Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, August 15, 2013

All roads lead to home as the descendants of John F. and Anna C. HAIDSIAK came to Blockton July 28, 2013 for their annual reunion.

The weather was perfect, the food superlative and best of all were the greetings, hugs and smiles.

Those attending were Lois HAIDSIAK, Vera CARSON, Anabel WALKUP, Gary and Kristi HANNA, Kimberly and Ethan, Lisa CRATER, Taylor and Adam, Susan CHESTNUT, George and Sherry HAIDSIAK, Mary LONGE, Carol DYKMAN, Gary and Carolyn WILLIAMS, Tyler WILLIAMS, Dorothy SLEEP, Rodger DUKES, John and Arlene HAMMER, John David WALKUP, Mark J. WILLIAMS and Shonda MOTLEY, Barb BROKAW, Piper and Morgan, Rile HAIDSIAK, Buddy and Becky HAIDSIAK, Colton and Brylee, Dan and Vicki SMITH and Jennifer, Jerry and Kay MILES and Grace STEPHENS.

Mike and Mary WALKUP, Joe WALKUP, Madison and Isabel, David and Jenny RIGGLE, Blake, Sam and Kara, Tara McCORMICK and Kylee, Diane McBRIDE, Lynn and Carole HAIDSIAK, Lee HAIDSIAK, Max and Susie HAIDSIAK, Cheyenn and Bobbie, Caden MANN, Chelsea and Clinton WRAY, Toni JACKSON, Jamie HOMMER, Gunner and Eli, Mike COLEMAN, Melissa CHESTNUT, Peyton COLEMAN, Breana CHESTNUT, Darin and Ann SCHLAPIA and Adrian, Josh and Jessie HAIDSIAK, Alee and Shad, Ryan PARROT, Dale and Sharon WALKUP, James WALKUP, J.P. and Amy WHITTINGTON, Alaina and Owen, Kelly RAYMOND and Taylor RAYMOND.

George HAIDSIAK gave beautiful and heart-warming words of praise and thanksgiving.

Rodger DUKES won the attendance pool and then generously gave it back to become "the icing on the cake."

Mike COLEMAN won "You Had to be Over 21" prize -- a bottle of Piper Heidsieck champagne.

Donna HAIDSIAK won the door prize, a board game Blocktonoploy, featuring family pictures and scenes and places of Blockton. The game was designed and created by the ingenuity of Kristi HANA and Lisa CRATER, both who are great promoters and organizers of the reunion.

A surprise and impromptu early 95th birthday celebration for Vera CARSON was held. Nevertheless, it was complete with decorated cake, flowers, balloons and hand-crafted birthday cards made on the spot.

An article written by Jim WILLIAMS concerning memories and a tribute to his grandmother, Jean HAIDSIAK was read by Annabel WALKUP. It brought tears and laughter.

The day ended too soon with the majority leaving but closed with a small dedicated group playing pitch in remembrance of fathers, grandfathers and uncles.

The next meeting will be July 27, 2014 in the hometown Blockton Community Hall.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2013