The descendants of Valentine Katzung and Christiana Yost Katzung held their 11th biennial family reunion on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Conger Community Center. The 43 family members in attendance were registered by Lois Katzung Anderson of Albert Lea. Les Anderson of Albert Lea led the group in singing the table prayer, after which all enjoyed a catered luncheon. Clair and Marian Katzung Dahl and Randy and Sherry Dahl Schott, all of Ellendale, helped serve the luncheon. Attendees brought bars and cookies to share for dessert.

A program followed the luncheon and consisted of pictures from previous reunions. It was presented by Larry Katzung of Frisco, Texas, the current family historian. Vernell Katzung of Owatonna, who was unable to attend the 2007 reunion because he was biking across America for lung cancer at that time, gave a short recap of his trip with special emphasis on what he learned at Gettysburg, Penn. Valentine Katzung is believed to have been a member of Minnesota’s 1st Regiment. Larry then reported on the trip to Breitungen, Germany, that he and his wife Hildy took last year on the occasion of the 1075th Anniversary of the town. Breitungen was the birthplace of Valentine’s mother.

A recap of the Katzung family history was then presented by Larry with emphasis on the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Valentine and Christiana, family deaths in the past two years. The Valentine Katzung family consists of 13 children, 60 grandchildren and 143 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren and beyond. Four grandchildren are still surviving after the deaths of Orlean Cleven and Veryl Meyer during the last two years. Marie Brackey, age 89, of Albert Lea was the sole grandchild in attendance. Of the 104 surviving great-grandchildren, Bob Rebelein of Kiester was recognized for being the oldest of this group in attendance.

A trip in September 2010 is planned for the family. This 11-day trip would begin in Innsbruck, Austria, and end in Berlin, Germany, with several stops that coincide with events in the life of Martin Luther. The highlights of the trip will be attending the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria, and spending a day in Schmalkalden, Thueringen, the birthplace of Valentine Katzung and his father Joseph.

The Katzungs are planning for their next reunion to be held Aug. 13, 2011.