Jan Vanderheiden has lived most of her life in southeastern Wisconsin. She has worked in the local school system as a paraprofessional assistant librarian for three decades. She never met a book she didn’t like, and has read hundreds of biographies, memoirs, and historical accounts over the years. She loves antiquing, gardening, and the experience of new cultures through travel. Of special interest is the opportunity to hear other people’s stories.
She and her husband, Gary, lived for many years in a large Victorian home that they never did finish remodeling. This was by no means due to lack of time or money that was lavished upon it. They just didn’t know when to stop. They raised two children in that house. Also part of the family was their little dog, Wolfgang Amadeus, known to the family as, “Wolfie,” who seemed often more wise than his owners.
It was while existing in this historic abode that Jan embarked on the adventure to seek her family history. The resulting horde of notes, souvenirs, and recovered black and white snapshots has greatly enriched her life and changed how she views the world. The pursuit of her family roots has become a life long passion and therefore, the journeys never end.