Jacob Striffler

Notes:

Supervisor of Elkland Township from 1888 through 1891, and President of Cass City in the last years of the 19th century. (Source: Peck)

Bonnie Margaret Jacobs, in her 1981 unpublished manuscript, wrote that Jacob and his brother John Striffler "decided they'd join the migration west and they had heard of the opening territory of Michigan and the potentially good farm land there. Sight unseen, they bought land for two farms at $2 per acred and set out with their families for their new home in 1859....the trip was reasonably easy the first part of the way. They could catch a boat from Buffalo to the Michigan shores and from there, wagon on to their new land....they found the forest so dense that there was no way to get to the land they had purchased. Disgusted and disappointed, they were prepared to return to Lancaster. But the men in Watrousville [now Caro] advised they not to be so foolish. It was good farm land---once the trees were harvested and a part of each land sale seems to have included a provision that the price of the land did not include the pine that stood on it. Lumbering rights were held by large lumbering companies and the Strifflers could expect to be able to establish their homes by the next spring. So the two young families remained in Watrousville for the winter. Fortunately as well as being experienced farmers, the men were accomplished coopers. So they supported themselves by the making of barrels and buckets through the winter and finally were able to get thier land the next summer." (pp. 151, 152, and Jacobs cites both the "Memoirs of John A. Benkelman," along with interviews with Elsie Buehrly Anthes, Leonard Striffler and Mrs. Ben Schwegler).

He and Louisa were charter members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cass City.

Cass City Enterprise
September 27, 1895

About midnight, Monday, Jacob Striffler, living two miles east and north of town, breathed his last. He had resided here since 1860, and labored hard to make fruitful what was then a wilderness, not without succes. The funeral took place yesterday at the Evangelical Church, Rev. C.W. Ross officiating and being assisted by Rev. J.W. Fenn. The pall bearers were from among his associates and were also pioneers. The attendance was large and the services impressive. Deceased was born March 31, 1918 at Kirrberg, Germany (formerly France) and fell asleep in Jesus at his home September 24, 1895, aged 76 years, 5 months, and 23 days. In 1830 he came with his parents to America and located near Buffalo, NY, he moved to Watrousville, Mich in 1859, and he came her one year later. Early in life he converted to God, became a member of the Evangelical Church, lived a devoted Christian life and was true until called from labor to reward. He also served in a capacity of a class-leader for many years. Mr. Striffler leaves a sorrowing wife, two sons and two daughter (two sons and two daughters precededd him to the better land), three brothers, one sister and a large circle of friends. May God grant all a happy reunion in heaven.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):
Census Information:

1850 Census
New York, Erie County, Lancaster
Enumerated 23 Aug 1850
Page 200
1048-1082
Otil Strifler 59 F $2550 Germany
Jacob Strifler 30 M Farmer
Susanna Strifler 27 F
Joseph Stifler 24 M Farmer
Christian Strifler 22 m Farmer
John Strifler 17 Farmer New York (sic)
David Strifler 14


1860 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
59-57
Jacob Striffler 41 M Farmer $280 $75 France
Louisa Striffler 27 F Domestic Wurtinberg
Adaline Striffler 6 F NY
Leonard Striffler 3 M NY
Solomon Striffler 1 NY
The household immediately preceding theirs was that of John and Mary Striffler, his brother.

1870 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
53-53
Striffler, Jacob 51 Farmer $3,030 $300 France
Striffler, Louisa 37 Keeping House Germany Wirtenberg
Striffler, Leonard 13 NY
Striffler, Solomon 10 NY
Striffler, Lydia 4 MI
Striffler, Jacob 4/12 MI
The following three households were those of Adam and Catherine Benkelman, George and Katherine Kolb, and John and Mary Striffler

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-0607 Page 96C
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Jacob STRIFFLERSelfMMW61FRANCE Occ:FarmerFa: FRANCEMo: FRANCE
Louisa STRIFFLERWifeFMW46WERTENBERG Occ:Keeping HouseFa: WERTENBERGMo: WERTENBERG
Soloman STRIFFLERSonMSW21NY Occ:FarmerFa: FRANCEMo: WERTENBERG
Samuel STRIFFLERSonMSW8MI Occ:At SchoolFa: FRANCEMo: WERTENBERG
Lydia STRIFFLERDauFSW6MI Occ:At SchoolFa: FRANCEMo: WERTENBERG
Charles JANS OtherMSW33WERTENBERG Occ:FarmerFa: WERTENBERGMo: WERTENBERG

Jacob married Luise "Louisa" Benkelman about 1853 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York. Luise (daughter of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann and Maria Dorothea St?hle) was born on 14 Sep 1833 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 22 Oct 1910 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her tombstone states she was age 12 years, 1 month, and 3 days old

Notes:

Tombstone reads:

Striffler, Leonard,d. 29 Apr 1874, 16y 9m 19d

BonnieMargaret Jacobs writes that he died of scarlet fever, as did his younger siblings, Lydia and Jacob.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 30, 1913

Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler visited at the home of Frank Striffler in Deford over Sunday.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, November 24, 1933
Local Happenings
Page 3
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Striffler and daughter, Luella, and Miss Gertrude Striffler of Detroit spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 15, 1936
Elkland Twp. Loses Prominent Citizen
Solomon Striffler Came Here in 1859, Year after Township Was Organized

Elkland township lost a pioneer resident and an outstanding citizen in the death of Solomon Striffler, who passed away at his home on the corner of Leach and Third streets in Cass City on Friday morning, May 8. He had been ill for about a year.

The funeral services were held at the Evangelical church on Sunday afternoon and were conducted by Rev. G.A. Spitler, pastor of the church. Interment was made in Elkland Cemetery.

Solomon Striffler was born in Lancaster, N.Y., on April 5, 1859, and came to this community with his parents, Jacob and Louisa Striffler, at the age of six weeks.

Solomon Striffler and Miss Katherine Burke were married on Nov. 15, 1883, by Rev. B.F. Wade at the home of the bride's uncle, Fred Burke, in Elkland township. The following spring, Mr. Striffler erected a residence on his farm one mile north of the Elkland cemetery and here he and his wife lived and reared their children until 13 years ago when they moved to Cass City. Mr. and Mrs. Striffler celebrated their golden wedding on Nov. 15, 1933.

Mr. Striffler, with possibly one exception, had spent more years in Elkland township than anyone residing in the community. His advent in this place was in the year following the organization of the township of Elkland in 1858. Watrousville was the nearest point that boasted any mercantile establishments in those pioneer days when a lumber trail was the only road in Cass City. Settlers left here at noon and walked to Watrousville, carrying their merchandise purchases home the next day.

Ms. Stiffler was a member of the Evangelical church here and a man of high ideals. He was for many years, until ill health made it necessary for him to resign, the teacher of the adult class in Sunday School and he stood foremost among students as a Bible student. He served Elkland township as treasurer, justice and highway commissioner, and for 28 years was a school director.

Mr. Striffler leaves besides his widow, six children, Frank and Louis Striffler of Detroit, Mrs. Ira Reagh, Leonard Striffler, Mrs. Alma Schenck and Miss Gertrude Stiffler, all of Cass City, eight grandchildren, one brother, Samuel Stiffler, of Battle Creek, and one sister, Mrs. George Zinnecker, of Moore, Montana.

Those for out of town in attendance at the funeral Sunday afternoon included Mr. amd Mrs. Ira H. Blakely, Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Benson, Mr. and Mrs. I.M Clapper, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Batten, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Kaiser and children, Kenneth John and Ruth, Mrs. Florence Spangler, Louis Striffler, Burke Arehart, and Miss Luella Striffler, all of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Striffler and daugther, Anna, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Buchanan and children, James and Nellie Marie, all of Battle Creek; Fred Striffler of Caro; and Mr. and Mrs. Otto Nique of Decker.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

(Research):Census Information:


1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 12, 13 and 14 June 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8, ED 110, Sheet 7A Stamped 110
137-137
Samuel & Mary Striffler
138-138
Striffler, Solomon Hd W M APr 1889 41 M16
Striffler, Kate Wf W F Sept 1864 34 M 16 5/5
Striffler, Franklin A Son 13
Striffler, Alice L Dtr 11
Striffler, ____ Son 9
Striffler, ____ ??? 4
Striffler, Luella A Dtr 7/12

(Note this listing was at the bottom of the page, and the m
icrofilm copy of it was partially obscured).

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City, ED 11
Striffler, Solomon M W 70 M @ 24 NY Alsace Lorraine Germany Retired Farmer, Greenhouse
Striffler, Kate 65 F W M @ 18 Germany Germany Germany 1878
Striffler, Leonard 38 S M W S Michigan New York Germany Groomer Stock for Show

Solomon married Eva Catharina "Katie" Koepf on 15 Nov 1883 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Eva (daughter of Johannes Koepf and Christine Barbara Buerk) was born on 25 Sep 1865 in W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 15 Jan 1938 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Tombstone reads age 8 years, 4 months and 16 days

Notes:

Tomstone reads age 4 years, 7 months, and 16 days

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, March 23, 1923
Local Happenings, Page Four

Sam Striffler spent a few days last week in Battle Creek where he was the guest of his daughter, Mrs. Earl BUCHANAN.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, November 12, 1954
Page Six
Cass City Area News Items

Relatives here received word of the death, Saturday, of Samuel Striffler, 82, of San Diego, Cal. Mr. Striffler, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Striffler, was born and raised here. Funeral services and burial took place in California. He is survived by his wife, Mary, who has been hospitalized for a long period of time; a daughter, Mrs. Earl Buchanan, of San Diego and a son, Vernon Striffler, of Long Beach, California, and one sister, Mrs. George Zinnecker of Moore, Montana.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

California Death Index:

STRIFFLER SAMUEL 02/28/1872 BENKLEMAN STRIFFLER M MICHIGAN SAN DIEGO(37) 11/06/1954 366-07-0433

(Research):Census Information:

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 12, 13 and 14 June 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8, ED 110, Sheet 7A Stamped 110
137-137
Striffler, Samuel W M Feb 1872 28 M2 Mich France Germany
Striffler, Mary L W F May 1879 21 M2 1/1 Germany Germany Ge
rmany
Striffler, Catherine W F Dec 1899 5/12 Mich Mich Germany
Striffler, Louisa W F Sept 1853 57 7/3 Germany Germany Germany
Crocker, Fred W M Apr 1880 20 Mich Ohio Germany

HH 138-138
Solomon and Kate Striffler

Fred Crocker was Samuel Striffler's first cousin, once removed. His mother was Dorothea Benkelman Crocker, a niece of Sam's mother, Louisa.

Samuel married Marie L. Kaiser on 17 Aug 1898. Marie (daughter of Heinrich Rudolph Kaiser and Christine Barbara Buerk) was born on 20 May 1879 in G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 21 Apr 1955 in San Diego, San Diego County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Moore Resident Dies in Billings

Mrs. Lydia Zinnecker, 82, resident of Moore nearly 28 years, died of a heart ailment at 1:37 a.m. Thursday in a Billings hospital. She entered the hospital Wednesday night.

She had been visiting two weeks in the home of a daughter, Mrs. Harry Miller of Billings, Rt. 3, when she became ill.

The body was taken to the Creel Funeral Home in Lewiston where funeral services at 3 p.m. Saturday will be conducted by the Rev. Raymond Ginther of the Moore Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Moore Cemetery.

Mrs. Zinnecker was born Nov. 20, 1874, in Cass City, Mich., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Striffler. She was married to George Zinnecker in Cass City Nov. 22, 1893, and they lived in Michigan until 1912.

They then went to Starkweather, N. D., where they lived four years before moving to Garfield county. They lived there until 1929, when they moved to Moore in Fergus county.

Mr. Zinnecker, a carpenter, died in Moore Feb. 15, 1955. Mrs. Zinnecker was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Surviving Mrs. Zinnecker, besides the daughter in Billings, are two other daughters, Mrs. George Steinar of Gary, Ind., and Mrs. Hal Lucas of Superior, three sons, L. F. Zinnecker of Moore, Henry Zinnecker of Long Beach, Calif., and Dr. Kenneth Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio; 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Lydia married George Henry Zinnecker on 22 Nov 1893 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. George (son of Johannes "John" Zinnecker and Elizabeth Wagner) was born on 14 Jul 1871 in Ionia County, Michigan; died on 14 Feb 1955 in Moore, Fergus County, Montana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A list of pupils at the Wright Rural School #4 in 1897 include Alice Striffler, Arlis Vaughan, Chancy Boulton, Emma Cole, Esther Blades, Effie Wallace, Eddie Mark, Frank Cranick, Flossie Wright, Georgie Dennis, Johnie Hulburt, Lizzie Yoos, Lena Mark, Luke Wright, Mary Mark, Minta Wallace, Alice Charlton, Ada Cole, Chester Dennis, Ethel Cole, Etta Wickware, Ethel Charlton, Frank Striffler, Fred Yoos, George Cole, John Wallace, Lizzie Blades, Lillie Wallace, Lenne Striffler, Martha Wright, May Dennis, Ray Hulbert, Stanley Hulbert. Grace Karr, teacher and S. Striffler, Director.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, September 17, 1959
Page Six


Striffler Services Held in EUB Church

Funeral services for Frank A. Striffler, who died Sept. 8 in Detroit after a long illness, were held Friday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cass City with the Rev. S. R. Wurtz officiating.

Mr. Striffler was born in Elkland Township, Aug. 13, 1886, son of the late Solomon and Katherine Stiffler, and spent his youth in the township. He married Pearl Gooden in 1908 and they lived in Detroit from 1916 to 1951, when her retired and moved to Lexington. His wife died in 1958.

He was a member of Friendship Lodge No. 417, F and AM, the Scottish Rite and Moslem Temple and was a charter member of the Detroit East Side Lions Club.

Surviving are a daughter, Luella Arehart; a granddaughter, Burke Stiffler Arehart; two brothers, Leonard of Cass City and Louis of Detroit, and three sisters, Alma McKenzie of Cass City, Alice Boulward of Eustis, Fla. And Gertrude Falkenhagen of Stover.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

Franklin married Pearl Gooden on 24 Aug 1908 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Pearl was born on 6 Jan 1888 in Evergreen Township, Sanilac County, Michigan; died on 24 Jun 1958 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Art Peck writes that Alice married again after Ira's death, her second marriage was for 15 years. Volume 23 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST reported that Dave Boulware, husband of Alice Striffler Reagh, had died on January 19, 1963.

Alice married for a third time shortly before her death. According to the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Vol. 25, published 6 September 1965, she was married in January 1965 to John GREER (sic) and they were going to live in Eustis, Florida.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, January 6, 1966
Page Four

Mrs. John Greene Dies Unexpectedly

Word was received late Monday of the unexpected death Monday of Mrs. John Greene (Alice Striffler), 76, at her home in Eustis, Fla. The remains will be brought to Little's Funeral Home after funeral services Jan. 5 in Eustis. Services will be held at Little's and burial will be in Elkland cemetery.

Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler, she was born at Cass City March 30, 1889. She left Cass City 15 years ago to live in Florida.

Mrs. Greene is survived by her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Lewis CURTIS and Mrs. William McINTYRE of Muskegon; two sons, Stanley REAGH of Muskegon and J. Arnold REAGH of Saginaw; seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Alma McKENZIE of Cass City and Mrs. Harry FALKENHAGEN, currently at Bradenton, Fla., and two brothers, Louis Striffler of Detroit and Leonard Striffler of Cass City.

Mrs. Greene was a Gold Star member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Cass City and a member of Echo chapter OES.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

(Research):Census Information

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 30 and 31 January 1920
SD 7 ED 179 Sheet 11B
264-279

Reagh, Ira Roy Hd M W 34 M Mich Canada/English Canada/English Drugman? City Drug?
Reagh, Alice L Wf F W 30 M Mich York State Germany/German
Reagh, Margaret Dtr F W 12 S Mich Mich Mich
Reagh, Stanley Son M W 7 Mich Mich Mich
Reagh, Marion Dtr F W 5 S Mich Mich Mich
Reagh, John Son M W 1 5/12 Mich Mich Mich
Reagh, Grant Son M W 4/12 S Mich Mich Mich

A list of pupils at the Wright Rural School #4 in 1897 include Alice Striffler, Arlis Vaughan, Chancy Boulton, Emma Cole, Esther Blades, Effie Wallace, Eddie Mark, Frank Cranick, Flossie Wright, Georgie Dennis, Johnie Hulburt, Lizzie Yoos, Lena Mark, Luke Wright, Mary Mark, Minta Wallace, Alice Charlton, Ada Cole, Chester Dennis, Ethel Cole, Etta Wickware, Ethel Charlton, Frank Striffler, Fred Yoos, George Cole, John Wallace, Lizzie Blades, Lillie Wallace, Lenne Striffler, Martha Wright, May Dennis, Ray Hulbert, Stanley Hulbert. Grace Karr, teacher and S. Striffler, Director.

Alice married Ira Roy Reagh in 1906 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Ira was born on 22 Aug 1855 in Sanilac County, Michigan; died on 26 Mar 1947 in Branch, Lake County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, January 12, 1983
Page 2
Shabbona News

Leonard Striffler dies at 91

Leonard Striffler, 91, the last member of the pioneer Striffler family of Cass City, died Monday at Provincial House.

He was born May 5, 1891, on the homestead farm, in Elkland Township, the son of Solomon and Katherine (Buerk) Stiffler.

Striffler had been a life member of Tyler Lodge No. 317, F and AM, Cass City, the Cass City chapter of the International Order of Odd-fellows, and years ago had been the manager of Madison Pickle Co. of Cass City for more than 25 years.

He is survived by one brother, Louis Striffler, Detroit, and five nieces and nephews. One brother and four sisters preceded him in death.

A Masonic memorial service was conducted Tuesday evening at Little's Funeral Home, Cass City.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Little's, with Rev. Eldred Kelley of the Salem United Methodist Church, Cass City, officiating.

Burial was in Elkland Township Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)


Len Striffler, along with his sister Gertrude, dug deep in their memories for the stories of the Striffler family for BonnieMargaret Jacobs when she was preparing her 1981 manuscipt about the history of the Benkelman family.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, January 27, 1966

Services held for Lifelong Resident

Funeral services for Mrs. Alma McKenzie, 72, lifelong resident, were held Wednesday afternoon at Little's Funeral Home following her death Monday, Jan. 24, at the Sunny Acres Nursing Center in Elkton where she had been a patient for one month. She had been in ill health for the past six months.

Born March 11, 1893, in Cass City, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler. She married Clayton Schenck in Cass City in 1913 and they made their home here until he died in 1919. In 1939 she married William McKenzie. He died in 1962.

Mrs. McKenzie was a Cass City postal clerk for 16 years and was a lifetime member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. Jack (Ruth( Esau of Cass City; a son, Donald Schenck of Napoleon; a sister, Mrs. Harry Falkenhagen, Bradenton, Fla., and two brothers, Leonard Striffler of Cass City and Louis Striffler of Detroit.

Also surviving are: a stepdaugher, Mrs. Albert (Marie) Jones of Decker; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A brother and sister preceded her in death.

Rev. Stanley P. Kirn, retired EUB minister, officiated and interment was in the family lot in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

Alma married Clayton Arthur Schenck on 29 Apr 1913 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Clayton was born on 30 May 1891 in Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 17 Sep 1919 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alma married William George McKenzie about 1939. William was born on 16 Sep 1881 in Gagetown, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 21 Jun 1962 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 23 Jun 1962 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 4, 1906
Page One

A Most Distressing Accident

Luella Striffler Instantly Killed Last Thursday

A most distressing accident occurred northeast of Cass City last Thursday afternoon which resulted in the instant death of six-year-old Luella Striffler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler.

The younger children who attended the Wright school northeast of town, had, as usual, been dismissed at recess time and Luella and her little cousin, Katie Striffler, had started for home. Mr. Andrews, a neighbor, was coming to town with a load of baled hay and the little girls took hold of the back of the wagon box and trudged along behind. Soon after Luella went around to the side of the wagom and placed her school book which she had been carrying, upon the rig between the bales of hay. It slipped to the ground and she leaned forward to pick it up and must have fallen, for the hind wheel of the heavily laden wagon passed over her little head completely crushing the upper portion. One of her limbs was also broken and her foot crushed. Death was instantaneous.

The man on the wagon had seen the little folks on the way home from school, but drove on unconscious of the awful accident which had happened, not hearing their voices on account of the rattle of the wagon passing over the hard ground. His first intimation that anything had gone wrong was when his attention was attracted by the cries of Katie who ran screaming to tell her mother what had happened.

The accident took place almost directly in front of the homes of Samuel and Solomon Striffler, and the parents of the little girl were among the first to know the horrifying facts. Tenderly the tiny form was carried into the home which she had left so shortly before, but the little spirit had taken its flight.

Anna Luella was the fifth child of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler, who reside one mile east and one and one-fourth miles north of town. She was six years old last October and an exceptionally sweet and intelligent little girl. She was born on the farm where her parent still reside and for almost a year she has attended the Wright school.

The funeral services took place on Sunday morning in the Evangelical church, Rev. W. Bergey officiating. He preached from the text recorded in Psalms 16:6---"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a godly heritage," and spoke many words of comfort to the grief striken family. He was assisted by Rev. J.W. Fenn.

The pall bearers were four of the playmates of the little dead girl: Seva Withey, Ella Wallace, Hallie Spurgeon and Carrie Hurley.

The floral tributes were profuse and very beautiful, the casket being completely hidden from view by flowers. The remains were interred in Elkland cemetery.

Besides her parents, she leave three sisters, Alice, Alma and Edna; and three brothers, Frank, of Detroit, and Leonard and Louis.

The sympathy of the entire neighborhood and village goes out to the stricken family in their deep sorrow over the sudden loss of their loved one.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

Notes:

Volume 28 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 2, 1968, reported that he retired from Manufacturers National Bank in Detroit.

Cass City Chronicle
April 30, 1986
Obituaries, Page 14

Louis J. Striffler

Services for Louis John Striffler, 83, were held in the Verheyden Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe April 9. Mr. Striffler died at Cottage Hospital April 8.

He was born Jan. 13, 1903, the son of Solomon and Katherine Striffler at the home on Schwegler Rd. northeast of Cass City.

Two brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery Thursday, April 10. Services were conducted by the Rev. Clare Patton, of Salem United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Icele, and several nieces and nephews.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

Not listed in BonnieMargaret Jacobs 1981 manuscript.

Louis married Icele Paschall on 18 Feb 1939 in Indiana. Icele was born on 8 Jun 1912 in Crossland, Calloway County, Kentucky; died on 18 Sep 1989 in Utica, Macomb County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Oct. 19, 1923
Page Four
Local Items
Miss Gertrude Striffler, who teaches school at Snover, spent the weekend at her home here.

Gertrude Striffler was a teacher at the Cedar Run School from 1926-1928. She is pictured with the Class of 1927 in "The Way it Was" a publication of "The Cass City Area Historical Society" Volume 7, January 2002, Number 1. Cedar Run School was located on the north side of Elmwood Road, just west of Cedar Run Road. It was called Elmwood #1 Fractional because although it was located in Elmwood Township, it was just across the road from Ellington Township, so students came from both townships.

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 33, Number 50
Friday, March 10, 1939

Miss Gertrude Striffler, who broke her right arm, when she fell on the ice in Detroit last week, is spending some time with her sister, Mrs. Alma Schenck.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, November 12, 1954
Page Six
Cass City Area News Items

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Falkenhagen were in Marlette Saturday evening for installation of Eastern Star officers when Mrs. Falkenhagen was installing officers.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Falkenhagen and Leonard Striffler were callers in Saginaw Sunday, called there by the death of Mr. Falkenhagen's sister-in-law, Mrs. Grace Falkenhagen.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, March 26, 1981

Falkenhagen funeral held Monday

Gertrude Edna Falkenhagen, 75, of Cass City died Saturday at Provincial House.

She was born Sept. 19, 1905, in Cass City, the daughter of Solomon and Katherine (Buerk) Striffler.

After graduation from Cass City High School and County Normal School in Caro, Miss Striffler taught school for a short time and held numerous business positions in Detroit and later Cass City.

She married Harry Falkenhagen Sept. 14, in Cass City. Following their marriage they made their home on a farm in Snover. They moved to Cass City in 1964. Her husband died Jan. 2, 1972.

She was a lifelong member of the Salem United Methodist church of Cass City. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, Rebekah Lodge of Snover; Decker Chapter No. 438, Order of the Eastern Star, and a life member and past matron of Echo Chapter No. 337, OES, Cass City.

Mrs. Falkenhagen is survived by two brothers, Leonard Striffler of Cass City and Louis Striffler of Detroit; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Philip (Evelyn) Smith of Snover; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. One brother and two sisters preceded her in death.

An Eastern Star memorial service was held Sunday evening at Little's Funeral Home, Cass City, under the auspices of Echo Chapter.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Salem United Methodist church, Rev. Eldred Kelley officiating.

Burial was in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

She worked for the United States Post Office in New York, Michigan, and other places in Michigan. (Down Memory Lane, Cass City Chronicle, June 2, 1966, page 13)

Gertrude married Harry Falkenhagen on 14 Sep 1948 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Harry was born on 23 Apr 1888 in Blumfield Township, Saginaw County, Michigan; died on 2 Jan 1972 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 6 Jan 1972 in Mooretown Cemetery, Snover, Sanilac County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
December 24, 1920

Miss Katherine Striffler of Battle Creek came today to spend the vacation with Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Striffler.

Volume 25 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 6, 1965, reported that Katherine and Earl spent two months traveling abroad, throughout Europe and the Middle East. While in Germany, they stopped in G?ppingen, the town in which her mother, Marie Kaiser Striffler, was born.

Katherine Stiffler Buchanan was one of the cousins of BonnieMargaret Jacobs who recounted many of the stories told to her by her grandmother, Louisa Benkelman Striffler.

Katherine married Earl McKinley Buchanan on 17 Aug 1921. Earl was born on 19 Feb 1898 in Huron County, Michigan; died on 21 Apr 1990 in San Diego, San Diego County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

California Death Index:

STRIFFLER ANNA ELIZA 10/13/1901 KAISER STRIFFLER F MICHIGAN SAN DIEGO(37) 02/05/1949

Not shown in BonnieMargaret Jacobs 1981 manuscript.

Notes:

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST Volume 10, dated September 1, 1947, reported that Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Striffler and Eddie drove to Nova Scotia to visit relatives.

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 11, published September 6, 1948, reported that Vernon, who had been working for Squibbs Co. of Battle Creek, had been transferred to California and was moving with this family to Long Beach.

Volume 26 of the sam periodical reported he had returned to Battle Creek where he was employed with the Muir Drug Company.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, December 15, 1966
Cass City Social and Personal Items, Page Two

Vernon Stiffler, 63, of Battle Creek died Nov. 25 in University Hospital. Mr. Striffler was a former Cass City resident and graduated from Cass City High School. Funeral services were held in Battle Creek Nov. 29. Burial was also in Battle Creek. Survivors include his widow Arlene, one son, Edward of Battle Creek and one sister, Mrs. Katherine Buchanan of San Diego, Calif.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Vernon married Arlene Whitney on 4 Feb 1926. Arlene was born on 14 Oct 1902 in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan; died on 31 Jan 1997 in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Louise married George Stinar on 29 Mar 1927 in Hobart, Lake County, Indiana. George was born on 23 Jul 1897 in Streator, Lasalle County, Indiana; died on 12 Jul 1973 in Hobart, Lake County, Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Local Happenings
July 4, 1919
Page 4

John Zinnecker received a telegram this week from his grandson, Leonard Zinnecker, whose home is in Montana, that he arrived safely from overseas in New York on June 21. Mr. Zinnecker has been in France in Base Hospital.

Art Peck writes that in 1918, Leonard moved in Ingoma, Montana. He entered into the US Army at Camp Lewis on 20 Sept 1918, and served in France during World War I. After the war, he farmed at the head of Dry Creek 35 miles southwest of Jordan, Montana. He operated the Montana elevator in Moore for 18 years. He was adjuctant of the American Legion Post for 18 years, being a lifetime member.

According the the 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast (Vol. 5, September 1, 1941), Leonard Zinnecker, manager of the elevator at Moore, Montana, reported abundant crops in his community...the largest number of loads during the year brought in in one day was 128.

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 11, published September 6, 1948, reported that he had left the Montana Elevator company in Moore after 22 years and was working for an insurance company.

Volume 19 of the same periodical, September 3, 1956, reported that Mark Leonard, a son, was born to Mr. and Mrs. L.F. Zinnecker of Billings, Montana. This may be incorrect as Velma Leonard was 50 years old at the time. Additionally, no son by that name is included in Art Peck's list of children of Leonard and Velma.

Volume 23 of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, dated September 7, 1963, noted that Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Zinnecker spent 4 months traveling and visiting relatives in Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Arizona and California. They traveled 11,000 miles.

Volume 28 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 2, 1968, reported that they had sold their home in Moore, Montana and retired to Mesa, Arizona.

Leonard married Velma Naomi Norbury on 16 May 1925 in Jordan, Garfield County, Montana. Velma was born on 24 Sep 1906 in Hume, Bates County, Montana; died on 8 Jun 1978 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Leonard married Evelyn Hopper on 7 Aug 1980 in Helena, Lewis And Clark County, Montana. Evelyn was born on 17 Aug 1912 in Hilger, Fergus County, Montana; died on 16 Mar 1998 in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Not listed on the 1910 Huron County, MI census with the rest of his family, it appears he died young.

Helena married Hal B. Lucas on 7 Dec 1921 in Miles City, Cluster County, Montana. Hal was born in 1889 in Greencastle, Sullivan County, Montana; died on 3 Sep 1965. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Volume 12 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 5, 1949, reported that "Nellie's Post" a thoroughbred colt they owned and raised, won the second annual Montana Breeder's Futurity, and by doing so he is called the Champion running horse in Montana for 1949. The purse was about $1700.

Kathryn E. Miller

Kathryn E. Miller, age 93, of Billings died Sunday, March 28, 1999. She was born May 13, 1905, at Brookfield, Mich., the daughter of George and Lydia (Striffler) Zinnecker. At an early age she moved with her family to Eastern Montana. On May 19, 1923, she married Harry L. Miller in Jordan, Mont. They later moved to Billings.

Survivors include three son, Bob D. and wife Florence of Billings; Joe of Shepherd and Don of Billings; two daughters, Dorothy J. and husband Cork Mortensen of Helena, and Evelyn J. Miller of Stillman Valley, Ill; 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband in 1992, son Jack, daughters Phyllis K. Standley, three brothers and two sisters.

Private graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Smith's Downtown Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Her granndaughter, Tina Miller Wright, remembers "seeing her in 3 places. The garden, the kitchen and the grocery store. She always had flowers and a great garden. She would let us pick a pepper or rhubarb or whatever was ready. She would send us home with cut flowers wrapped in a wet paper towel. She had beautiful lilacs, peonies, iris, etc.She was an excellent cook. Her cookies, popcorn balls, bread, english muffins, and most recipes were in her head. She always made Snitchbrot for Christmas. She said it wasn't hard to be a good cook, you just had to use good things to cook with. She was the cleanest woman, I ever knew. Everything neat and in it's place."

Kathryn married Harry Leon Miller on 19 May 1923 in Jordan, Garfield County, Montana. Harry was born on 4 May 1892 in Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota; died on 29 Jan 1992 in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married three more times, to Eula, Matty, and Ruth.

According the the 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast (Vol. 5, September 1, 1941), Henry Zinnecker of Long Beach was working in the underground building of the ammunition branch of the Defense Program Project in Nevada.

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944 reported that Henry Zinnecker attended the Degaussing School at Norfolk, Va. and was stationed on the USS Hackett, an Attack Transport Ship. As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that Henry Zinnecker, EM1/c was in the South Pacific.

In Volume 10 of the same periodical, it was noted that he and a friend had opened the Signal Hill Cabinet and Repair Shop in Long Beach.

Volume 28 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 2, 1968, reported he had retired from a Civil Service Job and retired to Hemet, California.

Henry married Freda Tipton on 16 Sep 1934 in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California. Freda was born before 1914; died in Oct 1943 in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 12, 1916
Page Four
Local Items

Announcements have been received of the birth of a son at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Zinnecker at Starkweather, North Dakota, on Tuesday, May 2. Kenneth C., is his name.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 24, 1936
Local Items
Page One

Kenneth Zinnecker of Moore, Montana, is a guest at the home of his uncle, Solomon Striffler, and other relatives here. Mr. Zinnecker brought two car loads of horses from Montana to Wisconsin, coming on to visit relatives in Detroit and Cass City. He will be taking back to Montana two new 1936 Terraplanes, drive one and towing the other.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Lt. Kenneth S. Zinnecker graduated from the Freeman Army Air Field on July 28, 1943 and was an instructor at the B-17 school at Loskbourn Army Air Base, Columbus, Ohio.

As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that he was an instructor on a B-29, and stationed in Alabama. In Volume 9, September 2, 1946, it was reported that he was atttending Ohio State University.

An article in Volume 10, September 1, 1947, indicated that he had been pledged into an honorary fraternity at Ohio State in recognition of his high scholastic attainment.

Volume 12 reported he was in the school of Optometry, and in Volume 13 it was noted that he had graduated from Ohio State with his B.S. in Optometry.


The 1966 BROADCAST reported that Dixie Zinnecker, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio graduated from High School and spent the summer in Hawaii as a Junior Supervisor at Puna College. She was set to enter Colorado Womans College in Denver in the fall.

Family/Spouse: Lola Cantrell. Lola was born on 29 Jan 1924; died on 15 Jun 2008 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Kenneth married Helen Andrews in Apr 1937 in Lewistown, Fergus County, Montana. Helen was born before 1920; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Kenneth married Blanche Juanita McFadden on 29 Dec 1944 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Blanche was born on 22 Jan 1912; died in Feb 1993 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A copy of the actual death certificate can be seen online at:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as STRIFFLER, Dec 11, 1909 Croswell, Sanilac County

Luella married Burke Arehart, M.D. on 27 Dec 1937 in Detroit, Athens County, Ohio. Burke was born on 25 Oct 1911 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan; died on 27 Feb 1976 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, June 30, 1983
Obituaries
Page 4

Margaret Curtis

Margaret Reagh Curtis, 75 of Whitehall, died Friday at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

She was born October 12, 1909, the daughter of Ira Reagh and Alice (Striffler) Reagh. She graduated from Cass City High School and a New York City college of nursing. Her husband, Lewis Curtis, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Curtis is survived by to stepsons, Neil and John and their families; her sister, Marion Reagh MacINTYRE; three brothers, John, Arnold, and Stanley, and her nieces and nephews.

Margaret married Lewis G. Curtis on 31 Dec 1929. Lewis was born on 4 Dec 1899 in Michigan; died on 6 Apr 1981 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, May 25, 1988
Page Five
Obituaries

Stanley Reagh

Stanley S. Reagh, 75, of Muskegon died at his home May 11.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at the Elkland Cemetery.

Surviving are one sister, Mrs. William McINTYRE of Muskegon, and one brother, J. Arnold Reagh of Saginaw, and 5 nieces and nephews.

A sister Margaret and a brother Grant predeceased him.

His cousins include Ruth and Jack ESAU and James and Esther Reagh of Cass City and Harry Reagh of Bay City and Carl Reagh of Lansing.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

Stanley married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

MCINTYRE, MRS. MARIAN L. North Muskegon Marian L. McIntyre, age 98, died Friday, May 31, 2013. She was born in a log cabin near Roscommon, MI on November 14, 1914 to Ira and Alice (Striffler) Reagh. She married Bill McIntyre on November 10, 1934 in Cass City, MI. Mrs. McIntyre came to the Muskegon area in 1948 and retired from Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. She was a member of Community United Methodist Church and Martha's Circle. She volunteered regularly for MAP. She was a past member of the Muskegon Woman's Club, the Muskegon Garden Club, Friends of Walker Library and The Red Hat Society. Marian will fondly be remembered for doing crossword puzzles, her love of books, her desserts, her flower gardens, her brisk gate, and her boundless energy and strong determination. SURVIVORS Son, William H. (Judi) McIntyre II and daughter, Nancy Reagh Johnson; grandchildren, Shawn, Tami, Doug; great grandchildren, Christian, Madeline, Lauren, Tristan, Tyler, Collin, Adam, Drew, Ethan. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; one sister, Margaret "Peggy" Curtis; three brothers, Stanley, John and Grant; and son-in-law Marvin Johnson. SERVICE Friday, June 14, 2013, 11:00 AM at Community United Methodist Church with Rev. Philip Friedrick officiating. VISITATION Friday, one hour prior to the service at Community United Methodist Church. MEMORIAL: Muskegon Harbor Hospice or Community United Methodist Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon - See more at: http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/muskegon/obituary.aspx?pid=165203880#sthash.I7V0A0WP.dpuf

Marian married William "Bill" H. McIntyre on 10 Nov 1934 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. William was born on 4 Feb 1908 in Bay Port, Huron County, Michigan; died on 4 May 2002 in Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast showed that Pvt. Arnold Reagh was stationed at Fort DuPont, Delaware, as Motor Post Clerk and Staff Driver.

A few years later, in the same publication (Vol. 7, September 4, 1944), it was noted that Lt. John Arnold Reagh, bomber pilot in England, had completed 17 missions and received the Air Medal. As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that he completed 35 missions over Germany and was sent back to the U.S.A. as an instructor. After his honorable discharge, he was living in Birmingham, Michigan.

Vol. 9, dated September 2, 1946 reported that he was enrolled in the Business Administration department at Michigan State College.

The September 6, 1948 issue of the STRIFFLER BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 11, reported that he had graduated from Michigan State that year and was working as an accountant for Shell Oil Co. in Detroit. In Volume 14 of the same periodical it was reported he was selling business machines for Remington Rand.

The 1964 issue of the same periodical reported that Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Curtis (his brother-in-law) and Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Reagh were awarded trips to Italy by the Underwood Corporation, and the Reagh's has also visited Hawaii in May as guests of Underwood.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, August 22, 2001
Page 9

John A. Reagh, a former resident of Saginaw, died Thursday, Aug. 9, at his home in Santa Rosa, Calif.

He was born in Cass City, the son of Alice and Ira Reagh.

He graduated from Cass City High School. He then attended Central Michigan University and later graduated from Michigan State University. He was a B-17 pilot in the 8?sup?th?/sup? Air Force and flew 35 bombing missions. After returning the the United States, he served as an Army Air Force Instructor.

While living in Saginaw, he owned and operated Central Office Equipment Company from 1958 until he moved to California in 1989. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and Riverside Kiwanis.

He is survived by his wife, Florence, children, Molly JONES of Mill Valley, Calif., Susan KARAKASEVIC of St. Helena, Calif., and John W. Reagh of Cape Town, South Africa; 4 grandchildren; a son-in-law, Miles KARAKASEVIC; a daughter-in-law, Julia Reagh; a sister, Marian McINTYRE of North Muskegon; cousins, Ruth ESAU of Cass City and Harry REAGH of Bay City, and several nieces and nephews.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemroe Strong, March 2008)

John married Florence Woodard on 7 Aug 1942 in Rehoboth Beach, Sussex, Delaware. Florence was born on 19 Dec 1921; died on 24 May 2009 in Santa Rosa, Riverside County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
October 6, 1933
Local Happenings, Page Four

Thursday, September 29, was named as the date for the celebration of four birthdays in the Striffler and Kaiser families and a dinner was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Striffler on Leach street. The birthdays of Mrs. Striffler, Mrs. G.E. Krapf and Grant Reagh, all of Cass City, and W.R. Kaiser of Detroit all occur within a week. Members of all four families were present at dinner.

The 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast showed that Corp. Grant Reagh, formerly of Selfridge Field, Michigan, had passed the flying cadet examination, and was being sent to school in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Later issues reported him as Missing in Action in the South Pacific.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday April 2, 1943

Lt. Grant Reagh is Reported Missing

Mr. and Mrs. Ira Reagh of Branch, former Cass City residents, have received word that their son, Lt. Grant Reagh, has been Missing in Action since February 25.

Grant, who is 23 years old, is a graduate of Cass City High School, having finished his studies here with the Class of 1937. He spent one year at Central State College at Mt. Pleasant and then enlisted in the Air Corps. His parents received a letter from him dated February 24.

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Grant had been MIA since February, 1943 in the So. Pacific Area, and that he was awarded the Silver Star and the Air Force Medal. The presentation was made to his father, Ira Reagh, August 26, 1944 at Selfridge Field.

Donald married Genevieve M. Ruede on 23 Apr 1938 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan. Genevieve was born on 21 Jan 1916 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan; died on 16 May 2006 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, Friday, March 16, 1934
Vol. 23, Number 49

Miss Ruth Schenck who will be valedictorian of the Class of 1934, Cass City High School, has the unusual distinction of completing her courses of study with all "A" marks during her four years of high school here.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, July 12, 1940
Page Five

Miss Ruth Schenck entertained five friends at a picnic supper at Caseville on Friday evening in honor of her guest, Miss Marguerite Hertel, of East Lansing. Miss Hertel and Miss Schenck are roommates while attending summer school at Central State Teachers' College at Mt. Pleasant, and they spent the Fourth and the following weekend with Miss Schenck's mother, Mrs. William McKenzie.

In the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 9, September 2, 1946, it was reported that Ruth Schenck taught a term in the Newington Home for Crippled Children in Conneticut, and was going to teach kindergarten in Cass City in the current year.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Ruth Esau was one of the cousins of BonnieMargaret Jacobs who searched their Bibles and records and picture collections to provide information for her 1981 manuscipt about the history of the Benkelman family.

Obituary:

Ruth Eleanor Schenck Esau, 90, of Cass City, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 at Hills and Dales General Hospital, Cass City.

Esau was born June 16, 1917 in Cass City on the family farm, the daughter of the late Clayton Schenck and Alma Striffler Schenck McKenzie.

She married John "Jack" Esau June 10, 1948 in Cass City.

Esau was a 1934 graduate of Cass City High School. She attended Cass City Junior College in 1935 and then graduated in 1940 as a teacher from Central Michigan University. Esau taught art and kindergarten in the Cass City Public Schools for many years. She worked at Sigma Gamma Hospital in Mt. Clemens and Newington Children's Hospital in CT.

Esau is survived by her husband, Jack; children: Eric Esau of Newbury, VT, Mary Beth (Howard) Bialick of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Anne (Steve) Ballard of Cass City; and 3 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Schenck.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held June 15 (time and location to be announced.)

Burial will be in the Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City.

Memorials may be made to Rawson Memorial Library.

Arrangements were made by Thabet Funeral Home, Cass City.

(Cass City Chronicle, Feb. 13, 2008, p. 10.)

Ruth married John "Jack" Alexander Esau on 10 Jun 1948 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. John was born on 30 Jan 1918 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan; died on 30 Oct 2011 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Frederick Buchanan, trained at Ft. Belvoir, Va., was in Burma. As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that he was in Led, India, where he has been stationed for nearly two years.

In the same periodical, Volume 9, dated September 2, 1946, in a column titled "Our Service Men Who Have Returned Home", it was noted that Fred Buchanan returned from India and Burma after 2 1/2 years as one of 12 surveyors of the Stiwell Road, and was attending college in Houghton, Mich. As of the 1948 issue of this periodical, he had graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Houghton.

Volume 11, published September 6, 1948, reported that he was Assistant Industrial Engineer a the Oliver Farm Equipment Co. in Battle Creek.

Volume 13, published September 4, 1950, reported that he and his son, Mikey, had moved to San Diego, California.

Volume 26, published September 5, 1966, reported he was promoted to head of engineering in the civilian part of the Eleventh Naval District in San Diego.

Charles married Novella Galloway on 9 Aug 1943 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky. Novella was born in Nov 1923 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky; died in Nov 1949 in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Mary C. Bradley on 9 Aug 1957 in San Diego, San Diego County, California. Mary was born on 24 Aug 1924 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; died on 25 May 1995 in San Diego County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Volume 13 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 4, 1950 reported that he graduated from Long Beach High School in California.

(Research):Per the SSDI:

EDWARD W STRIFFLER 25 May 1930 29 Apr 2003 (V) 49015 (Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI ) (none specified) 362-30-3722 Michigan

Edward married Charlotte Louise Hobson on 4 Aug 1956 in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. Charlotte was born on 7 Jul 1930 in Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee; died in Apr 1993 in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 9, September 2, 1946, in a column titled "School Days", it was noted that George J. Stinar was graduated from Lew Wallace H.S., Gary, Indiana, and set to join the Navy in the Fall. The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 10, September 1, 1947, further noted that PFC Stinar graduated from one of the training command's airplane mechanic training courses at Kessler Field. As of Volume 11, it was written that he had left Selfridge Field and successfully competed for the assignment to the flight of 16 F-80 "Shooting Star" jet planes making the first US Air Force transatlantic hop. He went to Maine, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, England and Germay on this three month good-will tour.

George married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lydiaann Fritz, age 79, of Portage, IN passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013 at her home. She was born in Gary, IN on December 7, 1933 to George and Louise (Zinnecker) Stinar. Lydiaann married Edward Fritz May 23, 1953. She was a homemaker who was devoted to her family. Lydiaann is survived by her husband, Edward; children: Sheryl (Harold) Diedrich, Karen (Jeffrey) Waite, Scott Fritz, Shaunda (Bob) Craigin, David (Maria) Fritz, Ed Cisarik, Patty (George) Demopoulos, Pat (Mich) Stanley, and John Cisarik; brothers: Walt (Mary) Stinar and Clare (Joan) Stinar; sister, Marge Brooks; and she was the best grandmother and babysitter to her 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George (Rose) Stinar; and granddaughter, Angela Waite. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN with Father James Meade officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, IN with a wake service at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Family Resource Center, Adoption Agency, Chicago, IL or the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nwitimes

Lydiaann married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 9, September 2, 1946, in a column titled "Still in the Service of the U.S.A.", it was noted that Junior Zinnecker of Moore, Montana was stationed in Guam.

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 10, dated September 1, 1947, reported that he was employed in the Billings Hudson Motor plant as parts man.

Art Peck wrote that Zip's ashes were scattered over Dead Man's Basin, a favorite spot. Art showed that he died in Salt Lake City, but as he is listed on the Montana State Death Index, it is being assumed he actually died somewhere in Montana.

ZINNECKER, JUNIOR, FRANCIS - 5/5/1988 - 45
Montana State Death Index 1980-1989 "Z"

?u??/u?

Junior married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Volume 14 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 3, 1951, reported that her graduated from Fergus County High School in Moort, Montana. At the time of the publication of Volume 16, in September 1953, he was serving in the armed forces, and stationed at Kessler Field in Mississippi. Volume 17 reported he was a Radio Operator on a cargo plane stationed in Texas. When Volume 18 was published, in September of 1955, he had been transferred to Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. As of the September, 1956 publication date of Volume 19, it was reported he was ready for discharge after a year in Greenland as a Radio Operator. In the 1962 issue, it was reported that they family had moved from Billings, Montana to the family farm in Moore, Montana.

Duane married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 8, September 3, 1945, in the column on page 2 titled "Around the World With Our Service Boys" it was written that "Jack Miller is stationed in the Phillippino Islands."


In the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 9, September 2, 1946, in a column titled "Our Service Men Who Have Returned Home", it was noted that Jack Miller had returned to Sand Springs, Montana.

Notes:

Volume 14 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 3, 1951, reported that Bob Miller was in Air Corp and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Volume 15 of the same periodical noted he had been moved to Casablanca, Africa. In 1953, when Volume 16 was published, he ws stationed at a radar station in Billings. It was reported in Volume 18 that he had been honorably discharged from the Air Force.

Obituary

Bob Dean Miller, age 73, of Billings, MT, died at home on May 4, 2001 of cancer. He was born December 9, 1927 in Ingomar, MT to Kathryn and Harry Miller. He grew up ranching in Sand Springs, MT. He served in the Air Force and received an honorable discharge. Bob married Florence Schultz in 1954 and together they had five children. Bob was employed as a Greyhound Bus Driver for 33 years, retiring in January of 1990.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Kathryn Miller, his brother Jack and his sister Phyllis.

Bob was a loving husband and father. He is loved and will be greatly missed.

Bob married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Phyllis married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jean married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 25, September 6, 1965, reported that Dixie Ann Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio was attending summer school in Hawaii.

Her son, John Andrew Comstock, emailed that she worked as a stewardess for Delta Airlines, which is where she met her husband, Les Comstock, a pilot for Delta.

Dixie married Albert Leslie "Les" Comstock on 8 Dec 1977 in Dallas County, Texas, and was divorced on 17 Jul 1989 in Dallas County, Texas. Albert was born on 27 Apr 1939; died on 28 Feb 1997 in Dallas County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]