Tampa news: Backhus relatives gather for reunion
By JANE VAJNAR
Tampa correspondent
(785) 965-2285
Members of the Backhus family from far and near gathered Sunday for a reunion at the senior center. Those attending included Ella and Jenette Heidemann, John and Ellen Hill, Christopher Hill, Dan and Shannon Hill, John Shelby and Samantha, Robert and Ruth Backhus, Helena Meyer, Norman and Paula Rathje, Linda Durhn, Ryan and Jacob, Gerald and Erna King, Laura, Nana, and Athena, Ken and Kellie Backhus, Otto and Frieda Bentz, Doug and Kim Diekman, Grace and Emilee, Richard and Sharon Backhus, Brad and Jason Backhus, Paul and Edna Backhus.
Michael and Jennifer Jay, Mackenzie Parsons, Ellen Backhus, Robert Backhus, Tom and Bev Reid, Barb Stroda, Sherry and DeWayne Backhus, Donatt, Nolan, and Brianna McClain, Vic Backhus, Glenn and Landon Backhus, Jose and Laura Hernandez, Stacy, Mike, and Haley Snyder, Don and Gail Myer, Robert and Sharon Meach, Cheri Bentz and Tyler, Alan and Virginia Bentz, Harry and Elaine Backhus, Emil and Gladiola Backhus, LaVerda Knaak, Quin and Sharon Rathbone and daughter, Adolph and Mary Anna Backhus, Mildred Bernhardt, Paul and Emma Paulson.
Paul Brunner, Marlene Brunner, Jami Geocabetti, Harold and Wilma Nunn, Debbie Geocabetti, Alma Meyer, Herb Backhus, Art Backhus, Robert Gerhard Backhus, Ellen Backhus, Deb and John O'Bray, Wilbert and Donna Backhus, Ed and Elaine Backhus, Clarence and Carol Lenhart, Katy and Taylor, Mark, Joshua, and Jessica Barrett, and Dennis Meyer.
Leona Kleiber accompanied Adeline Bernhardt to Ascension Lutheran Church in Wichita Sunday afternoon where they joined other relatives and friends for a reception in honor of Rachel Ross' graduation from a massage school of medicine.
Totus Tuus summer religion classes are being held this week at the senior center and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church under the leadership of four young adults. Travis Geer of Wichita and Joe Pennycuff of Augusta are guests of Jerry and Jeanne Rziha. Mary Bergkamp of Ost and Maria Jirak are staying with Francis and Mary Jirak.
Dean and Renee Patton, Lauren and Andrew of McKinney, Texas, were weekend guests of Helen Schwartzman. Eleanor Murphy and Martha Melcher were Saturday evening visitors.
Reuben and Lucille Kerbs were among those attending the men's softball games Sunday evening at Florence.
Tampa young people attending a Catholic Youth Organization leadership conference in Wichita over the weekend included Shaina Makovec, Cecilia Rziha, and Raschelle Jirak.
Paul and Edna Backhus were among the guests for a fish fry Sunday evening at the home of Ralph and Wanda Richmond at Marion.
Twenty-five to 30 students and helpers participated in Vacation Bible School at Saint John's Lutheran Church last week. The theme was "God's Heroes" and the theme scripture verse was "With God all things are possible." The week ended with a program Friday evening followed by a hamburger fry and potluck supper sponsored by the Aid Association for Lutherans branch.
