Called recently as a high priests group leader, Phillip Kunz resolved to take his responsibilities seriously.
Kunz, a member of the Edgemont 8th Ward, Provo Utah Edgemont South Stake, realized his duties included famiy history research and temple work for the dead.Moreover, he said, the entire stake is emphasizing family research and temple service this year.
"I knew if I were going to encourage my brethern to do this, I had to do something as well," he related.
The first step was a family home evening during which Kunz; his wife, Joyce; and their children discussed the task of redeeming the dead and took stock of what had already been accomplished on their ancestral lines.
They then obtained family records through their own research and from relatives, and entered the information into a computer.
From that information, the computer churned out a pedigree chart more than 60 feet long. The chart covered 15 generations of ancestors, from both the Kunz line, and that of his wife, the Sheffields.
"Older family members have obviously been working at the task of family research for many years," Kunz reflected. "We owe much to our ancestors who have started this great work and now we must carry on with it."
The Kunz family has shared the pedigree printout with many relatives and plan to publish a book soon that will contain the known pedigrees, as well as information on the first members of the Kunz line to join the Church.
In addition to helping to redeem deceased ancestors, the efforts of the Kunz family have promoted togetherness and unity among extended family members.
Kunz said some of those who received the pedigree chart have become eager to search out records themselves, add to the accumulated family research, and submit information on ancestors for temple ordinances.
He had been concerned that the family was drifting apart, but they have become united in the effort to redeem their dead ancestors.
"Some families hoard their information, but sharing can bring more efficient work, and greater accuracy and solidarity among an extended family," Kunz said.