Bernice Block
Address withheld at her request
Dear Mary,
I didn't write sooner because I waited for some input from my family and
believe me they didn't disappoint me. In fact, it was overwhelming.
The cards, letters, and phone calls prove just what a wonderful thing I did
for my family when I decided to write my memories. Believe me, it leaves you
with the greatest feeling ever to have made so many people happy.
Best thing I ever did.
Love,
Bernice

June 10, 1996
Ms. Kathleen
Theisen
Address withheld at her request
Dear Mary,
There is great need for me to express my gratitude to you for writing Dad's
autobiography. Only after the experience was over did I realize what a
significant event this was for Dad and my entire family. You took the
challenge of reviewing Dad's life and dealt with it as if you were handling
a
priceless jewel.
It was a thrill to see Dad focus his meager resources into telling his story.
There is a new vitality in his conversation and a sense of purpose that I
have not seen for several years. His book remains a frequent topic of
conversation. He is also pleased with the responses and attention the book
has brought from his sisters, brother, nieces, and nephews.
My brother Jay and I are amazed at the new sense of "family" which
the book
has generated. In July, there will be a long overdue family reunion. We
received wonderful communications from nieces and nephews with other
remembrances and family stories. We are reveling in this new sense of
connection.
Mary, I applaud you for your talent and skill. But more importantly, I thank
you from the bottom of my heart for so sensitively impacting our lives.
With deep gratitude and fondness,
Kathleen Theisen
Kathleen
Theisen
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Tom
Clark
930 Humboldt St. #5
Denver, CO 80218
Dear Mary,
Last evening I finished reading Jack and Sallie Clark's "story." It
was just
great. I am learning things about my parents and gained perspective about
them and me that are new and enlightening. Thanks so much for the great care
that you've exercised in writing this book. It will be a reminder of lives
lived of happy times and sorrows for generations to come. There's not a
person I've told about this book who has not been extremely taken by the
idea. Thanks so much.
Tom Clark
September
21, 1996
William W. Martens
1141 12th Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54304
Dear Mary,
The books arrived in fine shape.
You did a really great job on my autobiography. I was amazed at how you were
able to compile the results of the three interviews you had with me. You
wrote it up in such an easily readable style. So far, all who have read this
book just rave about its clear organization. Only you and I know the jumble
of information you had to put into order.
You did a superb job, Mary. I am sure all future autobiographies written by
you will be considered super jobs done by a really gifted writer.
Thank you from a senior who received much more than he ever expected.
Respectfully,
William W. Martens
William W. Martens
Green Bay, Wisconsin

August
26, 2001
Nancy Carlson
7445 110th Street E.
Northfield, MN 55051
Dear Mary,
I apologize for such a belated note, but nevertheless, our thank you to you
is most sincere. Your creation of putting into print so many life stories of
my parents is so precious to us. We all have had such fun reading about their
past and many new stories we had never known before. Seeing it all in print
in a
book truly gives one a new perspective on someone's life and two at that! I
found myself not wanting to put the book down it was so interesting.
Not only do we thank you for actually making the book, but the process was
meaningful, also. Your visits with my parents were always anticipated with
fondness and purpose. They so enjoyed your company, and that all resulted in
them feeling reinforced that the project was worthwhile and their lives are
meaningful and cherished by their children, grandchildren, and generations to
come. We had such fun "unveiling" the books on their 60th anniversary
at the
cabin. Thank you so much, Mary, for all you did for all of us.
Nancy Carlson

Nancy
Carlson
Northfield, Minnesota
March 21, 1999
Jim Bradshaw
1078 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN 55117
Hello Mary,
Just a brief note to express the appreciation our family has to you for the
wonderful tribute you recorded for our family in honor of our mom, Violet
Bradshaw. This memoir will help keep the stories of Mom's life alive for all
of us far into the future.
You are special,
Jim
Jim Bradshaw
St. Paul, Minnesota
Bernice
Block
Signing her book
Mamie
Joseph
260 Westview Drive
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Dear Mary,
I am writing to thank you for working with me in telling my story. It was
such an enjoyable experience. You were so easy to work with. You gave my
family and me a very special gift and something to cherish through the
generations.
Mary, you have such a gift to share and such a unique idea. You have given
our family a real treasure. And I made a new friend.
Thank you so much for helping me to recall some very special times in my life.
Thank you many times,
Mamie Joseph
Mamie Joseph
West St. Paul, Minnesota
April
19, 1996
Betsy S. Phoenix
14411 Riverside Drive #11
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Dear Mary,
Such exquisite timing! The books arrived when my brother and sister were both
here, and I was in Los Angeles for a few days.
Everyone loves the books. We are all so pleased with the results of your time
and effort. Mother said, "This is MY book!" We are gradually getting
them
signed. Tony insisted his and Chris' be signed last Sunday so he could take
them
back to Tucson. My brother's two sons are getting married this year, and
the books will play a prominent part in the celebrations since Mother will
not be able to attend either wedding.
I am so glad we had the opportunity to work with you on this project.
Congratulations on the success of your children. If I ever get back to the
West Coast and you should find yourself there, I would be delighted to have
you visit.
Sincerely,
Betsy

July
12, 1997
Harold "Bud" Grunewald
7013 W. Sandpiper Court
Milwaukee, WI
Dear Mary:
A day before we left for Alaska, our copy of "A Life Fulfilled," the
autobiography of yours truly, Harold (Bud) Grunewald, arrived. What a great
job you have done. Both wife, Evelyn, and son Glenn were so impressed.
Glenn's first response was his surprise as to how you edited and categorized
"The Book" into a readable and interesting story of my 80 years.
I am of course prejudiced, but personally I'm more than pleased with the
results of a mere two personal interviews. We did however have other
correspondence. It is certainly a great legacy to leave to relatives with the
vast amount of changes that have transpired since 1916.
When we have our "book signing party," I will let you know the pleasant
reaction. The past months have been fun as those that knew of "The Book"
have
been actively inquiring when the great day would arrive.
Thank you much for your patience with the rewriting and changes that had to
be done to accomplish the great finished product.
Most sincerely,
Harold "Bud" Grunewald

Harold "Bud" Grunewald
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Memoirs,
Inc. has received permission to use these letters