To Joyce and family......
I am Sylvia Kraus Sanders, your second cousin, originally from Michigan. My mother Alice and Dagmar were 1st cousins, our grandparents brother and sister, both born in Denmark.
I used to visit your parent's farm during my teenage years, almost every summer. "Aunt" Dagmar, as I called her, had so much fun together, mostly shucking peas and corn, peeling potatoes, etc. I remember how much we laughed together. Your father, "Uncle" Ray to me, also let me help on the tractor and in the barn. Your brother Russell and I had teenager schemes, and sort of went out on dates. I thought he was so cool and handsome.
I have often thought about your family through the years, and tried to call Dagmar in the early 2000's but I don't think she understood who I was. My mother cherished her as a cousin and loved all our trips to the Iowa farm. My mother Alice lived to be almost 96 and dies in 2007.
I just came upon your mother's obituary, so wanted to send my condolences and share a few memories. I hope you will receive this somehow, and I hope you are in good health.
Sincerely, Sylvia.