Doug Fieg Returns from North Pole

Cousin Doug Fieg

Retired electrical engineer Doug Fieg visited the North Pole in August, sailing aboard a luxury liner - the only one in the world that is also an icebreaker.

Unlike the South Pole, which is centered on a massive, frozen continent, the geographic North Pole sits atop the two-mile deep Arctic Ocean on ice sometimes as thick as thirty feet.

Doug's accommodations were sumptuous, with a large stateroom and a round-the-clock kitchen staff that could whip up a steak upon request. The fact that the staff worked day and night is not so surprising, seeing that there is no night - ever - at the North Pole, and the only direction is south.

Doug and 146 fellow passengers enjoyed an open bar and temperatures that sometimes reached the 40s when there was direct sunshine. That is 100 degrees warmer than typical winter averages there.

Doug left his southern Illinois home for Paris where his adventure began. From there they flew to Norway where they boarded the 492-foot French liner Le Commandant Charcot.

Le Commandant Charco

Among the passengers were 25 Americans along with 48 Chinese, 29 Japanese and 11 French citizens. Other countries represented included Thailand, the Philippines, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Estonia, Ireland, India, Spain, Mexico, England, Austria. and Malaysia. 

Doug said that French fries were included in every meal which, along with the crepes Suzette, he found unforgettable.

Doug shared several videos which can be accessed here (and don't miss the responsive surface jogging video!):

https://rumble.com/user/dougfieg

Douglas is the son of the late Lothar "Bud" Fieg and Catherine Shafer Fieg.

 

Diana Doyle Awarded Gold Medals

On July 26 Diana Fieg Doyle participated in a tennis tournament at the Maine Pines Racket & Fitness Club in Brunswick, Maine.

Here is her report:

"I competed in the Maine Senior Games on July 26, playing women's doubles in the 70-75 age category. Alas, my partner and I were the only ladies who registered in the age category, so that was my first gold medal.

"My second gold medal was actually earned, by edging out the other four teams we played against, which included the 55-60, 60-65, and 65-70 age groups."

Durn! That gal has pep in her step!

Congratulations, and on to Wimbledon! (I understand they have senior priced seats in the gallery.)

Diana is the first person on the left in the photo. 

 

Tennis, Anyone?

Diana Fieg Doyle of Madison, New Hampshire, daughter of the late V.P. and Jean Fieg, loves tennis. She plays any chance she gets, and often travels to participate in tournaments in her state and in Maine. 

A few years ago she began volunteering with an organization called Advantage Kids that teaches tennis skills and life skills to children. According to their website, "Our mission is to introduce tennis to underserved children in the New Hampshire area while fostering an environment that facilitates growth on and off the court."

Diana has taken a strong leading role among the volunteers, and she shares her successes (and frustrations!) with us on our weekly family chat Zoom meetings.

Recently Advantage Kids held a Rally for Tennis at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. Here is her description of the event:

"We had a fantastic day in Waltham, Mass. at Brandeis University.  Although the weather was hot, we were thankful that the rain held off until we were on our way home.

"The celebration was for the kids to meet each other to enjoy activities like 'messy bedroom', 'alligator', and dancing the 'Macarena'. Pizza and ice cream made the day complete. 

"Advantage Kids accepted a check from the Rally for Tennis student mentors for over $70,000. These funds provide tennis and mentoring programs for our kids in New Hampshire."

 

During every Sunday chat Diana shares the inspirational "word of the week" for the kids, and sometimes we help her with ideas on how she might present it to the group so they understand and embrace it.

 

I think the word of this event is "selflessness." Good job, Dide! (She's not in the photo, BTW.)

 

 

Kevin Still Retires

After an exceptional 46-year career at Keystone Cooperative, President & CEO (and Fieg cousin spouse) Kevin Still will officially retire on August 31, 2026. Per the Facebook post, "His steady leadership and lasting impact have helped shape the strength and success of our farmer-owned cooperative."

Keystone provides premium quality fuels and lubricants to farms, municipalities, and school systems in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The company prides itself on its outstanding service to customers.  

Kevin is married to Anne Still who is the daughter of the late Maxine "Mac" and Bob Whiteside. 

Congratulations, Kevin, and enjoy your retirement! 

 

 

Jean Fieg Has Died

 Dear Twigs,

 We are heavy-hearted and yet thankful at the same time, to announce the death of our dear mom. Her condition deteriorated quickly over the past three months and now she is at peace.

I know many Fieg (and Davie) cousins loved her, and she loved you all.  Here is the obituary that will appear in the Greensboro Record, as well as the Freeman's Journal and Oneonta Star:

Jean Elaine Davie Fieg, 97, died of natural causes on June 22, 2026 in Greensboro, N.C. She was born in Greensboro on February 9, 1929, a date her father always referred to as 2-9-2-9. Jean was the eldest child and only daughter of Raymon G. and Mary “Marion” Elizebeth (Morris) Davie.

After the Great Depression struck in October of 1929 Jean’s family moved to the Oneonta, N.Y. area where they lived for a while on the farm of her Uncle Henry. Jean studied art at Syracuse University until her mother died unexpectedly at the age of 46 in 1948. Jean returned home to take on the household duties, looking after her father and two younger brothers.

Jean married her best friend’s brother, Victor Philip Fieg, on September 2, 1950, in Oneonta. They bravely took three toddlers camping, arranged summer road trips across the northeast, and made sure they kept up connections with their far-flung families. After Philip died in 1989, Jean continued to care for their home in Greensboro, including the flower-filled wooded lot they dubbed the Fiegenhoff Gardens in a nod to the vibrantly colored tulip fields they saw on a European trip.

Jean was an amateur artist and filled their home with her original paintings, and with classical music and books. She encouraged her children to appreciate the arts and always made sure those school lunches were made each night.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, and brothers Norman, Raymon Jr. his wife Sonja Davie. Jean is survived by her daughters, Judy (Joe) Kestner of Corpus Christi, Tex., Diana (Bill) Doyle of Madison, N.H., and Phyllis Fieg of the home, and granddaughter Emilie Kestner of Houston, Tex. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna Davie of Camillus, N.Y. and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of AuthoraCare Collective for helping to make Jean's transition to be natural and comfortable.

A celebration of life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her memory to Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, or to the charity of your choice.

 

Fieg Scrapbook Scans

 Fieg Cousin Doug Fieg has sent this message:

Douglas Fieg (douglasfieg@gmail.com) Hi Cousins, Several years ago Sue scanned a bunch of scrapbooks of Fieg family memorabilia which were supposed to be posted to the Fieg Family Newsletter Blogspot website. But I guess there was a communication breakdown after that, and her scans never got posted. So, here they are. Take a peek!

 https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1iTbwot53GHOba52N32JyD5QfnwOTo2lR

Another New Cousin Born to the Fiegs

Weston and Magdalena Ann Dangca have welcomed a brother to their family. Connell Michael Dangca, eight pounds and 21 inches long, was born at 5:42 a.m. Tuesday February 24, 2026 in Albany, N.Y. to Megan and Cade Dangca. This is the fifth generation of the Fieg Family in America.

Connell is the grandson of Anna Fieg Dangca and Alan Dangca of Laurens, N.Y. and his great-grandfather is Greg Fieg of Oneonta. 

 

Connell Michael Dangca, who looks like his dad!

 

New Year Newsletter from Uganda

 Cousin Sue Williams recently emailed a colorful newsletter from the Kasibante family in Uganda.

Chief and Laura Fieg Kasibante and their four kiddos - Max, Judah, Shema and Zionne - had an interesting and productive year, and it is wonderful to hear from them and see how the young ones are growing.

You can view the newsletter HERE.

Thanks to Sue for keeping us posted on our African connection! 

Fieg Cousins Gather Together

 John and Anne Roman recently had some fun days in St. Augustine, Fla. enjoying friends from the north, as well as the Christmas lights.

Their drive home to the Bradenton, Fla. area on December 26 took them past The Villages. It was the perfect opportunity to stop in for lunch with Sue and Ed Williams.

After a great meal at an Italian steak house they gathered at the Williams home for dessert and more reminiscing.  The group watched some of the videos that Sue's brother, Doug Fieg, had been copying to CDs, and editing from 8mm movies by their dad, Lothar "Bud" Fieg and his brother, Philip Fieg, dating back to the 1950s.

A great visit was had by all!

From left: Sue Williams, Ed Williams, Anne Roman, John Roman

 

Christmas Greetings from Doug Fieg

 We have received this email from Doug Fieg, son of Lothar "Bud" and Catherine Fieg and grandson of Lothar and Florence Fieg. Please send him any details you might have to complete the unknowns!

I just barely completed my "Christmas Card" to extended family:  An enhanced and edited video of all the Fieg family reunions (and one Shields reunion), dating back to 1950.

I remember Dad was always taking movies for just about everything, through the 1960s.  I'm guessing he wanted those movies to live on, so here is my part to that end.

After realizing that I couldn't do everything I wanted to do by Christmas, I came to the realization that it is a good thing!  If you could post this to the Fieg Family Newsletter website, that would be great.  Then, if others can chime in with facts (or remembrances) that can help me fill in the "To Do's," detailed in the video, that might be helpful and fun!  Now everyone can get in on the act!

I was thinking that if anyone had any information or help to give, they could email me, and that's fine.  But it might be more fun to post to the newsletter website, causing who-knows-what kind of collaboration and banter among cousins and more distant relatives!  What do you think?

We don't really have that many people posting to the newsletter website.  But if more did, it might be fun!

Anyway, my email address is dougfieg@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Doug

 

P.S. Doug has updated the video, adding lots of subtitles of his dad's narration. 

 

Florida Fun with Sue and Ed Williams

An email was received from the Sunshine State with an account of  a couple of Fieg family get-togethers.  

Sue (Fieg) and Ed Williams visited with the family of Brian and Emily Fieg in Kissimmee, Fla. on a rainy day in early June. After playing Blank Slate they ventured out to Chili’s for lunch.

From left: Ed and Sue Williams, Lily, Brian, Nathan, Emily and Caleb Fieg

In early July the Williamses visited with Laura (Fieg) Kasibante in Cocoa Beach where they surfed at the beach, played miniature golf and went go-cart racing! Laura's oldest, Max Kasibante (age 11), could drive his own car while Judah rode with mom. Of course, Aunt Sue won at miniature golf!

Laura and the 2 oldest children are visiting from Uganda while her hubby (Chief) stayed in Uganda with the two youngest children. The whole family are planning to visit the USA next summer. 

Great time on both visits.

  

Sitting: Sue and Ed Williams; back, from left: Judah, Laura and Max Kasibante 

 

 

 

 

Doris Fieg Holm, 97, Has Died

Doris Anne Fieg Holm, 97, died May 31 in Elk Grove, Calif. She was born on October 1, 1927, in Montclair, N.J. to Max Eugene and Louise Voorhees Fieg.

A gifted artist, Doris graduated with a fine arts degree in 1949 from Syracuse University with honors in art, interior design, and advertising. She was president of her sorority, Delta Zeta. It was at Syracuse where she met her future husband, Bob, and they married on June 25, 1949.

The Holms lived in Hudson, N.Y., many years, where their five children were born. They moved to the West in 1964 for her health and lived in Phoenix and Albuquerque before moving in 1966 to the South Sacramento area in California, where Bob was a department store manager. 

In 1976 they moved to the Sheldon area of Elk Grove into a home Doris designed from an existing shop-barn structure—calling the place Wheel C Ranch, a homophone of Bob's familiar response to questions, "We'll see." There they boarded horses for friends, and she furthered her skills as a horsewoman. She also was an avid golfer and achieved a hole-in-one at Emerald Lakes Golf Course in Elk Grove.

Doris worked as a homemaker and a watercolor artist, created interior and advertising design, was a teacher for 19 years at Pleasant Grove Elementary School in rural Elk Grove, and drafted hundreds of house plans for individuals and businesses after her retirement from teaching. She and Bob also had a part-time catering business in their retirement years.

A life-long member of the Episcopal Church, Doris served many years in the choir and as organist at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Galt, where she volunteered in other capacities as well. Doris also served many charitable organizations, including Elk Grove Inner Wheel, the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, and Project R.I.D.E.’s therapeutic horseback riding program.

She is survived by her children Janet Holm McHenry, Peter Nyquist Holm, Roberta Anne Martinez, and Matthew Charles Holm, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Arthur Holm; daughter Nancy Louise Wiley; her parents, Max Eugene and Louise Voorhees Fieg; and siblings Carl Fieg, Henry Fieg, Janet Fieg Gregory, Emma Fieg Walter, Helen Stiles Santina, and Ruth Stiles Tomasko.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Aug. 2, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 200 B. Street, Galt CA 95632. Memorial contributions may be made payable to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and sent in care of Janet McHenry, PO Box 750, Loyalton CA 96118.

For any info:

Janet McHenry

janetmchenry@live.com

530.927.7487

  

Doris Anne Fieg Holm

 

 

 

Max Fieg Earns PhD

Dr. Max Fieg of Los Angeles successfully defended his doctoral dissertation before a judicial panel recently at the University of Calif. in Los Angeles. The dissertation concerned Max's theory about dark atomic matter, about which he has published ten scientific papers.  

Max, 30, is the son of physician Dr. Edward L Fieg of St. Louis and the former Therese Hennessey, also a physician, of Omaha. Max will move to Chicago to be a post-doctorate fellow for Fermi Labs and continue developing the world's understanding of the subject for which he was granted his degree. Dark matter has been a major mystery to scientists for generations, and is believed to be the force that holds matter together.

Max was named for his late Great Uncle Max Fieg of Montclair, N.J. 

Well done, Max!

 

Max Fieg in 2019

 

Chief Becomes U.S. Citizen

 On the Fourth of July, it's a pleasure to announce that Chief Kasibante, husband of Fieg cousin Laura Fieg Kasibante, became an American citizen on July 2, 2023.

We are so proud to welcome him into the family of U.S. taxpayers!

 

Fiegs Get Together in Florida

Fieg Cousin Sue Williams sent an email outlining a visit she and hubby Ed had with the families of their niece, Laura Kasibante, and nephew, Brian Fieg.  Says Sue, "Hi Judy - Ed and I went to St, Augustine on April 5, 2023 to spend the afternoon with niece, Laura, nephew, Brian, and families. Attached is a pic from the restaurant. We had a great time in the Florida sun at the beach……that’s why there are sooooo many red sunburned faces!

Laura and family will return to Uganda this summer so Laura can start a new teaching job in August.

 Starting on the left: Laura Kasibante, Chief Kasibante, Shemaiah (3/7/20) Kasibante, Brian Fieg, Emily Fieg, Caleb Fieg (8/14/12), Judah Kasibante (7/18/15), Nathan Fieg (5/27/16), Max Kasibante (9/18/13), Lily Fieg (6/30/14), Zionne “ZZ” Kasibante (3/20/17), Sue Williams, Ed Williams.

Thanks for the update, Sue, and for being such a super aunt!

Marsha and Bill Adams Steppin' Out

 

Fieg cousin Marsha Whiteside Adams and husband Bill recently attended a dinner for past chairmen of the American Concrete Pipe Association in Florida.  Bill is retired now, but formerly was very active in the family business making concrete highway forms such as drainage conduit.

New Life for Foti's Bakery

Foti's Italian Bakery, makers of Foti's bread, a family favorite for generations in Oneonta, closed when the family decided they had worked long and hard enough. The sound of wailing rang through the hills of Otsego County. The business was sold to an out of town bread maker but, rather than continue Foti's as such, they brought their own recipe into the old bakery. It was good bread, but it was not the same, and the bakery closed after a few years.

There is a family account of Uncle Bud Fieg driving from Missouri to Oneonta to visit his family, stopping at the grocery store to pick up a loaf of Foti's, and eating half of it before he reached the cash register.

Richard Fieg of Ste. Genevieve, Mo. had hopes that he had found a reasonable facsimile in St. Louis, and was kind enough to send a couple of loaves along to Greg Fieg in Oneonta for his birthday. It was good bread, but not Foti's.  The distinguishing characteristics of Foti's were in the crunchy crust, and the soft, very moist interior full of air bubbles - with the consistency of mashed potatoes but not mealy - just the right amount of leavening and a generous coating of corn meal on the bottom. And the taste....

The building at 42 River St., which will observe its 100th anniversary next year, recently was converted into an Italian bistro called Dazzo's Kitchen, run by a 30-year-old restauranteur. The restaurant has a wood-fired oven and has received positive reviews, but has made no attempt to revive Foti's bread. If they did, Oneontans would beat a path to their door. 

It is difficult to believe that a product so beloved could dry up and blow away.

Catch-up Word Paintings

 

CATCHING UP!

Happy belated birthday to Jean Davie Fieg - 94 years old on February 9! If you get the chance, send her a message via Phyllis at phyllisfieg@gmail.com. Jean was born in Greensboro, NC on Silver Ave. where her dad was manager of the A&P grocery store. Phyllis retired from the U.S. Postal Service and is now bookkeeper/landscaper/bathroom scrubber at 1405 Knightwood Drive.

Nancy Fieg Lynch, daughter of Ed Fieg and Karen White, and husband Dan had a baby boy named Sawyer, and what a cute kid! He has all the trappings of being an ingenious child  - bright, joyous, engaging and perceptive says his great-uncle Greg Fieg. 

He keeps on truckin' running a thriving business.  Cade Dangca's company recently was involved with the reconstruction of the Throgs Neck Bridge over the East River. Cade and Megan's son is named Weston but Cade calls him "my little excavator."

Editor Judy Kestner recently attended the winter meeting of the Texas Ornithological Society in Abilene, Tex. It was a wonderful event with speakers, birding field trips and fun with friends. No life birds, but Judy got a life mammal: a beaver! The organization's spring meeting was also held in Abilene. It was quite a bit warmer....

Judy's husband, Joe, is recovering from a stroke suffered in October 2021. He has stopped falling out of bed (haha) and we have seen other improvements. 

Eva Dangca gave up her career as a barista, chickened out, and is now working at Buffalo Wild Wings in Oneonta.

 

Russell K. Fieg, 72, Dies in Vegas

Cousin  Russell K. Fieg, who threw caution to the wind in the Midwest to pursue a career in show business in the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, NV, died Thursday September 15, 2022 at age 72. 

The cause of death is awaiting determination, though he had fought cancer for a number of years.

Russell was born November 15, 1949 in Rifle, CO where his father worked in industrial mining. Shortly after his birth, Russell's family moved to Virginia and Pennsylvania, but eventually settled in Ste. Genevieve, MO in 1955, where he spent his childhood. While in school, his love for music developed, and he was in the school band as well as a rock and roll group, The Mysterians, with four other talented musicians, who performed at various dance events.

Russell attended the University of Missouri from 1967 to 1971, earning a Bachelor's degree in business administration. After college, rather than following in his father's footsteps in the mining industry, he worked for 15 years for the university in various business offices at the Columbia and the Kansas City campuses.

In 1986 he ventured west to Las Vegas, hoping to join another rock band. He bought a baby grand piano and struck out on his own playing keyboard in places such as Sam's Town in Laughlin, NV, and Palace Station and California Hotel in Vegas.

He eventually fell back on his business degree and found employment in the payroll departments of several Las Vegas casinos including The Dunes, MGM Grand, Terrible Herbst, Horseshoe Casino and Affinity Gaming.  He retired in 2018.

While his dream of becoming a performer was not realized, he did find the joys of a more traditional life in the golden West, with a 30-year marriage and the ownership of his own home.

Russell is survived by his wife Heny Swantari Fieg of Las Vegas, sister Susan Williams (Edward) of The Villages, FL, brothers Richard Fieg of Ste. Genevieve, MO, Steven Fieg (Eleanor) of Pevely, MO, and Douglas Fieg of Collinsville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father Lothar "Bud" Fieg and mother Catherine Shafer Fieg. His mother, coincidentally, died on September 15, 1976.

The celebration of his life will be held at his Las Vegas home, and his ashes will be spread on nearby 12,000-foot Mt. Charleston.