Reinsch, Richard Lee

Notes:

Buried:
Burial was at "Geneva Catholic Cemetery."

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary provided by Jane Michel. The notice was published in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska, in September 1939.

          Ernest J. Reinsch

     Ernest John Reinsch, oldest son of Emil Reinsch, was born in Momence township, Fillmore county, Nebraska, February 11, 1911. Later, with his parents, he moved to Stanton township, where he grew to manhood.
     August 18, 1931, he was married to Elsie Hopken, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hopken of Strang, Neb., at St. Joseph's parsonage, Geneva. Since his marriage he farmed near Strang till the time of his recent illness.
     To this union two sons were born, Richard Lee, age six, and Dean Leslie, age three.
     Mr. Reinsch passed away Thursday, September 7, 1939, at 10:30 a.m. at the University hospital in Omaha, aged 28 years, 6 months and 24 days. He is survived by his wife, two sons, father, one brother and one sister and many other relatives.
     Funeral services were conducted by Father Gilroy at St. Joseph's church, Geneva, at 9 o'clock Saturday, September 9. His six uncles acted as pallbearers. They are Charles Reinsch, Geneva; John Reinsch, Shickley; William Reinsch, Shickley; Herman Reinsch, Shickley; Ernest Volkmer, Martland, and Ernest Reinsch, Shickley.
     Interment was in the Geneva Catholic cemetery.
     Relatives from a distance were Miss Caroline Reinsch of Denver, Col., Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jaschke and John Jaschke of Neligh, Neb.

Ernest married Hopken, Elsie Tina Marguerite 18 Aug 1931, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Elsie (daughter of Hopken, Christian and Oellien, Anna Helena) was born 25 May 1911, Bruning, Thayer County, Nebraska, USA; died 7 Feb 1999, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; was buried 10 Feb 1999, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 13 Aug 1911, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; Address:
  St. John's German Lutheran Church
• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1930, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Elsie was born near Bruning, Nebraska, the youngest of Christian and Anna (Oellien) Hopken's 12 children.

Baptism:
She was baptized at St. John's German Lutheran Church. Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Elsie Hopken, age 8, born in Nebraska and single, attending school, lived at home with her parents, Chris Hopken (age 56) and Anna Hopken (age 52), both born in Germany. Also in the home were three sisters: Anna Hopken (age 21); Martha Hopken (age 15) and Alma Hopken (age 11). All were single, and Martha and Alma were attending school.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Alsie Hopkins, age 18 and single, lived at home with her parents, Chris (age 65) and Anna Hopkins (age 63). Also in the home were two other siblings: Alma Hopkins (age 21) and Chris Hopken, Jr. (age 37). The enumerator had some difficulties spelling the names of members of the household.

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary provided by Jane Michel. It was published in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska) on 17 February 1999.

     Elsie Marguerite Reinsch was born to Christ and Anna Oellien Hopken on May 25, 1911, near Bruning, the youngest of 12 children in the family. She passed away at the Fillmore County Hospital on Feb. 7, 1999, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 12 days.
     Elsie was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Evangelical Lutheran Church near Ohiowa. She attended Prairie Grove School District No. 37 for 8 years and then started Strang High School in 1924, graduating in 1928 as valedictorian of her class. She planned on going to Normal Training, but due to the dry years and tornado destruction on her father's farm it was not possible at this time. She took up domestic work such as cleaning, sewing, wallpapering, laundry or whatever work she could find.
     On Aug. 18, 1931, she was married to Ernest J. Reinsch and they were blessed with two sons, Richard and Dean. They farmed near Ohiowa, Geneva, and Strang. In September of 1939, her husband Ernest died, leaving her with the boys. She was helping her mother and brother take care of her father at that time. Her father passed away in 1940 and in 1942, she moved in with her mother and brother, Christ Hopken, Jr. She remained on the farm until 1965, when she built a new home and moved to Geneva. She remained there until her health failed about a year ago.
     Elsie was a member of Belle Prairie Extension Club for 70 years, a former 4-H leader, enjoyed sewing and gardening. She was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School for many years. She was appointed assessor of Belle Prairie Township in 1947, and remained at this post until 1953, when she was called to the County Assessors office as clerk, under the direction of Margaret Johnson. After the election of 1954, she worked for Charles Miller for one year and upon his resignation she was appointed to fill the vacancy as County Assessor. She was elected County Assessor in 1958, and held this position until 1986, when she reluctantly retired. Elsie was a very dedicated elected County Official and developed many lasting friendships with County and State officials. She enjoyed traveling, especially a trip to Germany, and eating out with her many friends. Many hours were spent doing crewel, crocheting or any other handwork. She had received several ribbons at the County Fair for her efforts.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, Christ and Anna Hopken; her husband, Ernest J. Reinsch; son, Richard L. and daughter-in-law, Joann Reinsch; brothers, Henry, John Christ, Ben and William Hopken; and sisters, Lizzie, Anna, Frieda, Bertha, Martha and Alma.
     She is survived by son Dean and wife Darlene of Bruning; grandchildren, Richard E. (Rick) Reinsch and wife Michelle, Rebecca Glad and husband Mark, Rhonda Borowiak, Renee Cousino and husband Ken, Kathleen Philippi and husband Kurt; great grandchildren, Josef, Ryne and Paul Philippi, Michelle and Christina Borowiak, Emanuel Reinsch, Ben Brooke and Brittany Cousino; sisters-in-law, Alma (Mrs. William) Hopken, Helen Biegert and Lavina Reinsch; and a host of nieces and nephews.
     Her family was dear to her and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had concern for others and was willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
     Funeral services were conducted from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1999, with Pastor Vern Barlow officiating. Shaunna O'Brien accompanied Delwin V. Myers who sang “Softly and Tenderly” and the congregational hymn “How Great Thou Art”.
     Casket bearers were Thomas E. Biegert, Rod Heinrichs, Mike O'Brien, Robert Ohnesorge, Kenneth Peterson and Waldo Schinzel.
     Interment was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Geneva with the Farmer and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
     Memorials are directed to the family.

Notes:

Buried:
According to an obituary for Emil, funeral services were held at St. Joseph Church. Burial was in the Geneva Cemetery.

Died:
The following is a transcription supplied by Jane Michel of an obituary for Emil Reinsch. Jane reported that the article had appeared on 23 April 1964 in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska.

          Emil Reinsch Fillmore Native Called by Death

     Emil Reinsch passed away at his home in Geneva, Neb., April 18, 1964 at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 4 days. He had been in ill health for some time and recently had spent several weeks in a hospital.
     Emil, oldest son of Joseph and Emma Reinsch, was born March 14, 1883, in Momence township, near Shickley, Neb. He grew up in that vicinity.
     January 18, 1910, he was married to Agnes Steffgen, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Steffgen of Shickley, at St. Mary's Catholic church near Shickley, Father Charles A. Becker officiating. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reinsch moved to a farm near Grafton. In 1918 they moved to a farm in Stanton township. Mr. Reinsch made his home and farmed there until 1948, when he retired and moved to Geneva, where he lived until his death.
     To this union were born two sons, Ernest and Joseph and one daughter, Helen. His son Ernest preceded him in death in 1939. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and Charlie and two sisters, Anna Yaeger and Mollie Grote.
     Mr. Reinsch is survived by one son, Joe of Geneva, one daughter Mrs. Helen Biegert of Geneva, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, five brothers, John, William, Henry and Ernest of Geneva and Herman of Denver, Col., two sisters, Emma Volkmer of Geneva and Carolyn Reinsch of Denver, and many other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were conducted from St. Joseph church in Geneva at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, Rev. Paul Ulenberg officiating. Pallbearers were six grandsons, Thomas Biegert, John, Robert, Howard, Richard and Dean Reinsch. Two grandsons, Jimmy Reinsch and Steven Biegert served the funeral Mass. Interment was in the Geneva cemetery.

Emil married Steffgen, Agnes Marie 18 Jan 1910, Momence Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Agnes (daughter of Steffgen, Michael P. and Blum, Maria K.) was born 19 Jun 1891, Hamilton Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; died Abt 1982. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1900 enumeration of Farmers Valley Precinct, Agnes Steffgen, age 9 (born June 1890 in Nebraska), lived with her parents Michel and Mary Steffgen, and with her sister, Elizabeth Steffgen (age 17), and her brother, Henry Steffgen (age 6).

Notes:

Married:
Emil and Agnes were married by Rev. Charles A. Becker at St. Mary's Church, north of Schickley. According to the marriage certificate, the witnesses were John Reinsch and Hannah Steffgen.

Marriage License:
Emil and Agnes were residences of Grafton, Nebraska at the time.

Other Events:

• Immigration: May 1889, USA

Notes:

Birth:

     In documents from the USA, his first name is often given as "Christ" or "Chris".
     Some sources report that Christian was born in Norderhofschlag. At the time, I believe this was a community within Strückhausen, a town in the Wesermarsch region of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg (Großherzogtum Oldenburg). Today, the town is not far from the cities of Brake and Ovelgönne, in the state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), in the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland).


Immigration:

     Sailing aboard the S.S. Rhein, Christian and his new wife, Anna, departed Bremen, Germany on 15 May 1889 and arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on 30 May. On the passenger list, Christian was identified as a 25 year old merchant and Anna was 23 years old. They shared a single piece of baggage.
     Traveling by train, they arrived at Fairmont, Nebraska on 3 June and continued on to Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska where they located on a small farm southeast of Ohiowa owned by Christian's uncle, Henry Hopken, who had immigrated to Nebraska in 1868.
     According to the 1920 U.S. census, Chris Hopken, Sr. immigrated to the USA in 1889 and became a naturalized citizen in 1911. The same date of immigration was also recorded in the 1930 U.S. census.


Buried:
Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary provided by Sandra Sue (Hopken) Miller.

          The Late Chris Hopken

     Chris Hopken was born May 26, 1894, at Strusekhausen [sic], near Altendorf in Oldenburg, Germany, a child of pious and good Christian parents. He was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran church at Strusekhausen [sic] and grew to manhood there.
     As a young man he served in the army in infantry regiment No. 91, Company 11, from 1884 to 1887. After three years in Oldenburg, Germany, he was united in holy wedlock with Miss Anna Helen Oellien April 23, 1889, in the same church in which he was baptized and confirmed at Strusekhausen [sic]. This union God blessed with twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. One daughter died in infancy and one, Frieda, at the age of eleven. Ten children survive.
     In 1889, the year of his marriage, he emigrated with his wife to America and came direct to Fillmore county, Nebraska, to the home of his uncle, Henry Hopken, near Ohiowa. He worked for his uncle until 1891, when he rented land near farm near [sic] Bruning that he became the owner of, then to his present home on the Strang rural route, where he lived until his death.
     April 23, 1939, he was privileged to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary in the presence of all of his children, grandchildren and many friends.
     Mr. Hopken always enjoyed good health, although fourteen years ago he suffered a light stroke caused by high blood pressure. He rallied and felt better again until three months ago he became very ill, suffering from complications, a rupture, dropsy and heart trouble, that finally caused his death. Knowing death was near, he was well prepared to meet the Lord. Monday evening he called his pastor, receiving once more the holy communion, together with his beloved wife, who joined him in the holy communion with the Lord Jesus.
     He passed away at 4 a. m., April 23, 1940, on his wedding anniversary day. He closed his eyes in a quiet and peaceful death and his soul went his [sic] to his creator. He was 75 years, 11 months and 3 days of age.
     Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, April 25, with a short home service prior to the service at the South Lutheran church. Rev. V. R. Pietzko officiated, speaking in both languages. His sermon text in both English and German was taken from Isaiah 35,17: Behold for peace I had great bitterness; but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all my sins behind the back.
     A young people's mixed quartet, Bernice Rippe, Darlene Weber, Wesley Cr[e?]dduck and Orville Schroeder, had charge of the music, with Mrs. V. R. Pietzko at the organ. Mrs. Pietzko and Henry Molthan sang a duet in German. The five sons and a son-in-law, Fred Schroeder, were pallbearers, with three grandchildren taking care of the floral tokens. The church was filled with sorrowing friends. Interment was in the church cemetery, where the quartet sang again.
     Mr. Hopken is survived by his wife, Anna, ten children, Lizzie, Mrs. Fred Schroeder of Geneva, Anna, Mrs. Fred Heinrichs of Bruning, Martha, Mrs. Vern DuBois of Strang, Alma, Mrs. Herman Ohnesorge of Strang, Elsie, Mrs. Ernest Reinsch of Strang, Henry of Bruning, Christ, at home, John of Bruning, Bernard of Martland and William of Wymore, Neb., one brother, Bernard Hopken of Strusekhausen [sic], Oldenburg, Germany, twenty-one grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, besides many other relatives and close friends.

Christian married Oellien, Anna Helena 23 Apr 1889, Strückhausen, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. Anna (daughter of Oellien, Gerhart and Hauvakam, Eliza) was born 24 Jul 1867, Strückhausen, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg; died 23 Sep 1948; was buried , Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Immigration: May 1889, USA

Notes:

Birth:
At the time, Strückhausen was a town in the Wesermarsch region of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg (Großherzogtum Oldenburg). Today, the town is not far from the cities of Brake and Ovelgönne, in the state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), in the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland).

Immigration:

     Sailing aboard the S.S. Rhein, Christian and his new wife, Anna, departed Bremen, Germany on 15 May 1889 and arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on 30 May. On the passenger list, Christian was identified as a 25 year old merchant and Anna was 23 years old. They shared a single piece of baggage.
     Traveling by train, they arrived at Fairmont, Nebraska on 3 June and continued on to Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska where they located on a small farm southeast of Ohiowa owned by Christian's uncle, Henry Hopken, who had immigrated to Nebraska in 1868.
     According to the 1920 U.S. census, Anna Hopken immigrated to the USA in 1890. Based on other documents, it would appear that this date is in error. The 1920 enumeration also recorded that she had became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1911, the same year as her husband.
     In the 1930 U.S. census, the year of her immigration was recorded as 1889, the same as her husband's.


Buried:
The congregation was founded in 1887 as St. John's German Lutheran Church. The congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary provided by Sandra Sue (Hopken) Miller.

          Death of Mrs. Hopken

     Mrs. Anna Helena Hopken was born July 24, 1867, at Struckhausen, Oldenburg, Germany, the daughter of Gerhart and Eliza, nee Hauvakam, Oellien. Her mother died when Anna was only nine months old. She later had a stepmother. In infancy she was baptized in the Lutheran church and was later confirmed in the same faith.
     April 23, 1889, she was united in marriage to Chris Hopken Sr. of Wittbeckersburg, Oldenburg, Germany. Having decided to make America their home, they journeyed the following month on their honeymoon to the United States, coming to Ohiowa, Neb., June [9?], 1889, and making their home with a great-uncle, Henry Hopken, on a farm near Ohiowa.
     Enduring many hardships, a few years later they started farming for themselves near Ohiowa, where they lived until 1903, when they purchased a farm a few miles north of Bruning. In February, they moved adjoining this farm to the new home they had built, the result of saving and hard labor. Their home was their pride and joy until their passing.
     To Mr. and Mrs. Hopken were born twelve children, seven daughters and five sons. Two daughters died. Bertha passed away in infancy and Frieda when she was ten years of age.
     April 23, 1939, Mrs. Hopken had the privilege of celebrating her golden wedding with her husband. The following year, on their fifty-first wedding anniversary, Mr. Hopken was called to his eternal home. Mrs. Hopken then carried on her farming with son Chris.
     Mrs. Hopken's friendly smile and cheery attitude were recognized by all who knew her. She was always happiest when among her children and their families and her friends.
     She was a faithful member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and attended services regularly until failing health deprived her of attending. She was a kind and loving mother and always taught her children what the dear Lord did was best and to leave everything in His hands.
     Her death came as a shock to the community, although she had been in failing health for a number of years. She was privileged to live an active life, her mind being alert up to her passing, which came suddenly at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, September 23, 1948, at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 30 days.
     She is survived by five sons and five daughters, Henry of Bruning, Louise (Mrs. Fred Schoeder) of Geneva, Chris, at home, John of Bruning, Ben of Martland, Anna (Mrs. Fred Heinrichs) of Carleton, William of St. Paul, Neb., Martha (Mrs. Verne DuBois) of Strang, Alma (Mrs. Herman Ohnesorge) of Strang, and Elsie (Mrs. Ernest Reinsch) who since her husband's death, with her sons, has made her home with Mrs. Hopken. Grandma took pride in doing all she could to help rear her grandsons. She also leaves twenty-four grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one brother living in Germany and a cousin, Mrs. Warner Tyson of Ohiowa, besides a host of friends who will all miss her.
     The funeral was held from the South Lutheran church near Ohiowa at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, September 26, the church being well filled with relatives and sorrowing friends. Rev. H. J. Diekhoff officiated. The choir sang "The Old Rugged Cross," "In the Garden" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." Her five sons and a son-in-law, Fred Schroeder, were pallbearers. Granddaughters and committee of Lutheran aid ladies were flower bearers. A deluge of beautiful flowers covered her grave in the South Lutheran church cemetery.

Who fed us from her gentle breast
  And hushed us in her arms to rest,
And on our cheek sweet kisses prest?
  When sleep forsook our open eyes
Who was it sang sweet lullabys
  And rocked us that we should not cry?
Who sat and watched our infant head
  When sleeping in our cradle bed
And tears of sweet affection shed?
  Who taught our infant lips to pray,
To love God's holy word and day,
  And walks in wisdom's pleasant way?
When pain and sickness made us cry,
  Who gazed upon our heavy eye -
And wept for fear that we should die?
  And can we ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
  Who wast so very kind to us?
Oh no, the thought I cannot bear,
  And if God please our life to spare
We hope we shall reward thy care
  When thou are feeble, old and gray
Our healthy arm shall be they stay,
  And we will smooth thy pains away.
And when we see thee hang thy head,
  'Twill be our turn to watch thy bed,
And tears of sweet afection [sic] shed -
  And say sweet peace our Dear Mother.

Notes:

Census (family):
According to the 1910 enumeration, the household consisted of Christ Hopkin, a 46 year old farmer born in Germany; and his wife, Anna Hopkin, age 43, born in Germany. They were the parents of 10 children, all born in Nebraska and all still living; however only nine were recorded as living in the household: Henry Hopkin, age 20 and working on the farm; Christ Hopkin, age 17 and working on the farm; John Hopkin, age 15 and working on the farm; Benjamin Hopkin, age 13 and attending school within the last year; Anna Hopkin, age 11 and attending school within the last year; Willie Hopkin, age 9 and attending school within the last year; Martha Hopkin, age 5; Freda Hopkin, age 3; and Alma Hopkin, age 1.

Census (family):
According to the 1920 enumeration, the household consisted of Chris Hopken, Sr., head of household, a 56 year old farmer, born in Germany; his wife, Anna Hopken, age 52, born in Germany; and their four daughters: Anna Hopken, age 21 and single; Martha Hopken, age 15, single and attending school; Alma Hopken, age 11, single and attending school; and Elsie Hopken, age 8, single and attending school.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration, the household consisted of Chris Hopkins, age 65, born in Germany; his wife, Anna, age 63, born in Germany; and three of their children: Alma Hopkins, age 21 and single; Alsie Hopkins, age 18 and single; and Chris Hopken, Jr., a 37 year old farmer and single. Chris, Jr. was the only one who was listed with an occupation. The enumerator had some difficulties spelling the names of members of the household.

Notes:

Buried:
He was buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery (also known as Turkey Creek Catholic Cemetery).

Joseph married Kamler, Emma. Emma was born 28 Jan 1860, Germany; died 3 Dec 1945, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; was buried , Momence Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Buried:
She was buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery (also known as Turkey Creek Catholic Cemetery).

Notes:

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

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1869, USA
• Moved To: 1881, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
According to the 1880 U.S. census, Michael's birthplace was Luxembourg. In subsequent enumerations, the place of birth is reported as Germany.

Moved To:
He and his wife lived in Hamilton and Fillmore counties.

Buried:
Michael was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in a joint plot with his wife.

Michael married Blum, Maria K. 2 Jan 1880, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA. Maria was born 24 Oct 1858, Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA; died 25 Dec 1944, Nebraska, USA; was buried 28 Dec 1944, Grafton, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Moved To: 1881, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Moved To:
He and his wife lived in Hamilton and Fillmore counties.

Buried:
According to her obituary, a requiem high mass was celebrated at St. Helena's Catholic Church. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in a joint plot with her husband.

Died:
The following is a transcription of an obituary for Mrs. Marie Steffgen published in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, in January 1945. The transcription and citation were provided by Jane Michel.

     Sorrow cast its shadow over this community with the death of Mrs. Marie Steffgen, who passed away December 25, 1944, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. J. Budler.
     Marie Bloom was born in Mineral Point, Wis., October 24, 1858. January 22, 1880, she was married to Michael Steffgen. To this union five children were born, one dying in infancy. The family came to Nebraska in 1881 and lived in Hamilton and Fillmore counties. Mr. Steffgen passed away in 1931. Mrs. Steffgen had been ill three months, being cared for at her own home and later at the country home of her daughter.
     Left to mourn her departure are three daughters, Mrs. Katie Budler, Mrs. Hannah Berkbigler and Mrs. Agnes Reinsch, one son, Henry, eighteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held at St. Helena's Catholic church December 28, Rev. A. J. Lutz celebrating a requiem high mass. Burial was in Holy Cross cemetery. Six grandsons served as pallbearers.

Notes:

Married:
According to an obituary for Mrs. Marie Steffgen, the couple had 5 children, one of whom died in infancy.

Census (family):
According to the 1880 enumeration, the household consisted of Michael Stiffgen [sic], age 25, head of household, married, a laborer, born in Luxembergh [sic] and whose parents were also born in Luxembergh [sic]; and, Mary Stiffgen [sic], age 21, wife, married, keeping house, born in Wisconsin and whose parents were born in Prussia.
     Living in the same dwelling and enumerated as a separate household was Kate Bluum [sic], a 53 year old widow, born in Prussia.

Census (family):
According to the 1900 enumeration of Farmers Valley Precinct, the household consisted of Michel Steffgen, head of household, age 43 (born July 1856 in Germany), immigrated to USA in 1869 (in the USA for 31 years and a naturalized citizen), married, a farmer; Mary Steffgen, wife, age 41 (born October 1858 in Wisconsin), married (mother of 5 children; 4 still living); Elizabeth Steffgen, daughter, age 17 (born November 1882 in Nebraska), attending school; Agnes Steffgen, daughter, age 9 (born June 1890 in Nebraska), attending school; Henry Steffgen, son, age 6 (born October 1893 in Nebraska).

Census (family):
According to the 1910 enumeration of Momence Township, the household consisted of Nick Steffgen, head of household, age 53, born in Germany, a naturalized citizen, a farmer; Mary Steffgen, wife, age 57, born in Wisconsin, married for 30 years (mother of 5 children: 4 still living); Elizabeth Steffgen, daughter, age 27, born in Nebraska, single; Henry Steffgen, son, age 16, born in Nebraska, single; Henry Berkbigler, hired man, age 28, born in Missouri, single.

Census (family):
According to the 1920 enumeration, the household consisted of Mike Steffgen, age 63, head of household, married, his occupation is listed as 'none,' he and his parents were born in Germany, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1869 and was a naturalized citizen; and, Mary K. Steffgen, age 61, wife, married, her occupation is listed as 'none,' her parents were born in Germany, she was born in Wisconsin.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration of Geneva (Ward 3), the household consisted of Mike Steffgen, head of household, age 73, born in Germany, immigrated to USA in 1869, a naturalized citizen, married (at age 23); and Marie C. Steffen, wife, age 71, born in Wisconsin, married (at age 21).

Johann married Haferkamp, Margareta E.. Margareta died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

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

Gerhart married Hauvakam, Eliza. Eliza died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

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