Peterman, Mary Louise: The Thoma Family

1899 - 1983 (84 years)

Generation: 1

Peterman, Mary Louise was born on 17 Nov 1899 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 24 Dec 1899 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 7 Dec 1983 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried after 7 Dec 1983 in Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Occupation: Housewife
Baptism: 24 Dec 1899, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; Family Home of William Rosburg
Confirmation: 28 Mar 1915, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

I, Mary Louise (Peterman) Kuester was born November 17th, 1899, about 3 miles North of Luzerne in Benton County, Iowa on a farm. My parents were Henry Cort Peterman and Martha Maria (Rosburg) Peterman. I am the 4th oldest child of theirs. A baby girl died at birth (Emma Wilhelmenia). I had 2 brothers, Edward and Eldo, both older than me. I have one sister, Martha, 10 years younger than me. I was baptized Christmas Eve (December 24, 1899) at my grandparent's home (Grandma Maria and Grandpa Wilhelm Rosburg) in Luzerne, by Rev. Philip Studt. My sponsors were George Peterman and Amanda (Rosburg) Kouba. When I was about 4 years old my parents moved to a farm a short distance East of Luzerne, so my first year of school I attended at the Lutheran school in Luzerne. At that time all the studies were in the German language, but I could understand it as my parents spoke quite a bit of German with us children. I just went one term to the Lutheran school at Luzerne. My parents were just renters, so this farm was sold so we had to move in the Spring. Then we moved to a farm 2 miles North, and about 1 mile west of Luzerne. This farm belonged to my great uncle, John Peterman. Then I attended a public school for several years, until in 1914-1015 I went back to the Lutheran school at Luzerne. During the spring and fall months I walked with some of the neighbor children. Sometimes we got a ride. I had to leave home around 7 o'clock in the morning, but in the Winter months I stayed at my Aunt Mamie and Uncle Martin Studts in Luzerne.

I was confirmed by the Rev. Gottlieb Schroeder March 28, 1915. There were eleven students in my class, 8 girls and 3 boys. I never attended high school. In those days it was mostly children from wealthy families that attended high school, and if there wasn't a high school in the town where you lived, or if you lived in the country, you didn't have a way to get there and back home. I stayed at home and helped my Mother with the house work and other chlores. She taught me how to cook, bake, can vegetables and fruit and make juelly and jam. Also I helped with the washing and ironing. Them days we didn't have electricity, no modern appliances. My Mother also taught me how to sew. She was a good seamstress. Now and then I would get a job helping one of the neighbors for a week or two. I usually was paid $5 a week salary. In those days, that was a fairly good amount.

Them days were horse and buggy days, so we couldn't go too far, so we couldn't go visiting relatives very often. About 2 or 3 times a year my folks and family drove to Belle Plaine, Iowa. But it was just to buy clothing or things we couldn't get in the stores in Luzerne.

The young folks them days had lawn parties where they played games and in the Winter we had parties in the house, played games and sometimes we danced. Some fellow would play the accordion or some times even a mouth organ. But we had lots of fun just the same. Our young folk gang consisted mostly of girls and boys from our church congregation. We also had a young peoples society group that met once a month.

My parents always farmed, they never owned a farm, always rented. In March 1, 1917, the decided to quit farming, so they moved to Luzerne where they had bought a 7 acre acreage, several years before. My Mother didn't get to live there very long. She died on November 17, 1917 of pneumonia. She died on my 18th birthday. That was a very sad shock for us all, especially, for my sister Martha. She was only 7 years old. So the task was up to me to take care of her and take care of the household duties.

So in the Spring of 1918, when the World War I ended, and you men were receiving their discharges from the Army, a young man by the name of Albert Kuester received his discharge in Illinois. He visited 2 of his sisters who lived there. Then he came here to Luzerne, as he had a sister living here too. A niece of his and I were big friends, so that's how I got acquanited with him. After he got back to Wheaton, Minnesota, where he lived, we wrote letters back and forth to each other. During Christmas holidays in 1919 Albert came here to Luzerne, and we became engaged to be married.

In June 24, 1920 Albert's sister, Amelia, passed away, so I went with his sister, Emma Koenig, who lived in Luzerne, to Amelia's funeral in Wheaton, Minnesota.

We were married November 6, 1920 at St Paul Lutheran Church here at Luzerne at 7 P.M. by the Rev. Gottlieb Schroeder. My brother, Eldo Peterman and Albert's niece Hulda Koenig were our witnesses. We didn't have a large wedding reception. Just my family and his sister and family. We had a dinner at my Father's house here in Luzerne. I baked my own wedding cake and prepared the meal before the wedding. My sister in law helped some. She and his sister served the meal. We all sat down together and ate. Quite a number of friends and relatives were at the church to see us get married. I had three bridal showers given for me. We didn't go on a honeymoon, but left for Wheaton, Minnesota in a few days. Albert helped farm with his Father there.

Wheaton was a long way from Luzerne. We rode on a train two days and 2 nights. Wheaton is near the North Dakota border. We lived in Minnesota about three years, then we came back to Iowa. The weather was so dray, hardly no rain, so the crops didn't yield much. When weeds wither and dry up, it's dry. Albert didn't care too much about farming anyway. I didn't like it there either.

Albert got a job on the railroad here when we came back. He worked there 20 years until his sudden death at work. He had a heart attack. Lucille and Eldo were both born at Wheaton, Minnesota. Ardath was born at Belle Plaine, Iowa. The rest were are born here in Luzerne.

I worked hard raising my family. There was cooking, baking, washing, ironing, sewing, mending, cleaning and canning to do. I canned from 200 to 300 quarts of fruit, vegetables, pickles, james and jellies each Summer. Also some meat. We always planted a large garden. I don't know what we would have done if I hadn't planted a big garden every Spring, and that took lots of work keeping the weeds out. But we both loved all of our children that God had given us, so we knew it was our duty to provide and care for them.

I will admit that there were some things I would have liked to have had and I am sure that there were things that Albert would have like to have had too. But we both knew that we couldn't afford them. We didn't believe in buying things on time. If we didn't have the money, we didn't buy anything. We always had plenty of food to eat, also clothes and shoes to wear. There never was much sickness in our family.

There were troublesome and hard times, especially during the depression. After my Father's death in 1935, we bought the acreage from my sister and brother. In 1951 we sold the acreage to Lester Crimm, and bought this house from Don Shedenhelms. We moved here in the Spring. I believe this house is almost as old as I am. My great uncle John Peterman had it built.

On Sept 15, 1950 we received some sad news that our son, Marlyn had been killed at Inchon, Korea. His body was shipped back here in May 1951. He was buried here with military services.

On August 18, 1952 we had some more sad news, our grandson, John Albert Kimm died of leukemia.

I received another sad shock on May 8, 1953 when albert died real sudden of a heart attack at work. It took me some time that I realized that he was really gone. I put my faith and trust in God, and he helped me to carry on. Gerrold, Dale, Lois, and Ardath were still at home, so I had them to care for, so I didn't live alone. I have often wished that Albert were still here, so we could spend our old age years together. But I know that it was God's will to take him out of this troublesome world. We all have to die sometime.

In the forepart of August 1958 Ardath and I made a vacation trip to California. At that time Eldo and family lived in Paramount, which is near Los Angeles. We rode on a train for 2 nights and one day. I was a long and tiresome journey. Seeing the mountains and different parts of the country was interesting. While we were there, we went to the Pike, which is by the ocean. We also went to Marineland, and Knots Berrry farm. We went to Disneyland one morning and got rained out. We had to come home. Went back there the next day. They say it hardly ever rains in California in teh Summer, but it sure poured down that day. We all got wet. One evening we drove to Hollywood. Saw the foot prints of many movie stars in teh cement in front of the Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Eldo, Jean, Pat, Judy, and Dale all showed us a good time. We spent about 2 weeks there. But it was good to get back home again.

On May 2, 1967 we received the sad news that Eldo had passed away of congestive heart failure. Willis, Jean, Lois, and I flew out there to attend his funeral. It was the first time that either of us had ridden on an airplane. I liked it real well, but wished it had been for a happier occasion. We spent several days in California. One day we went to the Farmer's Market. They sell all kinds of fruit and vegetables and other things there. Then another day we went to the Anheuser Busch brewery. Say how they brew beer. Willis, Lois, Pat, and Judy all went to Disneyland one day. Jean and I stayed at home, we didn't care to go.

Willis passed away quite sudden of a heart attack July 17, 1977. So now they are gone, but I have many happy memories of them all, and we all have to live on until our Heavenly Father calls us to be with Him in Heaven.

On November 17, 1979 I reached the age of 80 years. On Sunday, November 18th, my family had a birthday party for me at the Cummunity Center at Belle Plaine, Iowa. At Noon, we had a pot luck dinner with around 45 relatives attending. In the afternoon we held an open house for friends and relatives to attend. Many of my friends came. It was good to see them all. I received many nice gifts, including some 82 birthday cards. I was a very enjoyable day for me.

I believe I have covered most of the highlights of my life. Most of my life I have had good health, which I am real thankful for. I have many pleasant memories of my past life. Also some sad ones.

Albert W. Kuester was a World War I veteran. He was in the Army. Eldo H. Kuester was a World War II veteran. He was in the Navy. Willis A. Kuester was a World War II veteran. He was in the Navy. Marlyn E. Kuester was a Korean War veteran. He was in the Marines. Lyle B. Hoyt was a World War II veteran. He was in the Army.
Baptised in the William Rosburg home, and buried in the Lutheran Cemetery.
per JF Thoma,

Birth:
Family Farm

Mary married Kuester, Albert William on 6 Nov 1920 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA. Albert (son of Kuester, William Dietrich and Koenig, Emma) was born on 18 Jul 1900 in Woodworth, Iroquois, Illinois, USA; died on 8 May 1953 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried on 12 May 1953 in Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

2. Kuester, Lucille Dorothy was born on 17 Aug 1921 in Wheaton, Traverse, Minnesota, USA; died on 5 Jan 1997 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried on 20 Jan 1997 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA.
3. Kuester, Eldo Henry was born on 10 Oct 1922 in Wheaton, Traverse, Minnesota, USA; died on 2 May 1967 in St Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, Los Angeles, California, USA; was buried on 5 May 1967 in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Paramount, Los Angeles, California, USA.
4. Kuester, Willis Albert was born on 21 Oct 1924 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 23 Nov 1924 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 17 Jul 1977 in Cedar Rapids, Linn, Iowa, USA; was buried in Jul 1977 in Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.
5. Kuester, Marlyn Darrel was born on 24 Oct 1929 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 17 Nov 1929 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 15 Sep 1950 in Inch'on, Kyonggi, South Korea; was buried on 13 May 1951 in Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.
6. Kuester, Martha Mary was born on 25 Mar 1931 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 26 Apr 1931 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.
7. Kuester, Gerrold Edward was born on 12 Jan 1935 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 3 Feb 1935 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 7 Jul 1997 in Watkins, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried in Jul 1997 in Saint Patricks and Saint Pauls Cemetery, Watkins, Benton, Iowa, USA.
8. Kuester, Dale William was born on 22 May 1936 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 21 Jun 1936 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 13 Dec 1987 in Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa, USA; was buried on 16 Dec 1987 in International Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.
9. Kuester, Lois Louise
10. Kuester, Ardath Ann was born on 3 May 1944 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 14 Apr 1944 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 15 Feb 1988 in Iowa, USA.

Generation: 2

Kuester, Lucille Dorothy

(1.Mary¹) was born on 17 Aug 1921 in Wheaton, Traverse, Minnesota, USA; died on 5 Jan 1997 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried on 20 Jan 1997 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Occupation: Housewife
Religion: Lutheran
Confirmation: 5 Apr 1936, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Funeral was held in the Belle Plaine, IA Lutheran church.

Lucille married Hoyt, Lyle Bernard W on 24 Mar 1942 in Iowa, USA. Lyle was born on 16 Dec 1912 in Watkins, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 22 Mar 1968 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried after 22 Mar 1968 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

Kuester, Eldo Henry

(1.Mary¹) was born on 10 Oct 1922 in Wheaton, Traverse, Minnesota, USA; died on 2 May 1967 in St Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, Los Angeles, California, USA; was buried on 5 May 1967 in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Paramount, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Military: World War II - Navy
Occupation: Block Mason
Confirmation: 21 Mar 1937, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park per JF Thoma.

Eldo married Lester, Goldie Jean on 7 Feb 1949 in San Rafael, Marin, California, USA. Goldie (daughter of Lester, Samuel and Hills, Goldie) was born on 30 Aug 1925 in Mexico, Audrain, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

15. Kuester, Patricia Louise
16. Kuester, Judy Ann

Kuester, Willis Albert

(1.Mary¹) was born on 21 Oct 1924 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 23 Nov 1924 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 17 Jul 1977 in Cedar Rapids, Linn, Iowa, USA; was buried in Jul 1977 in Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Military: World War II - Navy
Social Security Number: 484-30-6559
Baptism: 23 Nov 1924, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA
Confirmation: 6 Apr 1941, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Baptism info per JF Thoma.

Willis married Gould, Jean Marie on 2 Apr 1948 in Iowa, USA. Jean was born on 27 Jan 1926. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

17. Kuester, Gary William
18. Kuester, Dennis Allen
19. Kuester, Donald Keith was born on 26 Apr 1955 in USA; died in DECEASED.

Kuester, Marlyn Darrel

(1.Mary¹) was born on 24 Oct 1929 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 17 Nov 1929 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 15 Sep 1950 in Inch'on, Kyonggi, South Korea; was buried on 13 May 1951 in Lutheran Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Military: Korean War - Marines
Baptism: 17 Nov 1929, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA
Confirmation: 14 Apr 1946, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

He was killed in action in Korea during the Korean War and was buried in the Lutheran Cemetery.

Died:
Battlefield

Kuester, Martha Mary

(1.Mary¹) was born on 25 Mar 1931 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 26 Apr 1931 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Confirmation: 14 Apr 1946, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA
Baptism: 26 Apr 1951, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Baptism info per JF Thoma.

Martha married Kimm, Francis Henry on 19 Mar 1949 in Iowa, USA. Francis was born on 10 Feb 1926. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

20. Kimm, Mary Frances
21. Kimm, John Albert was born on 13 Oct 1950 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 18 Aug 1952 in Corn Belt Hospital (closed), Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried on 20 Aug 1952 in Benton, Iowa, USA.
22. Kimm, David Lee
23. Kimm, Sharon Louise
24. Kimm, Regina Ruth
25. Kimm, Brenda Lou
26. Kimm, Bryan Dale
27. Kimm, Brett Porter
28. Kimm, Bradley William

Kuester, Gerrold Edward

(1.Mary¹) was born on 12 Jan 1935 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 3 Feb 1935 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 7 Jul 1997 in Watkins, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried in Jul 1997 in Saint Patricks and Saint Pauls Cemetery, Watkins, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Occupation: President, Watkins Savings Bank
Religion: Roman Catholic
Baptism: 3 Feb 1935, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; Parents Home
Confirmation: 3 Sep 1950, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

He was a banker in Watkins, IA. They celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on Feb. 12, 1993 with a family dinner at the Lark Supper Club in TIffin, IA. They were married at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Norway, IA. Maureen, Gary and Lisa all live in Cedar Rapids: Kevin, John and Julie live in Watkins: Kris lives in Manitowoc, WI at the time of the anniversary. He died at home of bone cancer.

Gerrold married Shulte, Virginia Ann [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

Kuester, Dale William

(1.Mary¹) was born on 22 May 1936 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 21 Jun 1936 in Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 13 Dec 1987 in Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa, USA; was buried on 16 Dec 1987 in International Cemetery, Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Baptism: 21 Jun 1936, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA
Confirmation: 29 Mar 1953, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Individuals: Bowen, Patricia Louise nee' Kuester, City of death.
Baptism info per JF Thoma.

Dale married Cross, Delores Ann [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Kuester, Lois Louise

(1.Mary¹)

Lois married Toney, David Andrew Sr [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

10.

Kuester, Ardath Ann

(1.Mary¹) was born on 3 May 1944 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was christened on 14 Apr 1944 in St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 15 Feb 1988 in Iowa, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

Baptism: 14 Apr 1944, St Paul Lutheran Church (destroyed), Luzerne, Benton, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Baptism info per JF Thoma.

Ardath married Lienen, Wayne Kenneth [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

Generation: 3

11. Hoyt, Harlan Lyle (2.Lucille², 1.Mary¹)
12.
Hoyt, Lavonne Lucille (2.Lucille², 1.Mary¹)
Lavonne married Houser, Michael [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

43. Houser, Michael Kenneth

13.

Hoyt, Marvin Dean

(2.Lucille², 1.Mary¹)

Marvin married Kelly, Marilyn [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

44. Hoyt, Craig William
45. Hoyt, Chad Allen

Marvin married [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

14.

Hoyt, Darrel Lynn

(2.Lucille², 1.Mary¹)

Darrel married Hilton, Carol [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

15.
Kuester, Patricia Louise (3.Eldo², 1.Mary¹)
Patricia married Bowen, Charles Paul Jr [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

51. Bowen, Samuel Paul

52. Bowen, Bethany Ann
16.
Kuester, Judy Ann (3.Eldo², 1.Mary¹)
Judy married Lunsford, Larry Charles [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

53. Lunsford, Carrie Ann
17.
Kuester, Gary William (4.Willis², 1.Mary¹)
Gary married Jones, Judy [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

54. Kuester, Billie Shane
18. Kuester, Dennis Allen (4.Willis², 1.Mary¹)

19.	Kuester, Donald Keith (4.Willis², 1.Mary¹) was born on 26 Apr 1955 in USA; died in DECEASED. Donald married Winkel, Georgienn in 1981 in USA. Georgienn was born in UNKNOWN in USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

20.

Kimm, Mary Frances

(6.Martha², 1.Mary¹)

Family/Spouse: McDowell, Kenneth. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Wauters, Kenneth Raymond [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Sloan, Terry E [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Children:

55. Sloan, Tressa Ann
56. Sloan, Tera Vaune

Mary married Kach, Wayne Douglas [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

21.	Kimm, John Albert (6.Martha², 1.Mary¹) was born on 13 Oct 1950 in Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; died on 18 Aug 1952 in Corn Belt Hospital (closed), Belle Plaine, Benton, Iowa, USA; was buried on 20 Aug 1952 in Benton, Iowa, USA. Notes: He died of leukemia.