Noel
I moved with my family to Ruskin, Nebraska, in the fifth grade. After school let out for the summer, our neighbor, a farmer, came and said he wanted me to come and work for him and do the fieldwork since his son had just joined the army. I had never really driven a tractor before, so this would be a new experience. It didn’t take long to catch on, and from then on, through my senior year of high school, I did all the fieldwork. He and my brother took care of his cattle as well. It was a good experience, and I am thankful for it.
When I got to college and Seminary, I had different jobs. My first parish to serve as a Pastor was at Froid and Homestead, Montana.
Ruby
I had always lived on the farm in Ferndale, California. I helped Dad with chores outside on the farm and Mom inside the house with chores in the kitchen, helping prepare meals for the family of six and the two or three hired men we always had. Helping to clean house as well. Mom and Dad worked hard in their respected roles. Mom always had a physical ailment that limited her ability. She had several surgeries, and the hired lady was always there to care for us kids and make the meals. Being a helper inside and outside on the farm and active in school activities, I really didn’t have time for a job, so my first job was when Noel was in Seminary. I worked as a Secretary for Dr. Bodensieck, who authored a Lutheran Encyclopedia, as well as a secretary at a manufacturing firm. All very interesting.