Family Story Finder

The sweep of family history across the generations

Betty Wohlgemuth's last years

Following Isaak's death in 1929, Betty lived comfortably in the cosmopolitan Bavarian Quarter—until the Nazi repressions made life unbearable

Ed Eilertsen tribute puzzle

Ed loved crosswords, so Dan Ruby created a tribute puzzle for his memorial. Kate and Twyla were the clue crew.

Eilertsen roots in Farsund, Norway

Farmers and seafarers from the south Norway coast

Eilertsens at sea

Members of a farming family took to the sea both as an occupational calling and a means of emigration

Eilertsens by the lake

Ed was the rector at Saint Martin's By the Lake in Minnetonka Beach, Minn. The family was raised in towns around the lake region west of Minneapolis, including in the church rectory

Filming of "The Heartbreak Kid"

Ed officiates at a movie wedding

First grandchild

Twyla Ariel Eilertsen Ruby was born on August 7, 1985

Fourth Generation Rubys

Just a bit about Twyla, Gene, Zach and Lani.

Ghosts of Weißensee—the cemetery played on

1929 - 1942

How did Betty Katz meet her end in February 1942?

Janis Brenner—a Ratner in motion

An innovator in modern dance and choreography since breaking in with the Murray Lewis Dance Company in the 1980s. The Ratners moved geographically. Janis moves artistically.