On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Schelle cousins gathered in Breda, Iowa, at the Legion Hall (post 607) on Main St. Extra bathrooms have been added over the years, still rustic as in my memory. I’ve been there often for weddings, funerals, and graduations, but it had been years since the last time.
The occasion was an annual reunion around the arrival of Ron and Pat Schelle’s family, visiting from North Carolina. It’s planned to be annual, although for the 2 years prior to 2026, it didn’t happen, for various reasons. Ron is the youngest brother of my mom, Jean Schelle.
The Schelle farm home is a couple of miles west of Breda, where the 8 children grew up. This day was a potluck, with catered in hamburgers and hotdogs from Red’s Place, a few doors away.
My contribution to the lunch was canned shoestring potatoes, the kind that I remember Grandma Schelle bringing to blanket picnics in the park.
About 70 attendees came-first cousins, spouses, and their children. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout as only 3 first cousins could not come.
Here’s a synopsis of people there, in order of appearance, with my one word or short phrase impressions:
The 2 hour road trip getting there with my brother, Ed, (Eddie to everyone else that day, haha) and sis-in-law, Linda-entertaining!
Julie, dark haired and beautiful, greeting us outside.
Mark K., “Hi Shirley”, quietly.
Marilyn, BIG hug, “I’m OK.” she says. Oh Marilyn, you do have the stories: living in a haunted house, husband in hospice, saying “All I want to know is, am I going up, or am I going down?”, priest, cleaning, sins forgiven by personal wish.
Donnie (Madonna Goecke Koster, Mom’s cousin) looking not a day over 80, and acting as spry as ever, “Hi. Oh Shirley, I just had my 95th birthday and renewed my driver’s license for 2 years. I drove in from Carroll. Three of my children and my husband have passed away.”
Karen, my sister, co-planner, crowd feeder of lasagna, and giggler in the kitchen.
Jim P., “How’s Dan?”
Jim K., “Who am I?”, not with words, but coming right up to my face so I could look into his eyes, challenging me. I knew right away.
Jeanine, at the ID badge table, whispering in my ear, “Last time, you told me I was magical. I heard that.” I did?
GINIA!, major organizer of this event, saying with a giant smile, when I thanked her, “I had a lot of help”.
Charlie, “After retiring, I bought a pickup truck that I don’t need, or use.” Ha Ha, and he’s keeping it.
Uncle Ron, “People say I look like Merle and I sound like Wayne.” These are 2 of his older brothers. He is a retired metallurgist, educated at Iowa State, and a hobby genealogist for at least 50 years.
Pat, wife of Ron, with a soft smile, “Oh Jeanie, yes, I see her in you, Shirley. So much fun, and it’s all a lot. (traveling from North Carolina). Pat will forever be known as the family’s pastry chef extraordinare. She was employed as an EMT and nighttime ambulance driver for years.
Paul, son of Ron and Pat, “When I had to go the hospital, I asked if I could get a discount. Everyone there knew my mom, from her career and gifts of baked goods. They told me “No.”
Linda J., “I’m doing OK.” A recent widow, I offered my sympathy, and asked the usual question, “How are you?”. Later, she said “It used to be we, and now it’s just me.”
Joyce, “I’ve been better.” Cryptic, leaving me to wonder what was going on. Maybe she meant “I’ve been younger.” Haven’t we all?
Randy, (husband of Joyce), “We were married the same month and year as you and Dan.” August 1972.
Judy, in the kitchen, carrying a covered dish, “I’m just looking for a place to put this”, and later, “I want to go on a bus trip.”
Curt, “I brought sauerkraut for the hot dogs, and a can opener, and this little tupperware to put it in.”
Laurie, (my cousin, and wife of Curt), laughing, “I don’t want that tupperware back!”
Rob, my brother, “It’s hot, AND heavy.” in answer to my question, “Is it hot?”, as he fastwalks in the back door, with Russ Boes, both carrying big roasting pans. And later, Rob offers us pears from his backyard tree and jars of his bright green sweet pickles, and salsa (!) both made from his garden produce.
Susie, Rob’s spouse, with a kind of subued, but happy , “Hi Shirley.” and a hug. We love Susie!
Linda T., “”That was nice.”, as a young girl gave her a random hug, making me want one also, and wonder who she was. Linda did not know. I found out later it was Charlie’s granddaughter.
Mike, whose name tag was upside down (so he could read it and know who he is, haha) with my favorite comment of the day, pleading with me, “Don’t ever stop writing! I read your blogs over and over.”
Gayle, with my second favorite comment, “My husband remembers your Miller Lite blog era.” Thanks, Rod, for reading it!
Ron again, standing by his genealogy chart, “Please update your family details with new births, and weddings. Write them on this notepad.”
Carol, Nice writing on that update list! (my comment, as I followed her, writing down some new information).
Doreen, “You have soft hands.” This surprised me!
Phyllis, “Psychology and music.”
Becky, “Bless us O Lord.”, and getting emotional, as did most of us.
Peter, Becky’s husband, Special Coffee Drinks! From their family’s Pennsylvania coffee shop.
Jim K., again, “I need a glass of milk.” as he’s eating a dessert. He and I plan a milk bar for the next time.
Diane, who brought Grandma Schelle’s round sugar cookies, and the recipe. When I asked her if she’s gotten to Midtown (my Omaha neighborhood), she said, “No. I avoid that area.” We laughed because I know why- street car construction and blocked streets.
Brenda, Diane’s daughter, standing next to her, “I have! We, my girlfriends and I, just went to the Cottonwood (restored historic hotel, former Blackstone, where the Rueben sandwich was invented).We like the pool and go every summer”. This made me happy!
Gerry, “Take a slice home to Dan, from this pie I brought.”, as he cut a large portion. Generous and thoughtful.
Well, that’s about it. I know I didn’t chat with each of you. But, you can be sure I saw you there- laughing, talking, eating, teasing and remembering and loving.
May God bless us all,
From Shirley, the shy one in the middle.
