I live on the eastern edge of what is called the "Holy Land" in this part of Wisconsin. The "Holy Land extends the length of Lake Winnebago and continues toward Lake Michigan to the east. It has many small, country type cemeteries which are fun to explore, but the grave stones tend to be made from soft stone and after a hundred years, they are difficult to read. I will be any help I can in my immediate area. I find helping you with photos is as much fun as Geo-cashing. My search of surnames include Richter, Heling, Wilke, Wiegand, Keenan, Frankman and Dignin. The Frankman homesteaded in Wisconsin 1850's, Dakota's 1870s and others formed a bridge building company in St.Paul. Dignins migrated to the west, Montana to Washington.

Some people ask me and I also wonder why I find looking for deceased family so interesting and compelling. The answer is that I really don't know except that I am totally in awe at the sacrifice and risk that was taken by those before me. I am amazed at their purpose and reason to leave the home land and the risk, not just financial, but of life and limb to bring their families here. My German and Irish ancestors came to give their children a better advantage at life's livelihood because social and economic conditions were not favorable in the home country. All they expected and what they did receive was an unrestrained chance to better themselves and to prosper.

As I enter the ending years of my life, I wonder if my ancestors would look favorably at the progress I have achieved with my family. Have the results of my life been worthy of the sacrifices made by my ancestors before me. Hopefully, in time I will be able to meet them and learn more of their opinion and wisdom.

I live on the eastern edge of what is called the "Holy Land" in this part of Wisconsin. The "Holy Land extends the length of Lake Winnebago and continues toward Lake Michigan to the east. It has many small, country type cemeteries which are fun to explore, but the grave stones tend to be made from soft stone and after a hundred years, they are difficult to read. I will be any help I can in my immediate area. I find helping you with photos is as much fun as Geo-cashing. My search of surnames include Richter, Heling, Wilke, Wiegand, Keenan, Frankman and Dignin. The Frankman homesteaded in Wisconsin 1850's, Dakota's 1870s and others formed a bridge building company in St.Paul. Dignins migrated to the west, Montana to Washington.

Some people ask me and I also wonder why I find looking for deceased family so interesting and compelling. The answer is that I really don't know except that I am totally in awe at the sacrifice and risk that was taken by those before me. I am amazed at their purpose and reason to leave the home land and the risk, not just financial, but of life and limb to bring their families here. My German and Irish ancestors came to give their children a better advantage at life's livelihood because social and economic conditions were not favorable in the home country. All they expected and what they did receive was an unrestrained chance to better themselves and to prosper.

As I enter the ending years of my life, I wonder if my ancestors would look favorably at the progress I have achieved with my family. Have the results of my life been worthy of the sacrifices made by my ancestors before me. Hopefully, in time I will be able to meet them and learn more of their opinion and wisdom.