• Index to this page.

"My daughter Constance and her husband were in Europe in October and enjoyed it very much. She went last year too. They rent a car for the duration of their stay and travel by themselves to places where some of the tourist groups do not go. She traveled to Billebache to find out about our great grandfather [Johann Friedrich Breitkreutz] but the town had no Protestants (all Catholics) so that wasn't us. The Burgermeister was very nice and said there were four other Billebaches, all little villages, so when she went this year she went to these villages. The people were very nice but so many of the church records were destroyed during the war so she was out of luck. Constance has a reason for thinking it was near Hanover. Anyway there goes our family tree. Our grandfather [Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Breitkreutz] had money inherited from his mother. He brought Uncle Hennigs, Uncle Blumberg and Mike Finders also our great grandmother Finder [Maria ? Finder] to America. He paid their expenses and a winter in Watertown before migrating to Lake Mills, north (of lake) end. The log cabin that the Stelses lived in was built by Grandpa B. Finders went on to Nebraska later on I understand. This about all I really know and it was told to me by our grandfather when he was living with us one year. Love Irma." [Letter written by Irma Breitkreutz Weirick to her first cousin, Laura Adell Breitkreutz Cook.]

1. Johann Friedrich¹ BREITKREUTZ. He was presumably born in Pomerania and died between 10 Feb 1839 and 18 May 1858, the day his "widow" died (see record of her death below). Our knowledge of him comes from a series of baptism records for his children (below) and two others in which he appears as a sponsor or god parent.

Johann Friedrich appears as a sponsor in a record of a baptism for Wilhemine Radke, the daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm Radke and Maria Elizabeth (BREITKREUTZ), that occurred on 24 Dec 1826 in Billerbeck, Pomerania. Friedrich Wilhelm Radke was a town official in Billerbeck. I conjecture that Maria Elizabeth was related to Johann Friedrich BREITKREUTZ because she is listed as a sponsor at two of the three baptisms of his children (below). In all likelihood she was his sister, as Johann's wife Regina is listed as a sponsor of one of her children on 2 May 1824. On a more speculative note, Johann Friedrich and Maria Elizabeth may be children of the Cristogh BREITKREUTZ who died in Billerbeck on 14 Apr 1831 at the age of 79 years 3 months and 2 days.

RECORD OF DEATH: "Deaths occurring here in Billerbeck in the Year 1831.1. In the house of the widower Cristogh Breitkreutz, who died on the 14th of April of a general debilitating disease and was buried on the 17th of the same month. His age was 79 Years, 3 months and 2 days." (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald Kirchenbucher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000329 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

Johann Friedrich also appears as a sponsor in a record of a baptism for Hanne Sophiee Brizig, the daughter of Johann Friedrich Brizig and his wife Dorothea Sophiee Roloff, that occurred on 10 Feb 1839. This is the last record that definitively refers to him among the Billerbeck church records.

Johann Friedrich married Regine KREKLOW, before 1824 and presumably in Pomerania. She was born ca. 1790, presumably in Pomerania. She died on 18 May 1858 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany and was buried on 21 May 1858 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. The record of her death refers to her as a "housekeeper."

RECORD OF DEATH: "Deaths in 1858. [No.] 3. [Name and former name (?) and station of the people who died here] Regine Breitkreuz; [Age] 68 years old; [Day and time of the death] May 18th at 10 o'clock; [Sickness or why they died] ?; [Day of the burials] May 21; [Whether the deceased has a spouse, a majority age child, a minority age child or someone else...] 1 majority age (of legal age) son" (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000417 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

Johann Friedrich BREITKREUTZ and Regine KREKLOW had the following children:

	2	i.	Dorothea Louisa2 BREITKREUTZ 
	3	ii.	Christian Friedrich Wilhelm2 BREITKREUTZ
	4	iii.	Johann Friedrich2 BREITKREUTZ 

2. Dorothea Louisa² BREITKREUTZ (Johann Friedrich¹). Born 7 Jan 1825 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. Baptism 13 Jan 1825 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. Died 14 Jan 1825 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. Buried 16 Jan 1825 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany.

RECORD OF BIRTH: "Births that occurred in Billerbeck for the year 1825. 1. At the home of the husband Johann Friedrich Britkreutz, mŸnde[monthly, timely?] news that his wife Regine (maiden name Kreklow) on the 7th of January gave birth to a daughter, [?] who on the 13th of the same month was baptized and now carries the name: Dorothea Louisa. The sponsors were: 1. The Mayor, Friedrich Wilhelm Radke, from here. 2. The wife of Mayor Radke, by the name of Maria Elizabeth, maiden name Breitkreutz, from here. 3. The wife of the [?] governor Roloff, by the name of Louisa, from here" (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000315 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

RECORD OF DEATH: "Deaths occurring here in Billerbeck in the year 1825. 2. Dorothea Louisa Britkreutz, daughter of Johann Friedrich Breitkreutz, died on 14th of January of an ulcerating sickness and was buried on the 16th of the same month at the age of 7 days." (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000327 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

RECORD OF BIRTH: "Births that occurred in Billerbeck in 1831. 7. At the home of the husband Johann Friedrich Britkreutz, munde[monthly, timely?] news that his wife born Regine Kreklow on the 22nd of June gave birth to a son, [?] and on the 23th of the same month baptized him and so he carries the name: Johann Friedrich The godparents were: 1. The governor Emanuel Gottfaind Roloff from here; 2. The [?] Johann Friedrich Breitzig, from here; 3. The Mayor's wife Maria Elizabeth Radke, from here" (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000328 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

"Arbeitsman" (worker) Breitkreutz is listed as a sponsor at the baptism of Dorothea Sophie August, daughter of Johann Breizig and his wife Dorothea on 1 Aug 1841 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia. Although this may refer to his father, Johann Friedrich, I am inclined to think this is a reference to Christian Friedrich Wilhelm, because he is described as "Arbeitsman Breitkreutz on yet another record where his wife is also present as a sponsor.

He appears as a sponsor in a number of baptism records that took place in Billerbeck: on 1 Feb 1846 at the baptism for Ernestina Augusta Brizig, the daughter of Johann Friedrich Brizig and his wife Dorothea Sophiee Roloff; on 13 Sep 1846 at the baptism for Gwistius Johanne Link, the daughter of Michael Link and his wife Gwistius Masse; on 13 Mar 1853 at the baptism for Julius Herman Muller, the son of Christian Friedrich Muller and his wife Johanne Christine Diekhoff; and on 17 Dec 1855 at the baptism for Heinrich Wilhelm Hottshalk, the son of Carl Friedrich Hottshalk and his wife Wilhelmine Radke [d. of Maria Elizabeth BREITKREUTZ Radke].

He married Johanna Caroline FINDER, daughter of Johan Friedrich FINDER & Maria GORKA, on 5 Jun 1848 in Augustwald, Pomerania, Germany. She was born on 1 Feb 1823 in Augustwald, Pomerania, Germany. She died of multiple sarcoma on 24 Jul 1907 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI and was buried on 25 Jul 1907 in the Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was a member of the Moravian Church, Lake Mills. Information about her ancestry is located here. Here's a photograph of Wilhelm and his wife.

William and his family migrated from Germany using money from his mother's estate on Sept 29, 1858. He is listed as arriving on 4 Jan 1859 through the port of NY, age 31, both parents are listed as born in Germany; With him are listed his wife(?) Jane (33) and children Henry(9), William (7) and Harman (2). Also listed is a Sophia Finder(62 yrs old). The ship is called the Aristedes and left from Bremerhaven. (From German Immigrants, pp. 350-1).

I have located an 1862 deed record recording his purchase of land in Lake Mills. A later land deal involving him is referred to as occurring 17 Feb 1865 (v. 46 of Deeds, p. 169) that included 54.93 acres of land.

According to a letter from the Office Administrator of the Moravian Church at Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI, he and his wife became members of the church on 8 Apr 1887.

FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: "Married Fifty Years. The celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Breitkreutz took place at their residence in this village on Sunday last at 2:30 p. m., attended by children, grandchildren and near friends. The relatives present were the three sons, Henry, William and Herman, and their families, and the only daughter, Mrs. G. Helpap and Mr. Helpap, a sister and Mr. Carl Finder, a brother of Mrs. Breitkreutz, and Mrs. Finder, Mr. and Mrs. August Henning, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Blumberg, Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl and daughter Elmira and sixteen grandchildren. Mr. Fred Finder and Mr. Ernest Wolf were also guests. Rev. Wm. Strohmeier delivered an appropriate and touching address, and Rev. Theo. Sonderman distributed the gifts, among which were a gold-headed ebony cane, a present to Mr. Breitkreutz, and an umbrella with gold-mounted hand piece and a pair of gold spectacles, a gift to Mrs. Breitkreutz. The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of these elderly people was planned by their children, and at an appointed hour the party came upon Mr. and Mrs. Breitkreutz in the quiet of their home as unexpectedly as roses in the summertime, a perfect surprise, which, however, proved to be a most happy one, filling their hearts with gladness. At five o'clock p. m. supper was served and the happy guests vied with each other in filling the hour with as much joy as possible to those who had reached their fiftieth mile-stone in their journey of life together and were now permitted to look into the faces and hear the happy voices of so many of their children and grandchildren, while they themselves still enjoy a goodly measure of health and strength of body and mind. The hours were made happy by reminiscences of the fifty years passed until the hour of 9 p. m., when the guests took their departure, gladdened with the thought that they had been instrumental in adding to the joys of two honest devoted hearts." (Lake Mills Spike 9 Jun 1898). Here's a photograph of the whole family taken at this celebration.

OBITUARY - "Obituary. Died at her home in the city of Lake Mills, Wednesday at 5:30 p. m., July 24, 1907, Mrs. William Breitkreutz, at the advanced age of 84 years, 5 months and 23 days. Miss Hannah Caroline Finder was born February 1, 1823 in Augustwald in Germany and was married June 5, 1848, to William Breitkreutz at her home in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Breitkreutz set out for America September 29, 1858 and landed in New York January 4, 1859 and proceeded at once to the west and settled in the town of Lake Mills and engaged in agriculture until 13 years ago when they retired from hard labor, built a home in the village where they continued to live until the day of her death. Their married life was blessed with four children, three sons and one daughter, Mrs. G. A. Helpap, Wm. Jr., Henry and Herman Breitkreutz- all of whom survive their mother. The deceased had suffered over two years, passed through three surgical operations each giving temporary, but no permanent relief. Hers was a case of sarcoma from which she did not suffer very much pain until the last few weeks of her life. She was patient and uncomplaining, bearing her distresses with fortitude. She leaves behind to mourn her departure, her husband, 4 children, 17 grandchildren, 5 great grand children, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral services were held Sunday last with brief services at the house, followed by burial in the Rock Lake cemetery after which, according to the custom of the Moravian church, of which she was for many years a consistent and faithful member, full service was held in the church, Rev. O. E. Reidenbach, pastor of the church officiating, and was attended by a large number of people who held the deceased in high regard and felt keen sympathy for the bereaved." (Lake Mills Leader 1 Aug 1907, p. 1).

OBITUARY: "Death of William Breitkreutz. William Breitkreutz died Tuesday morning at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Ora Farmer, at the ripe age of 88 years. The funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at one o'clock at the house. An appropriate obituary will appear in next week's paper." (Lake Mills Leader 18 Nov 1915, p. 1); "Obituary. William Breitkreutz was born Sept. 2, 1827, in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Germany. He was married to Miss Johanna Caroline Finder on June 5, 1848. In 1859 he brought his family to this country. They set out from Germany Sept. 29, 1858, and did not arrive at New York till Jan. 4, of the following year. After spending a month at Watertown, Wis., they finally settled near Lake Mills. Four children were given to them, three sons and one daughter. One son, William Jr., passed away April 28, 1915. Since 1894 till their death they have lived in this city in retirement. Mrs. Breitkreutz died July 24, 1907 after a lingering illness. Her husband departed this life suddenly Tuesday morning, Nov. 16, about 10 o'clock. While out in the yard he fell and was assisted into the house and put on a chair where he expired almost immediately. He is survived by two sons, Herman of this city and Henry of Shopiere, and one daughter, Mrs. G. Helpap of Rice Lake, Wis., 17 grandchildren. His age was 88 years, 2 months and 14 days. Funeral services conducted by Rev. O. E. Reidenbach, were held on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 18, at one o'clock at the home of his son, Herman, and in the Moravian church, where he had been a faithful member for more than twenty-eight years. Interment took place in Rock Lake cemetery. The following named relatives from out of town were present at the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Breitkreutz, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Meyers and Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Breitkreutz of Shopiere, Mr. and Mrs. William Breitkreutz of Sharon, and Mrs. Gustav Helpap of Rice Lake." (Lake Mills Leader 25 Nov 1915, no. 2, p. 1) 2nd obituary: "Died at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Ora Farmer, on Tuesday morning, Nov. 16, Mr. William Breitkreutz, aged 88 years. The funeral was held at the home on Thursday afternoon, followed by the church service. Rev. O. E. Reidenbach officiated. Mr. Breitkreutz was a man highly respected by all who knew him. Mr. Henry Breitkreutz of Shopiere and Mrs. G. Helpap of Rice Lake were called here by the death of their father, Wm. Breitkreutz" (Jefferson Banner 24 Nov 1915)

Christian Friedrich Wilhelm BREITKREUTZ and Johanna Caroline FINDER had the following children:

	5	i.	August Heinrich3 BREITKREUTZ
	6	ii.	Carl Frederick William3 BREITKREUTZ
	7	iii.	Herman Julius3 BREITKREUTZ
	8	iv.	Emelie Auguste3 BREITKREUTZ

RECORD OF BIRTH: "Births that occurred in Billerbeck in 1831. 7. At the home of the husband Johann Friedrich Britkreutz, munde[monthly, timely?] news that his wife born Regine Kreklow on the 22nd of June gave birth to a son, [?] and on the 23th of the same month baptized him and so he carries the name: Johann Friedrich The godparents were: 1. The governor Emanuel Gottfaind Roloff from here. 2. The [?] Johann Friedrich Breitzig, from here. 3. The Mayor's wife Maria Elizabeth Radke, from here" (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000328 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995)

RECORD OF DEATH: "Deaths occurring here in Billerbeck in the year 1831. 2. Johann Friedrich Breitkreutz, son of Johann Friedrich Breitkreutz, died on the 24th of June of cramps and was buried on the 26th of the same month. His age was 2 days." (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000329 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995)

5. August Heinrich³ BREITKREUTZ (Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). He was born on 22 Mar 1849 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. He was baptized on 9 Apr 1849 in Billerbeck, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. He died on 2 Apr 1931 in Shopiere, WI and was buried on 4 Apr 1931 in the Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. He was a farmer, for a short time was involved in a livestock business known as Breitkreutz & English, and was a member of the Moravian Church.

"Births and Baptisms 1849. 3. [Name and former name (?) and station of the fathers] Wilhelm Breitkreuz; [Name and maiden name (?) of the mothers] Johanne Karoline Finder; [Christening name for the child] August Heinrich; [Date and time of the birth] the 22, twenty second of March; [Legitimate or illegitimate] legitimate; [Date of the Baptism] The 9th, ninth of April; [Name, station and location of the sponsors (godparents) of the child] 1. Governor Johann Breizig, from here. 2. Miss Wilhelmina Radke, from here. 3. Miss Janet Badika, from here." (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000382 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

He came to this country at the age of nine. He remembered hearing his parents say that they came to Jefferson or Jefferson Jct., and walked to Lake Mills (letter to Laura Adell Breitkreutz Cook from Aaron and Rubie Aaron Breitkreutz).

He married Minna Augusta GRITZMACHER, daughter of Wilhelm GRITZMACHER & Ernestine SCHOPPUL, on 26 Oct 1876 in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Jefferson Co. WI. She was born on 21 Oct 1859 in Deerfield, WI. Baptism in Lutheran Church Of Waterloo, WI. She died on 18 Dec 1941 in Shopiere, WI. and was buried on 21 Dec 1941 in the Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was a member of the Moravian Church.

A. H. Breitkreutz was elected a trustee for the Town of Lake Mills according to an article appearing in the Lake Mills Leader, 5 May 1887. He is mentioned as being appointed on 2 May 1888 to the following committees- Finance, Fire, and Grievance, Town of Lake Mills according to an article detailing Board proceedings appearing in the Lake Mills Leader, 17 May 1887.

OBITUARY "August Heinrich Breitkreutz, the son of William and Hannah (Finder) Breitkreutz, was born at Billerbeck, Pomerania, Germany, March 22, 1849. He came to this country, with his parents, when only 9 years of age. The family settled near Newville, Wis., about the year 1858. Here he grew up to manhood and was a useful helper on the farm of his father from earliest youth. He received his secular training in the district's public school and in religion he was brought up in the Lutheran faith, a church of that denomination being located near-by. On October 26, 1876 he was married to Miss Minna Augusta Gritzmacher, near Deerfield, Wis. This union was blessed with five children, all of whom survive the departure of their aged father. The family joined the Moravian church, in 1887, and remained in fellowship with the Lake Mills congregation, until 1901; for in October of that year the family moved to the vicinity of Shopiere. Near the little village of Tiffany he secured a farm, which he managed until advanced age induced him to retire in the city of Shopiere, in the year 1918. Nearly every winter, since the year 1923, he and his wife went to Tomah, Florida to live part of the time with their married daughter and part time with his son, who also lived at Tampa. Considering the age at which he had arrived, his health was in remarkable condition, so that, even last fall, he, together with his wife, could again, make the trip to Tampa, Florida, where he spent the winter with his daughter. Recently they returned to Shopiere, where they were making arrangements to settle in a house, which they had recently secured, for their own abode, in which to retire. But, alas! on last Tuesday he met with an accident under a Ford car, while moving it out of the shed. Internal injuries were sustained from the accident, from which he never recovered. On Thursday morning, April 2, 1931, at 4:15, he passed into his eternal rest at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. Meyer, having attained the age of 82 years and 9 days. His departure is mourned by his, now, sorrowing widow; one brother, Mrs. Herman Breitkreutz; one sister, Mrs. Emilie Helpop; three sons, William of Clinton, Wis.; Bernard of Tiffany, Wis.; and Aaron of Janesville, Wis.; two daughter, Ida, now Mrs. A. F. Feier of Shopiere, Wis.; and Erma, now Mrs. R. J. Weirick of Tampa, Florida; also 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Many other more distant relatives and friends will continue to cherish his memory as one who was loved by his own and honored in the community. Funeral services were held at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A. F. Meier at Shopiere, Wis., last Saturday at 11 a. m., and at the Moravian church, in Lake Mills, at 2 p. m. , the Rev. H. Richter, assisted by Rev. O. E. Reidenbach and Rev. A. Ryan, officiating. Interment was made on the family lot on the Rock Lake cemetery." (Lake Mills Leader 9 Apr 1931)

OBITUARY - "Mrs. Henry Breitkreutz Buried Saturday. Minna Augusta Gritzmacher, daughter of William and Ernestine (Lehmpohl) Gritzmacher, was born in the Town of Deerfield on October 21, 1859. She spent her girlhood and younger days in her home community attending the public school and receiving her religious instructions at the German Lutheran Church of Waterloo, Wis., where she was likewise confirmed. She was united in marriage at the Waterloo Lutheran Church on October 26, 1876 with August Henry Breitkreutz of Newville, where the young couple made their home on a farm not far distant from the Newville Lutheran Church. Later on they moved to Lake Mills and on November 13, 1887 they united with the Lake Mills Moravian church in which their five children were baptized and received religious instruction later on. after leaving this community in 1901 for Shopiere, Wis., they were united with the Lutheran Church of Shopiere sometime after January 1, 1902. Here they spent the next 18 years on a large farm, later retiring to the town of Shopiere where her husband died on April 2, 1931. His funeral took place from the Moravian Church on April 4, 1931. She lived a long, useful life, enjoying her many old and new-formed friendships, both here around Lake Mills as well as at and around Shopiere. Her children and grandchildren, as well as her great-grandchildren were her joy, and she was privileged to live to see several generations grow up into useful, upright and honest citizens. She likewise appreciated the kindness and love shown to her in these last three weeks of illness. She passed away peacefully this last Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:05 p. m. at the age of 82 years and 2 months, lacking three days. Five children remain, namely: Mrs. Ida Meyers of Beloit, Mrs. Irma Weirick of Milwaukee, William of Delavan, Bernhard of Shopiere, and Aaron of Janesville, as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral was held Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p. m. from Shopiere and at 2:30 p. m. from the local Moravian Church. Interment was in Rock Lake Cemetery." (12-25-1944).

August Heinrich BREITKREUTZ and Minna Augusta GRITZMACHER had the following children:

	9	i.	Ida Emelia Christiana4 BREITKREUTZ
	10	ii.	William Daniel4 BREITKREUTZ
	11	iii.	Bernhart Hermann4 BREITKREUTZ
	12	iv.	Irma4 BREITKREUTZ
	13	v.	Aaron4 BREITKREUTZ

"Our father Wm. Carl Breitkreutz attended the Lutheran Seminary in Watertown, WI. He had to quit because his brother Henry had a yen to work on the railroad and he was needed on the farm. He was in his second year. The college is still there, but it is coeducational now. I went there to get some information, but since I didn't know the year it was a lost cause." (handwritten note from his daughter, Laura Adell Breitkreutz Cook.)

He married Elmira Dora YOUNG, daughter of John YOUNG & Janette NEFF, on 9 May 1882 at the home of her parents, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was born on 10 Aug 1860 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was received as a member on 26 Apr 1903 in Moravian Church, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She died of graves disease on 20 Jan 1905 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI and was buried on 24 Jan 1905 in Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was a member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church. Here's a photograph of her. Here's another. Here's another photograph of her with her sisters.

MARRIAGE NOTICE-"Married. BREITKREUTZ-YOUNG.-At the residence of the bride's parents, near Lake Mills, May 9, 1882 by the Rev. J. M. Levering, Mr. Wm. Breitkreutz to Miss Elmira Young. The marriage was a private one, only the parents, brothers and sisters of the parties being present. The bride was the recipient of handsome and valuable gifts of silverware, etc. which, when placed on the table and crowned by a pyramid of shining yellow coins from Uncle Sam's mint, constituted a tempting heap. The numerous friends of the happy pair will join in wishing them heaven's richest blessings." (Lake Mills Spike 11 May 1882) 2nd marriage notice-"MARRIED. BREUTKREUTZ- YOUNG - In Lake Mills, Wis., May 9th, 1882, at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. Wm. Breutkreutz and Miss Almira Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Young, of that town." (Jefferson County Union 12 May 1882 v. 13 no. 10)

OBITUARY: "Funeral of Mrs. Elmira Breitkreutz. Last Tuesday afternoon the body of the late Mrs. Elmira Breitkreutz was laid to rest in our cemetery. Funeral services were held at the house at 1:30 p.m., and after the burial, services were held at the Moravian church where she was a member. Rev. Otis Reidenbach officiating. She was born Aug. 10, 1859, in the vicinity of Lake Mills. Her younger days were spent with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Young on their farm a few miles west of town. On the 9th of May, 1882 she was united in holy wedlock by the Moravian minister at the time in charge of the congregation, the Rev. J. M. Levering, to Mr. Wm. Breitkreutz. All her married life was spent on the farm where she died. Ten children came to bless their home, four of whom passed away some years ago. Last February Mrs. Breitkreutz was seized with a severe attack of the grippe, other complications developed which brought her to the brink of the grave. To the surprise of many she improved, for a time, but the disease made such inroads upon her health and general appearance that she appeared like a very aged person. Her health continued more or less precarious, sometimes being pretty good and again considerably worse. Last week, however, she felt exceptionally well, when suddenly last Friday morning she had a violent attack of coughing, followed by convulsions. Still, the worst was not expected. At midnight, however, the unseen messenger came and delivered her from all mortal ailments. She is survived by her mother, who was unable to attend the funeral, her husband, five daughters and a son, and three married sisters, namely: Mrs. Fred C. Smith, of Duluth, Mrs. Emil Brunn, of Mellette, South Dakota, and Mrs. Dave Bowden, of Pardeeville, Wis. The bereaved have the sympathy of many friends." (Lake Mills Leader 26 Jan 1905, p. 1) 2nd obituary - "LAKE MILLS (From the Union Correspondent)... Death brought sorrow to the household of Wm. Breitkreutz; the mother, Elmira, daughter of Mrs. John Young, passed away, leaving a husband and six children to mourn her death. The funeral was on one of the worst days of our winter." (Jefferson County Union v. 35 n. 53, p. 1)

OBITUARY: "William C. Breitkreutz Has Passed Away. William Breitkreutz died during Tuesday night and was found in his bed Wednesday morning. It is too early to state when funeral services will be held. An appropriate obituary will appear next week." (Lake Mills Leader 29 Apr 1915, p. 1); "Obituary. William Breitkreutz, Jr., son of William and Hannah Finder Breitkreutz was born June 3, 1852, in Billerbeck, Germany, and came with his parents to this vicinity in 1859. On the 9th of May, 1882 he was married to Miss Almira Young, daughter of John and Jennette Young, the late bishop J. Mortimer Levering, then pastor of the Moravian congregation here, performing the ceremony. This union was blessed with ten children, eight daughters and two sons. One son and three daughters died many years ago. On the 20th of January, 1905, his beloved wife was called home. Wednesday morning, April 28, about 2 o'clock, Mr. Breitkreutz passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Yet he himself believed his end was near as he had intimated to his father and others, because his heart was in a weak condition. His age was 62 years, 10 months and 25 days. He is survived by his aged and infirm father, one son, five daughters, one grandchild, two brothers and a sister. He was known for his kind, genial disposition and more than ordinary intelligence. The funeral service was held at his home on the farm Friday afternoon, Rev. O. E. Reidenbach, officiating. The interment was made in Rock Lake cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Breitkreutz and family of Shopiere and Mrs. Gustav Helpap of Rice Lake were the relatives from out of town who were at the funeral." (Lake Mills Leader 6 May 1915, p. 1) 2nd obituary - "Wm. Breitkreutz, whose home was in the west part of the Town of Lake Mills, passed away during the night of April 27, while asleep at home. The funeral was held on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Breitkreutz who was Miss Myra Young died some years ago. One daughter, Mrs. Zeno Kypke, lives in this city. The son cares for the home farm. The other daughters were in their father's home" (Jefferson Banner 5 May 1915 p. 1). Here's a photograph of him, taken at his funeral.

Carl Frederick William BREITKREUTZ and Elmira Dora YOUNG had the following children:

	14	i.	Frances Amelia4 BREITKREUTZ
	15	ii.	Laura Adell4 BREITKREUTZ (Twin)
	16	iii.	Laurinda4 BREITKREUTZ (Twin)
	17	iv.	?4 BREITKREUTZ (Twin)
	18	v.	Addie Josephine4 BREITKREUTZ (Twin)
	19	vi.	Alfred Lanhart4 BREITKREUTZ
	20	vii.	Dorothy Laura4 BREITKREUTZ
	21	viii.	Vera Alta4 BREITKREUTZ

RECORD OF BIRTH: "Births and Baptisms 1856. 4. [Name and former name (?) and station of the fathers] Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Breitkreuz, coachman; [Name and maiden name (?) of the mothers] Johanne Karoline Finder; [Christening name for the child] Herman Julius; [Date and time of the birth] The 18th of March 6 a.m.; [Legitimate or illegitimate] legitimate; [Date of the Baptism] March 24th; [Name, station and location of the sponsors (godparents) of the child] 1. Joh. Soph. Friedrich Brietzig. 2. Johan Friedrich Brietzig, governor, from here. 3. Carl Friedrich Gottshalk, Worker, from here" (Anke Anfang Staatl. Arcivverw. - DDR StAGreifswald KirchenbŸcher Rep. 77 Amtsgerichtsbezirke Stargard Billerbeck 1824-1874 x 00+ e V p. 000405 on microfilm tape no.1273119 item 2; transcribed and translated by Dave Rudge 4 Jul 1995).

He married Hulda WENDT, on 8 Nov 1882 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was born on Sep 1865 in WI. She died on 22 Aug 1914 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI and was buried on 25 Aug 1914 in Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was a member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church. Here's a photograph of Herman and his wife.

"Lake Mills, Wis. June 30, 1898. The Village Council met at the usual place on call of president... An application for license to sell spirituous and malt liquors in quantities less than one gallon, to be drank on premises where sold, viz: lot 10, blk 8, was presented by Herman Breitkreutz. On motion the application and bond of Herman Breitkreutz was accepted and the clerk was instructed to issue license for same." (14 Jul 1898 Lake Mills Leader)

OBITUARY - "Died at her home on E. Lake St. on Saturday, Aug. 22, Mrs. Herman Breittkreut [sic], aged nearly 49 years. A stroke of paralysis over two years ago rendered her an invalid and she gradually failed in strength. The funeral service was held at the home and at the Moravian church on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. O. E. Reidenbach officiating. The husband, and the four children, Elmer, Arthur, Arilda (Mrs. Zimmerman) and Leona (Mrs. George Farmer) are left to bear the loss." (Jefferson Banner 2 Nov 1914)

OBITUARY: - "Herman Breitkreutz, 80, a resident of this community much of his life, died early Monday morning in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ora Farmer, with whom he had made his home. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Zimmerman and Mrs. Farmer, and two sons, Arthur and Elmer, all of Lake Mills. Seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held in the Hoskin's funeral home on Wednesday with Rev. H. T. Kant of the Moravian church officiating." (Jefferson Banner 11 Nov 1937)

Herman Julius BREITKREUTZ and Hulda WENDT had the following children:

	22	i.	Arthur Bruno4 BREITKREUTZ
	23	ii.	Elmer Herman4 BREITKREUTZ
	24	iii.	Arilda Hulda4 BREITKREUTZ
	25	iv.	Leona4 BREITKREUTZ
		v.	Ida4 BREITKREUTZ

She married Gustav HELPAP, son of August Helpap, in 1886. He was born on 8 March 1860 in Watertown, WI. He died on 29 Nov 1949 at Rice Lake, Jefferson Co. WI. He was a farmer.

"Gustav Helpap who has the agency for the Brookings Land and Trust Company of South Dakota has just returned from a visit to that section of the country and is very enthusiastic over what he found there. He brought with him specimens of the top soil which is a black loam and of the clay which is found under it, also some barley, wheat and corn, and a sod covered with fresh green prairie grass three or four inches high, which shows that spring is almost as far advanced there as here. The land Mr. Helpap represents is in the Big Sioux Valley, a little less than fifty miles north of the state line of Iowa and near the Minnesota line. It is beyond a doubt a rich and beautiful section of Dakota, where farms can be bought low, and where life can be made pleasant and farming profitable." (21 Apr 1898 Lake Mills Leader)

OBITUARY: "Mrs. G. Helpap of Rice Lake Dies. Word was received here this morning by relatives of the death of Mrs. Gustave Helpap of Rice Lake. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Breitkreutz of Lake Mills. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Ortwin of Milwaukee and Victor of Rice Lake. Mrs. Helpap was a sister-in-law of Alfred Helpap and Mrs. E. Sydow of Watertown and Mrs. William Weremann and Mrs. Frank Schroeder of route 4. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nowack funeral home. Burial in Ebenezer cemetery. The body will be shipped to Watertown Saturday after funeral services in Rice Lake." (26 Dec 1945)

FUNERAL NOTICE: "Mrs. G. Helpap's Funeral Sunday. Funeral services for Mrs. Gustav Helpap, 82, Rice Lake, who died at her home there, were held in Rice Lake today and the body is at present enroute to Watertown where services are to be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nowack funeral home, with interment in the Ebenezer cemetery. The Rev. Emil Suemper, an old friend of the family, will officiate. Friends may call at the Nowack funeral home Sunday from 10 a.m. to the time of the funeral to pay their respects. Mrs. Helpap died after a long illness, following a stroke, which she suffered 17 years ago. She was a native of Lake Mills and about 32 years ago moved to Rice Lake where she died at her home earlier this week." (28 Dec 1945)

OBITUARY: "Gustav Helpap Funeral Here. Dies Last Night At Rice Lake at Age of 90 Years. Funeral services for Gustav Helpap who died at his home in Rice Lake last evening will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nowack funeral home here, the Rev. F. E. Weber of the Ebenezer Moravian church officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Mr. Helpap, who would have been 90 yers of age on his next birthday, March 8, was a son of Mr. and Mrs. August Helpap and was born in the town of Watertown. He lived in Lake Mills at one time and for the past 36 years had been a resident of Rice Lake. His wife died in 1945. Surviving are two sons, Ortwin, Milwaukee, and Victor, this city. one brother and two sisters also survive, Alfred, this city; Mrs. William Wesemann and Mrs. Frank Schroeder, both of route 4. Another brother and four sisters preceded him in death. There are five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Friends may call at the funeral home to pay their respects Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Thursday up to the time of the service." (29 Nov 1949)

Emelie Auguste BREITKREUTZ and Gustav HELPAP had the following children:

	26	i.	Ortwin Alfred4 HELPAP (1894 1981)
	27	ii.	Victor Emanuel4 HELPAP (1897 1969)

9. Ida Emelia Christiana⁴ BREITKREUTZ (August Heinrich³, Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). She was born on 29 Sep 1878 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI and died on 18 Dec 1941 in Beloit, WI. She married Albert Frederick MEYERS. He was born on 27 Mar 1876 in Bloomberg, Germany and died on 30 Apr 1962 in Racine, WI.

Ida Emelia Christiana BREITKREUTZ and Albert Frederick MEYERS had the following children:

	28	i.	Lloyd Henry5 MEYERS (1899 1951)
	29	ii.	Royal Albert5 MEYERS (1901 1933)
	30	iii.	Florence Ida5 MEYERS (1904 1995)
		iv.	Albert Carl5 MEYERS (1906 1906)
	31	v.	Elmer Bernard5 MEYERS (1908 1996)
	32	vi.	Robert William5 MEYERS (1913 1978)

He married Edith Clara HENSCHEL on 10 Oct 1906 in Clinton, WI. She was born on 28 Apr 1885 in Wisconsin and died on 22 Apr 1965 in Wisconsin.

OBITUARY -"William Breitkreutz Succombs at Delavan. William D. Breitkreutz, 62, died at his Delavan home Wednesday morning after a long illness. A former resident of Lake Mills, he was born October 17, 1890 near here. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Breitkreutz lived on a farm now owned by William Howes of Newville. For a while William Breitkreutz conducted a business in Lake Mills where he sold groceries and feed. In 1901 he moved away from here to La Prarie Township, Rock County and in 1906 he was married to Edith Henshel at Clinton. For a while the couple lived at Clinton, and later they moved to Delavan. Surviving the departed are his widow and a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Best, a teacher of the blind at Delavan. There are two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Ida Meyers, Beloit; Mrs. Irma Weirick, Milwaukee, Bernhardt, Tiffany and Aaron, Janesville and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Ora Wodke, Lake Mills, is a niece. Funeral services were held at Clinton and the Schoenfeld funeral home and later at the Presbyterian church. Burial was at the Clinton cemetery. Those from Lake Mills who attended the last rites were Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Breitkreutz, Mrs. Ora Farmer and Mrs. Ora Wodke." (Lake Mills Leader 14 Jan 1943)

OBITUARY: "MRS. EDITH BREITKREUTZ. BELOIT, Wis. - Services for Mrs. Edith Breitkreutz, 79, formerly of 1048 Elm St., who died Thursday in Rock County Hospital, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Schoenfeld Funeral Home. Burial will be in Clinton Cemetery. Friends may call in the funeral home Sunday afternoon and evening. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Hall, Beloit, and two sisters, Mrs. Florence Hahn and Mrs. Loretta Hahn, both of Clinton. " (24 Apr 1965 Morning Star p. 4); "BELOIT, Wis. - Mrs. Edith Breitkreutz, 79, died Thursday. Services at 1:30 p.m. in Schoenfield Funeral Home." (24 Apr 1965 Regiser Republic p. 13); "Mrs. Edith Breitkreutz. BELOIT - Mrs. Edith Breitkreutz, 79, a native of Clinton and a former resident at 1043 Elm St., Beloit, died Thursday evening in Rock Haven, Janesville, after a long illness. The former Edith Henschel was born April 28, 1885, in Clinton, the daughter of August and Hannah Schrandt Henschel, and was married to William Breitkreutz Oct 10, 1906, in Clinton. She had been a resident of Beloit the past 20 years and a member of the Second Congregational Church. Her husband died about 1941. Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Hall, Beloit; three grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Florence Hahn and Mrs. Loretta Hahn, both of Clinton. Three brothers preceded her in death. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Schoenfeld Funeral Home, the Rev. Arthur J. Snow officiating. Burial will be in Clinton Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday afternoon and evening." (23 Apr 1965 Janesville Daily Gazette p. 2); "Breitkreutz Funeral. BELOIT - The funeral for Mrs. William Breitkreutz, 79, who died Thursday, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Schoenfeld funeral home. " (25 Apr 1965 Wisconsin State Journal p. 79)

William Daniel BREITKREUTZ and Edith Clara HENSCHEL had the following children:

	33	i.	Dorothy Mae5 BREITKREUTZ (1916 2003)

Bernhart Hermann married Clara Lauretta McWILLIAM on 29 Oct 1913 in Milton, WI. She was born on 12 Nov 1891 in Iowa. She died of congestive heart failure on 8 Jun 1985 in the Freeport Nursing Home, Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL. She was buried on 11 Jun 1985 in the Milton Cemetery, Milton WI.

MARRIAGE NOTICE: "McWilliam-Breitkreutz. On Wednesda, Oct. 29, a very pleasant wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D.P. McWilliam. At high noon the wedding march was played by Miss Irma Breitkreutz, sister of the bridegroom; and the happy couple, Miss Clara L. McWilliam and Bernhart H. Breitkreutz took their places before Rev. L.C. Randolph. The ring ceremony was used. Miss Bertha McWilliam, sister of the bride, and Mr. Aaron Breitkreutz, brother of the groom were the attendants. The bride and bridesmaid carried bouquets of roses and ferns. After the congratulations a large company of relatives were served with a delicious three course luncheon; shortly after which the bride and groom escaped in some mysterious way. Their home will be on the groom's farm near Shopiere. The presents were numerous and both useful and ornamental. Among the guests from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Breitkreutz, Irma Breitkreutz, Aaron Breitkreutz of Tiffany, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Breitkreutz of Clinton, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Meyer of Clinton, Mrs. T.S. Hurley and Mrs. E.J. Davis of Garwin, Iowa, Mrs. Thomas Lalley, Traer, Iowa.- Milton Telephone." (Lake Mills Leader 6 Nov 1913)

Bernhart Hermann BREITKREUTZ and Clara M. McWILLIAM had children:

	34	i.	William Henry5 BREITKREUTZ (1917 1995)
	35	ii.	Bernhart Claire5 BREITKREUTZ (1923 2012)

	36	i.	Constance5 WEIRICK (1918 1976)

OBITUARY: "Aaron Breitkreutz, 87, of 818 Sussex Dr., Janesville, died Tuesday evening at Edgerton Memorial Hospital following a long illness. Born Dec. 28, 1895, in Lake Mills, the son of August H. and Minnia Gretzmacher Breitkreutz, he married the former Rubie Ferguson July 1, 1939, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Iowa. He had been employed as a carpenter for 50 years, retiring from T. S. Willis Co., Janesville. He attended the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Milton, and was a member of Carpenter Local 836 and had received a 40-year pin for his service as a carpenter. Survivors include his wife, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Milton, with Rev. Herbert Saunders officiating. Burial will be in Milton Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Albrecht Funeral Home-Janesville. " (31 Mar 1983 The Milton Courier (Milton, Wisconsin) p 24.)

OBITUARY: "MILTON/JANESVILLE - Rubie M. Ferguson Breitkreutz McWilliam, 99, formerly of Janesville, died on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, at the Milton Senior Living, where she has resided for the last four years. She was born in Trent, SD, on May 4, 1907, daughter of the late John L. and Lena (Reinholdt) Ferguson. Rubie was a member of the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church, the Women's Circle there, and the Milton College Alumni Assoc. Rubie married Aaron Breitkreutz on July 1, 1939. He predeceased her on March 29, 1983. She later married Clarence McWilliam, an acquaintance for many years, on Sept. 20, 1991. He predeceased her on Oct. 13, 1993, from a heart attack. Rubie graduated from Milton Union High School, and worked for one year in the office at the Burdick Corporation. She later graduated from Milton College and worked part time as a secretary there. She also worked as a legal secretary for more than seven years for a law firm in Janesville. Rubie helped in the care of her mother who was ill for several years and also with the care of her first husband, who fought back from a severe heart attack prior to his death. Rubie also did volunteer work through the Retired Senior Volunteer program for ten years along with volunteering with ECHO. In her earlier years, she helped with the TB and Cancer Associations and she was a member of the Milton Ave. Homemakers. Ruby is survived by her half-brother, William E. Ferguson of Renwick, IA; 2 stepsons, Norman (Sharon) McWilliam of Milton and Larry (Karen) McWilliam of Gamaliel, AR; 2 stepdaughters, Lois (Phillip) Watson of Milton and Janice (David) Schumacher of Milton; many stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; many other relatives; her very close friends and extended family: Paul and Barb Cook, Roger and Judy Swenson, Ron and Lila Yager, Pete and Karen Elmer, Gary and Judy Sullivan and John and Linda Uschan; and many dear friends. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Ferguson; and her half-brother, Vincent Ferguson. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church, with Steve Osborn officiating. Burial will follow at the Milton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made in Rubie's name to Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church or to HospiceCare, Inc. Assisting with arrangements is the Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home, Milton. " (28 Dec 2006 The Gazette Xtra (Janesville. Wisconsin).

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT - "Married. At the home of the bride's grandmother, Mrs. John Young, in the town of Lake Mills, Thursday evening, Oct. 6th, 1910, Miss Francis Breitkreutz, eldest daughter of Wm. Breitkreutz, to Mr. Zeno Kypke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kypke of this city, Rev. O. E. Reidenbach, pastor of the Moravian church, officiating. The home was beautifully decorated with a variety of flowers and there were present about twenty-five relatives and near friends to witness the transition of the happy couple from the state of single loneliness to that of matrimonial blessedness. The devoted couple were well remembered by their friends as was evidenced by the liberal wedding gifts, both of ornamentation and utility, and every feature of the occasion was indicative of the pleasure felt by all over the union of the well mated pair. The bride is held in high esteem by all who know the family and have known her in her home life, beloved by her life associates, and while she was engaged in the capacity of a sales woman in this city where she came in contact with many people she won the admiration of all for her pleasant manners and efficiency in the discharge of her duties. The groom has for many years been assistant in the hardware store of Geo. H. Bruns, is well known for his faithful attention to business and for his clean, upright life. After the social hour which followed the nuptial ceremony a bountiful wedding supper was served with a liberal spicing of social merriment which gave the occasion a joyful ending. Mr. and Mrs. Kypke departed for their wedding trip to visit Duluth, St. Paul, Minneapolis and other places of interest and will enter upon their home life in this city, after their return, with the best wishes of their many friends attending them in which the Leader most heartily joins."

OBITUARY - "SENO HERMAN KYPKE Obituary, prepared and read by Rev. Reidenbach. Seno Herman, son of Frank and Caroline Neupert Kypke, was born August 21, 1883, in the town of Waterloo, Wisconsin. In 1888 he came with his parents to Lake Mills. On the third of April, 1898, he was confirmed in the Moravian church here and ever since remained a member there in good standing. As his pastor I have known Seno for seventeen years. In June 1902 he graduated with his class in our High School. After graduating he entered the employ of George Bruns and continued in that store till very recently. The last seven years he was one of the partners in the Lake Mills Hardware Co. In the evening of October 6, 1910 he was married by the Rev. O. E. Reidenbach to Miss Frances Breitkreutz at the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Jeanette Young. He is dressed today with the same clothes as he was that happy evening. Oh! the changes, the great changes that take place in our earthly career. Who could have foreseen this sad event on that wedding night? This sickness, tuberculosis, began last February. From that time till the end he was confined to his bed or to an invalid chair. He knew his end was coming and said it would be easy for him to go. All he would have to do would be to let go. He passed away early Wednesday morning, January 2, 1918 at half past four o'clock, aged 34 years, 4 months and 12 days. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, his parents, two brothers, and two sisters. Those many long weeks and months of kindly ministrations are over. His chair he needs no more. Relief has come. He is no longer a sufferer, for he has gone home to Him of whom he read in his Bible and of whom he had heard all his life. Everybody knew Seno. Everybody liked him. He was so genuinely friendly, so fair and square, so honest and upright. When opportunities offered to make unfair gains he refused them. He could treat no one unjustly. He would take unfair advantage of no one. He wanted a fair and square deal, and he always gave it. Lake Mills has lost a most estimable citizen. His near acquaintances have lost a friend, good and true. His wife has lost a loving, attentive husband, patient in suffering. His parents, brothers and sisters have lost a son and a brother whose memory everybody honors. And now may we take to heart the word of the Holy Writ found in Psalm 90, verse 12." (Brochure provided at Memorial Service) 2nd obituary - "LAKE MILLS... The death of Seno Kypke occurred on Wednesday morning after about a year's painful suffering with consumption. For the past few years he had been in the hardware business, first in the employ of G. H. Bruns and then as a member of the Lake Mills Hardware Co. He was born in the town of Waterloo and has spent nearly all of his life in Lake Mills and graduated from the Lake Mills high school in the class of 1902. He was liked and respected by his many friends. He is survived by a wife, two brothers, two sisters, and numerous other relatives. A large number of the relatives and friends of the deceased attended the funeral held at the home on Friday afternoon. Rev. O. E. Reidenbach and Rev. L. C. Partch of Columbus officiated. Interment was in the local cemetery." (The Jefferson County Union 11 Jan 1918 v. XLVIII, no. 54) THIRD OBITUARY: "OBITUARY Seno Kypke, son of Frank and Caroline Neupert Kypke, was born August 21, 1883, in the town of Waterloo, this state. In 1898 he came with his parents to Lake Mills. On the third of April 1898, he was confirmed in the Moravian church, he remained a member in good standing until his death. June 1902, he graduated with his class in our High School. After his graduation, he entered the employ of George Bruns and continued in the hardware business until recently. The last six years he was one of the firm, The Lake Mills Hardware Co. In the evening of October 6, 1910, he was married by Rev. O. E. Reidenbach to Miss Frances Breitkreutz at the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Jeanette Young. The day of the funeral he was dressed with the same clothes as on his wedding day. His sickness, which proved fatal, (tuberculosis) began last February, from that time until the end he was confined to his bed or to his invalid chair. He knew his end was coming and said quite recently "it would be easy for him to go, all he had to do was to let go." Early Wednesday morning, Jan. 2, at half-past four o'clock, he passed away, aged 34 years, 4 months and 12 days. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, his parents, two brothers and two sisters. All who knew him esteemed him highly for his sterling qualities. He was genuinely friendly, fair and square, honest and upright. He could treat no one unjustly. He would take no unfair advantage of anyone. He wanted a fair and square deal, and he always gave it. Lake Mills has lost an estimable citizen. His near acquaintenances have lost a true friend. His wife has lost a loving, attentive husband, patient in suffering. His parents, brothers and sisters have lost a son and brother, whose memory everybody honors. Funeral services, conducted by his pastor, assisted by Rev. L. Partch of Columbus, were held at his late home on Lake street, Friday afternoon, January 4, at two o'clock. Mr. L. Crump sang very impressively three songs, "Nearer My God to Thee," "Sometime We'll Understand," and "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." Interment was made in Rock Lake Cemetery." (Lake Mills Leader 10 Jan 1918)

After the death of her sister in law (Charlotte nee Degner BREITKREUTZ), Frances raised two nephews as her own while she ran a boarding house. They appear in the 1930 census for Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI.

She second married Ora WODKE, son of Albert WODKE & Mathilda STUELKE, on 16 Jun 1941 in Lake Mills at the United Church of Christ 1st Congregational Church. He was born in 1880 in Milford, WI. He died on 16 Nov 1966 in Fort Memorial Hospital and was buried in the Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. He was educated in the Lake Mills high school and President Of Greenwood's State Bank, Lake Mills WI. He was a member of the United Church Of Christ, First Congregational.

OBITUARY - "Services Held Sat. for Ora A. Wodke. Ora A. Wodke, Lake Mills Banker and civic leader for many years, died November 16 at the age of 86 at the Fort Memorial hospital after suffering a stroke. A life-long resident of the Lake Mills area, he was born in Milford in 1880, the son of Albert and Mathilda Stuelke Wodke. Upon graduation from Lake Mills High School in 1898, he worked in the local post office until his attention was directed toward a possible position in the Greenwood's State Bank. Beginning as a teller and part-time janitor in 1900, he worked his way up to the presidency in 1947. Honored in 1950 with membership in the Half-Century Club of the Wisconsin Banker's Association, he continued to serve as bank president until his retirement in 1964 when he was again honored by being named president emeritus of the bank. Mr. Wodke often said that although there were opportunities to work in larger communities, Lake Mills was his home and he never wished to live or serve elsewhere. His interest in and love for his hometown were evident in his many civic activities. The community itself gained his attention through service on various committees, the Red Cross, the Light and Water Commission, Chamber of Commerce, former Lake Mills Men's Club, and president of the Park Board. The local high school and its athletic programs profited from his interest. He was a member of the Congregational Church. Always concerned with the business climate of Lake Mills, he was instrumental in encouraging new industries to locate here, and was a charter member of the Rotary Club. In keeping with his philosophy of service, Mr. Wodke participated actively in many service-oriented organizations. A member of the Lake Mills F. & A. M. Lodge No. 46 and Royal Arch Chapter No. 100, he achieved high positions in various Masonic Orders, including the commandery of the Knights Templar, and the Scottish Rites Bodies. He became Sovereign Prince of the Council, Princes of Jerusulem, and for many years was presiding officer of the 24th Degree. He portrayed King Solomon in the 24th Degree for eight years. In 1957 in Boston, Massachusetts, he received the highest distinction awarded in Masonry, the Honorary 33rd Degree. He was also a member of the Zor Temple of the A.A.O.N.M.S., the White Shrine, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Wodke was preceded in death by his first wife, Ella Kypke, who died in 1935, and two sisters, Florence (Mrs. E. A. Liessmann), and Cora (Mrs. H. R. Black). Surviving are his wife, Frances, whom he married in 1941; one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Topel, Lake Mills; a sister Harriet (Mrs. David Anderson) Coin, Iowa; a brother, Ben Wolke, Lake Mills; and one grandchild, Marcia Topel, Madison, Wisconsin, nieces and nephews. Services were held Saturday November 19, at 2 p.m. in the United Church of Christ, First Congregational, with the Rev. Robert Bond officiating, assisted by Rev. Clarence Wendt and Rev. Peter Retzlaff. Music at the service was furnished by Charles Woelffer and George Sloane, who sang "In the Sweet By and By", a favorite hymn of Mr. Wodke's, and "My God and I", sung by Robert Berthold. They were accompanied by the organist, Mrs. Caroline Betzold. Pallbearers were officers and directors of the Greenwood's State Bank: Frederick Greenwood, Arthur Baumann, William Kiessling, Paul Dunn, Gordon Chapman, and Emil Neupert of the Bank of Lake Mills. Honorary pallbearers were Thomas Neubauer, August Bartel, Allen Raduege, C. E. Lindberg, Marvin Metzker, and Ralph Seward. Masonic services were held Friday evening at 7:30 at the Westin-Bouslough funeral home, which was in charge of the arrangements. Interment was in the Rock Lake Cemetery. The Ladies Fellowship of the United Church of Christ, First Congregational, graciously served a lunch to members and friends of the Wodke family. Mr. Wodke loved and was loved, and thus, another chapter is closed." Associated article, same newspaper "Attend Funeral of O. A. Wodke. Relatives and friends from out-of-town, who attended the funeral of Ora A. Wodke, Saturday afternoon at the United Church of Christ, First Congregational, were: Mrs. David Anderson, Coin, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Breitkreutz, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Breitkreutz, Groton, South Dakota; Roger W. Breitkreutz, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Addie Crapser, Mrs. Dorothy Watson, Duluth, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Zarring, Joliet, Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. Theron Black, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Black, Mrs. Eli Fritz, Columbus, Wisconsin; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Brumm, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allman, Madison, Wisconsin; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Stuelke, Wisconsin Dells; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Arndt, Fort Atkinson; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Crump, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Michel, Cambridge; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Griessemer, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Gehrke, Fort Atkinson; Mr. and Mrs. Roland Ambrose, Cambridge; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Porter, Hartford; the Misses E. Bernice McCourt and Winnefrid McCourt, London, Wis.; Mrs. Charlotte Gestner, Sun Prairie; Mr. and Mrs. Marshall J. Lord, Oak Park, Illinois, Mrs. Marge Boyce; Mrs. Ralph Hamlin, Park Ridge, Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Knox, Janesville; Mrs. Florene Wendt, Ted Vitcenda, Madison; Oscar Manske, Watertown; George Felton, Clarence Frohmader, Harry Minshall, W. Edgar Croft, Jefferson; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hadinger, Robert Aspinwall, Ed Simons, Fort Atkinson; E. D. Heberlein, Cambridge; Ed. C. Klotzhuecher, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Nelson, Waterloo. There was a fine representation of Masons at the services, among them the following 33rd Degree Masons: R. N. Seward, Maurice Park, Ord Swafford, Noah Frey, Frank Harrison, Arthur Archie, Karl Freitag, Rex Bross." Associated article, same newspaper "The honorary 33rd Degree in Masonry has been bestowed upon three Lake Mills men: the late Ora A. Wodke, R. N. Seward, this city, and E. S. Dodge, now living in Arizona... With the passing of Ora A. Wodke, another of Lake Mills' most highly esteemed senior citizens, the community has lost a very loyal and dear friend. He had an unusually deep feeling and concern for this community in which he spent his entire lifetime--86 fruitful and happy years. Lake Mills was "home" (the dearest place on earth) to Ora Wodke and, in his estimation, no other city in this wide, wide, world could "hold a candle" to this fair city on the shores of beautiful Rock Lake. We are certain that Lake Mills is a better community because Ora Wodke lived in our midst." (Lake Mills Leader, November 23 1966)

OBITUARY - "Services Are This Morning for Frances Wodke. Frances K. Wodke, 92 of 420 West Lake Street, died Sunday evening, January 8, at Countryside Home, Jefferson, after a brief illness. Born February 13, 1885, in the Town of Lake Mills, she was a daughter of Almira Young Breitkreutz and William C. Breitkreutz. A lifelong Lake Mills resident, Mrs. Wodke had been, during the course of her adult life, an active and enthusiastic participant in a number of local organizations and the UCC-First Congregational. Family and friends meant a great deal to her, and as a gracious hostess, she enjoyed entertaining them in her home. Her home, its lovely yard and flower gardens, were particularly dear to her. Mrs. Wodke's first husband, Zeno Kypke, died in 1918. In 1941, she married Ora A. Wodke. He predeceased her in November of 1966. She was a member of the UCC-First Congregational, this city; the Mary-Martha Circle of that church; the Lake Mills Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Lake Mills Woman's Club. Her survivors include a sister, Mrs. Dorothy Watson, Duluth, Minnesota, who is a frequent visitor here and came to be with Mrs. Wodke at the onset of her last illness; a nephew, Roger W. Breitkreutz of Tulsa, Oklahoma; other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother. Services for Mrs. Wodke will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. in the Bouslough Funeral Home, the Reverend Richard Frasier of the UCC-First Congregational officiating. Interment will be in Rock Lake Cemetery. Friends and relatives began at 4 p.m. on Wednesday to call at the Bouslough Funeral Home. If so desired, memorials may be contributed to the UCC-First Congregational. The picture of Mrs. Wodke accompanying this obituary was taken at the time of her 90th birthday anniversary observance in February of 1975." (Lake Mills Leader 12 Jan 1978 p. 2)

"One of the happiest families in the town of Lake Mills is that of W. C. Breitkreutz and all on account of the arrival of twin girls. Granpa John Young smiles aloud when he thinks of them." (Lake Mills Leader 28 Oct 1886).

After the death of her mother, Laura Adell lived with her grandmother, Janette Neff YOUNG.

She married Ralph Mills COOK, son of Charles Herbert COOK & Mary Elizabeth MILLS, on 24 Nov 1920 at the Adams Memorial Church, Manhattan, New York City, NY. He was born on 11 Mar 1894 at his grandfather James MILLS homestead in Waterborough, York Co. ME. He died on 5 Dec 1960 in Menands, Albany Co., NY and was buried on 9 Dec 1960 in Memory's Garden, Colonie, Albany Co., NY. Occupation Auto Parts Buyer, Montgomery Ward. Education Wharton School Of Business, Boston, Suffolk Co. MA. Religion Member Bethney Presbyterian Church, Menands NY. He studied at the Wharton School Of Business, Boston, Suffolk Co. MA. He initially worked as a clerk for Studebaker in Boston, Suffolk Co. MA. He was transferred to their plant in New York City and later became an automobile parts buyer for Montgomery Ward in St. Paul, MN and also Menands, Albany Co. NY. He and his wife maintained a large victory garden during World War II. Here's a photograph of him. Information about Ralph Mills Cook's ancestry is located here.

HOW THEY MET: Ruby Mae Breitkreutz Graffunder writes "As for Uncle Ralph, he worked as a salesman for Studebaker Auto Co. in New York City. Why Aunt Laura went to NYC is a mystery to me but that's where she met Uncle Ralph. When Studebaker went out of business, Uncle Ralph ended up in St. Paul working for Montgomery Ward Co. When MW & Co. built a place in Menands, Uncle Ralph was transferred there. I don't really know much more about him. He was a wonderful person with a nice sense of humor and was forever correcting my grammar." His daughter, Beverly Anne COOK recalls that Ralph and Laura roomed in the same apartment building, with the male and female tenants segregated.

According to Ruby Mae Breitkreutz Graffunder, Ralph came to work for Montgomery Wards in St. Paul, MN after Studebaker in NY City went out of business in 1924; she also recalls that he left St. Paul for Menands, NY when Montgomery Wards opened its new plant there and offered him a pay raise if he would consent to a transfer. (letters to Dave Rudge 11/28/95; 11/12/95). Ralph, his wife, father and daughter are listed in the 1930 census for Menands, Albany Co. NY.

On 22 Oct 1949 Ralph completed 25 years of service with Montgomery Ward & Company as a Service Merchandiser of Divisions 61 and 64 (Buyer of auto accessories). He was presented with a gold (Buren) watch (we still have) inscribed as follows- "PRESENTED TO RALPH M. COOK IN APPRECIATION OF TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE TO MONTGOMERY WARD 10-22-24 10-22-49." He retired in March 1959.

Here's a photograph of Ralph Mills and Laura Adell nee BREITKREUTZ COOK taken just before their daughter, Beverly Anne COOK's wedding. Here's a photograph of the happy couple.

OBITUARY - "Plan Rites Friday for Ralph Cook. Ralph M. Cook, 66, of 3 Irving Pl., Menands, who retired as a buyer of auto accessories for Montgomery Ward & Co., Menands in March of 1959, died yesterday at his residence after a brief illness. Mr. Cook served with Montgomery Ward & Co. for more than 35 years, coming to Menands from the company's store in St. Paul, Minn., when Montgomery Ward & Co. opened their Menands facility. When Mr. Cook completed 25 years of service for the company in 1949, he was presented with a gold watch and a certificate of distinguished service. When Mr. Cook retired, he was honored at a testimonial dinner at which company officials praised his work and many years of service. Mr. Cook was born in Waterboro, Maine and educated in Maine schools. He was a member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Menands. Surviving are his widow, Laura A. Breitkreutz Cook; one daughter, Mrs. William J. Rudge of Liverpool; two grandchildren. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the funeral home of J. Gregory Nealon & Son, 611 4th Ave. Watervliet, with Rev. Charles Folmsby, pastor of the Bethany Presbyterian Church officiating at the committal services. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie." (December 6, 1960) Second Obituary "COOK -- In Menands at his residence, 3 Irving Place, Dec. 5, 1960, Ralph M. Cook, husband of Laura A. Breitkreutz, father of Mrs. William J. Rudge of Liverpool, N. Y. Also survived by two grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the funeral home of J. Gregory Nealon & Son, 611 4th Ave. Watervliet, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Friends are invited and may call Wednesday and Thursday. Internment Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions American Heart Fund." Third Obituary "Relative of O. A. Wodkes Dies in Albany, New York. Ralph M. Cook, Albany, N. Y. passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday. Mr. Cook was the husband of the former Laura Breitkreutz, who spent her childhood days in Lake Mills. Mrs. Cook is a sister of Mrs. O. A. Wodke. The deceased had been associated with Montgomery Ward and Company in Albany, New York, for many years and had retired two years ago. He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs. William Rudge III, and two grandchildren of Liverpool, N.Y."

Laura lived alone for a few years, then lived with her daughter's family before a brief stay in a nursing home.

OBITUARY - "Mrs. Laura Cook CLINTON--Mrs. Laura A. Cook, 80 [sic] of 35 Mulberry St., formerly of Menands, the mother of Mrs. William (Beverly) Rudge III, died yesterday in the Harding Nursing Home, Waterville, after a brief illness. She was born in Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Elmira Young Breitkreutz, attended Wisconsin schools and later the University of Wisconsin. In New York City in 1921, she married Ralph M. Cook. The couple resided in New York City for a few years and in Menands for more than 40 years. Mr. Cook died in 1960. Mrs. Cook had resided here with her daughter, Mrs. Rudge, for the past three years. She was a Protestant, and a member of the OES in Albany. Surviving besides her daughter are two sisters, Mrs. Frances Wodke, of Lake Mills, Wis., and Mrs. Dorothy Watson, of Duluth, Minn. The funeral will be held at 10 Monday from the Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Louden Rd., Latham, with burial in Memory Gardens, Colony. Calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Sunday in the Bowen Funeral Home. Local arrangements are by the Owens Funeral Home." (16 Nov 1973 Utica Daily Press, p. 23; essentially the same obituary appears in 16 Nov 1973 Utica Observer Dispatch, p. A8 and 21 Nov 1973 Clinton Courier, p. 4); 4th OBITUARY - "Laura Cook: Ex-Resident Of Menands. CLINTON, N.Y. - Mrs. Laura A. Cook, 80, formerly of Menands, died Thursday at the Harding Nursing Home, Waterville, following a brief illness. Widow of Ralph M. Cook, she was born in Wisconsin, was educated in Wisconsin schools, and attended the University of Wisconsin. She resided in Menands until three years ago when she moved to Clinton to reside with her daughter, Mrs. William Rudge III. A member of the Albany Chapter, OES, Mrs. Cook is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Frances Wodke of Lake Mills, Wis. and Mrs. Dorothy Watson of Duluth, Minn., as well as four grandchildren. The funeral will be held Monday 10 a.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham, with Rev. Leland Harrison, rector of the Grace Episcopal Church, Waterford, officiating. Burial will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie."; 5th OBITUARY - "COOK - Entered into rest, November 15, 1973, at Waterville, N.Y., Laura A. Cook, formerly of Menands, wife of Ralph M. Cook; mother of Mrs. William (Beverly) Rudge III of Clinton, N.Y.; sister of Frances Wodke, Lake Mills, Wis., and Mrs. Dorothy Watson of Duluth, Minn. Also survived by 4 grandchildren. Funeral services from the Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham, on Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Friends are invited and may call on Sunday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Interment Memory's Garden, Colonie."; 6th OBITUARY - "Sister Dies in New York State. Mrs. Ora Wodke, this city, has received word of the death of her sister, Mrs. Laura Adell Cook, Albany, New York. Mrs. Cook died November 15, following a stroke. Funeral services were held in Albany on Monday (November 19), with interment in Memorial Cemetery, Albany. Survivors include one daughter, Beverly Ann Rudge III and four grandchildren, Clinton, New York; two sisters, Mrs. Wodke, and Mrs. Dorothy Watson, Duluth, Minnesota; several nieces and nephews. Her husband, Ralph Cook, preceded her in death by 10 years. Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Vera, of Springfield, Illinois; Addie, Duluth, Minnesota, and a brother, Alfred Breitkreutz, who lived for many years at Groton, South Dakota. Mrs. Cook was born in the Town of Lake Mills, and after moving away from this community, was a frequent summer visitor with her sister and friends in Lake Mills."

Ralph Mills COOK and Laura Adell BREITKREUTZ had children.

OBITUARY - "Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Breitkreutz mourn the loss of their little girl, four months old. Tuesday morning she was taken sick and died the same night. Another child of theirs is quite sick." (Lake Mills Leader 27 Jan 1887)

OBITUARY - "Mrs. Wm. Breitkreutz recently gave birth to twins, one of whom died." Lake Mills Leader 10 Nov 1887.

Addie Josephine married Chaffee Charles CRAPSER on 3 Oct 1917, in Madison, WI. He was born on 26 Dec 1894 in Fond du Lac, WI. He died on 18 May 1962 and is buried in the Parkholm Cemetery, La Grange, IL. Addie and Charles are present in the 1925 St. Paul Directory. He is listed as a salesman, residence 1993 Ashland Ave. In the 1926 St. Paul Directory he is listed as having moved to Minneapolis. The 1926 Minneapolis directory has him living on 3039 45th Ave. So.

MARRIAGE NOTICE: "At 11 o'clock this morning at the home of the groom's grandmother, Mrs. Ellen Bing, 308 North Carroll street, occurred the wedding of Miss Addie Josephine Breitkreutz, granddaughter of Mrs. Janet Young, of Lake Mills, to Charles Chafee Crapser, son of Mrs. Mae Crapser of this city. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Edward W. Blakeman in the presence of the relatives and friends of the couple. The interior of the home was decorated with autumn leaves and flowers. The bride wore a frock of peach colored maline trimmed with silver lace and carried an arm bouquet of bride's roses. Miss Katherine Paltz of this city, as maid of honor, wore a dress of yellow chiffon and tulle, and Miss Vera Breitkreutz, sister of the bride, as bridesmaid, wore a frock of salmon pink crepe de chine. Both maids carried arm bouquets of Mrs. Aaron Ward roses. Julian Gallentine of Morrison, Il. was best man and Kendal Layden, of Boon, Ia. was groomsman. Miss Laura Breitkreutz, another sister of the bride, played Lohengrin's bridal chorus for the entrance of the party and Mendelsson's wedding march as a recessional. Following the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served at the Park hotel. American beauty roses were banked in the center of the table which was laid for eight covers. Mr. and Mrs. Crapser departed at noon for the east where they will spend their honeymoon. Mrs. Crapser wore a traveling suit of wine colored pan velvet and close fitting hat of a contrasting shade of tan. After November 1, Mr. and Mrs. Crapser will be at home at 107 North Butler street. Mr. Crapser is connected with the Madison Bond company."(3 Oct 1917 Wisconsin State Journal p. 5)

OBITUARY: "Lake Mills. - Mrs. Addie Crapser, 79, Duluth, Minn. died Monday in Joliet, Ill."(23 Oct 1968 Wisconsin State Journal p. 36); SECOND OBITARY: "Mrs. Addie Crapser LAKE MILLS-Mrs. Addie Crapser, 70, a native of this area, died Monday in a hospital [illegible word removed] at Joliet, IL., after becoming ill from a heart condition while visiting there with a daughter, Mrs. Paul Zaring. Addie Breitkreutz was born Nov. 7, 1888, in the Town of Lake Mills. Since 1927 she had lived in Duluth, Minn., where she was a buyer for Montgomery Ward Co. for 25 years. She was a member of Duluth Episcopal Church. Her husband, Charles Crapser, died in 1962. Surviving are Mrs. Zaring; three grandchildren; a great- grandson; three sisters, Mrs. Frances Wodke, Lake Mills, Mrs. Laura Cook, Albany, N.Y., and Mrs. Dorothy Watson, Duluth; a brother, Alfred Breitkreutz, Groton, S.D. Services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. in Bouslough Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. tomorrow. Burial will be In Rock Lake Cemetery. " (22 Oct 1968 Janesville Daily Gazette (Janesville, WI) p. 2)

FUNERAL NOTICE: "Services Here Today for Mrs. A. Crapser. Mrs. Addie Crapser, 79, died Monday, October 21, in Joliet, Illinois. She was visiting at the home of her daughter. Born November 7, 1888, in the Town of Lake Mills, she was the daughter of Almira Young Breitkreutz and William C. Breitkreutz. A Duluth, Minnesota, resident since 1927, she was a buyer for Montgomery Ward Company for 25 years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church in Duluth. Mrs. Crapser, who was a frequent visitor in Lake Mills, was a house guest at the home of her sister, Mrs. Frances Wodke, as recently as two weeks ago. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Paul (Ellen) Zaring, Joliet, Illinois; three grandchildren: Mrs. Howard Parker, Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Robert Zaring, Phoenix, Arizona; Lawrence Zaring, Joliet, Illinois; one great grandson, Daniel Parker, Lake Havasu City, Arizona; three sisters: Mrs. Frances Wodke, this city; Mrs. Laura Cook, Albany, New York; Mrs. Dorothy Watson, Duluth, Minnesota; one brother, Alfred Breitkreutz, Groton, South Dakota. Her husband, Charles, died in 1962. She was also preceded in death by a sister. Funeral services for Mrs. Crapser will be held this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 o'clock in the Bouslough funeral home, this city, with Rev. Richard Frasier of the U. C. C. - First Congregational officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Lake cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Fred Greenwood, Arthur Baumann, August Bartel, Thomas Neubauer, Wilber Heinrich, and William E. Kiessling, Sr. Friends may pay their respects at the funeral home until the hour of the service this afternoon." (24 Oct 1968 (Lake Mills Leader (?), Lake Mills, WI))

Addie Josephine BREITKREUTZ and Chaffee Charles CRAPSER had the following children:

	37	i.	Ellen Mae5 CRAPSER (1919-1988)

He first married Charlotte Ida DEGNER, daughter of William DEGNER & Amelia SAHR, on 14 Jun 1913 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was born on 17 Jun 1892 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She died of flu and pneumonia on 12 Mar 1919 in Newville (Lake Mills), Jefferson Co. WI and was buried on 15 Mar 1919 in the Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was a member Of The Moravian Church.

OBITUARY - "OBITUARY. Charlotte Ida, daughter of William and Amelia Sahr Degner, was born in this city June 17, 1892. After graduating from our High School in 1910, she worked for some time in our telephone central office, after that she taught school for two years. On June 14, 1913, she was united in holy matrimony with Alfred Breitkreutz. Since then they have been farming in the Newville district. Their home was blessed with five children, two sons and three daughters. Recently influenza entered their home. The hired man took sick, then Mr. Breitkreutz, then the little children. As long as her strength held out she waited on them all. Finally she also became ill and was compelled to take to bed. Pneumonia set in. Then the fifth child was born. On Wednesday afternoon, March 12, at half-past two o'clock, the mother passed away, aged 26 years, 8 months and 25 days. She is survived by her parents, three brothers, three sisters and two aged grandfathers. She was interested in church and in church work. For a considerable length of time she taught a class in the Moravian Sunday school and belonged to the Junior Endeavor Society, and later to the Senior. She was an untiring worker, one who never complained. She has gone to eternal rest. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. O. E. Reidenbach, were held last Saturday afternoon, March 15, at one o'clock in her late home and also in the Moravian church after interment in our city cemetery." (Lake Mills Leader, March 20, 1919 p. 3). 2nd obituary - "Died, at her farm home in the west part of the Town of Lake Mills on Tuesday, March 12, Mrs. Alfred Breitkreutz, aged 29 years. She had Influenza, then pneumonia. There are five little ones. The youngest was three days old when the mother died. The funeral service was held on Friday, Rev. O. E. Reidenbach officiating. Mrs. Breitkreutz was Miss Lottie Degner. She was a graduate of our high school and a successful teacher" (Jefferson Banner 19 Mar 1919). 3rd obituary - "LAKE MILLS... Mrs. Alfred Breitkreutz died at her home in Newville on Wednesday, Mar. 12, after a brief illness. She leaves a husband and five small children, besides many other relatives, to mourn her loss. The funeral services were held at the home and at the Moravian church on Saturday afternoon, Rev. Reichenbach officiating." (The Jefferson County Union 21 Mar 1919 v. L, no. 9)

Alfred Lanhart BREITKREUTZ and Charlotte Ida DEGNER had the following children:

	38	i.	Rachel Almyra5 BREITKREUTZ (1914 1999)
	39	ii.	Ruby Mae5 BREITKREUTZ (1915 2006)
	40	iii.	Robert Alfred5 BREITKREUTZ (1916 1944)
	41	iv.	Roger William5 BREITKREUTZ (1916 1993)
	42	v.	Charlotte Jane5 BREITKREUTZ (1919 2007)

After death of his first wife, Alfred left his children in the care of his and his first wife's relatives and migrated eventually to Oklahoma. He second married Irene Martha HENRY of Dustin, OK on 16 Dec 1926 in Salpulpa, OK. She was born in 1908.

OBITUARY - "Area Deaths. A. Breitkreutz. GROTON - Alfred L. Breitkreutz, 78, died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 20, at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church here under the direction of the Pactznick-Garness Funeral Home." (Aberdeen American-News 21 Jan 1972 v. 86 no. 230). 2nd obituary - "A. Breitkreutz. GROTON - Services for Alfred Breitkreutz, 79, Groton farmer, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Larry Moore officiating and burial in Groton Union Cemetery. Mr. Breitkreutz died at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen Thursday, Jan. 20. The Pactznick-Garness Funeral Home has charge of arrangements for services. The Groton farmer was born in Jefferson County, Wis. Nov. 14, 1892, and his first marriage was to Charlotte Degner at Lake Mills, Wis., June of 1913. She died in 1919. Mr. Breitkreutz married Irene Henry at Salpulpa, Okla. Dec. 16, 1926, and came to Groton from Oklahoma in 1931. Surviving are his widow; two sons, Roger of Tulsa, Okla., and Ralph of Groton; four daughters, Mrs. Frank (Ruby) Graffunder, Waterford, N.Y., Mrs. Tyde (Rachel) Kelsey, Virginia Beach, Va., Mrs. Charlotte Gestner, Santa Clara, Calif., and Mrs. Jeff (Mary Jane) Loll, Omaha, Neb.; three sisters, Mrs. Frances Wodke, Lake Mills, Mrs. Dorothy Watson, Duluth, Minn., and Mrs. Laura Cook, Liverpool, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Two sons and two sisters preceded Mr. Breitkreutz in death." (Aberdeen American-News 23 Jan 1972 v. 86 no. 232)

OBITUARY: "Services for Irene Breitkreutz, 104, of Omaha, Neb., and formerly of Groton, will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, at the United Methodist Church, Groton. The Rev. Matt Richards will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Groton, under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Irene passed away Feb. 17, 2013, in Omaha, Neb. Irene Martha (Henry) Breitkreutz was born to Lula and William Henry in Dustin, Okla., on April 5, 1908. She was valedictorian of her 1925 high school graduating class, where she played center on the girlsÕ basketball team. Upon completion of high school, she attended a semester of college with the intention of becoming a nurse, but an appendectomy interrupted her plans. She married Alfred Breitkreutz in Sapulpa, Okla., on Dec. 16, 1926. To this union, three children were born: Alfred Leonard, Ralph Dale and Mary Jane. They lived in Shawnee Okla., until 1931, when they moved to Groton. They lived on their farm northeast of Groton until 1959, when they built a residence in Groton. Irene loved being on the farm, where they raised grain, cattle, pigs and chickens. A longtime member of the United Methodist Church, she was active in the United Methodist Women. She worked briefly at the Groton Nursing Home following the death of her husband in 1972. Following several hospitalizations in 2003, she moved to Omaha to live with her daughter and family until her death on Feb. 17, 2013. She loved to play cards, was a member of the Handicraft Club, worked jumbles/crossword puzzles, watched Wheel of Fortune, embroidered dishtowels and crocheted many, many afghans. Irene was extremely proud to be a Gold Star Mother. At age 100, Irene was named the Omaha Nebraska Visiting Nurses Association ÒVolunteer of the YearÓ for her work crocheting baby afghans for young mothers at the homeless shelters. The VNA liked to boast that they had the oldest volunteer in Omaha.ÊIrene was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; her parents; seven brothers and sisters; a son, Alfred Leonard; and daughter-in-law, Paula Erdmann Breitkreutz. She is survived by her children: Ralph and Virginia Breitkreutz, Mary Jane and Jeff Loll; grandchildren: Tamra and Steve Ward, Kalli Saland, Laura and James Lovato, David Loll, Gloria and Dick Pluimer, Gregg Werger, Ginger Humprey, Gaylene Schwalen; great-grandchildren: Shaina and John Rogers, Samantha Saland, Jenna and Matt King, Carly Ward, Jack Ward, Maria Lovato, Sirena Lovato, Nathan Loll; and great-great-grandchild: Tyler Schold. Casketbearers will be: John Clark, Jeff Howard, Brad Waage, Jay Waage, Steve Ward and David Loll. Memorials are preferred to Groton United Methodist Church, 906 North 1st Street, Groton, SD 57445."

Alfred BREITKREUTZ and Irene Martha HENRY had children.

She married (1) Billy WIEGEL on 16 Aug 1916 at the Congregational Church in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI , but had the marriage annulled shortly afterward. She married (2) John WATSON. He was a college professor and died in 1940.

OBITUARY - "Duluth. Dorothy L. Watson, formerly of Minnesota Avenue, died Monday, March 18, 1991, in St. Mary's Medical Center. She was born in Lake Mills, Wis., and had been a Duluth resident since 1942. She was a former bookkeeper in the St. Louis County auditor's office. Her husband, John, died in 1940. She is survived by a nephew, Robert Zaring of Carefree, Ariz. There will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Thursday in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Burial will be in the Park Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Dougherty Funeral Home." (20 Mar 1991 Duluth News-Tribune, v. 121, no. 343.) FUNERAL NOTICE - "WATSON. Dorothy Watson, Minnesota Ave. Services 9 a.m. Thursday Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Rev. Fr. Lawrence O'Shea officiating. Interment Park Hill Cemetery. No visitation. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home." (21 Mar 1991 Duluth News-Tribune, v. 121, no. 344.)

OBITUARY - "Miss V. Breitkreutz, City School Teacher, Dies at St. John's. Miss Vera Breitkreutz, Springfield school teacher, died at 7:30 a. m. today at St. John's hospital. She had been in failing health for many years. Miss Breitkreutz was a native of Lake Mills, Wis., where she was graduated from the city high school in 1919. In 1923 she was graduated from the Lawrence college in Appleton, Wis. She also attended the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota. Following her graduation from college she taught school at Sextonville, Wis., for one year and Freeburg, Ill., for two years. She came to Springfield in 1926, where she took up teaching duties at DuBois school and where she taught till she was stricken with illness two weeks ago. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Pi of Appleton, Wis., and the A. A. U. W. and held membership in the First Congregational Church here. She made her home with her sister, Mrs. Frances Kypke, since the death of her parents early in girlhood. While in Springfield she resided with Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson 1522 South Fifth street. Miss Breitkreutz is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Frances Kypke, Lake Mills, Wis.; Mrs. Ralph M. Cook, Albany, N.Y., and Mrs. C. C. Crapser and Mrs. John Watson, both of Deluth, Minn.; one brother, Alfred, of Groton, S. D.; five nieces and two nephews. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. today at Ellinger and Kunz funeral home, Rev. Hudson H. Pittman, officiating. Remains will be sent at 2:18 a. m., Friday, over the Alton railroad to Lake Mills, Wis., where final services will be held at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Frances Klpke [sic]. Burial will be made in Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Wis."; SECOND OBITUARY "DEATH COMES TO MISS VERA BREITKREUTZ. Teacher at Dubois School Had Been Ill Last Two Weeks. Miss Vera Breitkreutz, teacher at the Dubois school, died at 7:30 a.m. yesterday at St. John's hospital. She had been ill two weeks, although in failing health for several years. Funeral services were held at 8 p.m. yesterday at the Ellinger & Kunz funeral home, with Rev. H. H. Pittman officiating. Remains were sent early today to Lake Mills, Wis., her former home, where final rites will be held at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Frances Kypke. Burial will be in Rock Lake Cemetery at Lake Mills. An impressive tribute was given at the funeral service for Miss Breitkreutz last night by Rev. Dr. Pittman. The capacity of the chapel was taxed by the large gathering of pupils, teachers, and patrons of the Dubois school. Youth and age shared the grief of members of her family who had come from Lake Mills, Wis., when her sudden illness became critical. Following a vocal selection by Mrs. E. S. Clark, Rev. Dr. Pittman in simple, direct manner interpreted what he called "the greatness of the human spirit" as it was exemplified in Miss Breitkreutz's life, service and influence. "She was in truth an ideal young woman," said the minister, "Illness, sorrow, disappointment, even death, could not destroy her courageous, patient, serene, unselfish, Christian spirit. Her unfailing concern for the well-being of others; her fidelity to ideals of personal living and public service as a teacher won the love and gratitude of a host of friends. The beauty and worth of her influence has left its impression on many in this city. We shall not forget or fail in our gratitude now that her work is done." Those present at the service from out of the city were, Mrs. Frances Kypke, a sister, from Lake Mills, Wis.; O. A. Wodke, also from Lake Mills; William Schrader of Adele, Ia, and Miss Esther Knowles, a close friend, from Atlanta, Ill. Miss Breitkreutz had taught in Springfield at the Dubois school since 1926. She was an instructor in English and was in charge of the 8B grade. Since coming to Springfield she resided with Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson, 1522 South Fifth street. A native of Lake Mills, Miss Breitkreutz was graduated from the high school there in 1919 and from Lawrence college at Appleton, Wis., in 1923. She also attended the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota. Before coming to this city she taught at Sextonville, Wis., for one year and at Freeburg, Ill., for two years. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Pi sorority at Lawrence college, and the American Association of University Women. She also held membership in First Congregational church of Springfield. Surviving are four sisters, Mrs. Kypke; Mrs. Ralph M. Cook, Albany, N.Y.; Mrs. C. C. Crapser and Mrs. John Watson, both of Duluth, Minn.; one brother, Alfred, of Groton, S.D." (12 Mar 1937 Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield, IL) p. 17)

He married Helene SCHROEDER on 28 Jun 1905. She was born on 2 Jul 1886 in WI. She died on 24 Apr 1954 in Jefferson Co., WI.

MARRIAGE NOTICE- "Local News. Marriage Licenses. Issued by the county clerk for the week ending Wednesday, June 27, 1905... June 21. Arthur B. Breitkreutz and Helena Schroeder, both of Lake Mills." (Jefferson County Union 30 Jun 1905 v. 36 no. 21.)

OBITUARY - "ARTHUR BREITKREUTZ DIES AT MADISON HOSPITAL SUNDAY. Arthur Bruno Breitkreutz, 64 years, a lifelong resident of Lake Mills and vicinity died at the Methodist hospital, Madison, Sunday evening at 9:30 o'clock. The body was taken to the Hoskin's funeral home. Until Monday, Oct. 13, Mr. Breitkreutz was employed at the Creamery Package company, Lake Mills. His health was apparently good until that time and his illness was not deemed serious. He entered the Methodist hospital this past Saturday and underwent major surgery Sunday at 2-only a few hours prior to his passing. Thus his death came as a distinct shock to his many relatives and friends here. He was born May 7, 1883, at the Newville farm home of his parents the late Mr. and Mrs. Herman Breitkreutz. His mother was the former Hulda Wendt. When he was a young child his family moved to Lake Mills. He was confirmed April 3, 1898 into membership at the Moravian church. He married Helene Schroeder June 28, 1905. His survivors include his wife, Lake Mills, and three children, Vernon, Jefferson, LeRoy, Johnson Creek, and Mrs. Jack (Bette) Ward, Fort Atkinson, two sisters, Mrs. Ora Farmer, Lake Mills and Mrs. Ernest Zimmerman, Tampa, Fla., and four grandchildren. A daughter, Ardis died at the age of ten, April 5, 1921 of a lingering illness. Funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 at the Lake Mills Moravian church with the pastor, the Rev. James G. Weingarth, officiating. Burial was in Rock Lake cemetery." (Oct. 26, 1947)

OBITUARY: -"MRS. H. BREITKREUTZ DIES SATURDAY AT JEFFERSON HOSPITAL. Mrs. Helene Breitkreutz, 67, died early Saturday morning at the Jefferson County Hospital. She was born on July 2, 1886, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schroeder. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. John (Betty) Ward, Fort Atkinson, two sons, Vernon of Jefferson and LeRoy at Oakfield; a brother Alfred Schroeder, Oxfordville, her mother, Mrs. Minnie Krull, Jefferson, and eight grandchildren. Her husband, Arthur and one daughter, Ardis, preceded her in death. Services were held in the Moravian Church at 1:30 on Tuesday, The Rev. James Weingarth officiating, and the Rev. Vernon Graf also gave a talk. Burial was in Rock Lake cemetery; Hoskins-Westin funeral home in charge of arrangements." (Lake Mills Leader 29 Apr 1954)

Arthur Bruno BREITKREUTZ and Helene SCHROEDER had children.

He married Clara ZIMMERMAN, daughter of Jochem ZIMMERMAN & Dorothea LUBAHN, on 11 Nov 1912 in Milford, Jefferson Co. WI. She was born on 20 Dec 1885 in Milford, Jefferson Co. WI. She died on 5 Jan 1968 in Fort Atkinson Hospital and was buried on 9 Jan 1968 in the Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was a member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church.

MARRIAGE NOTICE: "Married. Miss Clara Zimmerman of Waukesha and Elmer Breitkreutz of Lake Mills at the home of the bride's parents in Milford, Nov. 11 by Rev. Pett of Johnson Creek. Miss Leona Breitkreutz, sister of the groom, was bridesmaid and Frank Zimmerman, brother of the bride, was best man. The Lake Mills band gave them a serenade in remembrance that Elmer had been one of their members. They are well and favorably known and will make Lake Mills their home. The congratulations of their friends go with them on life's journey." (Jefferson County Union 22 Nov 1912)

OBITUARY - "Sudden Passing of Elmer Breitkreutz Shock to All. The many friends of Elmer Breitkreutz, 59, were shocked to learn of his sudden passing early Saturday morning. Death was attributed to a heart attack. When he was stricken Friday he was taken to St. Mary's hospital, Watertown. he passed away there Saturday at 5:30 a. m. Long active in community affairs, Mr. Breitkreutz had given much time to carrying on many worthwhile activities. At the time of his passing he was president of the Bank of Lake Mills and proprietor of the Lake Mills Auto Co. From 1932 to 19345 he served as mayor of Lake Mills. Active in Masonic circles, he was a member of the F. & A. M. Royal Arch Chapter and the Madison Consistory. He was president of the Tyranena Country club this season. Elmer Herman Breitkreutz was born in Lake Mills, June 30, 1885, the son of Herman and Hulda Breitkreutz. He attended the schools of this city and received as a communicant member of the Moravian church, April 3, 1898, and for many years was an active and interested church member of the congregation. Since 1940 he was an active member of the church building committee. This committee took care of all the improvements of the church and the parsonage. In 1940 he assisted on the organ committee which was instrumental in the purchase and installation of the present pipe organ, dedicated on November 3, 1940. He also assisted in the planning and decoration of the church interior and other improvements. He was united in marriage with Clara Zimmerman at Milford, November 11, 1912, and for many years they have been living at 223 South Main street. A pioneer in the automotive industry in Lake Mills, he first was employed at the Pirwitz Motor Co. Later a partnership was formed representing the Buick Co. with Ferdinand Perwitz. After that, Mr. Perwitz and his brothers organized the Perwitz Motors Co. and Mr. Breitkreutz took over the present Lake Mills Auto Co. Under his direction, the present building was erected and many improvements were made. In the early years of this concern, he had various partners. Among them were Joe Alexander, Arthur Zupke, Adolf Yoss, and Sam Aspinwall. He had always been known as a keen business man and was deeply interested in civic affairs. Because of his abilities, he was much sought after for various positions of responsibility in which he served ably and well. At the time of his death he was deeply interested and actively engaged in post-war planning efforts. In token of respect, all stores and business places were closed during the funeral hours. Besides his widow, he leaves as immediate survivors a brother, Arthur, Lake Mills, and two sisters, Mrs. Ora Farmer, Lake Mills and Mrs. Ernest Zimmerman, Tampa, Fla. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Moravian church at 2 p. m. with the Rev. John Wollin in charge of the services and the Rev. Vernon Graf preached the sermon. Members of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star attended the rites as a group and Masonic rites were held at the grave. Burial was in Rock Lake cemetery. Those from out-of-town who attended the service were Mrs. Albert Meir and Mrs. William Breitkreutz, Beloit; Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Breitkreutz and Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Breitkreutz, Janesville; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Breitkreutz, Groton S.D.; Mrs. Don Hammond, Racine; Mr. and Mrs. Orville Drought and Miss Bette Breitkreutz, Miluakee; Mrs. Ralph Cook and daughter Beverly, Albany, N. Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Erverett Vergenz and son Everett, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bloom, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hebel, Mrs. Henry Palm, and Frank Zimmerman, all of Waukesha; Mrs. Henry Gottschalk, Waterloo; Arthur Krebs, Ernest Reichert, and Louis Daugs, all of Watertown; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Breitkreutz, Betty and Billy, and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Weiss, Jefferson; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Heinz and Mrs. Glenn Heinz, Fort Atkinson; Otto Breitzman, Milwaukee; Carl Barfknecht and Mrs. W. H. Wendt, Madison; Mrs. Clara Allen and son, Beaver Dam; Mrs. Minnie Holzhueter, Deerfield; Mrs. Gilbert Shekey, Mrs. Albert Schuenke, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schuenke, Johnson Creek; and Mrs. Edward Perdelwitz and daughter, Monya, Sheboygan." (8 Jul 1944). 2nd obituary - "Lake Mills. Funeral services were held at the Moravian church Monday afternoon for Elmer H. Breitkreutz, 59, who died early Saturday at St. Mary's hospital, Watertown, to which he had been taken Friday after suffering a heart attack. A pioneer of the automobile business here, Mr. Breitkreutz was the owner of the Lake Mills Auto Co. He was president of the Bank of Lake Mills and had served as mayor of the city for one term. He was a member of the Moravian church, of Lake Mills Lodge No. 46 F. & A. M. and of the Mason consistory. Surviving are his wife, the former Clara Zimmerman of Milford; a brother, Arthur of Lake Mills; two sisters, Mrs. Ernest Zimmerman of Florida and Mrs. Ora Farmer of Lake Mills. In the absence of Rev. H. T. Kant of the Moravian church, the funeral services were conducted by Rev. Vernon Graf of Winton Salem, N. C. and Rev. John Wollin of Chaska, Minn., both former Lake Mills residents. Members of the Masonic Lodge and of the Order of the Eastern Star attended the services in a body and the committal service in Rock Lake cemetery was the Masonic service." (Jefferson Banner 16 Jul 1944).

OBITUARY: "Mrs. Breitkreutz. LAKE MILLS - Mrs. Clara Breitkreutz, 82, died Friday (Jan. 5, 1968) in a Ft. Atkinson hospital. Mrs. Breitkreutz was born in Milford and moved to Lake Mills in 1912. She was married to Elmer Breitkreutz on Nov. 11, 19I2 [sic]. He died in 1944. She was a member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church and the Eastern Star. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Emil Kumbler, Lake Mills. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the church. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Monday at the Westin-Bouslough Funeral Home, where Eastern Star services will be held at 7 p.m." (7 Jan 1968 Wisconsin State Journal p. 36)

"Married, at the Moravian parsonage on Sunday evening, June 4, Miss Arilda Breitkreutz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Breitkreutz of this city, to Mr. Ernest Zimmerman, of Grand Rapids, Mich. The bride is a graduate of our high school, a fine musician, and a lady of excellent qualities. Her many friends wish her happiness."(Jefferson Banner 14 Jun 1911)

Arilda Hulda BREITKREUTZ and Ernest ZIMMERMAN had children.

She married Ora FARMER on 30 Apr 1914 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. He was born on 20 Oct 1884 in Azatalan, Jefferson Co. WI. He died on 26 Dec 1954. He operated a meat market and later worked at the Creamery Package Co. plant.

OBITUARY - "Ora Farmer, 70, of Lake Mills, Dies. LAKE MILLS, (Special)- Ora A. Farmer, 70, 101 Oak Street, died Sunday morning in the Madison General Hospital. He was born Oct. 22, 1884 in the town of Azatalan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Farmer. Mr. Farmer had operated a meat market for many years. In late years he was employed at the Creamery Package Co. plant. Surviving are his wife, the former Leona Breitkreutz; two daughters, Mrs. Harvey Heinz, Tampa, Fla., and Mrs. Jerry Westfahl, Milwaukee; three grandchildren; one brother, George, Lake Mills. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Moravian Church. The Rev. James Weingarth will officiate and burial will be in Rock Lake Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schulz Funeral Home up until Wednesday noon after which the body will be taken to the church." (Watertown Daily Times 27 Dec 1954)

OBITUARY - "Funeral Services Held Tuesday for Mrs. Ora Farmer. Mrs. Ora (Leona) Farmer, age 84, of 225 Water Street, Lake Mills, died on Saturday morning, August 24, at Countryside Home and Hospital, Jefferson, after a lingering illness. The former Leona Breitkreutz was born April 30, 1890 in Lake Mills to Herman and Hulda (Wendt) Breitkreutz. She married Ora Farmer April 30, 1914 in Lake Mills. He died September 26, 1954. A lifelong area resident, she was a member of the Moravian Church, its Women's Fellowship, and the Royal Neighbors of America. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Harvey (Lydia) Heinz, Englewood, Florida, and Mrs. Gerald (June) Westfahl, Cedarburg, Wisconsin; one sister, Mrs. Rill Zimmerman, Tampa, Florida; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. she was preceded in death by two brothers. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 27, at 2 p.m. in the Moravian Church, with the Rev. Rudolph Schultz of the Watertown Moravian Church officiating. Burial was in Rock Lake cemetery. Friends called at the Claussen Funeral Home after 4 p.m. on Monday. Serving as pallbearers were Alfred Bradow, Ralph Hills, Eugene Hooper, Clarence Kowski, Simon Tarnutzer, and John Ward." (8-24-74)

Leona BREITKREUTZ and Ora FARMER had children.

Ortwin Alfred and Marie L. nee Schnacky HELPAP had children.

Victor Emanuel and Alice Emily nee HELPAP HELPAP had children.

28. Lloyd Henry⁵ MEYERS (Ida Emelia Christiana⁴ BREITKREUTZ, August Heinrich³, Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). He was born on 19 Nov 1899 in Indian Ford, WI and died on 21 May 1951 in Baltimore, MD. He married twice and had children each marriage. He married (1) Bessie Irene AMOS and (2) Dora EHRHARDT. He had children by both marriages.

29. Royal Albert⁵ MEYERS (Ida Emelia Christiana⁴ BREITKREUTZ, August Heinrich³, Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). He was born on 27 Nov 1901 in WI and died on 27 Nov 1933 in Beloit, WI.

30. Florence Ida⁵ MEYERS (Ida Emelia Christiana⁴ BREITKREUTZ, August Heinrich³, Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). She was born on 2 Sep 1901 in Indian Ford, WI and died on 6 Oct 1995 in Honolulu, Honolulu, HI. She married and had children.

31. Elmer Bernhard⁵ MEYERS (Ida Emelia Christiana⁴ BREITKREUTZ, August Heinrich³, Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). He was born on 11 Nov 1908 in Dane Co. IL and died on 20 Sep 1996 in Bradenton, Manatee Co., FL. He married and had children.

OBITUARY: "Elmer B. Meyers, 88, Bradenton, died Sept. 20, 1996. He was born Nov. 11, 1908 in Dane County, Ill., and came to Bradenton 19 years ago from Litchfield, Ill. He was a former shoe company supervisor. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and former president of Litchfield's Rotary Club. Survivors include his wife Elsie; a daughter, Ruth Ann Brubaker of Kewanee, Ill.; a son, Clark, of Clearwater; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services will be private. Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, Manasota chapel, is in charge. Memorial donations may be made to the Golf Lake Residents Association Inc., 5050 Fifth St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203, or to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2200 26th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205." (21 Sep 1996 Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL) p. 8B)

32. Robert William⁵ MEYERS (Ida Emelia Christiana⁴ BREITKREUTZ, August Heinrich³, Christian Friedrich Wilhelm², Johann Friedrich¹). He was born on 5 Jul 1911 in Beloit, WI and died on 19 Jun 1978 in Beloit, WI. He married.

OBITUARY: "Hall, Dorothy M. May 24, 1916 - November 16, 2003. DOUSMAN, WI Dorothy Mae Hall, age 87, of Dousman, WI, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born in Clinton, WI, on May 24, 1916, the daughter of William D. and Edith (Reed Henschel) Breitkreutz. She married Frank W. Hall on June 11, 1948, in the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua, IA; he died on Sept. 28, 2000. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Beloit for many years and was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Phoenix Chapter 215 OES. Having grown up at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan, where her mother was the dietitian, Dorothy became an expert signer and lip reader at a very young age. After receiving her teaching certificate at the age of 17 she taught all grades in a country school. In 1945 she received her bachelor's degree in Deaf Education at the University of WI-Madison, and she taught for many years at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan. Following her graduate level work she became a speech pathologist. She worked for many years for the Beloit Public School System and retired as head of the Speech and Language Dept. She is survived by her 3 daughters: Charlotte Hall (Stuart Tentoni) of Delafield, WI, Marilyn Hall (Ron Clinton) of Rockwall, TX, and Elaine (Bart) Boyer of Ashville, NC. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Frank; and her parents. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003, at the SCHOENFELD FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, with Rev. Deane Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Beloit. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials in Dorothy's name may be made to the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, 309 W. Walworth St., Delavan, WI 53115 or to the Kettle Moraine Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 901, Wales, WI 53183." ((Published Tuesday November 18, 2003; Janesville Gazette)

Dorothy Mae BREITKREUTZ and Frank Wesley HALL had children.

OBITUARY: "BARRINGTON, MRS. ROBERT H. (Constance Weirick) 1285 N. Osborne Blvd. Mrs. Barrington passed away Wednesday evening, -Jan. 7, 1976 in St. Luke's Hospital at the age of 57 years. She was born in Shopiere, Wisconsin on February 28, 1918 and lived in Racine for the past 25 years. She was a graduate of Beloit College and on September 9, 1950 she was married to Robert H. Barrington, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church, Women's Club, was past president of the Art Guild and Past President of A.A.U.W. Mrs. Barrington was named Racine Woman of the Year in 1967 and served on the County Board of Supervisors for 10 years. She is survived by her husband, Robert H. Barrington of Racine and one son, William R. Barrington, of Milwaukee, Mother-in-law, Mrs. Anges Ryan of Kenosha. Funeral Services will be held in the PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Corner of 12th and College, Sunday, January 11, 1976 at 3 P.M. with Rev. Donald Brownell officiating. On Monday, the late Mrs. Barrington will be taken to Shopiere, Wisconsin, where services will be held in the Congregational Church at 10 A.M. with Burial to follow in the Shopiere Cemetery. Friends may call at the PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 3 P.M. The Family has requested that Memorials be made to the St. Luke's Hospital of Radiology in memory of Mrs. Barrington. WILSON FUNERAL HOME, 1139 Blaine Ave. Directors." (11 Jan 1976 Racine Journal Times (Racine, WI) p. 6C)

After his wife's death, Robert second married Anna Mae BAUER on 29 Jan 1977.

OBITUARY: "BARRINGTON, MR. ROBERT H. 1041 Prairie Drive. Age 69. Passed away on Monday, December 2, 1991 at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 18, 1922 in Racine and had been a lifelong resident. He was united in marriage to the former Anna Mae Bauer on January 29, 1977. Mr. Barrington served with the U.S. Army during WWII serving in the European Theater. He was employed by S.C. Johnson for 44 years, retiring in January 1986. He was past President of the Racine Optimist Club and the Johnson Wax 20 Year Club. Surviving are his wife, Anna Mae of Racine; one son and daughter-in-law, William (Marion) Barrington of Milwaukee; two step-sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey (Carlene) Bauer of Green Bay, Wis. and Mark W. (Kara) Bauer of Clearwater, Fla.; one step-daughter and son-in-law, Julie (Homer) Savard of Phoenix, Ariz. ; eight grandchildren; his mother, Agnes M. Ryan of Kenosha; also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 1991 at 7 p.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 814 Park Ave. With Rev. Stanley Sapllic [?] officiating. Relative and friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 4 until 7 p.m. Memorials to the American Kidney Foundation or St. Catherine's High School. HANSON FUNERAL HOME 3014 Northwestern Ave. 632-4479." (3 Dec 1991 Racine Journal Times (Racine, WI))

Constance WEIRICK and Robert H. BARRINGTON had children.

Ellen Mae first married Paul Beldon ZARING, son of John Wesley and Irene nee Beldon Zaring. He was born on 29 Jun 1902 in Newton Co., IN and died in March 1969 in Lake Havasu City, Mohave Co. AZ. She second married James MITCHELL.

Ellen Mae CRAPSER and Paul Beldon ZARING had children.

OBITUARY: "WATERFORD. Rachael Y. Kelsey, 85, of Lawrence St. died Sunday [March 14, 1999] at St. Mary's Hospital. Born in Lake Mills Wisconsin she was daughter of the late Alfred A. and Charlotte Degner Breitkreutz and stepdaughter of Irene Breitkreutz of Groton so. Dakota. She was a 1934 graduate of Milne High School in Albany and had resided for many years in Virginia Beach, Virginia before moving to Waterford in June of 1996. Mrs. Kelsey was employed as a printer for 20 years at Hampton Roads Printing Co. in Norfolk, Virginia and retired in 1979. She was widow of the late Titus E. Kelsey. Survivors in addition to her stepmother include: 2 sisters: Charlotte Gestner of San Jose, California; Ruby Graffunder of Waterford. A half-brother, Ralph Breitkreutz of Arizona. A half-sister: Mary Jane Loll of Omaha, Nebraska. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 34 Third St., Waterford. Arrangements are under the direction of the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St., Waterford."

MARRIAGE NOTICES: "Society NewsÉ Mr. and Mrs. Ralph M. Cook of Menands announced the engagement of their niece, Miss Rubi [sic] Breitkreutz to Frank J. Graffunder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert R. Graffunder of Menands. The wedding will take place Feb. 15. Miss Breitkreutz is a graduate of Milne High School in Albany and is employed at Montgomery Ward & Co. Mr. Graffunder, also a graduate of Milne High School, was graduated from Albany Business College and is employed at Behr Manning Corp., Watervliet. " (8 Jan 1941 The Times Record (Troy, NY) p. 3); "Ruby Mae Breitkreutz and Frank Gaffunder Wed in New York. Mrs. Frances Kypke announces the marriage of her niece, Miss Ruby Mae Breitkreutz to Mr. Frank J. Gaffunder on Saturday, February 8 at Menands, N.Y. at 9:30 a.m. at St. MargaretÕs chapel. The Rev. Charles Snowden officiated and Miss Margaret Belcher and Arthur Smith served as attendants. Miss Breitkreutz is the daughter of Alfred L. Breitkreutz, Groton, S.Dak. and the late Mrs. Charlotte Degner Breitkreutz. Mr. Gaffunder is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred R. Gaffunder, Glenwood Road. Both are graduates of Milne High School. For her wedding the bride wore a blue street-length dress, a wide rimmed hat in a corresponding shade. She wore a shoulder corsage of four beautiful gardenias. Lived Here. The bride is a sister to Robert and Roger Breitkreutz and has lived in Lake Mills for a while during which she made many friends here. Mr. Gaffunder is connected with the Behr Manning Co. of Watervliet. Following a wedding trip the young couple will make their home in Troy, N.Y. RubyÕs many friends here wish them happiness. " (Lake Mills Leader 20 Feb 1941)

OBITUARY: "Frank J. Graffunder WATERFORD - Frank J. Graffunder, 78, of Lawrence Street died Thursday in Maplewood Manor, Ballston Spa, after a long illness. Mr. Graffunder was born in Menands. He was a graduate of Milne High School, Albany, and had attended Albany Business College. He had lived in Waterford since 1948. He was employed as an accountant by the Norton Co., Watervliet, for 40 years before retiring in 1976. During World War II, he served with the Navy SeaBees. He was a communicant of Grace Episcopal Church and a member of its Mens Club. He was a member of the Norton Retirees, the Shenandehowa Senior Citizens and the Waterford Museum and Cultural Center. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Breitkreutz Graffunder; and a son, John E. Graffunder of Waterford. Services will be 9;30 a.m. Tuesday in the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St., and at 10 a. m. in Grace Episcopal Church. Burial will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Calling hours will be 6-9 p. m. Monday in the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church memorial fund, in care of the funeral home." (Albany Times Union 4 Jun 1994 p. B-6)

OBITUARY: "WATERFORD Ruby B. Graffunder, formerly of Lawrence St., died Saturday, October 21, 2006. Widow of the late Frank Graffunder and mother of John E. Graffunder of Willsboro. A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 5, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 36 3rd St., Waterford, NY 12188. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church Memorial Fund. " Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/28/2006.

Ruby Mae BREITKREUTZ and Frank J. GRAFFUNDER had the following children:

	43	i.	John Edward6 GRAFFUNDER (1948 2013)
		ii.	James Charles6 GRAFFUNDER

Robert Alfred married Florence Earle WIEHE, daughter of Florence E. Weiehe, on 7 Apr 1940 at the Wesley Foundation, Madison, Dane Co. WI. She was born on 8 Jul 1920 in Illinois and died on 22 Sep 1990 in Phoenix, Maricopa Co. AZ. She is buried with her second husband in the Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, Phoenix, Maricopa Co. AZ.

MARRIAGE NOTICE: "Wiehe-Breitkreutz. In a simple ceremony Sunday in the chapel of the Wesley Foundation, Miss Florence Wiehe, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian F. Wiehe, Chicago, was married to Robert A. Breitkreutz of Lake Mills. The bride wore a powder blue afternoon frock with a wide-brimmed hat to match. Her suede purse matched her shoulder corsage of Talisman roses. Her wrap was a fox fur jacket. Mr. and Mrs. Breitkreutz, both of whom have been attending the University of Wisconsin, temporarily will make their home in Madison. " (10 Apr 1940 Wisconsin State Journal p. 11)

OBITUARY: "Robert Breitkreutz. LAKE MILLS - Robert Breitkreutz, 27, Chicago, a former Lake Mills resident, died Thursday of a heart attack as he was being taken by ambulance from his home to a Chicago hospital. He was born in Lake Mills and formerly made his home with an aunt, Mrs. Ora Wodke, who took care of him and a twin brother after their mother died. Mr. Breitkreutz is survived by his wife, the former Florence Wiehe, Lake Mills, and an infant son, James, Chicago; the twin, Roger, with the navy in Oregon; his aunt, Mrs. Wodke; three sisters, Mrs. Robert Gerstner, Lake Mills; Mrs. Frank Graffunder, Troy, N.Y., and Rachael, Norfolk, Va., and his father, Alfred, of South Dakota. The body arrived at the Hoskins funeral home this morning. Funeral services tentatively were set for Sunday." (11 Feb 1944 Wisconsin State Journal p. 12); "ROBERT BREITKREUTZ DIES SUDDENLY AFTER HEART ATTACK. Even in a world which has grown accustomed to tragic news concerning its young men, the sudden death of Robert Breitkreutz was a great shock to his many friends and relatives. He was born November 26, 1916 in Lake Mills. His mother died in March 1919, and not long afterward he and his twin brother went to make their home with their aunt, Mrs. Frances Wodke. After completing grade school and high school in Lake Mills, he attended Carroll college, Waukesha, where he became a member of the Beta Phi Epsilon fraternity. His sophomore year he transferred to the University of Wisconsin, there majoring in chemistry, until his health forced him to give up his intended career. On April 7, 1940 he married Florence Wiehe, granddaughter of Mrs. Fannie K. Earl, at the Wesley Foundation in Madison. After spending several months in northern Wisconsin, they drove to California for the winter. Returning to the midwest in June, 1941, they settled in Chicago where he became associated with the F.W. Dodge Corporation as a statistician. The enjoyment he found in this new work, more than compensated for the chemical career which he had been compelled to give up. His son, James Robert, was born November 3, 1943, in Chicago, and was christened by the Rev. R. T. Wilkowske at the Methodist church in Lake Mills on December 26. On January 31, he and his wife and son moved into their newly-purchased home in Prospect Heights, Ill. Only a little more than a week later, on February 10, a recurrent attack of the heart ailment which had troubled him for so long, caused his death as he was on the way to the hospital. Funeral services were held Sunday at the Congregational church in Lake Mills with the Rev. A. H. Schoenfield officiating. Burial was in Rock Lake Cemetery. He is survived by his wife and son; his father of Groton, S.D.; a twin brother, Roger, S. 2C, U.S. Navy, Norman, Okla.; and three sisters, Rachel of Norfolk, Va; Mrs. Ruby Graffunder of Troy, N.YÉ." (Lake Mills Leader)

Robert Alfred BREITKREUTZ and Florence Earle WIEHE had children.

After the death of her first husband, Florence second married David Woodrow BADE, son of Otto A. and Linda Bade on 12 Oct 1945. He was born on 28 Dec 1918 in Wisconsin and died on 19 Jun 1983.

MARRIAGE NOTICE: "Florence Breitkreutz, David W. Bade Repeat Vows. Lake Mills.- (Special) David W. Bade, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bade, Lake Mills and Florence W. Breitkreutz, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian F. Wiehe of Chicago, and granddaughter of Mrs. Fannie Earl her, were united in marriage Oct. 12 in the Waukesha Methodist Church, the Rev. O.L. Merritt officiating. The bride wore a gown of American Beauty shade in silk crepe, floor length with tiny train and coronet hat of matching material trimmed with gold sequins and pearls. She carried a shower bouquet of roses with white gladioli and chrysanthemums. Maid of honor was Miss Helen Rountree of Chicago, who wore a gown of beige and aqua crepe with matching accessories. She carried a shower bouquet of roses, yellow gladioli and yellow chrysanthemums. James W. Bade, brother of the groom, was the best man, while Harold Heitz, Milwaukee and Jena Erikson, Vivian S.D. ushered. A reception was held at 609 North Ninth avenue, Waukesha, where the couple are making their home. Mrs. Bade attended Lake Mills high school, Lawrence college, Appleton, and the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Bade attended Lake Mills High School and was discharged from the army n 1943. He is attending Carroll college." (WDT 19 Oct 1945)

Florence Earle WIEHE and David W. BADE had children.

Roger William first married Delores Ann DOHERTY, daughter of Cameron W. and Leatha nee Tyler Doherty, on 15 Jun 1947 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. She was born on 11 Jan 1924 in Fort Atkinson, WI and died on 1 Jul 1996 in Fort Worth, Terrant Co. TX.

MARRIAGE NOTICES: "Ann Doherty Will Be Bride of R. Breitkreutz Sunday. The wedding service of Delores Ann Doherty and Roger W. Breitkreutz will be read Sunday, June 15, at 2 o'clock by the Rev. A. H. Schoenfeld in the Congregational church in the presence of the immediate families. After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Wodke will be hosts in a garden reception in their spacious yard beginning at 3:30 o'clock. In case of inclement weather, the reception will be held in the Cottage Hotel. Mrs. Wodke is an aunt of the groom and he has been residing at the Wodke home." (Lake Mills Leader 12 Jun 1947); "VOWS HERE UNITE DELORES DOHERTY, ROGER BREITKREUTZ. At a 2:30 o'clock nuptial service Sunday, June 5 [sic], Delores Ann Doherty and Roger William Breitkreutz were united in marriage. Rev. A. H. Schoenfeld read the single ring ceremony in the Congregational church in the presence of the immediate families. Ferns and lighted candles served as a background for the service. Mrs. Arthur Topel, Mrs. Clifford Jones and Mrs. Lee Lawrence sang "I Love You Truly" and "O Promise Me." Mrs. Lawrence also was the accompanist. Mrs. Max Braatz Jr. played the wedding march from Lohengrin as the bride approached the altar. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Doherty, Waco, Texas, and the groom is the son of Alfred Lanhart Breitkreutz, Groton, South Dakota, and the late Charlotte Degner Breitkreutz, this city. Given in marriage by her father, the bride was atired in a sheer yellow dress. She wore an off the face white hat and her corsage was of orchids and yellow carnations tied with a gold ribbon. The bride's mother, Mrs. William Maahs, was the matron of honor and she wore an aqua sheer dress and white hat. Her corsage was of yellow carnations. Marcia Topel was the flower girl and Ora A. Wodke, an uncle of the groom, was the best man. Mrs. Ora A. Wodke, aunt of the groom, wore a pink sheer dress and a corsage of gardenias. Mrs. Doherty wore a blue afternoon dress and gardenia corsage and Mrs. William Degner, the groom's grandmother, wore a black dress and her flowers were also gardenias. Garden Reception. After the service a reception attended by about 150 persons was held in the spacious garden of Mr. and Mrs. Ora A. Wodke. Colorful spring flowers that served as a beautiful setting were iris, painted daisies, spirea, peonies, and many others. The floral setting in the lovely Wodke garden, resplendent with the profuse early summer blooms with the sun breaking forth from the luminous cloudbanks to cast a golden aura over the entire scene, made a never-to-be-forgotten picture. Refreshments were served from an attractively set table, a huge yellow basket of white flowers serving as the centerpiece. The three tiered wedding cake was cut by Mrs. William Kiesling and Mrs. John Last. Those who poured were Mrs. Arthur Topel, Mrs. David Bade and Mrs. Charles Pirwitz. Also assisting at the reception were Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Lindberg Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Max Raifsnider, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Baumann, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Topel, Mrs. Frank Roberts, Mrs. H.R. Black, and Mrs. S. H. Fisher. The wedding date also marked several other important occasions since it fell on Father's Day, the birthday anniversary of the bride's father Mr. C. W. Doherty, the sixth wedding anniversary of the groom's aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Wodke, and also Mr. Wodke's granddaughter, Marcia Topel's seventh birthday. Northern Trip. Later in the day the newlyweds departed for the north on a wedding trip for which the bride wore a blue suit. They will be at home after July 15 at 200 North Main street. The bride graduated from Fort Atkinson high school and served in England for two years during the war. The groom was graduated from Lake Mills high school and was in the service two and a half years. He has lived with his Aunt Mrs. Wodke ever since childhood. The have the best wishes of their many friends." (Lake Mills Leader 19 Jun 1947); "DOHERTY-BREITKREUTZ. Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Lake Mills Congregational church, Miss Delores Ann Doherty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Doherty, Waco, Tex., was married to Roger William Breitkreutz, son of Alfred L. Breitkreutz, Groton, S.D. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a sheer yellow dress and an off-the-face white hat. Her corsage was of orchids and yellow carnations. The bride's sister, Mrs. William Maahs, was the matron of honor. She wore an aqua frock and a white hat. Her corsage was of yellow carnations. Marcia Topel was the flower girl, and Ora A. Wodke, uncle of the bridegroom, was the best man. A reception for 150 guests was held in the garden at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wodke after the ceremony. Later the newlyweds left for northern Wisconsin. They will make their home at 200 N. Main st., Lake Mills, after July 15." (19 Jun 1947 Wisconsin State Journal p. 12)

They divorced and Ann second married James T. PULLIAM. Roger William second married Daisy "Dixie" ACTON. Daisy was born 18 Jul 1913 in Hillsboro North, TX and died on 18 Mar 1999 in Crowley, Tarrant Co. TX.

OBITUARY: "Roger Breitkreutz: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) - May 17, 1993. Deceased Name: Roger Breitkreutz. BURLESON - Roger Breitkreutz, a retired employee of McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Co. in Oklahoma, died Sunday at a Fort Worth hospital. He was 76. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Laurel Land Funeral Home in Fort Worth is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Breitkreutz was born in Lake Mills, Wis., and had lived in Burleson for 14 years. He was Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors: Wife, Daisy Breitkreutz of Burleson; son, Roger Cameron Breitkreutz of Goose Creek, S.C.; two daughters, Rogann Wood of Fort Worth and Teresa Springfield of Crowley; one brother; and four sisters; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. " (Edition: FINAL AM, Page: 13 Copyright (c) 1993 Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

OBITUARY: "Ann Pulliam. FORT WORTH -- Ann Pulliam, 72, a retired librarian, died Thursday in Fort Worth. Funeral: 3:30 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Chapel. Memorials: American Cancer Society. Ann Pulliam was born Jan. 11, 1924, in Fort Atkinson, Wis., and was a Fort Worth resident for almost 50 years. She worked for the Fort Worth Public Library, and retired in 1990. Survivors: Son, Roger Cameron Breitkreutz and wife, Kathy, of Charleston, S.C.; stepsons, Jim Pulliam, Jerry Pulliam and Jody Pulliam; daughter, Rogann Wood and husband, J.D. Wood, of Fort Worth; stepdaughter, Jill Cardenas; and four grandchildren. Greenwood Funeral Home 3100 White Settlement Road, 336-0584" (Area death notices, Fort Worth The Star-Telegram, Sunday, July 7 1996).

OBITUARY: "CROWLEY - Daisy Breitkreutz, 85, a secretary who retired from Frisco Railroad after 32 years, died Thursday, March 18, 1999, in Fort Worth. Graveside service: noon Saturday in Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth. Daisy Breitkreutz was born July 18, 1913, in Hillsboro, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Breitkreutz, in 1993. Survivors: Daughter, Teresa Springfield and her husband, Travis, of Crowley; four grandchildren, Jeff Bullock, Melissa Doud, Angela Doud and Chris Bullock; and four great-grandchildren, Camile Jones, Chandler Doud, Alex Doud and Sydney Doud. Laurel Land Funeral Home-Fort Worth 7100 Crowley Road, 293-1350." (20 Mar 1999 Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, TX) pp. 9-10)

Roger William BREITKREUTZ and Delores Ann DOHERTY had children.

Charlotte Jane married Robert W. GESTNER, son of William and Elizabeth nee Schultz Gestner, on 24 Jun 1939 in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co. WI. He was born on 11 Oct 1916 and died on 27 Apr 2005 in Milton, Rock Co. WI.

MARRIAGE NOTICE: "Charlotte B. Degner Weds Robert Gestner in Double Ring Ceremony Saturday. The marriage of Miss Charlotte Degner to Robert Gestner took place Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. in the garden of the home of the brideÕs parents. The Rev. H. T.Kant performed the double ring ceremony. The bride was given in marriage by her uncle, William Degner, Jr. The bride wore a gown of white frosted organdy. Her shoulder length veil was held by pink roses. She carried a bouquet of white roses and baby breath. Miss Florence Wiehe, her maid of honor wore a dress of blue net and a small blue net turban and carried yellow roses. Donald Gestner was his brotherÕs best man. After the ceremony a reception and dinner was held at the home of the brideÕs parents. They took a short wedding trip and will make their home with the brideÕs parents." (Lake Mills Leader 8 Jun 1939)

OBITUARY: "LAKE MILLS - Charlotte J. Gestner, 88, formerly of Lake Mills, died Tuesday, July 10, 2007, at Holy Rosary Medical Center in Ontario, Ore., after unexpected medical complications while visiting her daughter. She was born in Lake Mills on March 8, 1919, daughter of Alfred and Charlotte (Degner) Breitkruetz [sic]. Following the death of her mother, her maternal grandparents, the William Degners, raised Charlotte. Charlotte graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1937 and married Robert W. Gestner in 1939. Charlotte attended Madison Area Technical College from 1964 to 1966, where she completed her studies to become a medical assistant. She worked at the Lake Mills Medical Center and Fort Atkinson Hospital. She went on to work at University Hospital in Madison where she gained a certificate in respiratory therapy. She had been a resident of Lake Mills from birth until moving to California in 1970. After living in Monterey for several years, she settled in San Jose where she worked at O'Connor Hospital as a respiratory therapist and at DeAnza College in the admissions office. Charlotte always had a zest for life and welcomed a challenge. Her travels took her to many places in the United States and in Europe. Class reunions were a must on her list of things to do so that she could visit close friends and classmates. At her 65th class reunion, she completed her second tandem skydive in Fort Atkinson. She was 83. The first skydive was at the age 72 in California. Her passion for gardening kept her busy and was enjoyed by many of the residents at her apartment complex. She became the Òresident gardener.Ó Other adventures included such things as a ride-along with the San Jose Police and Fire departments, who gladly gave her an autographed T-shirt, which she wore proudly. Family, friends and keeping busy was Charlotte's recipe for life. Charlotte is survived by two children, Noel (Vonnie) Gestner of Lompoc, Calif., and Cheri Knutsen of Indian Valley, Idaho; her stepmother, Irene Breitkruetz of Omaha, Neb.; a stepsister, Mary Jane (Jeff) Loll of Omaha, Neb.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her former husband, Robert; a son, Donald Gestner; two sisters, Rachael Kelsey and Ruby Graffunder; and two brothers, Roger and Robert Breitkruetz. A private memorial will be held at a later date. " (24 Jul 2007, Watertown Daily Times On-Line)

Charlotte Jane BREITKREUTZ and Robert W. GESTNER had children.

OBITUARY: "John E Graffunder Nov 04, 1948 - Sep 04, 2013. On Wednesday, September 4, 2013, Willsboro Point Mayor, his "unofficial" title, Jack Graffunder passed away peacefully at his home on the lake. Jack was born November 4, 1948 in Troy, NY, the only child of Frank and Ruby Graffunder. He graduated from high school in Waterford, NY and from the State University of NY in Alfred, NY with a degree in horticulture. For 35 years, Jack worked as a claims examiner for NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, a position that he held until his retirement. Upon his retirement, Jack decided to make Willsboro his home, after having spent summers there since 1958. Jack was predeceased by both of his parents. He is survived by his beloved canine companions, Snoopy and Bella, as well as a host of friends. There will be a lakeside celebration of Jack's life on Sunday, September 29th at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held in front of Jack's home on Corlear Drive and will be officiated by his life-long friend Pastor Jerry Oliver. Donations may be made in memory of Jack to the North Country SPCA, 7700 Rte. 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. " (11 Sep 2013 Adirondack Journal (Warrensburg, NY))

Other lines on this site:

• Maine COOK FLUENT MILLS WEBBER WOODWARD;
• Michigan BIERI ROTH WYSS;
• North Carolina ADAMS GIBSON PAE PERSONS RUDGE BANKS COBLE;
• Virginia BATH BREEDLOVE WILLIAMSON;
• Wisconsin BREITKREUTZ FINDER NEFF YOUNG

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Last updated on 20 Aug 2016