2024 50th German Dinner
50 years of remembering our Heritage
Fifty German dinners ago, Bob and his Aunt Okla started a family tradition that has been a blessing to all of us.
It has been 50 years of creativity, wonderful food, staying connected,.. and hard work. And perhaps most importanly, it has helped us remember the blessings we enjoy because Clara and Getchen had the courage and faith to be baptzed in a frozen river February 18, 1904.
Hats off to Jamie Smiley and her family, Scott Lifferth, Kelly and to all who made the 50th German Dinner so memorable.
The theme was perfect: The Butterfly Effect.
Our family is proof that several small events can change generations.
Carl’s butterfly collection, Grandma’s baptism, Grandpa and Grandma’s marriage, and their decision to come to Amerca, continue to have a significant influence on us today and generation to come.
The food was amazing: Rueben sandwiches, sauerkraut, salads, and an ice cream bar with butterfly cookies!
Special Tribute to Chris Lifferth - Nov. 11,1979 to Feb. 17, 2024
The following video is rather comprehensive. The program begins at about 1:26 if you want to fast forward.
Panel discussion by Grandma and Granda's grandchildrend
One of the questions that was asked the panel raised the issue about how Grandma and Grandpa felt about America.
Grandma and Grandpa loved America and were thrilled when they finally received their citizenship. A note witten by Gretchen was read that was included in the February 1976 Family News Letter.
It still isn’t clear if the note was written by Gretchen Rabus Lifferth or Gretchen Lifferth Nott. And, actually, I don’t think it really matters because we all feel the same about our wonderful country.
What This Country Means to Me
By Gretchen Lifferth
I believe this country to be the best in the world.
I’m thankful for all of the brave men who fought to make this a free nation.
I think everybody should love and respect our country.
Like, if somebody asked you what nationality you are, you’ll probably say that you’re a German or Frenchman or some other nationality. But I think when you’re asked what nationality you are, you should say you are an American.
This nation might have a lot of wicked people, but we should think of all of the good people that are in our country.
We should be thankful for our free government, because if it wasn’t a free one, we’d be ruled by dictatorship.
We should be thankful for all of our natural resources, friends, and a pace to live and to be FREE.
Be proud you’re an American, and Happy Birthday, America.
February 15, 1976, Lifferth Family News Letterou
A concluding question was asked about some of our memories of our missions. A comment was made about Grandma and Grandpa’s misison.
Their mission was to build a strong and faithful family, always quick to support each other..
Grandma wrote in her journal how much her mother and father loved and supported each other:
“Not many months after this, Father passed away. Just before going he gained consciousness again, sat up in bed and said to Mother who was sitting by his bed, “I knew you were here by me sweetheart, that’s the harmony of our souls”. These were my Father’s last words.” P 13
Grandma also shared her love for her family and husband with these concluding and beautiful words in her history.
“God has been kind to me. It has been a privilege and a joy to have three wonderful children to give me joy and comfort on my way through life.
And now I ask God to bless you, dear children of mine and your mates and all my lovely grandchildren.
May all of you always be ready and willing to serve our Heavenly Father. Keep God’s commandments in all things. Perform your life’s mission in a pleasing way unto God and unto yourselves. May health and strength be given you and be true and faithful in all that you do. I know that if you all do your part, God will be with you and help you over the rough parts of life’s road we all must encounter at time.
Again, God bless you all my loved ones, each and every one of you. Love, Mother. January 1953
The Butterfly Effect continues.
Sacrifice and good decisions made years ago keep us together on a good path, with gratitude for our heritage. We love the Lifferth family.
Thanks again to everyone for helping to celebrate our 50th German Dinner.
The many pictures on the following link remind us how much fun we had and how blessed we are as a family.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNoFnpRS5hV966-rMwUouIcQvNn8jJH8vyfrQ-3e-IsnxThRftqjmmrBZMJpWM3tA?pli=1&key=UjIwMjdpVDk4clg2LVN3M1hsREhzRTN1Z19xRXh3
