Katherine Staub Wilcox 1930-2018

Katherine Staub Wilcox passed away in December and we will miss one of our most enthusiastic family historians. It was always a pleasure to visit the Wilcox home, located on land that's been in the Staub family since the 1870s. Katherine and her family hosted three different reunion gatherings at the Wilcox place.

Looking at photos

When we went to see Kathy, she would have a collection of items ready for review on the kitchen table. (I don't know if it is a Swiss trait or a Staub trait, but everything related to family was worth saving!) We looked at photos, photo albums, newspaper clippings, family letters and postcards. My favorite piece of Staub family history was Jacob's record of letters sent and received--to relatives still in Switzerland, his sisters in California and other scattered acquaintances. 

Discussing ancestors

We spent much time trying to solve family mysteries, such as Mina's two marriages to Ivar Bentzel and Rudolf Aeberle, the cryptic letter received from Regula Bentzel after they returned to Switzerland and whether the Laager families located in the U.S. were family connections. After a visit with Kathy, I would always have new ideas for continued research.  


*52 Ancestors: "Love"