July 16, 2021

Grandparents’ legacy continues through the generations

Ray and Arleen Krebs of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in October. (Submitted photo)

Ray and Arleen Krebs of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in October. (Submitted photo)

By John Shaughnessy

Arleen Krebs laughs when she says there are no photos of her grandparents— “there were no cameras then”—but the image and impact of these ancestors is permanently etched in her mind.

“In the early l900s, there was a large influx of Slovenians coming to America to work in the steel factories. My grandparents on both sides were among those immigrants,” Arleen recalls.

“Both Frank and Mary Konechnik—my mother’s side—and Anton and Louise Loviscek—my father’s side—were married here, and both raised large families. The Konechniks had 12 children who lived and the Lovisceks had five. While the fathers slaved away at their jobs, the mothers stayed home and raised their families.”

As their granddaughter growing up, Arleen had many blessings from living within a block of each of her grandparents on the near west side of Indianapolis.

“All four grandparents lived well into their 80s, and they lived to see and enjoy many, many grandchildren. They shared a dedication to hard work and raising loving families, all while attending the nearby Catholic church of Holy Trinity Parish.”

One blessing of her grandparents especially stands out to her.

“My grandparents stayed in the same marriage despite many hardships at times. Living within a block of each helped me to see what a good marriage could be. And perhaps they instilled in me the need to continue on that tradition.”

Arleen ended her note by sharing that she and her husband Ray—members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis—celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in October. †

Related stories:

Local site Links: