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SAGINAW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
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SPEAKER INFOTUESDAY Jan 13th 2026
6 PM sign in for ZOOM Meeting begins at 6:30 PM SHARP Donna Carlevato introduces: 
Debbie Gurtler
on "I DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD SEARCH LIKE THAT!" Debbie Gurtler, from FamilySearch, has videos showing you can search in powerful ways, like using the "Full-Text Search" for handwritten records and the "Images" for unindexed collections, plus adding memories and using AI to summarize documents, all accessible through their website or app to find ancestors. These videos, often titled "I Didn't Know You Could Search Like That," where she teaches you to leverage features beyond simple name searches, how to find records by film numbers or exploring new digital images.
Key Search Techniques You Can Learn: Full-Text Search: Search within transcribed handwritten documents, even seeing the original images. Explore Images: Browse newly digitized, unindexed records directly from the image viewer. Film/Fiche Number Search: Find specific record collections in the FamilySearch Catalog using their unique numbers. AI-Powered Tools: Get summaries of complex legal documents to understand them faster. Adding Memories: Upload photos, stories, and audio to connect with your family's history. COME LEARN WITH US!!! IF YOU ARE NEW, PLEASE PREREGISTER AT MEMBERSHIP THEN SIGN IN TO OUR ZOOM MTG ON
TUESDAY 1/13/26 @ 6 PM link will only be sent to those who are registered |
SGS NEWS:
SGS NEWS: MEETING RECAP
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duplicated inside YET another mountain. Yeah...We got you covered! FamilySearch.org is non-profit and totally free!
duplicated inside YET another mountain. Yeah...We got you covered! FamilySearch.org is non-profit and totally free!
MILITARY SERVICE: CIVIL WAR
6 Steps To Find Your Civil War Veterans and Their Regiments
To get the most out of Civil War Stories, you need to know who in your tree might have a story! We show you how in just 6 steps to find those people.
To get the most out of Civil War Stories, you need to know who in your tree might have a story! We show you how in just 6 steps to find those people.
MILITARY RECORDS:
MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
CHECK THIS INFO OUT
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH!
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH!
GENEALOGY NEEDS: AT YOUR LOCAL FSC!
WE are the SAGINAW FamilySearch Center, sponsored by the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, an international organization dedicated to helping ALL people worldwide discover their family story.
ARE you looking for help in YOUR Family tree?
HERE, you will be shown how to begin a FREE TREE that will be placed online for any of your family members to help share more information about your deceased ancestors. That will enable family around the world to easily retrieve and use this information in search of their family members.
FOR over twenty years FamilySearch.org has helped millions of families gather their ancestors. Since it's inception, on May 24, 1999. There are now over 7 million page views each day on www.FamilySearch.org
YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting a FREE ONLINE TREE and gathering and documenting your family for your loved ones.
ALWAYS, at FamilySearch we believe connections to our family members past-present-and future can be a source of great joy that helps us to understand our own personal identity and may even help us overcome some of our own challenges in life.
WE WANT TO HELP YOU save and share your FAMILY MEMORIES before it’s too late, and they disappear, never to be found again.
IT'S FREE, IT'S EASY AS... 1,2,3 !
ARE you looking for help in YOUR Family tree?
HERE, you will be shown how to begin a FREE TREE that will be placed online for any of your family members to help share more information about your deceased ancestors. That will enable family around the world to easily retrieve and use this information in search of their family members.
FOR over twenty years FamilySearch.org has helped millions of families gather their ancestors. Since it's inception, on May 24, 1999. There are now over 7 million page views each day on www.FamilySearch.org
YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting a FREE ONLINE TREE and gathering and documenting your family for your loved ones.
ALWAYS, at FamilySearch we believe connections to our family members past-present-and future can be a source of great joy that helps us to understand our own personal identity and may even help us overcome some of our own challenges in life.
WE WANT TO HELP YOU save and share your FAMILY MEMORIES before it’s too late, and they disappear, never to be found again.
IT'S FREE, IT'S EASY AS... 1,2,3 !
FOR ONLINE HELP AT:
FamilySearch
open 24 hrs./7 days a week!
1-866-604-1830
FamilySearch
open 24 hrs./7 days a week!
1-866-604-1830
WHAT'S ON THE TUBE?
Want to know more about INDEXING?
Check out this YOU TUBE VIDEO,
A SELF HELP TUTORIAL ... Enjoy :)
Check out this YOU TUBE VIDEO,
A SELF HELP TUTORIAL ... Enjoy :)
PRE-REGISTER PLEASE
ALL VISITORS OR NEW MEMBERS
MUST PRE-REGISTER
Please note: Invite
LINK is sent the day BEFORE the meetings.
SO REGISTER TODAY!
MUST PRE-REGISTER
Please note: Invite
LINK is sent the day BEFORE the meetings.
SO REGISTER TODAY!
SQUARE IS HERE FOR YOU
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Pay your SGS membership or donate,
with just a few clicks.
SQUARE is EASY, SAFE,
AND NO HASSLE!
(click the SQUARE icon above to pay)
with just a few clicks.
SQUARE is EASY, SAFE,
AND NO HASSLE!
(click the SQUARE icon above to pay)
MICHIGAN GENEALOGICAL COUNCIL
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
We are now called the: FAMILYSEARCH CENTER!
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THE SAGINAW FSC IS OPEN!
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TIMBERTOWN LOG
Misplaced the last issue of the Timbertown Log?
CONTACT US AT:
[email protected]
Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
CONTACT US AT:
[email protected]
Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
MORE INTERESTING STUFF
NOW OPEN AND RARIN' TO GO!
CLICK ON PHOTO ABOVE
A PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS
This guide shows you how to find BILLIONS of FREE birth, death, marriage and census records!
ANCESTRAL FINDINGS
Oral histories are a valuable genealogical resource. This is what you need to know about the value of oral histories, where to find them, and how to do them yourself with your own relatives. Click below to learn.
MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARDS
FREE!
Are you a Michigan library card holder?
Did you know that you can now access HUNDREDS of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either
FREE
or discounted admission? You can even use it to visit any of the Seven National Park venues in this state!
FOR FREE
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
Are you a Michigan library card holder?
Did you know that you can now access HUNDREDS of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either
FREE
or discounted admission? You can even use it to visit any of the Seven National Park venues in this state!
FOR FREE
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
SAGINAW PUBLIC LIBRARIES
HOYT LIBRARY
...remembering the past
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< CLICK LIBRARY LOGO
to see the video |
FREE SAGINAW OBITUARIES
Saginaw Libraries have over
200,00+ OBITUARIES
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
200,00+ OBITUARIES
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
GET ANSWERS
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Brick wall? Stumped?
Lost?
WE ARE HERE,
AND READY
TO HELP YOU!
Lost?
WE ARE HERE,
AND READY
TO HELP YOU!
With the combined efforts of our
board-members
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
(but we DO take donations).
board-members
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
(but we DO take donations).
REMEMBRANCE FUND
PLEASE REMEMBER US,
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
[email protected]
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
[email protected]
MICHIGAN-STATE GENEALOGY
The website for all things pertaining to HISTORICAL RESEARCH
and documents for the
STATE OF MICHIGAN.
CHECK US OUT!
DID YOU KNOW?
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search thru for obituaries!
GIVE IT A TRY!
GIVE IT A TRY!
FREE HELPS
17 ALL FREE GREAT
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
FREE GENEALOGY SITES
LAND SAKES ALIVE! HERE'S 50 MORE!!
CHECK OUT OUR Fb SITE!
IT'S A HOOT!
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NEWS FOR RESEARCHERS!
FREE GENEALOGY WEBINARS!!!
Everything you ever wanted to know about USING FamilySearch and SO MUCH more! JUST CLICK BELOW!
Everything you ever wanted to know about USING FamilySearch and SO MUCH more! JUST CLICK BELOW!
SGS PIONEER CERTIFICATES
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FOREVER GIFT...
your family will forever remember!
FOREVER GIFT...
your family will forever remember!
*Ancestor documentation is vetted by our Society.
*Your ancestor will be noted on our website
AND YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate *
Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their VETTED pedigree.
*Your ancestor will be noted on our website
AND YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate *
Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their VETTED pedigree.
MORE HELP
How SideView™ Technology Splits Your DNA Results by Parent
When YOU first read your DNA, ...you don’t know which parts of your DNA came from each parent. Ancestry® developed a technology called SideView™ to sort this out using DNA matches. Because a match is usually related to you through only one parent, your matches can help us “organize” the DNA you share with them.
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
NEED GENEALOGY GIFTS?
BEV PALMER used to live in Saginaw, she is a fellow genealogist and has started this business. Lots of cool stuff - from babies to bags, and from T-shirts to tags, she's got it all!
check it out below!
check it out below!
LINKS FOR OUR READERS
CLICK ON BLACK TITLES |
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GENEALOGY HELPS
What is ThruLines?
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be PUBLIC, and linked to your DNA test.
To check this, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. Follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the ANCESTRY family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be PUBLIC, and linked to your DNA test.
To check this, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. Follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the ANCESTRY family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
FREE WEBINARS
FamilySearch - Family Search Library Free Online Webinars
2025 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
See the table of webinars below for more details.
2025 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
See the table of webinars below for more details.
If you cannot attend a LIVE EVENT, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at the following link:
SEARCH TIPS
6 Ancestry Search Tips
1. Pinpoint your ancestor’s location from the census, on a MAP, and then look for churches, cemeteries, and other places where your ancestor may have left records.
2. Be sure to locate your ancestor’s ADULT SIBLINGS in census records. It was common for extended family to live in the same household or near other family members. You may find a parent, grandparent, or other family members living either with them or nearby.
3. If you’re having a difficult time locating your ancestor, try searching, using only GIVEN names and other details like birth year, residence, family members, place of birth, etc.
4. Occasionally, census takers only recorded initials in place of the given name. Using only a FIRST INITIAL will bring up these records.
5. Census takers didn’t always have the best penmanship, so if you’re having a hard time locating your ancestor, write out the NAME and try replacing some of the letters, with letters that look similar. (Try an O for an A, try an J for a P, try a F for an S.)
6. The U.S. federal censuses for the years 1900 TO THE 1930 include a DATE OF IMMIGRATION for immigrants. Use that date to narrow your search for your ancestor’s passenger arrival record in the Immigration Collection.
FMH TOOL KIT
click below How do I keep track of my Family Medical History?
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider. For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider. For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
SO HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
HOT COCOA?
WELL, WE AREN'T LOOKING FOR COCOA
WE ARE LOOKING FOR A
LONE GINGERBEAD MAN
HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
(JUST LOOK FOR ONE!)
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
HOT COCOA?
WELL, WE AREN'T LOOKING FOR COCOA
WE ARE LOOKING FOR A
LONE GINGERBEAD MAN
HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
(JUST LOOK FOR ONE!)
(NO NOT THIS ONE)
SGS MEETING INFO:
THIS INFO IS FOR YOU... IF YOU WANT TO REWATCH THE VIDEO FROM TONIGHTS MEETING. (1/13/26) AND REMEMBER:
NEVER GIVE UP!
NEVER GIVE UP!
RESEARCH
What style was your childhood home?
HAVE YOU ADDED HOUSES FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Well, I am. It began when I was adding in census records for each person in my tree. Ya know what? They GIVE you their street address!
So out of curiosity, I started looking them up one by one. I took photos of them with the computer, and saved them with each head of household name... IN A FILE.
Then I went back and added them all into the tree. And... (you know how easy it is to get sidetracked...well I did)...and I wondered what style my grandparents house was and THEN I found another article about CASTLES... (well some were only caves or rock piles), and many are NOT what I would call 'castles' exactly, but they were all so cool, yet NOT in one specific file. So...
I CREATED MY OWN FILE!
(TRUST ME...I DON'T RECOMMENDED)
THIS TOOK ME FOUR 8 HR DAYS TO CREATE IT
BUT FIRST, I WANT TO POST THE LINK TO AMERICAN HOME STYLES... SO HERE IT IS...
CLICK BUTTON BELOW
Well, I am. It began when I was adding in census records for each person in my tree. Ya know what? They GIVE you their street address!
So out of curiosity, I started looking them up one by one. I took photos of them with the computer, and saved them with each head of household name... IN A FILE.
Then I went back and added them all into the tree. And... (you know how easy it is to get sidetracked...well I did)...and I wondered what style my grandparents house was and THEN I found another article about CASTLES... (well some were only caves or rock piles), and many are NOT what I would call 'castles' exactly, but they were all so cool, yet NOT in one specific file. So...
I CREATED MY OWN FILE!
(TRUST ME...I DON'T RECOMMENDED)
THIS TOOK ME FOUR 8 HR DAYS TO CREATE IT
BUT FIRST, I WANT TO POST THE LINK TO AMERICAN HOME STYLES... SO HERE IT IS...
CLICK BUTTON BELOW
FOOD & FAMILY:
Did you know...
Family recipes are a TRADITION!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
Family recipes are a TRADITION!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
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IN MEMORY OF:
Loraine Lillian Treichel Stindt
of Ann Arbor (formerly in Saginaw), Michigan
1931-2025
Loraine went home to her Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Age 94 years. She was born on July 13,1931, in Mott, North Dakota, to Adolph and Myrtle Treichel
of Bentley, North Dakota.
Loraine graduated from Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Watertown, South Dakota, then attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, where she prepared to be a teacher. Her first teaching assignment
was in Tomah, Wisconsin.
Loraine married Douglas Stindt of Bay City, Michigan, on July 17, 1954. That year, Doug took his assigned call to St. John's Lutheran Church in Newtonburg, Wisconsin, where he and Loraine lived and worked for five years and where their first child,
daughter Sue was born.
In 1959, Doug took a call back to his native state of Michigan, and Loraine came too. Daughter Kim was born shortly after their arrival in Michigan. Doug taught at St. Paul’s in Saginaw for 34 years. Loraine taught in the lower grades at St. Paul’s while she also attended Delta College and Central Michigan University
to receive her Master's Degree.
She enjoyed a long career in teaching
in the Shields public schools, Saginaw county.
Her personal interests were vast. She loved to travel, garden, and read. She was an excellent seamstress and also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tatting and spinning. She loved music, especially opera. Her interest in genealogy led her to research and create family trees for both the Stindt and Treichel families.
She was a member of the Germans from Russia
and The Saginaw Genealogy Society.
(Membership ID #484)
She participated in various church groups including the choir, OWLS and Sewing Circle. Doug and Loraine were active in Builders for Christ and traveled to many locations, including Antigua, Caribbean, to help build churches and schools. She was a helpmate and worker for many summers
in Doug’s planning and efforts
in his Camp Mahanaim leadership.
Loraine retired from classroom teaching in 1993 and spent more time traveling, camping, gardening, cooking, reading and doing her various hobbies. Loraine and Doug were members of Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta, Michigan, where they enjoyed a quiet life and the great outdoors, along with many wonderful times with friends and family.
A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated and loving staff of Hillside Memory Care of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Elara Caring Hospice of Saginaw, Michigan who together helped our mom to live with dignity and die in peace.
Loraine was preceded in death by husband Doug; his parents; Loraine's parents; her brother, Wilmer Treichel, and sister-in-law, Aileen Treichel; her sister-in-law, Marion Treichel; and her brother-in-law, Michael Voecks. She is survived by her daughters, Lynette Sue Stindt and her husband, Craig Ross of Ann Arbor; Kim Stindt and her husband, Mark Heilala of Edmonds, Washington; brother, Allen Treichel of Coloma, Wisconsin; two sisters-in-law, Marie Voecks of Mundelein, Illinois; and Lois Becker and her husband, Phil Becker of Bedford, New Hampshire;
along with many beloved
nieces, nephews, and close friends.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1020 Court Street, Saginaw, Michigan. Pastor David Naumann will officiate. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church lobby. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation or St. Paul's Lutheran School. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through
www.casefuneralhome.com
of Ann Arbor (formerly in Saginaw), Michigan
1931-2025
Loraine went home to her Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Age 94 years. She was born on July 13,1931, in Mott, North Dakota, to Adolph and Myrtle Treichel
of Bentley, North Dakota.
Loraine graduated from Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Watertown, South Dakota, then attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, where she prepared to be a teacher. Her first teaching assignment
was in Tomah, Wisconsin.
Loraine married Douglas Stindt of Bay City, Michigan, on July 17, 1954. That year, Doug took his assigned call to St. John's Lutheran Church in Newtonburg, Wisconsin, where he and Loraine lived and worked for five years and where their first child,
daughter Sue was born.
In 1959, Doug took a call back to his native state of Michigan, and Loraine came too. Daughter Kim was born shortly after their arrival in Michigan. Doug taught at St. Paul’s in Saginaw for 34 years. Loraine taught in the lower grades at St. Paul’s while she also attended Delta College and Central Michigan University
to receive her Master's Degree.
She enjoyed a long career in teaching
in the Shields public schools, Saginaw county.
Her personal interests were vast. She loved to travel, garden, and read. She was an excellent seamstress and also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tatting and spinning. She loved music, especially opera. Her interest in genealogy led her to research and create family trees for both the Stindt and Treichel families.
She was a member of the Germans from Russia
and The Saginaw Genealogy Society.
(Membership ID #484)
She participated in various church groups including the choir, OWLS and Sewing Circle. Doug and Loraine were active in Builders for Christ and traveled to many locations, including Antigua, Caribbean, to help build churches and schools. She was a helpmate and worker for many summers
in Doug’s planning and efforts
in his Camp Mahanaim leadership.
Loraine retired from classroom teaching in 1993 and spent more time traveling, camping, gardening, cooking, reading and doing her various hobbies. Loraine and Doug were members of Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta, Michigan, where they enjoyed a quiet life and the great outdoors, along with many wonderful times with friends and family.
A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated and loving staff of Hillside Memory Care of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Elara Caring Hospice of Saginaw, Michigan who together helped our mom to live with dignity and die in peace.
Loraine was preceded in death by husband Doug; his parents; Loraine's parents; her brother, Wilmer Treichel, and sister-in-law, Aileen Treichel; her sister-in-law, Marion Treichel; and her brother-in-law, Michael Voecks. She is survived by her daughters, Lynette Sue Stindt and her husband, Craig Ross of Ann Arbor; Kim Stindt and her husband, Mark Heilala of Edmonds, Washington; brother, Allen Treichel of Coloma, Wisconsin; two sisters-in-law, Marie Voecks of Mundelein, Illinois; and Lois Becker and her husband, Phil Becker of Bedford, New Hampshire;
along with many beloved
nieces, nephews, and close friends.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1020 Court Street, Saginaw, Michigan. Pastor David Naumann will officiate. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church lobby. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation or St. Paul's Lutheran School. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through
www.casefuneralhome.com
LAUGH A MOMENT...it's medicine!
I knew a girl whose mother was from Iceland.
And her dad was from Cuba.
Which made her an...
Ice cube!
And her dad was from Cuba.
Which made her an...
Ice cube!
MILITARY NEWS:
MILITARY SERVICE:
Veteran Stories: Stories of courage and bravery through facing the enemy within.
Melissa McMahon
Air Force ● Captain ● Nevada ● PTSD
While serving in Afghanistan, Melissa cared for the severely injured while her hospital was fired upon by enemy rockets – leaving her with more than just physical injuries...
Air Force ● Captain ● Nevada ● PTSD
While serving in Afghanistan, Melissa cared for the severely injured while her hospital was fired upon by enemy rockets – leaving her with more than just physical injuries...
Hooked on Healing: Tim Aponte
For 10 years, Tim loved serving in the Army. Days before he was due to return home, an explosion left him with a traumatic brain injury and a broken back. Here is Tim's story...
For 10 years, Tim loved serving in the Army. Days before he was due to return home, an explosion left him with a traumatic brain injury and a broken back. Here is Tim's story...
AMAZING STORIES:
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Every Wednesday The Weekly Genealogist provides readers with news and information about NEHGS and the genealogical community. Features include a description of the latest database
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
TAKE A MOMENT...to set goals!
Don't act so 'pissy'....
Lot of people bark up the wrong tree
the first time. The key is to KEEP TRYING!
Lot of people bark up the wrong tree
the first time. The key is to KEEP TRYING!
MONTH BY MONTH:
Yes, its January and a new year! 2026.
DID YOU SING AULD LANGS SYNE?
Do you even know what it means or where it came from?
The most common Scottish toast is "Slàinte mhath" (pronounced "slan-juh-va"), meaning "good health," used when raising a glass for "cheers" in Gaelic, often in pubs or at celebrations, with a common response being "do dheagh shlàinte" (to your good health). Other popular toasts include "Here's tae us" and "Lang mae your lum reek" (long may your chimney smoke), wishing prosperity. Well then... READ ON...
DID YOU SING AULD LANGS SYNE?
Do you even know what it means or where it came from?
The most common Scottish toast is "Slàinte mhath" (pronounced "slan-juh-va"), meaning "good health," used when raising a glass for "cheers" in Gaelic, often in pubs or at celebrations, with a common response being "do dheagh shlàinte" (to your good health). Other popular toasts include "Here's tae us" and "Lang mae your lum reek" (long may your chimney smoke), wishing prosperity. Well then... READ ON...
ROBERT BURNS...(1759-1796) was Scotland's national poet, a pioneer of the Romantic movement, known for his passionate lyrics and poems in the Scots dialect, including "Auld Lang Syne" and "To a Mouse," and he was celebrated globally as "Rabbie Burns" for capturing the Scottish spirit, farm life, and universal themes of love, nature, and injustice. Born to poor farmers, he became famous for his writing while working as a farmer and excise officer, leaving a legacy celebrated with feasts (such as Burns Night) featuring haggis!
“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish song, collected and re-written by Robert Burns in 1788. It is sung to welcome the new year in English-speaking countries around the world. In 1793, Burns forwarded the manuscript of this very song with an accompanying letter, in which he wrote of the song:
"One song more, and I have done, “Auld lang syne.” The air is but mediocre; but the following song—the old song of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript, until I took it down from an old man’s singing—is enough to recommend any air." The song was published post-humous, in his name in 1799. (The Burns Encyclopedia, Maurice Lindsay, 1959) Although many different versions exist, this is the original version written in the Scots language.
“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish song, collected and re-written by Robert Burns in 1788. It is sung to welcome the new year in English-speaking countries around the world. In 1793, Burns forwarded the manuscript of this very song with an accompanying letter, in which he wrote of the song:
"One song more, and I have done, “Auld lang syne.” The air is but mediocre; but the following song—the old song of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript, until I took it down from an old man’s singing—is enough to recommend any air." The song was published post-humous, in his name in 1799. (The Burns Encyclopedia, Maurice Lindsay, 1959) Although many different versions exist, this is the original version written in the Scots language.
AULD LANGS SYNE (ORIGINAL)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit
Sin auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie's a hand o' thine
And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught
For auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
_____
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit
Sin auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
-------
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie's a hand o' thine
And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught
For auld lang syne
-------
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
_____
AULD LANGS SYNE translated to English
Should old friends be forgot,
And never be remembered,
Should old friends be forgot,
And old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
For surely you’ll be in your cup,
And yes, I’ll be in mine,
And we’ll take a cup of friendship,
For old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
We two have run around the hills,
And plucked the many daisies,
We've wandered many a weary day,
Since old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dinnertime,
But now the wide seas come between us,
Since old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
Take my hand, my trusty friend,
And give to me your hand,
And we’ll take a good-will hearty drink,
For old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
--------
Should old friends be forgot,
And never be remembered,
Should old friends be forgot,
And old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
For surely you’ll be in your cup,
And yes, I’ll be in mine,
And we’ll take a cup of friendship,
For old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
We two have run around the hills,
And plucked the many daisies,
We've wandered many a weary day,
Since old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dinnertime,
But now the wide seas come between us,
Since old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
-------
Take my hand, my trusty friend,
And give to me your hand,
And we’ll take a good-will hearty drink,
For old times pass away.
-------
For old times be forgot, my joy
For old times be forgot,
We’ll take a drink with friends today,
For old times pass away.
--------
GENEALOGY GEMS... "HOGMANAY"
Well, here we are...and so I will teach you a bit of what I have learned of HOGMANAY...It was celebrated in Scotland for over 500 years. Its an OLD Scottish Protestant tradition, as the church members were not allowed to celebrate Christmas with all the Catholics. (As Christ was born during the spring when the census was taken, and not in the wintertime) But that is neither here nor there... AND NOW... Scots celebrate Christmas AND HOGMANAY!!! (YEAH...a two-for!)
To say "Happy Hogmanay" (New Year's Eve) in Scottish Gaelic, you can say "Oidhche Mhath Bliadhna" (A Good Eve of the Year) for the night itself, or the more common "Happy New Year" is "Bliadhna Mhath Ùr" (pronounced "BLEE-uh-nah VAH OO-ruh"), meaning "A Good New Year," and its used for the New Year's Day moment. But here a classic Scottish Hogmanay greeting is also "Lang may yer lum reek" (Long may your chimney smoke) for good fortune. (Because if it backed up...NO that would NOT be good!)
HOGMANAY...
YEAH, ITS A BIT OF A BIG DEAL IN SCOTLAND.
WANT TO LEARN A BIT OF WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT?
THEN CLICK BELOW!
HOGMANAY...
YEAH, ITS A BIT OF A BIG DEAL IN SCOTLAND.
WANT TO LEARN A BIT OF WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT?
THEN CLICK BELOW!
THE BOOK NOOK: FOR JANUARY
HISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
Family Lexicon, By Natalia Ginzburg
Family Lexicon (Family Sayings) is one of the most beautiful, sad, funny, touching, powerful novels of the twentieth century. It focusses on what its title says it focusses on -- the little sayings, catch-phrases, that every family has, that make up the family lexicon, and that her family had an abundance of. Just out of focus, beyond the brightest light of the narrative, are the events of the times -- the rise of fascism, the Second World War, the Mussolini racial laws. In between are the family's experiences -- births, deaths, marriages and characters -- her parents, siblings, friends, husband. The seemingly inessential turns out to have great import, and the incredible understatement that results from not focusing on great events paradoxically gives those events an overwhelming reality.
FOR FEBRUARY
GENETICS FOR DUMMIES
by T.R. ROBINSON PHD
GENETICS FOR DUMMIES
by T.R. ROBINSON PHD
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Want to know more about genetics?
This non-intimidating guide gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals and the most recent discoveries. Now with 25% new and revised material, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you clear and accessible coverage of this rapidly advancing field.
From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNA double-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, you'll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes . . . and even clone cats.
Covers topics in a straightforward and effective manner Includes coverage of stem cell research, molecular genetics, behavioral genetics, genetic engineering, and more Explores ethical issues as they pertain to the study of genetics
Whether you?re currently enrolled in a genetics course or are just looking for a refresher, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides science lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow information on this fascinating subject.
This non-intimidating guide gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals and the most recent discoveries. Now with 25% new and revised material, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you clear and accessible coverage of this rapidly advancing field.
From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNA double-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, you'll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes . . . and even clone cats.
Covers topics in a straightforward and effective manner Includes coverage of stem cell research, molecular genetics, behavioral genetics, genetic engineering, and more Explores ethical issues as they pertain to the study of genetics
Whether you?re currently enrolled in a genetics course or are just looking for a refresher, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides science lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow information on this fascinating subject.
LIFE IS FULL OF LAUGHS
If Genealogists made a movie...
They would never let a kid say,
" I SEE DEAD PEOPLE."
without asking,
"WHERE ARE THEY BURIED?
AND WHO WERE THEIR PARENTS?"
" I SEE DEAD PEOPLE."
without asking,
"WHERE ARE THEY BURIED?
AND WHO WERE THEIR PARENTS?"
LEARNING CENTER:
GENETICS 101
A group of scientists has sequenced the genome of a man who was buried in Egypt around 4,500 years ago. The study offers rare insight into the genetic ancestry of early Egyptians and reveals links to both ancient north Africa and Mesopotamia, which includes modern day Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey and Iran.
GENOME WAS SEQUENCED
Egypt’s heat and terrain made it difficult for such studies to be conducted but lead researcher Adeline Morez Jacobs and team made a breakthrough. We spoke to her about the challenges of sequencing ancient remains, the scientific advances that made this discovery possible, and why this genome could reshape how we understand Egypt’s early dynastic history.
What is genome sequencing? How does it work in your world?
Genome sequencing is the process of reading an organism’s entire genetic code. In humans, that’s about 3 billion chemical “letters” (A, C, T and G). The technology was first developed in the late 1970s, and by 2003 scientists had completed the first full human genome. But applying it to ancient remains came much later and has been far more difficult.
DNA breaks down over time. Heat, humidity and chemical reactions damage it, and ancient bones and teeth are filled with DNA from soil microbes rather than from the individual we want to study. In early attempts during the 1980s, scientists hoped mummified remains might still hold usable DNA. But the available sequencing methods weren’t suited to the tiny, fragmented molecules left after centuries or millennia.
To sequence DNA, scientists first need to make lots of copies of it, so there’s enough to read. Originally, this meant putting DNA into bacteria and waiting for the colonies to grow. It took days, demanded careful upkeep and yielded inconsistent results. Two breakthroughs changed this.
In the early 1990s, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) allowed millions of DNA copies to be made in hours, and by the mid-2000s, new sequencing machines could read thousands of fragments in parallel. These advances not only sped up the process but also made it more reliable, enabling even highly degraded DNA to be sequenced.
HOW THE CONVERSATION IS DIFFEERENT :
All our authors are experts. Since then, researchers have reconstructed the genomes of extinct human relatives like Neanderthals, and more than 10,000 ancient people who lived over the past 45,000 years. But the work is still challenging – success rates are low for very old remains, and tropical climates destroy DNA quickly.
When we analyzed the sample, we found that about 4%-5% of all DNA fragments came from the person himself (the rest came from bacteria and other organisms that colonized the remains after burial). The quantity of DNA of interest (here, human) is usually between 40% and 90% when working with living organisms. That 4%-5% might sound tiny, but in this part of the world, it’s a relatively high proportion, and enough to recover meaningful genetic information.
We think the individual’s unusual burial may have helped. He was placed inside a ceramic vessel within a rock-cut tomb, which could have shielded him from heat, moisture and other damaging elements for thousands of years. To make the most of this rare preservation, we filtered out the very shortest fragments, which are too damaged to be useful. The sequencing machines could then focus on higher-quality pieces.
Thanks to advanced facilities at the Francis Crick Institute, we were able to read the DNA over and over, generating about eight billion sequences in total. This gave us enough data to reconstruct the genome of what we call the Nuwayrat individual, making him the oldest genome from Egypt to date.
DOES THIS OPEN NEW FRONTIERS?
We did not develop entirely new techniques for this study,
but we combined some of the most effective methods currently available into a single optimized pipeline. This is what palaeogeneticists (scientists who study the DNA of ancient organisms) often do: we adapt and refine existing methods to push the limits of what can be recovered from fragile remains. That’s why this result matters. It shows that, with the right combination of methods, we can sometimes retrieve genomes even from places where DNA usually doesn’t survive well. Like in Egypt.
Egypt is also a treasure trove for archaeology, with remains that could answer major questions about human history, migration and cultural change. Our success suggests that other ancient Egyptian remains might still hold genetic secrets, opening the door to discoveries that we couldn’t have imagined just a decade ago.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKE-AWAY FROM THIS INFO?
The most exciting result was uncovering this man’s genetic ancestry. By comparing his DNA to ancient genomes from Africa, western Asia and Europe, we found that about 80% of his ancestry was shared with earlier north African populations, suggesting shared roots within the earlier local population. The remaining 20% was more similar to groups from the eastern Fertile Crescent, particularly Neolithic Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).
This might sound expected, but until now we had no direct genetic data from an Old Kingdom (2686–2125 BCE) Egyptian individual. The results support earlier studies of skeletal features from this period, which suggested close links to predynastic populations, but the genome gives a far more precise and conclusive picture.
This genetic profile fits with archaeological evidence of long-standing connections between Egypt and the eastern Fertile Crescent, dating back at least 10,000 years with the spread of farming, domesticated animals and new crops into Egypt. Both regions also developed some of the world’s first writing systems, hieroglyphs in Egypt and cuneiform in Mesopotamia. Our finding adds genetic evidence to the picture, suggesting that along with goods and ideas, people themselves were moving between these regions.
Of course, one person can’t represent the full diversity of the ancient Egyptian society, which was likely complex and cosmopolitan, but this successful sequencing opens the door for future studies, building a richer and more nuanced picture of the people who lived there over thousands of years.
GENOME WAS SEQUENCED
Egypt’s heat and terrain made it difficult for such studies to be conducted but lead researcher Adeline Morez Jacobs and team made a breakthrough. We spoke to her about the challenges of sequencing ancient remains, the scientific advances that made this discovery possible, and why this genome could reshape how we understand Egypt’s early dynastic history.
What is genome sequencing? How does it work in your world?
Genome sequencing is the process of reading an organism’s entire genetic code. In humans, that’s about 3 billion chemical “letters” (A, C, T and G). The technology was first developed in the late 1970s, and by 2003 scientists had completed the first full human genome. But applying it to ancient remains came much later and has been far more difficult.
DNA breaks down over time. Heat, humidity and chemical reactions damage it, and ancient bones and teeth are filled with DNA from soil microbes rather than from the individual we want to study. In early attempts during the 1980s, scientists hoped mummified remains might still hold usable DNA. But the available sequencing methods weren’t suited to the tiny, fragmented molecules left after centuries or millennia.
To sequence DNA, scientists first need to make lots of copies of it, so there’s enough to read. Originally, this meant putting DNA into bacteria and waiting for the colonies to grow. It took days, demanded careful upkeep and yielded inconsistent results. Two breakthroughs changed this.
In the early 1990s, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) allowed millions of DNA copies to be made in hours, and by the mid-2000s, new sequencing machines could read thousands of fragments in parallel. These advances not only sped up the process but also made it more reliable, enabling even highly degraded DNA to be sequenced.
HOW THE CONVERSATION IS DIFFEERENT :
All our authors are experts. Since then, researchers have reconstructed the genomes of extinct human relatives like Neanderthals, and more than 10,000 ancient people who lived over the past 45,000 years. But the work is still challenging – success rates are low for very old remains, and tropical climates destroy DNA quickly.
When we analyzed the sample, we found that about 4%-5% of all DNA fragments came from the person himself (the rest came from bacteria and other organisms that colonized the remains after burial). The quantity of DNA of interest (here, human) is usually between 40% and 90% when working with living organisms. That 4%-5% might sound tiny, but in this part of the world, it’s a relatively high proportion, and enough to recover meaningful genetic information.
We think the individual’s unusual burial may have helped. He was placed inside a ceramic vessel within a rock-cut tomb, which could have shielded him from heat, moisture and other damaging elements for thousands of years. To make the most of this rare preservation, we filtered out the very shortest fragments, which are too damaged to be useful. The sequencing machines could then focus on higher-quality pieces.
Thanks to advanced facilities at the Francis Crick Institute, we were able to read the DNA over and over, generating about eight billion sequences in total. This gave us enough data to reconstruct the genome of what we call the Nuwayrat individual, making him the oldest genome from Egypt to date.
DOES THIS OPEN NEW FRONTIERS?
We did not develop entirely new techniques for this study,
but we combined some of the most effective methods currently available into a single optimized pipeline. This is what palaeogeneticists (scientists who study the DNA of ancient organisms) often do: we adapt and refine existing methods to push the limits of what can be recovered from fragile remains. That’s why this result matters. It shows that, with the right combination of methods, we can sometimes retrieve genomes even from places where DNA usually doesn’t survive well. Like in Egypt.
Egypt is also a treasure trove for archaeology, with remains that could answer major questions about human history, migration and cultural change. Our success suggests that other ancient Egyptian remains might still hold genetic secrets, opening the door to discoveries that we couldn’t have imagined just a decade ago.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKE-AWAY FROM THIS INFO?
The most exciting result was uncovering this man’s genetic ancestry. By comparing his DNA to ancient genomes from Africa, western Asia and Europe, we found that about 80% of his ancestry was shared with earlier north African populations, suggesting shared roots within the earlier local population. The remaining 20% was more similar to groups from the eastern Fertile Crescent, particularly Neolithic Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).
This might sound expected, but until now we had no direct genetic data from an Old Kingdom (2686–2125 BCE) Egyptian individual. The results support earlier studies of skeletal features from this period, which suggested close links to predynastic populations, but the genome gives a far more precise and conclusive picture.
This genetic profile fits with archaeological evidence of long-standing connections between Egypt and the eastern Fertile Crescent, dating back at least 10,000 years with the spread of farming, domesticated animals and new crops into Egypt. Both regions also developed some of the world’s first writing systems, hieroglyphs in Egypt and cuneiform in Mesopotamia. Our finding adds genetic evidence to the picture, suggesting that along with goods and ideas, people themselves were moving between these regions.
Of course, one person can’t represent the full diversity of the ancient Egyptian society, which was likely complex and cosmopolitan, but this successful sequencing opens the door for future studies, building a richer and more nuanced picture of the people who lived there over thousands of years.
GENEALOGY NEWS
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Recent genealogy news highlights new online records, DNA breakthroughs in cold cases, features on famous family trees (like Pope Francis's ancestry), and the growth of genetic genealogy in law enforcement, with major sites like Family Tree Magazine, American Ancestors, and CBS News providing updates on databases, new research tools, and compelling human-interest stories.
Key Highlights:
Key Highlights:
- New Records & Databases: American Ancestors launched "On the Battlefield: Records of Soldiers, Veterans and Refugees," adding significant historical data, while other sites digitize town archives for online access.
- DNA in Crime Solving: Genetic genealogy continues to solve cold cases, with news outlets reporting on DNA-identified killers decades after the crimes, showing the growing power of forensic genealogy.
- New Records & Databases: American Ancestors launched "On the Battlefield: Records of Soldiers, Veterans and Refugees," adding significant historical data, while other sites digitize town archives for online access.
- DNA in Crime Solving: Genetic genealogy continues to solve cold cases, with news outlets reporting on DNA-identified killers decades after the crimes, showing the growing power of forensic genealogy.
- Famous Family Trees: American Ancestors and Family Tree Magazine covered the exploration of Pope Francis's ancestry and the revelation that Bernie Sanders and Larry David are cousins.
- Tech & Resources: Resources like Family Tree Magazine highlight new tools, like chromosome browsers, and offer guides for researching specific ancestries, such as Polish roots.
- Genealogy in Media: Shows like "The Genetic Detective" (CeCe Moore) and features on shows like "Finding Your Roots" bring genealogy to primetime, using genetic genealogy for crime and family history exploration.
- American Ancestors: For new databases and features on historical figures.
- Family Tree Magazine: For best-of lists, blogs, and general news.
- CBS News Genetic Genealogy Tag: For breaking stories on DNA-related cold cases.
- Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: For industry news and company achievements.
- American Ancestors and Family Tree Magazine: covered the exploration of Pope Francis's ancestry and the revelation that Bernie Sanders and Larry David are cousins.
- Tech & Resources: Resources like Family Tree Magazine highlight new tools, like chromosome browsers, and offer guides for researching specific ancestries, such as Polish roots.
- Genealogy in Media: Shows like "The Genetic Detective" (CeCe Moore) and features on shows like "Finding Your Roots" bring genealogy to primetime, using genetic genealogy for crime and family history exploration.
- American Ancestors: For new databases and features on historical figures.
- Family Tree Magazine: For best-of lists, blogs, and general news.
- CBS News Genetic Genealogy Tag: For breaking stories on DNA-related cold cases.
- Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: For industry news and company achievements.
DNA BREAKTHROUGH
The term "genetic breakthrough" refers to significant advancements in the field of genetics, particularly involving gene editing technologies like CRISPR, new understandings of how DNA works, and the development of gene therapies for diseases.
Key breakthroughs in genetics include:
CRISPR Gene Editing: This technology is a major breakthrough, often described as a "genetic scalpel" that can cut out specific, disease-causing gene sequences. It has led to the first approved treatments for diseases like sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, with more therapies in clinical trials for conditions such as cancer and rare disorders.
Mapping the "Junk DNA": The 2012 ENCODE project revealed that over 80% of DNA previously considered "junk" actually contains millions of "switches" that control how genes are turned on or off, fundamentally changing the understanding of the human genome.
Personalized Gene Therapy: Researchers have successfully used a personalized, gene-editing drug tailored to a patient's unique genetic makeup to target the specific mutation causing their illness, representing a frontier in precision medicine.
Understanding Genetic "Brakes": Recent studies have identified specific genetic signals, or "brakes," that regulate processes like stem cell self-renewal and liver regeneration. Modulating these brakes could offer new avenues for treating diseases like cancer and chronic liver conditions.
Chromothripsis: (chrome-o-thrip-is) The discovery of this phenomenon, where a single catastrophic event shatters and restitches sections of a chromosome, has provided insights into how complex genomic rearrangements associated with aggressive cancers and birth defects occur. These scientific advancements are rapidly translating into new clinical applications, offering hope for treating a wide range of inherited and acquired diseases.
Key breakthroughs in genetics include:
CRISPR Gene Editing: This technology is a major breakthrough, often described as a "genetic scalpel" that can cut out specific, disease-causing gene sequences. It has led to the first approved treatments for diseases like sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, with more therapies in clinical trials for conditions such as cancer and rare disorders.
Mapping the "Junk DNA": The 2012 ENCODE project revealed that over 80% of DNA previously considered "junk" actually contains millions of "switches" that control how genes are turned on or off, fundamentally changing the understanding of the human genome.
Personalized Gene Therapy: Researchers have successfully used a personalized, gene-editing drug tailored to a patient's unique genetic makeup to target the specific mutation causing their illness, representing a frontier in precision medicine.
Understanding Genetic "Brakes": Recent studies have identified specific genetic signals, or "brakes," that regulate processes like stem cell self-renewal and liver regeneration. Modulating these brakes could offer new avenues for treating diseases like cancer and chronic liver conditions.
Chromothripsis: (chrome-o-thrip-is) The discovery of this phenomenon, where a single catastrophic event shatters and restitches sections of a chromosome, has provided insights into how complex genomic rearrangements associated with aggressive cancers and birth defects occur. These scientific advancements are rapidly translating into new clinical applications, offering hope for treating a wide range of inherited and acquired diseases.
DNA DEEP DIVE
Genes 101:
Genes are the basic units of inheritance within our bodies. This means that genes contain all the information that specifies which physical and biological traits are passed down from our parents to us and, eventually, from us to our children. These segments of DNA are responsible for keeping the body functioning the way it should.
The human body has an estimated 20,000-25,000 genes, which contain the information needed to make specific proteins and sets of proteins. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play critical roles within the body. Everything from building structural components like bone and muscle to how well your body metabolizes food to fighting infection and many other necessary bodily actions begins with protein. As you can imagine, with that many genes to copy and proteins to make, our bodies don’t get it right every time. This is when genetic mutations can appear.
Breaking Down Genetic Mutations:
Genetic mutations occur during the process of cellular division. This process is necessary for our bodies to grow, maintain, and repair itself. When our cells divide, the genetic code from our old cells is copied to create the new ones. DNA is not simply a bulk copy-and-paste job; rather, each code is rewritten letter by letter and nucleotide by nucleotide. There’s a lot of room for error during cell division because your cells might substitute, delete, or insert extra letters while they’re copying.
When this happens, mutations occur. If you have an error, also known as a genetic break, your genetic instruction manual for your cells may not be understood by the cells. They may have missing parts or even unnecessary parts added. All of this can mean that your cells can’t function as they normally should.
What is MTHFR? Now that we know how genes work let’s get into one of the more well-known genes: MTHFR. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called.... methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Big word, we know!
This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and is also necessary for optimizing the methylation cycle in the body.
The methylation cycle is responsible for converting raw materials that you consume (i.e., food) into usable forms that support critical processes in the body. The methylation cycle must work correctly because so many vital bodily processes like detoxification, energy production, hormone regulation, cell repair, and more depend on proper methylation.
When There’s an MTHFR Gene Mutation. WHAT?
Inside each of us, there are two MTHFR genes, one inherited from each of our parents. Mutations can affect one or both of these genes. A mutation in the MTHFR gene is relatively common. In fact, up to 44% of the world’s population has this mutation. As you might have guessed, a mutation on either of the MTHFR genes negatively impacts the methylation cycle in the body.
If your body is unable to convert raw materials into usable forms because of an MTHFR mutation, you might suffer from a nutrient deficiency that, when left untreated, may result in certain conditions and lead to some diseases.
Conditions Associated With MTHFR Gene Mutations Include:
Gene Mutation:
According to the NHGRI: National Human Genome Research Institute, virtually every human ailment has some basis in our genes. While that might sound overwhelming, this is actually good news. Genetic testing has never been as safe, attainable, or accurate as it is now. Genetic testing is a simple process that can uncover priceless information about your body and how it functions. DON'T JUST SIT THERE...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
Genes are the basic units of inheritance within our bodies. This means that genes contain all the information that specifies which physical and biological traits are passed down from our parents to us and, eventually, from us to our children. These segments of DNA are responsible for keeping the body functioning the way it should.
The human body has an estimated 20,000-25,000 genes, which contain the information needed to make specific proteins and sets of proteins. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play critical roles within the body. Everything from building structural components like bone and muscle to how well your body metabolizes food to fighting infection and many other necessary bodily actions begins with protein. As you can imagine, with that many genes to copy and proteins to make, our bodies don’t get it right every time. This is when genetic mutations can appear.
Breaking Down Genetic Mutations:
Genetic mutations occur during the process of cellular division. This process is necessary for our bodies to grow, maintain, and repair itself. When our cells divide, the genetic code from our old cells is copied to create the new ones. DNA is not simply a bulk copy-and-paste job; rather, each code is rewritten letter by letter and nucleotide by nucleotide. There’s a lot of room for error during cell division because your cells might substitute, delete, or insert extra letters while they’re copying.
When this happens, mutations occur. If you have an error, also known as a genetic break, your genetic instruction manual for your cells may not be understood by the cells. They may have missing parts or even unnecessary parts added. All of this can mean that your cells can’t function as they normally should.
What is MTHFR? Now that we know how genes work let’s get into one of the more well-known genes: MTHFR. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called.... methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Big word, we know!
This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and is also necessary for optimizing the methylation cycle in the body.
The methylation cycle is responsible for converting raw materials that you consume (i.e., food) into usable forms that support critical processes in the body. The methylation cycle must work correctly because so many vital bodily processes like detoxification, energy production, hormone regulation, cell repair, and more depend on proper methylation.
When There’s an MTHFR Gene Mutation. WHAT?
Inside each of us, there are two MTHFR genes, one inherited from each of our parents. Mutations can affect one or both of these genes. A mutation in the MTHFR gene is relatively common. In fact, up to 44% of the world’s population has this mutation. As you might have guessed, a mutation on either of the MTHFR genes negatively impacts the methylation cycle in the body.
If your body is unable to convert raw materials into usable forms because of an MTHFR mutation, you might suffer from a nutrient deficiency that, when left untreated, may result in certain conditions and lead to some diseases.
Conditions Associated With MTHFR Gene Mutations Include:
- Homocysteinemia: the term for abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood or urine, iTs a naturally occurring amino acid in your blood, formed from methionine, that's vital for building proteins but can become harmful if levels get too high
- Ataxia: a neurological condition that affects coordination
- Scoliosis: which refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine
- Anemia: which means that there is a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body
- Cardiovascular diseases: such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack
- Mental health conditions: such as depression
- Behavior disorders: such as ADHD
Gene Mutation:
According to the NHGRI: National Human Genome Research Institute, virtually every human ailment has some basis in our genes. While that might sound overwhelming, this is actually good news. Genetic testing has never been as safe, attainable, or accurate as it is now. Genetic testing is a simple process that can uncover priceless information about your body and how it functions. DON'T JUST SIT THERE...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST
That moment when you learn
your parents shared an ancestor,
...AND YOU DON'T TELL A SOUL!
your parents shared an ancestor,
...AND YOU DON'T TELL A SOUL!
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