It took a good wide angle lens to capture all of the Nordhausens turning out for their August 2021 family reunion in Wauneta. With farming in much of the family background and many Nordhausens continuing to farm, it was appropriate to pose in front of a cornfield. — Courtesy photo
Family reunions bring old, young together
In a time that seems busier and busier with more activities and responsibilities, a number of area residents still take time to pause and get reacquainted at family reunions.
It’s a chance for old, young and those in between to gather, all with a common thread — family.
For three families in the area who hold regular reunions, getting together physically with family is important. It’s just not the same as “meeting” on social media or Facebook.
And each family reunion is unique with events that are always scheduled at every get-together. Others add new events each time, based on who’s doing the planning.
On average, more than 200 adults and kids attend the Nordhausen family reunions in Wauneta. Held every three years the first weekend in August, the 2021 edition drew 234 descendents, said Heidi Anderson of Enders. As part of the extended Fred Nordhausen family, she helped coordinate last year’s reunion.
With such a large group, it takes a full weekend to get in all the events. Last year, Friday included beach swimming and food at Enders Lake, memorabilia pick-up and social time at hosts Monte and Deb Nordhausen’s farm place, capped off with dinner and the “Nordy’s Got Talent” show.
Heidi said the talent show has been a popular event the last three reunions.
“There is a lot of musical talent in the family,” she said, “But any talent is welcome — joke telling, singing, gymnastics.”
While a storm cancelled the show that night, it was moved to Saturday, which worked out well, she said, because more relatives had arrived.
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