Editor’s Note / As this brief story about the Meisinger gathering is posted online, we are remembering Marge Diehl Meisinger, age 92, who died unexpectedly on June 4 at Edward Hospital, the week after she and her husband Earl marked their 72nd wedding anniversary. On May 17, Marge had coordinated a Diehl/Matson Family Reunion that attracted relatives from Denmark for their “first cultural exchange,” she noted during the special occasion.
Over the years, Marge, front left, had contacted PN’s publisher and Daily Herald columnist with many story ideas, including the most recent one for the Diehl/Matson Family Reunion at the VFW along with another one planned by her husband’s family on June 21, also at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.
Story in print appears in the June PN
Earl Meisinger will turn 95 in July, but his family likely will celebrate his birthday a little early when they gather at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 for another special occasion this month.
A meeting of Meisingers is slated from 11AM to 5PM on Sun., June 21. The potluck luncheon aims to attract 150-200 people, all descendants of two brothers, John and Joseph, who found their way to Naperville in 1850.
Earl’s father John stayed, but 20 years later, Joseph disappeared, according to Dennis Meisinger, the oldest of Marge (Diehl) and Earl Meisinger’s seven children. The Meisinger farm was just south of where Edward Hospital stands now. A street sign “Meisinger Lane” marks the location on Washington St. to Edgewater.
Organizer Dennis hesitates to call the occasion a family reunion because most of them have never met.
“First, second, third, fourth and fifth cousins are expected to gather together for the first time, just to get to know one another,” he said.
With the assistance of curators at Naper Settlement, Dennis is putting together a family history to be presented with many artifacts, mementos and photos already in his possession.
Meisingers are welcome to reserve a spot by calling Virginia or Dennis Meisinger at (630) 904-0633.
The Farmers’ Plaza along the Riverwalk features a plow that was donated by the Meisinger family to celebrate the pioneer spirit in Naperville. Many of the city’s earliest farm families also are engraved on the monument.
