Fiegenbaum, Neil Tyler

Michael married Connors, Diane [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Education: Oregon, USA; at Oregon State University
• Census: 1930, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Graduation: 1940, Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska, USA
• Moved To: 1955, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Education:
William earned a master's degree in education and taught at the Children's Farm Home until his retirement in 1980.

Military Service:

     William enlisted in the Army on 14 March 1942 at Fort Crook, Nebraska. According to his obituaries, William served in the US Army, 96th Division, during World War II and was also in the Korean Conflict.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration of 442 North 11th Street, conducted by Maude M. Fiegenbaum, William Edward, age 11 (born in Nebraska), was living with his parents, W. Edward (age 60) and Maude M. (age 51) Fiegenbaum.

Graduation:
According to one of his obituaries, "Mr. Fiegenbaum...graduated in 1940 from Kearny [sic] Teacher's College in Nebraska. He taught for a short time in Burns, Wyo., before joining the U.S. Army."

Buried:
The cremated remains of William and his wife were inurned in Willamette Memorial Park (glass niche #430, unit #2).

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary for William Fiegenbaum II which appeared in the Albany Democrat-Herald, of Albany, Oregon on 15 October 1991.

          William Fiegenbaum II

     July 3, 1918 - Oct. 15, 1991
     William E. Fiegenbaum II, 73, of The Dalles, died Tuesday.
     Mr. Fiegenbaum was born in Geneva, Neb., and graduated in 1940 from Kearny [sic] Teacher's College in Nebraska. He taught for a short time in Burns, Wyo., before joining the U.S. Army. He served overseas in the 96th Division during World War II.
     He married Alice Louise Steffgen on Nov. 15, 1943, in Medford, and they moved to Albany in 1955. His wife died in 1982.
     Mr. Fiegenbaum earned his master's degree in education from Oregon State University and taught at the Children's Farm Home until his retirement in 1980.
     He collected jazz and swing records from the 1920s, '30s and '40s.
     Surviving are sons W. Edward III of Eugene; Michael and Patrick, both of Portland, Martin of the Dalles and John of Albany; daughter Susan Salveson of Tucson, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.
     A sister died before him.
     Burial of cremains will be at Willamette Memorial Park. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at AAsum Funeral Home with the Rev. Patrick Walsh officiating.
     Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

     The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for William Edward Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the article had appeared on 17 October 1991 in The Dalles Chronicle, of The Dalles, Washington.

     William Edward Fiegenbaum, a resident of The Dalles and formerly a longtime resident of Albany, died at his home here on Tuesday 15 October. He was 73. Mr. Fiegenbaum was born 3 July 1918 in Geneva Nebraska to William E. and Maude (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum. He was raised and graduated from high school in that community in 1935. He then attended the Kearney State Teacher's College, now the University of Nebraska, at Kearney, graduating in 1940. After college he served in the U. S. Army during World War II, returned home, and then later served during the Korean Conflict. He married Alice Louise Stefgen in Medford, Oregon on 15 November 1943. Together they lived in several communities until moving to Albany in 1955. In 1960 Mr. Fiegenbaum began teaching at St. Mary's Academy in Albany, then moved to the Farm Home in Albany and taught there until he retired in 1980. His wife preceded him in death in February of 1982. He lived in Albany until moving to The Dalles in 1990 to be near his son. Survivors include five sons Martin of The Dalles, William, Michael, Patrick and John all of Portland; one daughter, Susan Salveson of Klamath Falls and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at the Aasum Funeral Home in Albany Saturday at 1 p.m. Disposition was by cremation. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

William married Steffgen, Alice Louise 15 Nov 1943, Medford, Jackson County, Oregon, USA. Alice (daughter of Steffgen, Henry William and Spohn, Clara Marie) was born 22 Sep 1923, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; died 15 Feb 1982, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA; was buried , Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1930, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Moved To: 1941, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA
• Moved To: 1955, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA
• Residence: Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA
• Residence: Dec 1974, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Alice L. Steffgen, age 6 (born in Nebraska), lived with her parents, Henry N. [sic] Steffgen (age 36) and Clara M. Steffgen (age 31), and her three brothers, Michael P. Steffgen (age 12), Paul F. Steffgen (age 10), and Lawrence E. Steffgen (age 8).

Buried:
The cremated remains of Alice and her husband were inurned in Willamette Memorial Park (glass niche #430, unit #2).

Died:

The following is a transcription of an obituary for Alice Louise Fiegenbaum which appeared on 15 February 1982 in the Albany Democrat-Herald, of Albany, Oregon.

          Alice Fiegenbaum

     Memorial services for Alice Louise Fiegenbaum, 58, 2533 Wheeler St., who died Monday at Albany General Hospital, will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Aasum Funeral Home. The Rev. Dennis O'Donovan will officiate and cremation will be at City View Crematorium in Salem.
     Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
     She was born Sept. 22, 1923, at Geneva, Neb., where she received her education.
     She moved to Albany in 1941 and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. A telephone operator, Mrs. Fiegenbaum worked at Camp Adair and the 20 years for Pacific Northwest Telephone Company.
     She married William E. Fiegenbaum on Nov. 15, 1943, in Medford. He survives.
     Other survivors include five sons, W. Edward of Eugene, Martin and John, both of Albany, and Michael and Patrick, both of Portland; one daughter, Susan Salveson, Tucson, Ariz.; three brothers, Michael Steffgen, Salem, Paul Steffgen, Arkansas, and Lawrence Steffgen, Eagle Lake, Calif.; and two grandchildren.

The following is a transcription supplied by Jane Michel of an obituary for Alice Louise Fiegenbaum. Jane reported that the article had appeared on 25 February 1982 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska.

          Alice Fiegenbaum Dies In Oregon

     Alice Louise Fiegenbaum, 58, of Albany, Ore., died Monday in Albany General hospital following a lengthy illness.
     Born in Geneva, she moved to Oregon in 1941. She worked as a telephone operator at Camp Adair and later worked more than 20 years for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Co. until illness forced her to retire. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church.
     Surviving are her husband, William of Albany, Ore.; sons, W. Edward of Eugene, Ore., Michael and Patrick, both of Portland, Ore., and daughter, Susan Salveson of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Michael Steffgen of Salem, Ore., Paul Steffgen, in Arkansas, and Lawrence Steffgen, Eagle Lake, Cal.; and two grandchildren.

Walter married Bucko, Helen. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
Details of the marriage are not known at this time.

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1892, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA
• Occupation: Between 1899 and 1955, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; jewelry and optical business
• Residence: Feb 1914, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Apr 1923, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Jan 1934, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Sep 1945, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1870 enumeration, William, born in January of that year in Iowa, lived with his parents, Frederick (age 39) and Louisa (age 37), and eight brothers and sisters, ages 17 years to 2 years.

Residence:
In November 1892, the Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri, reported a family reunion at the home of Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum and his wife. Attending the week long celebration was "Ed Fiegenbaum, lately of Chicago, who will spend the winter with his parents." This appears consistent with one of his obituaries which reported that after finishing his education at the Chicago College of Horology his mother prevailed upon him to live "at home" and he began practicing watch-making and repair at Oregon, Missouri for about five years.

Residence:
According to an obituary in January 1934, Benjamin Friedrich Fiegenbaum was survived by his brother, "Edward Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska."

Buried:
Burial was in Geneva Cemetery (lot 408), next to his wife. The grave of an infant son is also in this cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for William Edward Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 13 January 1955 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska.

     William Edward Fiegenbaum, the ninth child of Rev. Frederick William and Louisa (Otto) Fiegenbaum, was born at Des Moines, Iowa 5 January 1870. The family moved from Iowa to charges in Missouri and Kansas. William Edward joined the church at the age of 13 at Wathena, Kansas after taking catechetical instruction from his father. He graduated from the high school at Lawrence, Kansas in 1890. After serving an apprenticeship with a Kansas jeweler and optometrist, he finished his education at the Chicago College of Horology. His father now being stationed at Oregon, Missouri, his mother prevailed on him to remain at home, and he began watch-making and repairing at Oregon, where he remained five years. It was here he met Miss Maude Mary Montgomery, and after she finished her education, they were married 8 October 1901. In the meantime Edward visited his brother Louis, a pioneer druggist at Geneva, Nebraska, and was persuaded to move his jewelry store to Geneva, where he operated a jewelry and optical business, at first in his brother's drugstore. After a short trip, Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum came to Geneva and occupied a cottage on the corner later known as 442 North 11th Street. In 1912 the cottage was replaced with a commodious home where they continued to live. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Geneva 7 October 1951. On 6 September 1953 Mrs. Fiegenbaum passed to her eternal home. After a brief illness Mr. Fiegenbaum joined her in the celestial world 5 January 1955 on his 85th birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were the parents of three children: Frederick Robert who lived just five months; Frances Montgomery now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln; and William Edward II of Geneva. There are five grandchildren: Mrs. Gretchen Klein Turner of Lincoln, Mrs. Nancy Klein Hopkins of Albuquerque, New Mexico; William Edward Fiegenbaum III, Susan Louise Fiegenbaum and Michael Frederick Fiegenbaum of Geneva. There is also a great grandchild Karen Turner. Ed, as he was know to all, was active in civic, lodge and church circles. He had served as secretary to the Republican County Central Committee, was president of the Geneva Commercial Club years ago at the time it instituted the first united effort for better roads for Fillmore County. He was for 25 years secretary of the Local Modern Woodmen of America. He became a Mason at the age of 24 in Oregon, Missouri. After locating in Geneva, he demitted and joined Geneva Lodge No. 79. He also received the degrees of the Royal Arch and the Council. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were life-time members of the Methodist Church. During their more active years they served their church in many official capacities. Mr. Fiegenbaum had held the offices of secretary, treasurer, and chairman of the board. During his chairmanship of the board he instituted the idea of a Memorial Fund which has gathered momentum through the years. He was regular in his church attendance, a good listener, and greatly enjoyed the organ and choir music. Mr. Fiegenbaum was always a great supporter of Geneva High School athletics. He attended all the games and was interested in the welfare of the players. Like all true fans he hated to see the home boys lose, but gave due credit to their opponents. The town baseball team always held his interest. Years ago when the big lodge picnics were held in Geneva, Ed was usually on the arrangements committee. His hobby was golf, which he had played for years, enjoying the game up to a few days before his death. Mr. Fiegenbaum's illness was of only a week's duration. He was at his place of business Wednesday, 29 December, entering a Lincoln hospital the next day. His condition became rapidly worse. Services were held at the First Methodist Church Friday afternoon, 7 January, at two o'clock. Mrs. H. A. Rosenau sang his favorite hymn, "Be Still My Soul," with Miss Gayle Walton at the organ. The tribute was given by Dr. F. F. Pfoutz, minister. Masonic services were conducted at the cemetery, with Guy A. Brown giving the oration. The pallbearers were Joseph Bixby, George Cruse, Robert Bailey, Howard Hamilton, John Edgecombe and Tyler Edgecombe. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery.

Wilhelm married Montgomery, Maude Mary 8 Oct 1901, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA. Maude (daughter of Montgomery, David and Davis, Hannah) was born 28 Oct 1878, Buchtel, Athens County, Ohio, USA; died 6 Sep 1953, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, USA; was buried 8 Sep 1953, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: Jun 1880, York Township, Athens County, Ohio, USA
• Census: Jun 1900, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1880 U.S. enumeration, Maud M. Montgomery, age 2, lived with her parents, David Montgomery, age 40 and earning a living weighing coal, his wife, Hannah Montgomery, age 24 and keeping house, and two siblings: Arthur Montgomery, age 6; and Nellie B. Montgomery, age 4.

Census:
According to the 1900 U.S. enumeration, Maud Montgomery, age 21, single, a school teacher, lived in the East ward with her uncle and aunt, Robert Montgomery, a 62 year old "Capitalist," and Frances Montgomery, age 59, and two other single women identified as Robert Montgomery's nieces: Nellie Montgomery (age 24) a music teacher; and Grace (age 17), in school.

Buried:
Burial was in Geneva Cemetery (lot 408). Her husband was buried beside her in 1955. The grave of an infant son is also in this cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for "Mrs William E. Fiegenbaum." Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 10 September 1953 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska.

     Mrs. Fiegenbaum's services held at Methodist Church. Mrs. William E. Fiegenbaum of Geneva passed away at a Lincoln hospital at 10:50 a.m. Sunday, 6 September 1953, aged 74 years, 10 months and 8 days. She had been in ill health several months and was taken to the hospital Thursday, August 27th. Maude Mary Montgomery was born in Jackson, Ohio 28 October 1878. At the age of four and one-half years the family moved to Oregon, Missouri. After the death of her mother, she and her two sisters were reared and educated by an uncle, Robert Montgomery. She graduated from the Oregon High School, and attended Kansas State University and Western College at Oxford, Ohio. On 8 October 1901 she and William Edward Fiegenbaum were united in marriage and they came to live in Geneva, Nebraska which has been their home ever since. Three children blessed their marriage, Frederick Robert, who tarried with them just four and one-half months; Frances Montgomery, now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln; and William Edward II, who has just returned to Geneva after serving as a captain in the United States Army in Germany. Mrs. Fiegenbaum was a member of the Presbyterian Church during her girlhood. Following her marriage she and her husband united with the Methodist Church of Geneva, and for half a century they have loved and served this church faithfully and officially in many capacities. She also belonged to Chapter "O", P. E. O., the Geneva Woman's Club, and its several departments, and the O. K. Kensington. There are four grandchildren, Gretchen Turner, Nancy Klein, Susan Fiegenbaum and William Edward Fiegenbaum III, and one great grandchild, Karen Turner. Two sisters, Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Nebraska and Mrs. Grace Dungan of Oregon, Missouri also survive. A year and 11 months ago Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and at that time received the greetings and good wishes of a multitude of friends. Mrs. Fiegenbaum requested no flowers at the service, but suggested that any expressions of sympathy might be made in the form of a contribution to the Memorial Fund of the church which she loved for more than fifty years. Funeral services were conducted at the First Methodist Church of Geneva Tuesday morning, 8 September at 10:30. Dr. F. E. Pfoutz, pastor, gave the tribute. Organ music was provided by Miss Gayle Walton, the church organist. Mrs. Fiegenbaum's favorite hymn, "Crossing the Bar," was read with organ accompaniment. The pallbearers were Lyman Brooke, Lyle Cumberland, Tyler Edgecombe, John C. Gewacke, Charles Grothe and Harold Heath. Ushers were C. M. Humphrey and Wayne C. Winchell. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery.

Notes:

Married:

     The following announcement of the wedding of Edward Fiegenbaum and Maude Montgomery was published on 11 October 1901 in The Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri.

          Cupid's Captives.

     For some time it has been rumored in Oregon society that one of our most popular young ladies, who from young girlhood has grown up in our midst, was about to pass from the paternal roof to take her light and joy to the home of another - We refer to Miss Maude, niece of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, of this city. The rumor developed into a fact as appeared by the wedding invitations that were issued. The happy bridegroom is Edward Fiegenbaum, a jeweler of Geneva, Nebraska, and who several years ago was engaged in the same business in our city.
     The church was neatly decorated in festoons, the altar being banked with potted palms and other plants. Just before the arrival of the wedding party, Miss Gertrude Stock sang a beautiful love song, "Answer," by Robyns.
     The ceremony was performed at the Presbyterian church, and promptly at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 8th, 1901, the bridal party entered, preceded by the ushers, Messrs. Dr. Jonas Whitmer and Charles Zachman, and attendants, Miss Leona Schulte and Charles Bunker. The party passed down the aisle to the chancel to the music of Mendelssohn's wedding march, played by the sister of the bride, Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum. Underneath a large monogram in red and green stood the contracting parties, while the bride's pastor, Rev. Henry A. Sawyers, spoke the words that made these two very excellent young people, husband and wife.
     Upon the benediction being performed the bridal party retired to the strains of a beautiful march, and they and relatives repaired to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery where a reception and luncheon was given, and at 1:20 p.m., Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum took their departure for a brief bridal trip, and after October 20th will be at home at Geneva, Nebraska, where the groom has just completed a cozy cottage.
     The bride was attired in a beautiful gown of castor bean de soisee, trimmed elaborately in lace medallions and embroidered chiffon. The maid of honor wore a handsome gown of castor cloth, with pink and brown trimmings.
     The bridal presents were numerous and handsome, evincing the high regard in which they are held by their friends. Both young people are very popular with a large circle of friends, and all unite in wishing them the very best the world affords.
     Those present from a distance were: Mrs. Louis Fiegenbaum and daughter, Inez, and Mrs. S. Schickley, of Geneva, Nebraska; Mrs. Clarence Pickenbrock, of Ellston, Iowa; Mr. Fred Sexauer, of Ankney [sic], Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Montgomery, Mound City; Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Austin, Forest City; Mr. Hi Montgomery and children, of Skidmore; Rev. H. Fiegenbaum, St. Joseph.

The following is a transcription (courtesy of Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts and Jane Michel) of an account of the golden wedding anniversary celebration for William Edward and Maude Mary (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum. The article appeared in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska, on 18 October 1951.

          Mr. And Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum

     Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum of Geneva celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Sunday afternoon, 7 October 1951, by holding open house from 2 to 5 at their home. Many relatives and friends from Geneva and from a distance came to honor Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum, who have lived in this community all of their married life. Mr. Fiegenbaum had been in business here two years before his marriage.
     Maude Montgomery and Ed Fiegenbaum were married October 8, 1901, in the Presbyterian Church at Oregon, Mo. A reception was held after the ceremony. Following a short wedding trip, the couple went to housekeeping in Geneva in a cottage on the lot where they now live. The present home was built in 1913.
     Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum have two children, Frances, now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln, and Capt. W. E. Fiegenbaum, now in the regular army and stationed in Munich, Germany. They have four grandchildren, Mrs. Gretchen Turner of Enid, Okla., Nancy Klein of Lincoln, Susan and W. E. Fiegenbaum III of Munich, Germany. They also have a great-granddaughter, Karen Turner of Enid, Okla.
     In addition to those who called during the afternoon of the golden wedding observance, many sent cards, letters, telegrams, flowers and gifts in honor of the occasion. Of particular interest was a beautiful Dresden figurine which their son, Capt. Fiegenbaum, and family sent from Germany. Guests also were interested in viewing Mrs. Fiegenbaum's wedding dress, newspaper clippings, pictures and other mementos of 50 years of married life. Included in the collection was a silver loving cup that was presented to the parents of Mr. Fiegenbaum on their golden wedding anniversary in 1902. It is engraved with the date and the names of their nine children, of whom Edward is the youngest. The cup will belong to William E. Fiegenbaum II and then will pass on to the fourth generation, William Edward III being the only male descendant.
     Assisting in the dining room at the observance were Mrs. Charles Warner, Mrs. F. M. Holtz, Mrs. John Brice, Mrs. Maude Stringfield, Mrs. Tyler Edgecombe, Mrs. Porter Sloan and Mrs. Robert Waring. Miss Delia Fisher and Mrs. Guy Case assisted Mrs. L. F. Klein in receiving guests. Miss Nancy Klein had charge of the guest book.
     Refreshments were French pastries, mints and coffee. The table service was gold and white china. A beautiful lavender orchid corsage was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Klein.
     Among the out-of-town guests present to honor Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were the following:
     Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Klein and Nancy of Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ewing of Chicago; Misses Louise and Wilma Miller of Wathena, Kas.; Mrs. Gould Larzelere of Troy, Kas.; Mrs. Rolland Beery of Kansas City, Mo.; Bruce Claussen of North Platte; Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Martin of Lincoln; Mrs. F. K. Klein and Miss Dorothy Klein of Kearney.

Residence (family):
"Mr. and Mrs. William Edward Fiegenbaum" of Geneva, Nebraska attended the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of William's parents at Oregon, Missouri in April, 1902. William was identified as a jeweler.

Census (family):

     According to the 1910 enumeration of the home on State Street, the household consisted of William E. Fiegenbaum, head of household, age 40, born in Iowa, married for 8 years, a jeweler and owner of a jewelry store; Maude M. Fiegenbaum, wife, age 32, born in Ohio, married for 8 years; and Francis M. Fiegenbaum, daughter, age 5, born in Nebraska, single.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration, conducted by Maude M. Fiegenbaum, the household consisted of "W. Edward Fiegenbaum, head of household, age 60, born in Iowa, married, a jeweler and optician; Maude M. Fiegenbaum, wife, age 51, born in Ohio, married; and William Edward Fiegenbaum, son, age 11, born in Nebraska.

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1910, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1900 enumeration of Farmers Valley Precinct, Henry Steffgen, age 6 (born October 1893 in Nebraska), lived with his parents Michel and Mary Steffgen, and with his two sisters, Elizabeth Steffgen (age 17) and Agnes Steffgen (age 9).

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration of Momence Township, Henry Steffgen, age 16 (born in Nebraska), lived with his parents "Nick Steffgen" (age 53) and Mary Steffgen (age 57), his sister, Elizabeth Steffgen (age 27), and the hired man, Henry Berkbigler (age 28).

Buried:
According to obituaries, funeral services were held at St. Helena's Catholic Church. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, on the eastern edge of town.

Died:
The following transcriptions of obituaries for Henry W. Steffgen were provided by Jane Michel. Both notices originally appeared in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska. The first was published in December 1974; the second appeared on 2 January 1975.

          Grafton Rites for Henry W. Steffgen

     Henry W. Steffgen of Hastings, formerly of Geneva, passed away Sunday, December 22, 1974. He was 81.
     Funeral services will be conducted from St. Helena's Catholic church in Grafton at 10 a.m. Friday, December 27, 1974, with interment in Holy Cross cemetery, Grafton.


          Grafton Rites Are Held for Henry Steffgen

     Henry Steffgen, son of Michael and Marie Steffgen, was born October 26, 1893. He passed away December 22, 1974, at the Mary Lanning hospital in Hastings.
     He was united in marriage to Clara Spohn in 1916. To this union was born three sons; Michael, Paul and Lawrence, and one daughter, Alice.
     Henry, a former resident of Fillmore county, has made his home at Memory Manor of Exeter the past three years.
     Preceding him in death are his parents, Michael and Marie Steffgen; a sister, Mrs. Katherine Budler; also an infant sister.
     Survivors include his children; Michael of Salem, Ore.; Paul of Winthrop Arbor, Ill.; Lawrence of Tracy, Cal., and Mrs. William (Alice) Fiegenbaum of Albany, Ore., also a sister, Mrs. Hannah Berkbigler of Geneva and nieces and nephews.
     Rosary was held December 26 in Geneva. Funeral services were held at St. Helena church in Grafton, Friday, December 27, with Rev. Urban Schmitt officiating. Mrs. Paul O'Connor and daughters were in charge of the music.
     Pallbearers were Wayne Budler, Bernard Budler, Joseph Reinsch, W. W. Biegert, Floyd Pontine and Cecil Perkins, nephews of the deceased. Burial was in the family lot in the Holy Cross cemetery in Grafton. Farmer & Son Funeral Home of Geneva was in charge.

Henry married Spohn, Clara Marie 19 Jun 1916, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Clara (daughter of Spohn, Philip and Braden, Mary A.) was born 7 May 1898, Utica, Seward County, Nebraska, USA; died 21 Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA; was buried 23 Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Seward County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1910, Madison Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: 1936, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1900 enumeration of L Precinct, Clara M. Spohn lived with her sister, Rosa L., both of whom were children of Philip and his second wife, Mary A. Braden. Also in the household were Clara's two step-brothers, "Willie A." and John L., children from her father's first marriage, to Frances Drummer.

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Clara M. Spohn (age 11) lived with her parents, Philip and Mary A. Spohn, and her sisters, Rosa L. Spohn (age 10), "Eiva S. Spohn" (age 8), and "Josia L. Spohn" (age 6).

Residence:
According to her obituary, Clara moved to Albany, Oregon in 1936.

Buried:
A requiem mass was celebrated at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Clara was buried at Willamette Memorial Park.

Died:
The following is a transcription of an obituary for Clara (Spohn) Steffgen provided by Jane Michel, who reported that the obituary was published by The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, on 28 July 1966.

          Clara Steffgen Former Genevan Dies In Oregon

     "Clara M. Steffgen, former Fillmore county resident, passed away at the General Hospital in Albany, Ore., July 21, 1966, at the age of 68. She became ill shortly after arising the day before and entered the hospital. Next day she suffered a heart attack that proved fatal. She had been the housekeeper for St. Mary's Catholic church rectory in Albany the past 14 years.
     "Clara Marie Braden was born at Utica, Neb., May 7, 1898. The family moved to Fillmore county in her youth and she received her education in the schools in this county. She was married to Henry Steffgen at Grafton June 20, 1919, by Rev. B. Sproll. She resided near Grafton and in Geneva until she moved to Albany, Ore., in 1936. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and had taken part in many church activities since living there.
     "Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum of Albany; three sons, Michael of Salem, Ore., Paul of Waukegan, Ill., and Lawrence of Erling, Cal.; three sisters, Mrs. H. H. O'Donnell of Omaha, Neb., Mrs. Frank Collicotte of Grand Junction, Col., and Mrs. Larry Ayres of Albany; two half-brothers, John Spohn and Bill Spohn of Antioch, Cal., and 11 grandchildren.
     "Requiem Mass was celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's church in Albany, Father Martin W. Doherty officiating. Interment was in Willamette Memorial park.
     "Mrs. Steffgen's sister Josie, Mrs. Collicotte, had been visiting in Albany on a vacation trip and the two had had a good visit. The son Lawrence came from Erling, Cal., for the service, bringing Susan Fiegenbaum, who had been visiting there."

     According to the Fillmore County, Nebraska record of the marriage of Clara and Henry W. Steffgen, Clara's maiden name was Spohn. The maiden name mentioned in this obituary is actually the maiden name of Clara's mother.
     It should be noted that the county record of the marriage contains many internal contradictions. According to the document, the marriage occurred on either June 19 or 20 at either Geneva or Grafton, Nebraska. Although the document does at one place give the year of the marriage as 1919 (the year also reported in the obituary), all of the remaining mentions of the year of the marriage in the county marriage record uses 1916.

Notes:

Married:
Henry and Clara were married by Rev. Bernard Sproll. Jack Walter and Rosa Spohn were the witnesses.

It should be noted that the Fillmore County marriage record, which includes the application for marriage license, the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and a report of marriage in one document, contains a number of internal contradictions. According to this document, the marriage may have taken place on either the 19th or the 20th of June, at either Grafton or Geneva, Nebraska.


Marriage License:
At the time, Henry was living in Grafton and Clara was living in Geneva.

It should be noted that the Fillmore County marriage record, which includes the application for marriage license, the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and a report of marriage in one document, contains a number of internal contradictions.


Residence (family):
According to his World War I draft registration card, completed on 5 June 1917 at Momence Precinct, Fillmore County, Nebraska, Henry Steffgen, age 23 years, was a farmer living at Grafton, Nebraska. He was born on 26 October 1893 at Stockham, Nebraska. He stated that he was married and that his dependants included his wife and one child. He was described as Caucasian male of slender, medium build, with gray eyes and brown hair.

Census (family):
According to the YEAR enumeration, the household consisted of Henry William Steffgen, head of household, age 26, born in Nebraska, married, a farmer; Clara Marie Steffgen, wife, age 21, born in Nebraska, married; Mickel Philip Steffgen, son, age 2 years, 7 months, born in Nebraska, single; Paul Francis Steffgen, son, age 3 months, born in Nebraska, single.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration, the household consisted of Henry N. [sic] Steffgen, head of household, age 36, born in Nebraska, married (at age 23), mechanic at a garage; Clara M. Steffgen, wife, age 31, born in Nebraska, married (at age 18); Michael P. Steffgen, son, age 12, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Paul F. Steffgen, son, age 10, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Lawrence E. Steffgen, son, age 8, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Alice L. Steffgen, daughter, age 6, born in Nebraska, single, attending school.