1999 - 2000

This is a work in progress; and like most works of this magnitude, the progress is made by the input of many. The Wielgos-Kalka research began with the work of Wayne Wielgos back in 1985. His research formed a solid and reliable foundation from which to proceed. Sandy Woolson's ongoing, intensive research is not only phenomenal, but she has shared with us Burke genealogy information that would have taken us years to gather. Ditto for Diane Babcock, Sandra Miller, and Glen and Veleta Smith who have not only shared their research, but helped identify a huge mass of old family photos. Cele Gniot-Romaniak is an ongoing source of information on the Kwiatkowski family. She also introduced us to Sue Abrahamson who has been instrumental in naming a lost generation of Kwiatkowskis as well as supplying us with numerous photos and documents. With the help of Arlene Blahnik, Ron Goral, Alice Goral, Debby Porter, Leonard Klarkowski, Gloria Klarkowski, Don and Lillian Deterville, Mari Matulka, and Julie Roznowski, we have possibly rebuilt the Stephen Niemczewski family and George Sas family in Wisconsin. Through recent efforts and contributions from Bonita Lamich, Terry and Kathy Gransee, Dorothy Johnson, Sandy Foster, and Barbara Bayr Anderson, we have discovered much new Kalka history in both document and picture form. In addition, other family members contribute every day. Many times, we have not known the right question to ask until we have a source in front of our face. Therefore, with every new piece of information, someone usually gets a phone call. Be it parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or cousin, they all provide much needed insights and information which enable the research to move forward. Another great source of information and inspiration is all the "cousins" who we have found who continually share with us their family histories and information. Every new history enlightens us to the family as a whole, rather than to only the individual as a vital record. Thank you each and everyone of you .

We would like also to acknowledge the staff at our local LDS Family History Center, Tracy and Shiela, for showing us how to get started and where to go from there. Also, the staff at the Joliet Public Library who introduced us to the LDS staff and who have been an ongoing source of help. We would like to acknowledge the USGen Web Project and all their volunteers who do an amazing job of getting the information "Out There." We would be remiss if we didn't thank all the helpful people on the Rootsweb Genealogy Mailing Lists who take time out of their busy lives to help strangers in need of clarification or help in their location of the world or area of expertise. We would especially like to thank the list members of the Polish Border Surnames, Posen, Cook County, Brown County, Oconto County, Atkinson Cousins, St. Joseph Co, MI and IN, Elkhart County and Cass County mailing lists for all their expert help. They have managed to put us on the correct path numerous times. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful people at Cofrin Library and Kris Matthies, archivist at Archdiocese of Green Bay, who have gone the extra mile on more than one occasion. Lastly, we would like to thank Ted Wachholz for sharing his Eastland resources with us.

Most of what you will see on these pages have been verified by at least one primary source. In a few cases, the search for verification is still in progress, for as the Panamanian proverb states, "There is no road so smooth that it has no rough spots." We hope our pages help you in your search. Visit often, as our quest has hardly begun and as a result, we are continually adding new information. May the Source Be With You....Linda and Robin