concerning Agriculture).  But, I've digressed...Mom wants us, "kids" and our families, who can make it, to come see and visit dad, soon, since, she thinks he'd getting less and less "with-it" (that cold hasn't helped his health any either!).  I can tell, lately, since the cold came on, he does get tired faster and slurs his words, sometimes, not really "getting-it", when I say something to him, or ask him a question.  Before that last hospital stay, which was about a week ago (he came home on Tuesday, Feb. 15th), he used to be in pretty good spirits all the time I'd ever talk with him.  He sang songs (little delightful "ditties", which, I'm sure, he'd learned from his mom &/or dad, like: "Froggy Went a-Courtin'", "Way Out West In Kansas", "Be Kind To Your Web-Footed Friend", "Marie, The Dawn Is Breaking", "Whoopie-Ti-Yi-Yo, Get A-Long Little Doggies", "Said The Little Boy To The Little Girl, In An Ecstasy Of Bliss...etc., etc.", and, one of his "signature" songs (of which, he was careful to not sing around someone with the name "Sue"...he didn't want us to, either, for fear of hurting their feelings...he was THAT sensitive to others' feelings...), "Oh, I've Got A Girl Named Cross-Eyed Sue;  Her Eyes Are Red And Her Lips Are Blue;  Dimpled Hair And A Curly Cheek, Her False Teeth Rattle And Her Glass Eye Squeaks.  She "Chaws" Terbacca All The Time, And Her Spittin's Neat;  She Can Hit A Razorback Right In The Eye, At A Hundred And Fifty Feet!" (when he sang the words: "Squeaks" and "Feet", he would fluctuate the tone of his voice, from one note, then, a note a scale above, and, back down to the original note...made it sound like a real "squeak", too!!!;  "Wake Up A-Yawnin', A New Day Is Dawnin', Under A Western Sky...etc., etc", and there were many more!!!  He used to sing and let (encourage) us to sing along while he drove our family around to wherever we had to go, until, he took up the practice of putting a Rosary between his teeth and starting leading us (whoever was in the car with him, no matter who was driving...) in The Most Holy Rosary, 'till we'd get to our destination, then, if we hadn't finished it, he'd lead us on 'till it was done, all the way home.  I sure enjoyed the joyful singing, though!!!

  Well, I just wanted to tell you a little bit about dad, and I could go on and on, but, here, it's 12:47AM, and I'd better "git" to bed, now.

Roy returns from Washington D.C., via Reagan National Airport, Denver International Airport and flies into The Cheyenne (Municipal (?)) Airport, TODAY, already!!!  He had a weekend business trip there.  Most of us, brothers and sisters and our families, live in Oregon, fairly near dad and mom's place at 8680 Windsor Island Rd., Salem, Oregon, 97303-9703 (1-503-393-3970), but, there are some of us in Colorado, Arizona, Washington State, and, "Your's Truly", in Wyoming!  John had been called to active duty in The Army Reserves, and is coming home for a leave, soon.  Dad and mom are really looking forward to his return (he, when he lived at home, was dad and mom's "right-hand-man").  Hopefully, dad and John can go to The Woodburn Auction one more time, while John is home on leave.  Those two always enjoyed that so much, and, dad has kept going, visiting with his "old Cronies", as mom calls them, or/and with his favorite brother Jim Fromherz (and, sometimes, his wife Mary comes along to keep mom company, if mom's the person who takes dad to the auction that time).  John and dad went to The Knights of Columbus meetings together, too.  They were "bosom buddies", those two! 

  "Good Night!!!", or, should I have written, "Good Morning!!!"...I will write more, if you request me to, but, I can't promise exactly when.  Roy and I, or, maybe, just me, may be flying out to Oregon, soon.  Sincerely, Rita Jo