The Cowboy’s Time

It’s become an annual event, a spring thing, a birthday party, and Cowboy Tom Sumpf — a longtime columnist for the Victoria Gazette — invites family and friends over to his home in Waconia to enjoy a spread of food and a little brew.  His mother Marie Stumpf of LeSueur is now 91 years old and therefore the oldest Stumpf Star.  But April 20th is the Cowboy’s birthday.

That’s Mrs. Stumpf on the left.  Tom’s sisters on the right are Barb Rizor of LeSueur (owner of her own beauty salon), Joan Burns of Janesville (partner in the family farm business), and Mary Dykstra of Roberts, Wisconsin (a retired administrative person).  When asked to tell a little a more about his mother, the Cowboy replied, “She survived.”  Roman Stumpf, Marie’s husband and father of the children, a kind and gentle man, a meat cutter by profession, died in 2008.

Three Stumpf generations.  That’s Tom’s son Spencer with the brew.

Spencer was recently hired as Assistant Manager at Cabin Fever Sporting Goods in Victoria.

Tom’s friend Patti made from scratch a carrot cake — Tom’s favorite — and it was delicious.

A few days later, Pat and Michelle McNallan held a jamming’ gathering at their home in Chanhassen.

Their daughter Kierra, 4, is also accustomed to the mic and the musical scene.  That was Kierra’s godfather Tom Stumpf and her dad Pat accompanying her with their guitars.

This is Kierra’s mommy Michelle.

By the way, Pat’s family farm south of Victoria near Rochester is where Allan, our son Nick and son in law Christopher went turkey hunting this spring, April 25th-29th, with perfect weather.  Thank you, Pat.

Another young person at the microphone that evening was Meghan Payne, daughter of Patrick and Lisa Payne of Chaska.

Meghan and her mommy Lisa.

Part of the audience included Allan Orsen and Nicholas Payne.

Nicolas and Meghan with their daddy Patrick.

And then the musical group sang Happy Birthday.

Michelle’s made from scratch chocolate cake was also delicious.

And, yes, the Cowboy and the Retired City Manager both have the same birthday — April 20th.

There’s a little spread between their years … and also their ears … but not that many.

I also had a birthday cake for Allan at our home in Victoria and you can see who shared it with us — Sophie, Mia, and their daddy Nick.  Nobody liked my chocolate cake more than Sophie!

Love, Grandma Sue

Email:  Sue@PrintsPublishing.com

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