Tell us about your family’s roots.

My family is mostly German with some Danish heritage, migrating to the US in the 1700-1800s.

What is your family’s migration story?

My maternal great-grandparents were all German, emigrating to the US in the late 1800s. Their children, my grandparents, were born in the US in the late 1800s in Iowa and Wisconsin. My grandfather served in the US Army in WWI, as a German interpreter. My paternal grandmother was born in Denmark in the late 1800s moving here as a young child. My paternal 7th great grandfather came from Switzerland in 1715 to Pennsylvania with a group of Mennonites. Eventually the descendants scattered, some to Canada, others to New York, Illinois and Iowa.

My life has been enriched immensely by being involved in the lives of many immigrants and refugees for nearly 50 years, helping sponsor some families, as an ESL teacher in Omaha, and with other immigrant organizations. Every family I know has moved here for a better life for their family. Did any of us choose where to be born? Like other responses, I feel that we live on stolen land and are given the opportunity to welcome new friends from many countries. They come with such enthusiasm and gratefulness to be here and are hard-working, contributing members of the tapestry of our community, thriving with the chance for an education.

What’s one memory, story, recipe, or item you and your family have carried with you?

I still make my grandmother’s faugens for Christmas; it’s like a donut hole deep-fried rolled in sugar. It brings back many memories of my grandmother and all family members who would share food and favorite stories together.