STADEM FAMILY REUNION, MAY 27-30, 1988: Some say the quickest way to have a family reunion is to win in a lottery, but that was not the case at the Stadem Reunion. The theme, carried through this year was, "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES," and memories there were! Being met at the plane by brother and sister and their mates was what was expected but the two heavy suitcases with Memorabilia was unexpected. The first week was spent visiting friends and care centers with my brother Leroy. Three were honored by the Mayor as they had reached 100 years of age, and a friend, Mrs. Brende, was also honored by friends and relatives as she had reached 102. Her faithfulness at the Union Gospel Mission will never be forgotten.

A trip to Lake Madison to see Hans and Alida's lake-cabin was a treat, and on from there to look things over on the farm, clean up, and put up another sign: "A house is built of sticks and stones but a home is built of love alone." The second week, groceries were purchased with the result of 18 loaves of bread being made, 5 dozen cinnamon rolls, muffins, cooked and frozen chicken for an Ala King oven dish, potato salad dressing, a copper penny carrot salad, a Norwegian sweet soup for our Norwegian meal--all made before going to the Farm on Thursday. All were greated by the "STADEM REUNION" sign over the driveway made by Chloe.

Friday P.M. the pastor from Bryant and our nephew-pastor Tim from Mitchell, SD, showed up first and after a strong cup of coffee the lawn was getting a clipping by Tim, Tom, and Gabe. Friday evening a goodly crowd arrived and the deer-meat stew, furnished by Leroy and Liz vanished quickly. Saturday morning's breakfast was served as each came from their tents, Motorhomes, bedrooms, motels, or whatever. A Norwegian meal was served at noon, and a few came dressed in their unusual garb as suggested. Honor was given to the mothers and dads of babies born in 1987. Musical cards, a remembrance, was given at this occasion with proper decorations and poems suiting the occasion. A sample of one: "His mother's eyes, his father's chin, his aunty's nose, his grandpa's mouth--so it appears, poor little tot, well may he moan, he hasn't much to call his own."

A solo by our three-year-old Chad R. was enjoyed by all before musical cards were given out to celebrate a 25th and 45th birthday this year. Tim S. and Mim R. were honored by a computer sign, made by Dave S., and with musical card-hearts. Leroy and Liz presented us with a monkey puppet show, a narration of "Happy Memories" by Be, and another sent to us by Estelle. Displays of Memorabilia, singing of hymns, fun songs, silent auction, games of crochet and Frisbee, were some of the other enjoyments.

[A most interesting account of how Kari's mother entertained the group dressed as a little old lady "senior citizen" who sang but always missed the last note in her songs and told jokes as well--this is too long for this portion, unfortunately--Editors] Saturday evening we heard our father speaking on a tape that had been sent by him to California long ago. The voices of the Stadems and their little ones before school age, and Grandma's weak voice after the funeral of our dear Dad--telling of how she was so weak and having no appetite but eating to receive strength to go on. Her testimony also was one we shall never forget.

A build up for a suprise to come had been made, and this was the hour. Russ and I have a dear friend in Riverside who through letters had heard of a picture Russ had taken of our dear Mother praying (unbeknownst to her). This was sent to a family member, Bart Lindstrom, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and he made a beautiful painting of it, and this was reproduced, mounted, and put into a beautiful frame. Fifty-two of these were sent as gifts to the immediate Stadem family and the Grandchildren (one box of four were lost in shipping). It was unveiled, and several were passed around for all to see, then told that all would receive one. Tears flowed freely, and we have proudly shown it to all that knew and didn't know Grandma Stadem [Mama Bergit (Bessie) Holbeck-Stadem, age 98, passed in her sleep to the Lord September 25, 1983, from Mobridge, SD--Editors]. We all praised the Lord by singing, "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." Our gratitude has been shown by each one writing a "Thank You" note to this special artist.[Excerpt from Bernice Stadem-Schaefer's Reunion Letter, 1988--Editors]

NOTES OF APPRECIATION SENT TO BART LINDSTROM

FOR PAINTING OF BERGIT STADEM

Seeing this painting brought tears to my eyes as this pose was a familiar one. I once snuck up on Grandma to see who she was talking to. It sounded like she was conversing with someone. As I peeked around the corner all I saw was Grandma. She was talking and listening to God. Thank you so much, Pete Stadem.

I feel so blessed to be a granddaughter of Bergit Stadem--memories of her life and faith live on. I love to share with others these memories, and yet, the words I try to use will not be as effective as the painting from you. In her last years of life she would forget all of those close to her except the Lord Jesus. What a beautiful faith-life. Thank you again, Mary Stadem

Of all the poses of my Grandma Bergit Stadem which I remember, it was the one where she sat at the breakfast table and prayed her morning prayers aloud. She named us, her grandchildren, one by one in her prayer and finished with the phrase,"...bless every one." My brother Al, who had difficulties with Christians who were authoritative in their personalities, cites Grandma as one he could trust because of her humility and gentleness. She would intercede for and defend the weaker members of the family. Thank you for this beautiful remembrance, Rennard Svanoe

"Tusen Tak" for the painting. For one who struggled to find himself and went down paths that are inevitably dead ends, this has a very personal meaning. God honored Grandma's prayers in my life. For me, this painting is a definite inspiration because it is a reminder of the deep spiritual awakening I had while conscious of Grandma praying for me. From an aesthetic perspective, we appreciate so much the composition and the way you handled the water colors. Stephen and Tanya Stadem

From a Daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Stadem: One who knew Grandma only in the later years--one who is ever grateful for the witness she was to my five children who grew upnext door to Grandma. Her strong faith, boundless love, and patience made an indelible impression on all of us. Praise God for her memory.

You have portrayed the Grandma Stadem that I dearly love, beautifully. I could swear that you knew her. Her hands are a feature that you emphasized. These same hands dried my hears, warmed my hands and heart, assured me in anxious moments, and have given me precious insights into God's saving grace. I am so overwhelmed by your generosity, I can only thank you in the powerful way I know, "May the Lord Bless and Keep You." Tom Stadem

"Intensity" is the theme you have captured here of Grandma. Grandma loved our Lord and loved life with an honest intensity that she shared with all of us and others. There is definitely a tear or two of happy, intense joy in Grandma's prayer. I only hope that my little Danny can learn from life some of the Christian love that Grandma taught us all by being such a wonderful example to follow. All our love, Daniel & Kathy Spilde, and "Little Danny"

The painting of Grandma, to us "Mama Stadem," brought a thrill that cannot be explained. Just to see such a familiar sight of our precious Mom brought tears of joy. Her love for Jesus Christ was evident in thought, word, and deed--all glory to God To you, "I thank my God upon all rememberance of you..." Come see us, Tom and Ruth Harrington, Sherwood, ND

Bart Lindstrom: I do so appreciate the picture of Grandmother Stadem. What a wonderful and thoughtful person the Artist must be! Fondly, Gloria Brown

Dear Bart: I loved my Grandmother and will always remember her great faith and trust in the Savior. Thank you, Darrell Ginther

I love the picture of my Grandmother and I will treasure it. It is a gift from Heaven...God bless you for it. Name withheld by request

Dear Mr. Lindstrom: I have your picture of my Grandmother hanging on the wall with the famous one of the old man praying--but yours is more special to me. One day this may be as famous. Jerry Ginther

Thank you so much for the beautiful picture of Grandma Stadem! She was a special lady in so many people's lives, especially her family's. Grandma always put God first. We would sit around the table after breakfast and have devotions and prayer. That is why your picture is so precious as that is the way I remember her the best. Thank you, Dave, Mim, and Laura Patch

Dear Sir: My family and I wish to thank you very much for the picture of my Grandmother, Bergit Stadem. It is truly an inspirational picture and a beautiful piece of art. We owned a Christian bookstore and sold a number of Grandpa and Grandma pictures depicting them praying at the table. They were nice and some cost a lot of money--but I don't believe they were as inspirational and moving as your painting. Thank you again for your generosity and talent. Wayne Ginther

Dear Mr. Lindstrom: I will find a very prominent but private place for your painting of Grandma. As a boy of 9 & 10 I spent two years under her care. I saw her in this pose daily as we prayed before and after each meal. My recollections are that Grandma moved slowly but with deliberate movements--she would linger in prayer after I looked up, so, if any pose of her is appropriate the one you painted is it. A saint she is, her goodness shone brightly and she imparted this to others, including her children. What a heritage we have. You have honored us by bringing it out of the photo album into the prominent place it deserves. May we daily benefit and be blessed by seeing true reverance and humbleness. Be assured you will be thanked many, many times over. Thank you, Lorin Ginther

Brother Bart Lindstrom: The whole Taylor-Stadem clan thanks you from Brazil, Columbia, and Tennessee. We will have these five portraits in our various homes where literally hundreds of people will ask, "Who is that?" There aren't too many grandmas who pray and it will be an example to them and others. It is such to me. You served the Lord by serving us in this way. We just might end up being a family that is known for its praying. Calvin Taylor & Family

Dear Bart Lindstrom: Bless you and thank you for painting and sharing the precious picture of our Grandmother. As you have probably gathered by now, we think she was a very special woman. The picture says it all: gentle woman, yielded spirit, faithful servant. I am truly grateful to you for your generous gift. Bonnie Hilt

Dear Mr. Lindstrom: Thank you for the beautiful picture of my Grandmother. I especially will cherish many memories of Grandma that my family can only identify through my recollections. Thank you, Paul Rangen

We are so surprised with this special gift, the kind the Lord Jesus would give. You cannot imagine the pleasure we have from this picture day after day. I still feel the soft folds in Grandma's face as she pulled us close to her with a squeeze and good kiss for her ittle "tupins," which she call her grandchildren. Bless you and may God bless you and bless you. Your friend in Christ, Bergit's grandhild and family, Naomi (Svanoe) Iserman & husband, Bernie, & Michael & Jonathan

We cannot thank you enough for your generous spirit to give us such a loving memory of our dear Mom. Being the oldest, I would see our sweet Mother many times at prayer. God bless you for your loving kindness in making so many happy. Wish we could meet you some time. Sincerely, Pearl Ginther

In your portrait you have truly caught the generous spirit of our (Mother) Grandma Stadem. Thank you so much, Alida and Hans Spilde

The picture you so artfully painted of our mother is worth thousands of words...it has, and will bring to rmembrance the great heritage one has in praying parents. We are confident the work will also serve as a reminder to many a parent, to keep using this greatest of all privileges--prayer! May God richly bless you and continue to use your talents to bless the lives of others. In Christ, LeRoy Stadem

Website Guests, Please Go To Part II for More Notes of Appreciation

OF BART LINDSTROM

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