Life History of Marcel F. Lauper
Incidents of the MFL Family - 1976
[This is a separate addendum to Marcel's main story, recorded in December, 1976.]
This family of fourteen members consists of MFL, one (1) wife, five (5) children, three (3) sons-in-law, and four (4) grandchildren. New Year's Day of 1976 found most of the MFL clan on location at 948 Evergreen Avenue, San Leandro, California. In fact, all except our Margaret, LaMont, and Lynette were here. This choice little trio, whom we love very much, were not present in our California family circle on January 1, 1976; but we had just returned from being their houseguests at their Riverton, Utah home. My oh my, how we appreciated and enjoyed their love and hospitality during those Christmas holidays, with abundance of delicious food. It was a lovely, lovely holiday with a perfect setting. From the large windows of their comfortable home we could look out over a white, frosty landscape, including homes, fences, and even old barns. To this 'Sugarville kid' of yesteryear, the scene was most picturesque. This experience lingers as a fond memory --and that was Christmas 1975 and then along came '76!
On January 1, 1976, we were already enjoying the reality that Donald Ellison had received an EPA opportunity for Special Advancement Training, to be given at University of Southern California. This meant that Susan and their darling boys --Marc John and Eric Clark-- would be our houseguests for a beautiful three-month period during Don's schooling in Los Angeles, California. It was one of the best visits we've ever had; and little did we know at that time of the heartaches that would develop during the ensuing year concerning our little Marc's health. (Even Grandmother Emma Lauper might have thought she had received her full measure from such a visit; for she used to shed tears when she even learned of a pending visit from Serge or Ivan. I'd say; "Mother, why do you cry--they're coming home?" And she would answer, "For when they come, son, I know that another parting must soon follow". So much for that digression from my story "MFL Family during l976'.
February, 1976 found me very involved with the Bicentennial Committee of the City of San Leandro. I was Chairman of the Church Committee prior to 1976, during which time I launched a successful (better than average) Inter-faith Thanksgiving Day Service at our ward chapel during November, 1975; this being followed by my being nominated and installed as Vice-Chairman of the City's Bicentennial Committee.
As a Committee we did accomplish quite a few praiseworthy things of a bicentennial nature in the City of San Leandro. I was an active 'second' to Kathryn Toner, a good-looking, dark-eyed, dark-haired, part-Indian, Catholic Chair-person. The other two people of real importance to the committee were Mickey Stultz, paid staff worker, and Stan Wilson, from City Hall. The City Bicentennial Committee, subsequently chose Brother Robert Clissmeyer of my ward, as head of the Church activities. Bob did a good job. Surrounded by the above-mentioned people, plus some 25 - 30 additional members of the Committee, I spent many, many, important, taxing hours during this singular, eventful year. It was most interesting and quite satisfying; and following the final Hurrah Party during January, 1977, I find I miss the group quite a little.
Phase II of the year's early beginnings was my being called as a Stake Missionary on February 17, 1976, which was, and is, a special, delightful, and spiritually-rewarding experience. I deem it a choice privilege to work closely with the young, dedicated and exuberant riders whom the Lord has called to labor here in our stake area on a full-time basis. I hold appreciation for the old 'cootsie'-type-Stake Missionaries, like myself, but oh! these young full-timers have, and are, leaving a great impact upon me.
The next gigantic happening came on March 7, 1976. On that day our handsome #1 son became Elder John Barney Lauper. I just cannot conceive of anything more I could ask for in a son! At the setting apart, I just felt that he filled every requirement of my heart. He is so entirely satisfactory! Only a long book could hold the story of my deep feelings for son, John. On March 11th, his mother and I saw a large plane carry John away to the Language Training Mission at Provo, to prepare for his two-year Mission --destination Quito, Ecuador.
On March 19, 1976, Mrs. MFL and I flew with a charter group for a holiday in Rome. IT WAS FUN! This was a result of a Lauper's Furniture Store contest in which we were awarded an expense-free trip for one week. We 'crowded it in' and made the most of it.
The next event was the auto-trip to Riverton, Utah. Mrs. MFL and I picked up Ivan and Helen in Compton and proceeded to Sugarville, Utah, where we briefly looked about the old farmhouse home and reminisced a bit. Then, on to Riverton, where we stayed with LaMont, Margaret, and 'Nette. Their new home is great, and 'tis a joy to see their pride in it. On Sunday morning, during that visit, May 30th, Ivan, Lynette, and I picked up Serge, who was visiting in Salt Lake City. Together, we drove to Bothwell, Box Elder County, for Sunday School then on to Penrose, Utah. Bothwell was the family home for a while during Serge's and Ivan's early boyhood, and at Penrose was our old Homestead, also the birthplace of younger family members. This visit at church as well as to the old areas, proved a most unusual and unforgettable experience--the first time any of the three brothers had been back to that area in almost sixty years. Much could be said about the contacts and experiences of that day, bringing a flood of memories. Within a few days, Frances and I with Ivan and Helen drove home via Las Vegas, stopping there overnight at Ivan's expense, before delivering them to their Compton, California, home.
June 19th was an especially BIG day during 1976: WEDDING BELLS for Diane and Warren! It was such a glorious day, None of my family has ever looked grander; and no one looked as beautiful, ever, as our Diane did that day. Warren is always handsome in his appearance, having a built-in charm and good nature. He is very positive and will guide their ship through eternity. Diane has always maintained lofty ideals, and my dear little 'Charly' won her prize. After a solemn ceremony in the Oakland Temple with her Uncle Serge in charge, these two became then and forever Mr. and Mrs. Warren Alan Smith. We thank Heavenly Father for their lives, and we love them so very much.
Now it is July and the mother of our five children is off to Alexandria, where, on July 25th, she greeted little redheaded Paul Lauper Ellison, third son of our Don and Susan. Wonderful! Then came news of' 'yellow baby' and blood transfusions, with those connected worries. Traumatically, but successfully accomplished, eventually doubts were removed and little Paul emerged a bouncing baby boy. Mrs. MFL returned home, and all's well until THUD, on September 22, 1976, Susan called stating Marc J. has a strange blood disease. There we stand to this day. We have fasted and prayed, and drawn nearer to the Lord. He has heard and answered our prayers in large measure, for we feel His comfort. We know that God will continue to bless our little boy, Marc John Ellison, who sometimes lies very close to the thin veil.
Traumatism remains high in ole' Virginia. Don received and accepted a fine new position with Virginia Chemical in Virginia Beach. They sold their home at Alexandria, and purchased a new, commodious, six-bedroom home at Chesapeake. Don resigned his High Council assignment in Annandale Stake, and was selected as first counselor in a new Bishopric, only eight (8) days after their arrival in Chesapeake.
December l8, 1976, we're off again, and again to Riverton. We planned our arrival particularly to enjoy the treat as prepared by our beautiful Margaret Frances. She conducted her Ward Christmas Choir Concert so very masterfully, including her hubby, LaMont, as one of the soloists in presenting a Book of Mormon Cantata. It was outstanding, and we all enjoyed it so much. I have grown very fond of their Riverton Ward. LaMont and our 'Mokie' are doing fine in all ways, on high ground. Wardle Brothers Construction, with whom LaMont is associated, won first place in the Salt Lake Home Show. We enjoyed many tender moments during this visit. Lynette loves her grandpa enough that she lets him 'sing' her to sleep. Diane and Warren arrived one day ahead of us for the purpose of taking residence in Provo, Utah, where Warren will attend school. We almost finished out the holidays there; but three of us were back home by December 31, 1976, at our San Leandro abode.
Ivan and Helen came up to spark our New Year's eve. First, Ivan conducted a Store Meeting with Marcel, Dennis and Ralph at our store, giving wisdom and counsel and financial support that would have cost many thousands of dollars from a professional counseling/lending firm. It was almost more than we could fathom all at once, but gratefully received. Ivan is truly a loving and concerned brother in all of our affairs, plus he has the full sanction of his wife, Helen, in all that he does. We do appreciate their combined support so very much. Following the meeting, we with the other family members, enjoyed a special dinner party with Dennis and Helen at their home. It was such a nice evening for all. After dinner we watched TV as Guy Lombardo played Auld Lang Syne in one of the New York hotels. A group of 'oldster' Laupers listened contentedly.
The last note of my family accounting for this year must be about my exuberant, lovely Janelle. Janelle Kim spent the last day of 1976 with her first job as baby-sitter. She had two children in her charge for several hours that eve, finishing well past midnight. She came home with a big smile. And thus, we ushered out the OLD, witnessing our 'palsy-walsy Janelle' taking on new experiences. She is now becoming grown up, and is taller than any of the children were at age 12; is as smart (or smarter); a real joy of our life. We refer to ourselves as 'the three Pills at Home'. Here I want to state how much I truly love our Janelle and her mother, Frances, (alias "Mammy", or "Mrs. MFL").