Marx Gang el Mania ………

Marx Gang el Mania ………. January, 2005

By Sam D. Maniac…aka George Marx…3020 S. 9^th St….K.C.KS 66103…913-262-0709…samnellam@juno.com

February Birthdays

8	1975	Travis Hutchens	Becky-Tim-Don-George M-Lib G	U.S.Navy
9	1982	Lynn Henley Wendt	Cheryl-Sam-George M-Lib G	Edwardsville, KS
11	1944	Mary Ann Marx	Bill-George M-Lib G	Thousand Oaks, CA
15	1964	Beth Winton	Ella-Sam-George M-Lib G	K.C. KS
16	1992	Tony Brown	Linda-Jim-George M-Lib G	Danville, IA
18	1997	Cole Henley	Brian-Cheryl-Sam-George M-Lib G	Edwardsville, KS
20	1938	Don Marx	George M - Lib G	Anchorage, AK

Families are like fudge…mostly sweet with a few nuts

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Mary, youngest of the George and Elizabeth Gangel Marx clan writes: I have finally finished school. The only reason to go to school from here on out is to get a RAISE. Peter has turned sixty. Kim bought half a duplex, and Lauren’s doing just great. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody in July. Hope everybody in Cheryl’s family is well. We enjoyed her letter. Love to all ….. Mary and Peter

Since the reunion is attracting many out of state families to our fair city, it appears that this would be a good time for a wedding. Family members coming to town for the reunion can join in the festivities of this special occasion, without the need to travel at another time. Alison Henley, daughter of Cheryl Henley, daughter of Sam Marx, son of George and Lib Marx, will be married to Arturo Caballero on July 2. The following Friday, July 8 is the date selected by Dianne Marx, daughter of Jim, who is also the son of George & Lib Marx, to be joined in marriage with Mike McCoart. Congratulations to all!

Updates on the sick… Jessica Henley, wife of Brian, son of Cheryl, daughter of Sam has received no conclusive results from tests regarding the breastbone growth and chest pain. Brian says that she is doing somewhat better, but the symptoms are still very much present. We are all disappointed to find that the test results (as mentioned in the December Mania) will not be available until February 2. Their son, Colin is doing great, he’s once again a typical four year old. We will continue to keep you in our prayers Jessica.

Ella and I, for the past twenty some years have traveled for a Christmas gathering with her only sister Madyline White, her husband J.D., their two children and as of now, four grandchildren. Because of Madyline’s illness, we

made the trip just before New Year’s for a one night stand, without giving notice. Ella felt that if Madyline knew when we were coming, she would exert too much effort in preparation. We arrived the afternoon of New Year’s eve and found the White’s at the hospital in Nashville, just about to return home to Manchester, TN.

The orange size lump in her lung had just been diagnosed as cancer. In addition to the lung, cancer spots were detected in her pancreas, adrenal gland, liver and lymph nodes. Needless to say, we were shocked because for three weeks of testing, all reports regarding cancer were negative. To top it off, an M.R.I. the following Wednesday indicated a brain tumor, which was surgically removed the next day. She was released from the hospital on Sunday, and began radiation treatments a week later, to insure that the two inch tumor in her brain was completely removed. The week before, she began a series of chemotherapy treatments for the other areas of cancer. These treatments are to continue for eight weeks, at which time doctors will determine if the treatments are working. Madyline, (who, incidentally is a non-smoker) had experienced no ill effects, other than a persistent cough, and had lost no weight during the testing period, and in fact, had continued working as secretary to a local bank president until hospitalized. Since our visit she has lost twenty pounds. This fine lady is a prime example of a true Christian. Up to this point she has been very active in her church affairs. She is resigned to the fact that God has a purpose for all this, and we must all have faith in Him, whatever the outcome. Let’s keep Madyline, her family, and Ella in our prayers, please.

The Mania is later than usual this month due to technical difficulties. It seems that a computer does indeed require a built-in cooling fan … that works. Mine quit working which led to the frying of almost every part in it. As a Christmas gift, Ella made arrangements for our computer expert friend to build a new one for me. In an attempt to salvage what he could from the old one, it took a little more than three weeks for him to complete the task. I now have a modern, very up to date computer which should provide excellent service for a long time. I hope to retrieve some e-mails sent to samnellam@juno.com between Christmas day and January 17, but at this point I’m not sure. If I ask you about something that you have already sent to me, don’t think I have ignored you, I might not have received the message. Maile, I did receive your e-mail today (Jan. 18) and am working on a reply.

G-3 – Great Group Gathering. Don and Bill came up with this “code name” for the reunion. Jim and I have decided to make a change. Because we are older, we must automatically be wiser. For this reason, and because I am typing it and Don and Bill will see it at the same time that you do, and we have received no objection from them, I’m going to assume that they also agree. The reunion will now be named G-4; the Great Gangel-Marx Group Gathering. G-4 will officially begin with a day of food, drink and fun for the entire Mania Gang on July 3, 2005. This is a Sunday which should allow time for travel and settling in. For out of towners we have space available at several of the local gangs’ homes. You might need sleeping bags and use the floor, but I think we can accommodate everyone with a roof and indoor plumbing. We can work on this in the next few months. Contact Sam & Ella Marx at samnellam@juno.com or at 3020 South 9^th Street, Kansas City, KS 66103-2616 – (913) 262-0709. We will provide transportation from and to the airport, train and bus stations. We’ll pursue this in later Manias.