Kathy Eckstaedt’s roots run deep in Orange.  In fact, just about every area of her life is tied to the hometown she loves. This includes her 101-year-old mother, Vi Brelje, who also lives in Orange.

“My mother moved to Orange in 1943 and became a teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,” says Eckstaedt.  “She met my father in choir at St. John’s, and my uncle, her brother, owned the Friedemann building in the Plaza.”

Eckstaedt has many fond memories of growing up in Orange.  This includes attending St. John’s Lutheran School, playing under a giant avocado tree in front of her grandmother’s house and buying candy at Palm Market.

“On the way to school, we would pick up soda bottles people left on the sidewalk and traded them for change, so we could afford the candy,” she says.

Eckstaedt stayed in Orange, where she and her husband, Jim, of 47 years, got married at St. John’s and raised their two kids.  Today, the couple is retired and enjoys living an active lifestyle that includes traveling, outdoor activities and dining in the Plaza.  She chose Rutabegorz to spend her coupon winnings because she loves the fresh produce they serve.