It’s comforting to know I have cousins in positions of power in case I should ever need them. Gary Dusenberg, my 2nd cousin, 1x removed, was recently appointed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to the (Missouri) Board of Parole and Probation. Although his appointment is subject to Senate approval, I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t pass with flying colors. Twenty-six years as a Missouri state trooper, a Vietnam veteran and four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives – frankly, who’d make a better candidate?

Should I ever need to leverage the fact that we share DNA, however, that means something has truly run amok in my life in Missouri. But, I still like having him in my back pocket just in case. Things might just get out of hand when I am back in Missouri next week for the holidays.

The Independence Examiner posted this story online but I have no idea when or who wrote it. Gary’s appointment was interrupted several times by annoying pop-up ads for hemorrhoid cream, a credit card offer and the latest news in the world of erectile dysfunction. I kind of gave up on trying to read the story but think I got the gist of it.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 2nd cousin, 1x removed
Common ancestors: Gary’s great grandparents, Henry Simon and Friederieke (Duewel) Duesenberg, are my 2nd great grandparents