Mary Koeven

ProGen Member Overview

I have been doing genealogy since I was at least twelve years old, maybe longer. Learning about our ancestors was a core component of my family life growing up. I always loved learning about history and what life was like "way back then." My paternal grandmother, a professor at Kansas State University, compiled a large volume about her grandparents who came to Kansas from England, and she was always sharing stories and compiling scrapbooks about her life and her ancestors. My maternal grandmother was also into family history, and had a difficult time tracking down this one elusive ancestor. After she passed away, I found that ancestor and brought the tree back a few more generations. I feel my grandmothers with me when I do genealogy research.

My ancestors are from the Midwestern, Northeastern, and Southern United States, so that is where most of my research has been focused. I have experience researching in the British Isles and German-speaking Europe, as well as western states such as Nevada and California in the US.

I love solving puzzles and writing out family histories. I am also available to do lookups in the Reno, Nevada area, including Carson City.