Scottsbluff Star Hearld Scottsbluff, NE 10 Jan 2007 BAYARD - Sarah Huck, 90, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at the Heritage of Bridgeport. Her Funeral will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, at the Hope Congregational Church in Bayard with Pastor Ted Meter officiating. Interment will be in the Bayard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Church or the Heritage of Bridgeport. Friends may call at the Church, Thursday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Her obituary may be viewed at www.jolliffefuneralhome.com, where condolences may be left and they will forwarded to her family. Jolliffe Funeral Home at Bridgeport is in charge of the arrangements. Sarah was born Nov. 20, 1916, in Lincoln, Neb., the daughter of Conrad and Mollie (Fischer) Wilhelm. The following spring the family moved to a farm near Scottsbluff where they lived for the next five years. They then moved to the Bayard area where she received her education. Sarah was united in marriage to Jacob J. Huck, May 10, 1936, at the Bayard Evangelical Church. They lived on a farm near Minatare for eight years, before moving to their farm just north of Bayard in 1944, where they farmed and raised their family. She was a member of the Hope Congregational Church, and a charter member of the Women's Fellowship. She taught Sunday School for a number of years, was also the Sunday School Superintendent and sang in the Church Choir. Survivors include her son Jacob Eugene (Jack) Huck and his wife Lynn of Lake Oswego, Ore.; daughters, Mary Jane Kramer of Apache Junction, Ariz., Vicki Lynn Totel and her husband Douglas of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Jacob Sept. 10, 2001; infant daughter, Betty Jean; brothers, Alex, Conrad, Henry, Daniel, Harry and Jonah Wilhelm; and sisters, Mollie Lewis, Cosbie Brown and Esther Wilhelm.

Historic passenger lists of ships go online: http://news.com.com/Historic+passenger+lists+of+ships+go+online/2100-1047_3-6148931.html I know this will help me as I found my grandfather coming from Halifax to Boston but cannot find him entering Halifax and I am hoping it was from an English port so maybe I will find the ship he was returning home on. Elaine

Please read a second posting this week on Otto Pohl's blog regarding the order that forced Russian Germans into Stalin's labor army. Otto's work provides valuable insights into the mechanics and politics behind the deportation and forced labor conditions of our people. Steve Schreiber ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: otto pohl <pohlcat@rocketmail.com> Date: Jan 9, 2007 10:51 AM Subject: Re: New Post on Russian-Germans To: Steven Schreiber <steven.schreiber@gmail.com> Steve: I just put the second post in the series up. It is on the mass induction of Russian-Germans into the labor army in accordance with GKO Order 1123ss of 10 January 1942. Like the other posts it can be found at the url below. http://jpohl.blogspot.com/ Best, Otto --- Steven Schreiber <steven.schreiber@gmail.com> wrote: > Otto, > > I hope your holidays and New Year were enjoyable. > > This is an excellent article on a little known > aspect of the GR deportation > to Siberia. Your research is impeccable and the > story is compelling. When I > visited Russia this year, I met a woman who was > deported in 1941 to Siberia > and was forced to work in conditions like these > cutting trees. > > You can see some of my trip photos at: > > http://picasaweb.google.com/family.schreiber > > I will share your posting with the Volga German and > GR Heritage discussion > lists. > > All the best to you in 2007! > > Steve > > > On 1/5/07, otto pohl <pohlcat@rocketmail.com> wrote: > > > > Steve: > > > > I have a new post up on the mobilization of > > Russian-Germans into the Soviet fishing industry. > I > > will have a post on the mass inductions into the > labor > > army next week to commemorate GKO Order 1123ss of > 10 > > January 1942. The post on Russian-Germans engaged > in > > industrial fishing in northern Siberia can be > found at > > the url below. Please feel free to pass it on to > any > > and all parties that might be interested. > > > > http://jpohl.blogspot.com/ > > > > Best, > > > > Otto > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Do You Yahoo!? > > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam > protection around > > http://mail.yahoo.com > > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Billings Gazette Billings, MT 9 Jan 2007 LEWISTOWN - Frances M. Mauws, 77, of Lewistown, and longtime Judith Gap resident, died Sunday evening, Jan. 7, 2007, at Valle Vista Manor, of natural causes. She was born July 1, 1929, in Moore, the daughter of John and Mary (Sorenson) Huffman. She received her education in Garneill, Buffalo and Judith Gap Schools, graduating from Judith Gap High School in 1947. She then attended and completed Beauty College in Great Falls and then returned to Lewistown, where she worked as a beautician. On June 16, 1951, she was united in marriage to James L. Mauws in Lewistown. They begin farming in the Judith Gap area, where they lived and raised their family. Following his death in 1992, she continued living on the ranch until 2000, when she moved to Valle Vista Manor in Lewistown. Frances loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, following them in all of their activities, and she enjoyed gardening, working in the yard and making plans for trips and traveling, especially to reunions. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Altar Society of Judith Gap, Post #70 American Legion Auxiliary and was active in the PTA and the Judith Gap Booster Club, serving many years as secretary. She is survived by three sons, Marvin (Cindy) of Judith Gap, Ted with the United States Marine Corp in San Diego and Tim of Judith Gap; daughters Janis (John) Polizzi of Las Vegas, Carol (Bob) Kolar of Helena and Colette (Kelly) Hagen of Billings; one sister, Anna Horning of Great Falls; 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters. Funeral Liturgy for Frances M. Mauws will be Thursday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m., in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Vigil services will be Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., in the Church. Committal will be in the Judith Gap Cemetery. The Cloyd Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends are asked to make memorials to the Judith Gap Foundation or the charity of their choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.

Billings Gazette Billings, MT 9 Jan 2007 Adeline Jane (Cooper) Kufeld passed away on Jan. 7, 2007, at Valley Health Care Center in Billings. She was born in Augusta, to Matilda (Boenke) and Matthew Cooper on June 29, 1914. In 1924, the family moved to Lima, where her father had a barbershop for nine years. Jane graduated from Lima High School in 1932 and the following year they moved to Helena, where she attended Helena Business school. She married Stanley Kufeld of Helena in 1934 and they had one son, Conrad. Jane lived in the house they built on Poplar Street in Helena from the time she was married until September of 2004, when she moved to Billings. She loved her many pets and working in her flowerbeds, and enjoyed the family picnics and outings in the mountains around Helena. She also enjoyed fishing the streams. There were numerous friends and relatives who were always welcomed into their home. She worked for the Montana Legislature during sessions and then worked for the Legislative Council until her retirement in 1983. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, Eastern Star, Josephine Hepner #89, Rotana and Home Community Healthcare in Helena. Jane is survived by her son, Conrad (Dugan), his wife, Kae, of Billings; grandsons Scott of Houston, Daniel of San Francisco and Burke (Keri) of Billings; great-granddaughters Kylie, Taylor and Bailey of Billings and Chloe of San Francisco; nephews David (Wendy) Duensing, Stanley (Pam), of Helena; and great-niece Lauri of Denver, and sister-in-law Elaine Power of Helena; nephews Morley (Nealann) of Albuquerque, N.M., and Jerry Cooper and niece Karen Cooper (Alan Davis) of Helena; great-nephew Todd (Angie) Cooper of Billings. Preceding her in death were her husband, Stanley, who died in 1991; her parents; her brother, Morley Cooper; and cousin, Avalon Krisman. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.

Billings Gazette Billings MT 9 Jan 2007 Terry Achten, 62, of Billings passed away on Jan. 7, 2007, after a short battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 11, 1944, in Billings. She was the youngest daughter of Ruth Jones Halverson Batt and Cyrus Halverson. She was also a stepdaughter to Jacob Batt. Terry attended Elder Grove School though the eighth grade. In November of 1959, she married Ron Achten in Cody, Wyo. To this union, three children were born: Tony, Robert and Sherri. The couple later divorced. She worked at Qualex Photo for over 26 years before retiring in September of 2004. Terry loved to garden and would spend all summer tending to her flowers. She enjoyed her trips to Martinsdale to go fishing with Gary and Peggy. She also greatly enjoyed following her granddaughter's sports endeavors and traveled around the state and country to watch her. A highlight of every winter was her Christmas Eve open house. Terry was a great knitter; sadly, there will be no more slippers to keep our feet warm! She is survived by her mother, Ruth Batt; children, Tony (Becky), Robert (Dawn) and Sherri; granddaughter, Mandi; brother, Reece (Gloria) Halverson; sisters, Jean (Bill) Harvey, Pud Berckmoes (Cecil); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in Montana and California; her longtime friend, Peggy Wilson; and her pet companion, Bubba. She will be greatly missed by those that knew her. Terry is preceded in death by her father, Cyrus; stepfather Jacob; brother Glen and special friend Gary Leischner. Per Mom's request, cremation has taken place and no memorial will be held. A celebration of Terry's life will be held on Jan. 13, at 419 Hallowell Lane from 1 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements were by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.

Scottsbluff Star Hearld Scottbluff, NE 7 Jan 2007 BAYARD - Wauneta Marie Boehnke, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at the Chimney Rock Villa in Bayard. Her Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon, Monday, Jan. 8, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Potter with the Reverend Frank Coniglio officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Wauneta's name to the Lutheran Hour or Prairie Haven Hospice. Friends may call at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard, Sunday, Jan. 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. or at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Potter Monday, Jan. 8, from 11 a.m. to the funeral service at noon. Her obituary may be viewed at www.jolliffefuneralhome.com, where condolences may be left, to be forwarded to her family. Jolliffe Funeral Home at Scottsbluff is in charge of the arrangements. Wauneta was born Sept. 4, 1922, in Sidney, Neb., the daughter of Charles and Julianna (Fiehler) Gemeinhardt. She was united in marriage to Edgar Carl Boehnke, May 19, 1946, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Potter. They farmed in the Potter area for 37 years. In 1985, Wauneta moved to Sidney where she resided for 20 years. She moved to Bayard in 2005. Wauneta is survived by her sons, Rex Boehnke and his wife Sally of Johnstown, Colo., their children, Heidi Muña and her husband Christian of Milliken, Colo., Sara Boehnke of Johnstown, Lars Boehnke and his wife Renee of Firestone, Colo., Randy Boehnke and his wife Lorrie of Missoula, Mont., their children, Megan, Tara and Jena Boehnke; daughter, Kristi Henkel and her husband Wayne of Bayard, their children, Brenda Landrum and her husband Josh of Ft. Collins, Colo., Brock Henkel of Bayard and a great-granddaughter, Madison Landrum. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Edgar, one brother and five sisters.

Scottsbluff Star Hearld Scottsbluff, NE 9 Jan 2007 ALLIANCE - Anna Romick, 96, passed peacefully away Friday, Jan. 5, 2007 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alliance with Rev. Martin T. Schnare and Rev. Richard C. Mueller officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 8 from 1-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon at the funeral home. Anna Romick was born in Doverinka, Russia to parents of German heritage on Feb. 22, 1910. She was the daughter of Fred and Catherine E. (Relka) Semon. At the age of one year, she migrated with her parents and sister Mary to Hayden, Wisc. At the age of four, her family moved to Scottsbluff where she attended school. In 1925 she married Fred Romick; they made their home in Melbeta and Gering, Belle Fourche, S.D.; Roundup, Mont. and Alliance, Nebraska. To this union one daughter and three sons were born. Survivors include daughter Lucille and husband John Nuss of Scottsbluff, and sons Milton and Mary Jane Romick of Roundup, Mont., Rodney and Mabel Romick and Tom and Peg Romick of Alliance. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 30 great, great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, seven infant siblings, sisters Mary Cook and Nettie Johannes, stepbrother Alec Steffen and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Romick was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lamplighters Bible Class, Lydia Circle and The Red Hatters at Good Sam. Her hobbies were quilt making, china painting and crocheting for charity. Memorials may be given to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alliance Prairie Haven Hospice, or Good Samaritan Health Care Center. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Loveland FYI Loveland, Colorado Publish date: 1/7/2007 Clarence OSTER , 74, of Fort Collins and formerly of Loveland, Greeley and La Salle, died Jan. 3, 2007, at Spring Creek Health Care Center in Fort Collins. Mr. Oster was born Feb. 14, 1932, in La Salle to Ray and Elsie Oster. He worked in farming and ranching and as an X-ray technician. He married Doris Beckel seven years ago in Loveland, and she too lives at Spring Creek. In addition to Doris, Mr. Oster is survived by many relatives still in the area and elsewhere. Private burial will be in his family's plot at the Beebe Draw Pioneer Cemetery in La Salle. Goes Funeral Care and Cemetery was in charge of arrangements.

<http://www.sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/SHE010301/701060653/1067> Barbara Fritz Sucese passed away on December 17, 2006 at her home in Aurora, Colorado. She was born on May 12, 1953 at Memorial Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the daughter of Reinhold and Carol (Hettinger) Fritz. Barbara was a 1971 graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. After graduation, she was employed at Franklin Elementary School as school secretary. She served in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1980 at Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Before her retirement she worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail handler for 20 years. Barbara married Robert Sucese on September 9, 1978 in Milton, Florida. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, sons Michael (fiancée Amber), David(companion Melissa) and daughter Cheryl, her parents Reinhold and Carol Fritz, brothers David (fiancée Cindy) and John (Kim), nephew Stephen Fritz, niece Sarah Fritz and Cindy's daughter Jessica. A sister, Susan Ïritz preceded her in death. A memorial service was held on December 26, 2006 at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colorado. Pastor Michael Hiller officiated at the service. The Sheboygan Press January 6, 2007

Fort Collins, Colorado Coloradoan Article published Jan 6, 2007 Elladean L. Townsend Elladean L. Townsend, 82, got her wings on Dec. 16, 2006. She was born on July 20, 1924, in Greeley to Daniel and Amelia Schafer. She was a waitress at the Northern Hotel. She lived most of her life in Fort Collins On Oct 8, 1945, she married Billie J. Townsend in Denver. She can make anyone smile. She will be missed by those who knew her and loved her. She is survived by a daughter, Tina Oglesby and her husband, Jim, of Ault; three sons, Billie, Dan and Tommie Townsend all of Fort Collins; two grandsons, Brent Oglesby and wife Jaime of Loveland, and Michael Oglesby of Ault. She is also survived by one brother and three sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billie; her parents; three sisters; and two brothers. A celebration of her life will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Courtyard by Marriott. All that knew her may come. She was the light of our eyes for so many wonderful years. We'll treasure the years that we had with her, and she will never be forgotten.

Miriam, You really need to narrow your search down a bit. I found at least nineteen (19) Hardt's listed in my "1798 Census of the German Colonies along the Volga" reference. My wife has been researching the Steffen name from the Holsen/Holzen, Westphalia, Bunde, part of Germany. Here again, the surname was quite common. Don Loose Warren, Mich. On Jan 5, 2007, at 2:59 PM, Beastly Endeavors wrote: > I am interested in finding any information on Hardt's from the > Saratov/Samara area. The immigrated in 1890. Also, any > information on > Steffen(German) and Greschau(Polish). I am not sure of the area > they came > from but immigrated in 1888. > Thank you in advance for any help provided. > Sincerely, > Miriam Hawkins > MiriamHawkins@earthlink.net > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GER-VOLGA- > request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message

Please follow the link below to read a very interesting article by Otto Pohl. Steve Schreiber Portland, OR ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: otto pohl <pohlcat@rocketmail.com> Date: Jan 5, 2007 10:43 AM Subject: New Post on Russian-Germans To: steven.schreiber@gmail.com Steve: I have a new post up on the mobilization of Russian-Germans into the Soviet fishing industry. I will have a post on the mass inductions into the labor army next week to commemorate GKO Order 1123ss of 10 January 1942. The post on Russian-Germans engaged in industrial fishing in northern Siberia can be found at the url below. Please feel free to pass it on to any and all parties that might be interested. http://jpohl.blogspot.com/ Best, Otto Pohl __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

I am interested in finding any information on Hardt's from the Saratov/Samara area. The immigrated in 1890. Also, any information on Steffen(German) and Greschau(Polish). I am not sure of the area they came from but immigrated in 1888. Thank you in advance for any help provided. Sincerely, Miriam Hawkins MiriamHawkins@earthlink.net

Stony Plain, Alberta Gordon Scheideman It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Gordon, husband, Dad, beloved Papa and brother on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2006. He passed away peacefully after a very difficult, but courageous and brave struggle with multiple myeloma cancer and the resulting kidney failure which required daily dialysis. Gordon never lost hope as he tried to deal with the difficult path that the cancer brought. When asked last week what he wanted most for Christmas he responded, that all he wanted was "peace, and no longer any more worries and struggle with pain". He received that on Christmas Eve as a gift from God as he went home to be with his Lord. Gordon was the youngest of four children born January 11, 1935 and raised on the family farm in the Mewassin district west of Stony Plain, Alberta. He married Maureen Moelhoff on December 15, 1961 and then together they lived and raised their family of four children, Heather (Ken Rohachuk and Ali), Ivan, Geraldine (Trevor Milne, Evan and Chad), and Vernon on the same farm until they moved to Stony Plain in 1998. He loved his two boys and two girls very much and would do anything for them. Maureen and Gordon recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, December 15th, surrounded by their children. Together they had a happy family. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, George and Margaret (Hohnstein) Scheideman and sisters Eileen Jettkant and Lydia Greenhough. Recently, Gordon spoke several times about the day he would get to see those that had passed on before him. This gave him great comfort to think he would soon be able see his loved ones who have gone on. It was on a rainy day in April 1948 , when Gordon was 13 years old, and Gordon and his Dad were outside in the yard together. As in the blink of an eye, Gordon turned to find his Dad who had just been instantly killed by lightening slumped over on the ground. Gordon often spoke about this, and described how difficult that was for him to see this picture come to mind. It was always a sad heartache for him to think about, even to the end. He missed his father deeply and spoke about him periodically. It was interesting to note that Gordon talked with family about the difference between how his Dad passed away and the path that he was on. His Dad had no opportunity to say good-bye to anyone, while Gordon was faced with a very different situation. The past month afforded many opportunities for the family to thank their Dad (Gordon) and let him know how much he was loved and appreciated. For Gordon too, it was the opportunity to share with his friends and family how he felt about them. Gordon and his wife Maureen, travelled a great deal to many parts of the world. Besides travelling Gordon enjoyed fishing to the west coast of Vancouver, BC, where he would spend up to seven weeks at a time fishing on the Pacific Ocean. In the last few years, Gordon found a lot of satisfaction in volunteering for the Stony Plain Pioneer Museum and the Stony Plain Citizens on Patrol. While working with Gordon at the museum, it was for me a sure delight and pleasure to work with him. He liked being with people. He had a good, solid commitment to getting things done in the best way possible. He was very instrumental in preserving history and clearly saw the need for capturing the special artifacts and history stories for museum collections. He also served on the Board for the Pioneer Museum in Stony Plain for a period of three years. Gordon adored his four children and three grandchildren. He enjoyed doing things with his grandchildren like playing cards, checker games and sharing stories about tractors, farming and fishing. Gordon valued and appreciated all of his many friends. He was very grateful to those who came to visit him and those who sent well wishes. It meant a great deal to him and the family wishes to thank all the many friends, relatives and the extended family members that came to viist him at home and in the hospital and also provided their support during this recent time. about, even to the end. He missed his father deeply and spoke about him periodically. It was interesting to note that Gordon talked with family about the difference between how his Dad passed away and the path that he was on. His Dad had no opportunity to say good-bye to anyone, while Gordon was faced with a very different situation. The past month afforded many opportunities for the family to thank their Dad (Gordon) and let him know how much he was loved and appreciated. For Gordon too, it was the opportunity to share with his friends and family how he felt about them. Gordon and his wife Maureen, travelled a great deal to many parts of the world. Besides travelling Gordon enjoyed fishing to the west coast of Vancouver, BC, where he would spend up to seven weeks at a time fishing on the Pacific Ocean. In the last few years, Gordon found a lot of satisfaction in volunteering for the Stony Plain Pioneer Museum and the Stony Plain Citizens on Patrol. While working with Gordon at the museum, it was for me a sure delight and pleasure to work with him. He liked being with people. He had a good, solid commitment to getting things done in the best way possible. He was very instrumental in preserving history and clearly saw the need for capturing the special artifacts and history stories for museum collections. He also served on the Board for the Pioneer Museum in Stony Plain for a period of three years. Gordon adored his four children and three grandchildren. He enjoyed doing things with his grandchildren like playing cards, checker games and sharing stories about tractors, farming and fishing. Gordon valued and appreciated all of his many friends. He was very grateful to those who came to visit him and those who sent well wishes. It meant a great deal to him and the family wishes to thank all the many friends, relatives and the extended family members that came to viist him at home and in the hospital and also provided their support during this recent time. The funeral service for Gordon was today, Dec 29, 2006 in the Memorial Chapel in Stony Plain. He was buried next to his parents at the Mewassin German Reformed Church (now Mewassin United Church of Canada). Ben Bouer gave this Eulogy

Can someone help me with the john and lizzy benner who came from the volga area. THe villiage is Yag --- polyana. sorry i dont remember the spelling.

Billings Gazette Billings, MT 4 Jan 2007 PLENTYWOOD - A funeral service is scheduled for Cleone Virginia Wankel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at First Congregational Church in Plentywood. Pastor Chansy Charles will officiate and burial will be in the Huffman-Wankel Family Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the church, following interment. Cleone, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday morning, Jan. 1, 2007, at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood. Survivors include her three children, Cheryl (Milo) Olson of Plentywood, Jim (Nina) Wankel of Billings and Tom (Kathy) Wankel of Miles City; step-grandchildren, Jeff (Yvette) Olson of Billings and Wendy Fellers of Kirkland, Wash.; grandchildren Jennifer (Chad) Carlson of Albert Lea, Minn., Christy Wankel of Great Falls, Lee Wankel of Miles City, Rock Wankel of Bozeman and Whitney Wankel of Miles City. She is also survived by a great-granddaughter Kaitlyn Carlson. Also surviving are four step-great-grandchildren, Jenni Olson of Billings, Aaron Fellers of Seattle, Shauna Fellers of Seattle and Cara Fellers, also of Seattle. Also surviving are many special sisters-in-law, Muriel George of Nampa, Idaho, Katie Zeidler of Plentywood and Wanda Wankel of Raymond; and a brother-in-law, George Grimm of Puyallup, Wash. She is also survived by several special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, a brother, five brothers-in-law and five nephews. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood is in charge of arrangements.

Billings Gazette Billings, MT 4 Jan 2007 Marie Schindler met her Savior and enjoyed a long-awaited family reunion in heaven, the evening of Jan. 2. Mom was born in Wakeeney, Kan., Oct. 2, 1913, a daughter of George and Katharine (Batt) Bender. The Bender family moved to Montana when Mom was an infant. She was baptized in Kansas and confirmed in Billings in 1929 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She grew up in the Huntley/Billings/Laurel area. Her mother died when she was 5 and her grandmother cared for her for several years. Marie passed from this life at the age of 93 from complications of pneumonia and a serious stroke, which she suffered on Dec. 29, 2006. Marie married Ervin Schindler in Billings in 1937. They became the loving parents of three daughters: Darlene Zimmerman, Dagny (Lyle) Hedin and Kathleen Schindler. They were married for 52 years when Ervin passed away in 1990. Mom was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She loved children and had a hand in raising many of them, including nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A baby always brought a smile to her face. Mom always said she wanted to live to be 100, but on her 90th birthday, when told she only had 10 years to go, she told us, "I've changed my mind! I don't want that anymore!" I guess at 90, you have a right to change your mind! Mom was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Joining Mom in the heavenly family reunion were her husband, Ervin; daughter Kathleen; her parents; her beloved grandma; her sisters, Elizabeth and Katherine; son-in-law Bill Zimmerman; niece Helen Brown and grandson Billy. Left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss are daughters, Darlene and Dagny (Lyle); granddaughters, Tina Hedin, Tammy Zubick (Tim) and Tawnya (Mike) Galland; and her "favorite grandson" (favorite only because he is her only grandson - Mom never played favorites!), Tim Hedin. Also surviving are great-granddaughters, Amanda (Ryan) Kabeary, Ashley, Katie and Madison Zubick, and Kimberly Galland; and a "favorite great-grandson" (favorite for the same reason), Matthew Galland. Other survivors include a special niece, Millie Weber; great-nephews Layne and Wade Brown, and Steve and Gene Weber; sister-in-law Hilda Best; Jerry Ceynar, who "adopted" Marie as his great-gramma; and many cousins and friends. She also leaves behind her loving "second family" - all her friends and caregivers at Magnolia Place. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Big Sky Hospice. Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at Smith's Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be Friday, Jan. 5, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 6, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 7, noon to 8 p.m.; and Monday, prior to services at the chapel.

This was sent to Vera and at her request I am posting to this list in case there are any family members on the list. I have found Manifests, Census records, Birth, Death records, War records for her so no need to duplicate these efforts. I am currently awaiting obituaries for her family from GV in Fresno that might lead to living family members and will provide her information to them should they wish to correspond with her. If you have any knowledge of her family, please post to list or send to my email and I will pass it along. Her Dreit(h) family originally went from Saratov (1911, 1913) to New York, Michigan, and then settled in Fresno CA area in 1930. The brothers went by the names of Alexander Dreith and Henry Dreith. Alexander and family died in Fresno. I believe Henry died in NJ and I am awaiting his obituary. Let me know if you are related to this family. See her letter below. Elaine "Dear Vera, Thank you very much for your article about Schmidt's. It was a surprise for me to discover it on http://www.volgagermans.net because my father Vladimir Koshelev (Dreit) often told me that his grandfather Johann Dreit worked as a manager at a mill of Schmidt's in Saratov. Johann Dreit had a big family - 5 sons and 2 girls . One of his girls was my grandmother - Amalia Dreit married to Mr. Koshelev so my father's family name is Vladimir Koshelev. We live in Moscow, my father is now 87 years old. Unfortunately we are lacking a lot of information about our German family roots and until now we fail to find traces of my fathers two uncles - Alexander and Andrew Dreits who moved to the states from Saratov at about 1905. If by chance you have any information about Dreits from Saratov or maybe you could help in tracing Dreits in California (Alex Dreit settled with his family in CA being a successful farmer) please kindly contact me. Tatiana"

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle Cheyenne, WY 4 Jan 2007 Edna W. Miller 1917-2006 Edna W. Miller, 89, of Cheyenne died Dec. 31 at the Cheyenne Life Care Center. She was born May 30, 1917, in Sutton, Neb., and had lived here for 52 years. Mrs. Miller was an office manager for Western Speciality Manufacturing and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mrs. Miller is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William "Bill" and Virginia Miller of Cheyenne; one sister, Frieda Weickum-Fritzler-Gress of San Carlos, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Gina Lindley, Bethany Lindley and Janine Lindley, all of Seattle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest John Miller, whom she married Oct. 25, 1939, in Culver City, Calif., her daughter, Merri-lee Miller-Lindley; five brothers, Henry Weickum, Jacob Weickum, Peter Weickum, Frederick Weickum and August Weickum; and five sisters, Wilhelmina Weickum, Johanna Weickum, Wilhelmina Weickum- Nazaryk, Olanda Weickum-Heaston and Norma Weickum-Miller. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert Miskimen officiating. Interment of her urn will be in Beth El Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Weickum, Tom Weickum, Gerry Harvey, Dick Wilson, Bob Holly, Steve Farkus and Jim Fritzler. Friends may contribute to Trinity Lutheran Church. Cremation has taken place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.