About 185 descendants of brothers Frank (and Frances) and Andrew (and Mary) Burgstaler gathered for a family reunion Saturday, July 3, near Aitkin. Frank, Frances and Andrew came to America from Komenda, and Mary from the Vodice areas of Slovenia in what was formerly known as Yugoslavia. Frank first worked in the iron ore mines in Eveleth, Minn., where he met Frances. They married and later farmed in Crow Wing County north of Aitkin. Andrew and Mary were married in Slovenia and first moved to Cleveland, Ohio. They later farmed a few miles from Frank and Frances. All four are buried in the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby. Frank and Frances had nine children: Ann Hamilton, Kimball; Edwin, Aitkin; Victoria McCollum, Wildomar, Calif.; Veronica Deblock, Crystal; Olga DeYoung, Henderson, Nev.; Rudolph “Rudy,” Kimball; and Peter, John and Sylvia, deceased. Andrew and Mary had four children: Mary Ann Zilverberg, Aitkin; Josephine Jensen, Crosby; Thomas, Aitkin; and Andrew, deceased. Nearly everyone present wore red, white and blue to recognize both the Slovenian and United States flags. Each family was introduced on stage during an afternoon program. The Slovenian national anthem was read and everyone sang “God Bless America.” There were prizes and skits, music provided by Louie Deblock, and many photo opportunities. Everyone enjoyed the pot luck lunch. Family histories and a cookbook were compiled by Sharon Valentino, daughter of John Burgstaler.
