MINNESOTA - Karl Friedrich Ernst Purfürst and Mary Jane - Purfeerst

Karl Friedrich Ernst Purfürst
a.k.a.
Charles Purfeerst
Rice County, Minnesota
Karl Friedrich Ernst Purfürst, hereafter referred to by his chosen Anglicized name of Charles Purfeerst,
was born April 24, 1828 in Neustadt an der Orla (Neustadt on the Orla River), Germany. He was the
first of eight children born to Johann David Ernst Purfürst (1802-1866) and Christliebe Wilhelmine
Seltmann (1799-1888).
In September 1852 Charles sailed from the German port of Bremerhaven aboard the vessel Mississippi
and arrived at the American port of Baltimore, Maryland on September 21, 1852. The passenger record
stated his hometown as Neustadt, Germany, his profession as tailor, his age as 15 and a given name of
Ernst. The passenger record also indicated that he arrived with a wife, age 21, who was listed without
name.
Based on his Neustadt parish baptism records, Charles would have been approaching 25 years of age at
the time of this immigration rather than 15 years old as stated on the passenger records. A review of
those same parish records fail to identify neither any Purfürst of this particular name and age nor any
Purfürst with a wife 6 years his senior. Those parish records, in any case, indicate that our ancestor, Karl
Friedrich Ernst (Charles), did not marry prior to emigrating, regardless when that event took place.
On the other hand, Charles' sister Christiana Paulina Purfürst (1836-1895), a.k.a. Pauline Purfurst, would
have been about 15 years old at this date and her immigration record has never been located.
This September 1852 immigration date corresponds with Charles' oft stated immigration date.
Therefore, the assumption is being made that immigration personnel simply transposed ages to the
wrong “Male” and “Female' columns on the immigration form. As to the marital status, either the
immigration agent erred or Charles intentionally misled the agent for purposes of obtaining entrance for
Pauline. (many countries would not allow a minor child to emigrate without proper documentation).
Thusly it is concluded that this vessel record refers to Karl Friedrich Ernst Purfürst, a.k.a. Charles
Purfeerst, age 25 and his sister Christiana Paulina Purfürst a.k.a. Pauline Purfurst, age 15.
It is not clear as to why they chose to immigrate into Baltimore rather than New York City but 1850
census records indicate the presence of a John Purfurst and a Henry Leopold living in Baltimore.
Christiana Paulina Purfürst, a.k.a. Pauline Purfürst, took up residence in Newark, New Jersey where she
later married her cousin, Carl Franz Leupoldt (1827-1885), a.k.a. Charles Francis Leopold, who also
immigrated in 1852. It is assumed that Charles accompanied his sister to their cousin Carl Leopold in
Newark but it just as possible that the Henry Leopold from Baltimore did so.
In Newark, Pauline would eventually be joined by their remaining sister, their remaining brother as well
as the family's parents.
The next record of Charles is two years later in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio where, again using the
given name of Ernest, he submitted his Naturalization Intention on October 17, 1854.
It was in Ohio where Charles' would gather with two of his brothers who had preceded him.
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Brother Carl Friedrich Herman Purfürst, (1830-1906), a.k.a. Herman Purfeerst, was apparently the first
to arrive in America although his immigration (ship passenger manifest) record has not yet been located.
The first record of Herman was his Naturalization Petition which was submitted on August 17, 1852 at
the Court of Common Pleas, Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio. In those records Herman stated that he
had “landed in 1850”. In the record of his Final Naturalization order, which he received from the same
court on the February 25, 1856, he indicated that he had resided in the United States “for the five years
last past” (1851?) and in the state of Ohio for “upwards of three years”. Whatever may have been
Herman's 1851/1852 arrival date in Ohio, there was sufficient time for him to have advised his brothers
Frederick and Charles as to his location prior to their respective departures from Germany.
Brother, Johann Friedrich Purfürst (1832-1885) a.k.a. Frederick Purfeerst, was the second to arrive,
immigrating through the port of New York on April 29, 1852. His record would clearly state that Ohio
was his destination. Six months later, on November 2, 1852, Frederick Petitioned the Court of
Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio for his naturalization.
Immigrants, upon arrival in America, generally headed for a family member who may have preceded
them. The first three years of Herman's movements, from the time of his 1850 immigration and when he
stated he arrived in Ohio (1852-1853) cannot as yet be accounted for. Brother Friedrich stated that he
lived in New York City for the first six months after he immigrated in 1852. Brother Charles immigrated
through the port of Baltimore, Maryland in 1852 and his early movements, prior to Ohio, are also
unaccounted for. As a result of other research efforts, it has been determined that other Purfürst
immigrant family members lived in New York City during the 1850 timeframe (See Brooklyn, New
York Family). Possibly this New York family was everyone's initial stopping point in America and the
central source of information regarding each other's status and location.
Considering the early 1852 immigration of Frederick and the late 1852 immigration of Charles (coupled
with Pauline's delivery to Newark, New Jersey) it is possible that the three brothers traveled together to
Ohio from the New York/New Jersey vicinity.
It could also be speculated that the reason the brothers first settled in Ohio was due to the fact Ohio was
one of the earliest to conduct auctions of public domain lands, beginning in 1800, and accordingly had
numerous land companies. This is supported by the fact that Herman obtained, from somewhere, a
Military Land Bounty Warrant issued to a deceased veteran from the 1836 Seminole Florida War while
his brother Charles obtained one issued to a North Carolina Civil War veteran.
Fredrick was apparently the first of the three brothers to leave Ohio as on January 1, 1855, in Covington,
Fountain County, Indiana, he married the former Katherine Aubart (1838-1911).
Charles and his brother Herman were than to follow on west together. Following Herman's 1856
Naturalization in Ohio, their first stop would be Covington, Indiana where their brother Frederick had
taken up residence. Here Herman also met his new bride. On March 6, 1857 he married the former
Catherine Kiser (1828-1871).
Presumably Herman and his bride Catherine, accompanied by Herman's brother Charles, left for
Minnesota soon after their wedding.
The October 23, 1857 Minnesota Territorial Census indicated that Charles was residing on the same
property as his brother Herman and wife Catherine: Township 108, Range 19 (later to be known as
Union Prairie Township, later Orion Township, later Lyon Township and finally Merton Township),
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Steele County, Minnesota. Herman had purchased land in Section 15 of Township 108; Charles had
purchased land in the adjacent Section 10. The Census does not state upon which section everyone is
residing; however, since Herman's name is mentioned first we would have to assume it is his land. It is
also interesting to note that although the names were collected at the same time, Herman's surname is
clearly spelled "Burfarst" while Charles' surname was spelled "Purfurst". Herman's name is reminiscent
of spellings of "Van Barfurst" used by the previously mentioned Purfürst family who was residing in
Brooklyn New York during this same time frame.
During the months of May and July, 1854 those Minnesota lands ultimately to be occupied by Charles,
and later by Herman, had been surveyed by the Surveyor-General office and were developed into sixmile
intervals to create townships of thirty-six sections, each one mile square. In the general description
of the Minnesota township where the brothers were to live, filed on April 10, 1855 at the Dubuque
Surveyors-General Office, the surveyor stated that “the northern half (where Charles' property was to be
located) was by far the best. The area was dry and rolling with light, sandy and rich soil, well suited for
growth of grain. Water was rather scarce. There was little timber except near the southern boundary.”
Although surveying had been accomplished in 1854 and filed in 1855 the townships were never
formally certified until March 31, 1857.
On March 4, 1857 Charles purchased from a Frank Hadley, the rights to occupy 160 acres known as
Section 10, Township 108 North, Range 19 West, in what was to be known as Orion Township (later
Merton Township), Steele County, Minnesota. Charles essentially occupied lands prior to formal
acceptance of Surveyor-General filings, the completion of which put in motion the auction of public
lands. It was therefore necessary for Charles to initiate a Right Of Pre-Emption certificate which he
completed on September 22, 1857. On that certificate he stated that he had occupied those lands
beginning April 1, 1857.
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First Charles Purfeerst Property, Steele County, Minnesota, September 22, 1857
(top half of form)
200

First Charles Purfeerst Property, Steele County, Minnesota, September 22, 1857
(bottom of form)
In the process of confirming his occupancy, the Minnesota Land Office certified that his house was
“12 by 14 feet square and 10 feet high (with) a good roof and floor, containing 2 doors and 3 windows
and was a comfortable house for a family to live in… and (had) 14 acres plowed, fenced and under
cultivation”. This document, signed by “Charles Friedrich Ernst Purfeerst”, also indicated that
Charles had declared his Intent to Naturalize (in Ohio) under the name of Ernst Purfeerst and
Petitioned for Naturalization (a document not yet located) under the name of Charles Purfeerst. It
also confirmed he was unmarried (contrary to that previously mentioned erroneous vessel
manifest record) and was over the age of 21.
Charles secured ownership of this 160 acres of land by use of a Military Bounty Warrant which had
been issued to William P. Marshall of Carteret County, North Carolina. Marshall had received the
Warrant by virtue of service in the North Carolina Militia under the command of Captain Jacob Heinz
during the War of 1812. It is not known how, when or where Charles came into possession of this
Bounty Warrant but probably did so in Ohio.
The process of Military Bounty-land Warrants was such that in exchange for as little as 14 days military
service the individual would be eligible for a document (Warrant) that could be exchanged for 160 acres
of public-domain lands. This process started with the War of 1812 and was subsequently extended and
modified various times over the years. These warrants could be assigned or sold and since Charles did
not perform any military service he probably obtained his from a land agent who had previously
purchased it from Mr. Marshall. The Military Bounty Act should not to be confused with the Homestead
Act which came into affect in 1862. Charles did not “homestead” property in the true sense of the
government term.
Charles, as the first occupant of his Steele County lands, obtained a first-title deed (Patent) from the
Federal Government. His land patent was recorded on September 22, 1857. The lands were recorded as
the South Half of the NW Quarter Section and the North Half of the SW Quarter Section, Section 10,
Township 108 North, Range 19 West, Merton Township, Steele County, Minnesota.
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On April 20, 1857 Charles' brother Herman took occupancy of 160 acres in nearby Section 15,
Township 108 North, Range 19 West, in what was to be known as Orion Township (later Merton
Township), Steele County, Minnesota.
On December 14, 1857 Charles would sell the western 80 acres of the original 160 acres. The SE quarter
of the NW Quarter Section and the NE quarter of the SW Quarter Section, Section 10, Township 108
North, Range 19 West, (later Merton Township), Minnesota were sold to Emmons P. Taylor of Steele
County for the sum of $250.00.
On March 22, 1858 Charles would buy 80 acres in the adjacent Ellington Township of Dodge County.
The SE quarter of the SW Quarter Section and the NE quarter of the NW Quarter Section of Section 19,
Township 108 North and Range 18 West were purchased from Patrick Hunt for the amount of $400.00.
This 80 acres would be retained by Charles until sold to Margaret H. Carpenter of Crawford County,
Pennsylvania on December 22, 1862 for the sum of $400.00.
It should be noted that on February 27, 1857 an act was passed by the Minnesota State legislature to
implement various changes. Among other things one tier of townships would be set off from western
edge of Dodge County and attached to the eastern edge of Steele County. These townships therefore
became Merton Township, Steele County. The property purchased by Charles, in Township 108, was
always part of Dodge County. Thus there should be no confusion as to its actual political location.
The purchase of the far-distant Dodge County property by Charles must be considered unusual. It was a
possibility that the Dodge County property might have been a dowry of sorts for the family of Charles'
forthcoming wife in view of the fact the Dodge County acreage was retained in his name long after
Charles and his wife moved to Rice County.
On January 23, 1859 Charles Purfeerst was married by the Justice of the Peace to the former Mary Jane
Brown in the town of Aurora, Aurora Township, Steele County, Minnesota. Strangely the marriage
certificate said they were both from the adjacent Minnesota County of Rice when in reality Charles
owned properties everywhere except Rice County. Brother Herman was a witness for Charles; a Charles
Lancaster was a witness for Mary Jane. Her relationship to Charles Lancaster, if any, is not yet known.
On July 8, 1862 Charles would buy 40 acres in Steele County. The SE quarter of the NW Quarter
Section of Section 15, Range 19 West, Township 108 North was purchased from his brother Herman for
the sum of $100.00. This 40 acres would be retained by Charles and Mary Jane until sold to John Lane
of Steele County on May 26, 1864 for the sum of $650.00.
On December 5, 1863 Charles would buy 10 acres in Steele County. The NW quarter of the NE quarter
of the NE Quarter Section of Section 2, Range 20 West, Township 108 North was purchased from
Brooks Chapin for $50.00. This property would be retained by Charles and Mary Jane until transferred
to Charles brother Herman on March 8, 1867 at no cost.
On June 14, 1864 Charles would buy 80 acres in Rice County, Minnesota. The West one half of the SE
Quarter Section of Section 18, Range 19 West, Township 109 North was purchased from James
Coleman for $750.00. It would be upon this property that Charles and Mary Jane would raise their
family. The property would be retained by Charles and Mary Jane until sold to their son, Charles
Purfeerst, Jr. and his wife Margaret on December 15, 1891 for the sum of $1500.00.
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On September 4, 1876 Charles would buy 90 acres in Rice County, Minnesota. The West one half of the
NE Quarter Section of Section 19, Range 19 west, Township 109 North containing 80 acres and the SW
quarter of the SW quarter of the SW Quarter Section of Section 23, Range 21 west, Township 109 North
containing ten acres was purchased from Henry Hoffman for $2,100.00. It should be noted that Mary
Jane Brown's father allegedly owned these properties during the period October 1857 through June
1859. These Section 19 properties henceforth became the home for Charles and Mary Jane after the sale
of the Section 18 properties to their son Charles (see preceding paragraph). Mary Jane remained here
after Charles' death in 1895 with grandson Mark and wife Amelia assuming the farming operations.
Upon the occasion of her own death in 1919, the 80 acre property was sold by the surviving children,
under probate, on July 15, 1919 to Charles and Mary Jane's youngest son, Henry Purfeerst and his wife
Josephine, for the sum of $8,000.00. On November 6, 1905 formal egress to the family cemetery in the
SW quarter of Quarter Section 18 was established. This cemetery, ultimately to be known as Richland
Cemetery, is the final resting place for Charles and Mary Jane Purfeerst today.
Researching Charles' wife Mary Jane Brown and her family has proven to be difficult with conflicting
and unsubstantiated family lore, coupled with the absence of hard documentation. It is further
complicated by the fact that various documents over the years calculate her birth year anywhere within
the ten year span between 1832 and 1842 with the simply majority between 1837 and 1839. The only
known mention of her parents was in her 1919 obituary where it was said her father's name was James
Brown. It made no mention of a mother. That same obituary said she was born in Pennsylvania on
December 7, 1837. She also stated in her 1900 census that she was born in Pennsylvania in December,
1837. Unfortunately, birth records were not mandatory in the state of Pennsylvania until July 1906.
Before that date, each county had its own rules. Some counties and some larger cities began prior to the
mandatory date but none began early enough for our needs. It is also unfortunate to be searching for
such a common surname.
Family stories relate that the family of Mary Jane's parents came to Rice County, Minnesota in 1856
where they farmed in Richland Township for a few years prior to moving into Faribault, Minnesota to
operate a hotel. It has been said, in fact, that James Brown was sent to Faribault for the express purpose
of operating a hotel in support of employees constructing the Chicago, Milwaukee & St Paul Railroad.
Rice County land records indicate that on December 31, 1856 James Brown purchased from Frederick
Faribault, Lot 6, Block 13, North Faribault Subdivision, for the amount of $150.00. Lot 6 was located
mid-block on Chestnut Street (now 2nd avenue, between 12th and 13th Street).
On October 16, 1857 James and Jane Brown sold Lot 6 to Thomas Bradshaw for the amount of $200.00.
On the same day, in exchange for $400.00, James Brown purchased from Thomas Bradshaw 80 acres
comprising the East half of NE Quarter Section of Section 19, Range 19 W, Township 109 North.
Records further indicate that James Brown and a wife Jane Brown subsequently sold the same property
on June 27, 1859 for $500.00.
Based on records at the Milwaukee Railroad Archives, construction of the railroad began in a southerly
direction from Minneapolis in June 1858. Rail bed (grade) construction reached past Faribault by 1859
but installation of rail, first halted in 1859 due to lack of funds, was again later delayed by the Civil War.
The railroad to Faribault eventually became operational in October 1865. It passed within 9 blocks of
Lot 6 that the Brown family once owned.
Tax assessment records for the years 1858 and 1859 fail to indicate the presence of a hotel on Lot 6 as
the property received the minimum $50.00 assessment.
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The railroad construction start schedule would appear to coincide with the sale of the Brown farm in
1859.
The 1860 Minnesota Census, conducted on June 8, 1860, one year after the sale of the Brown farm,
indicated the presence of a James Brown, age 52, residing in Faribault (but not as a hotelkeeper) with
wife Jane, age 40 and two daughters, Elizabeth, age 16 (born in Pennsylvania) and Rosanna, age 7, (born
in Illinois). Of course Mary Jane Brown had already married Charles Purfeerst by this time; however,
the age and Pennsylvania birth place of the daughter Elizabeth would appear to fit as a possible sibling
of Mary Jane and the age and Illinois birth place of the daughter Rosanna would appear to fit with the
railroad transfer lore. It is also interesting to note that Mary Jane Purfeerst's later daughters were to be
named Rosa Ann and Jane Elizabeth. Unfortunately, no later record was to be found of any of these
Brown family members. No record was found of a James Brown lodging facility nor do any cemeteries
in any surrounding counties reflect the remains of any Brown family members.
It has been previously stated that brothers Herman and Charles Purfeerst left Ohio together and stopped
in Covington, Indiana where their brother Frederick lived and where Herman married. Covington,
Indiana is positioned near the Indiana/Illinois state line and clearly there was residential and
employment movement in both directions across the state line. Speculation could be made that Charles
meet the Brown family, specifically Mary Jane Brown, in the Covington area. On the assumption there
was discussion concerning the Brown family being dispatched to Minnesota to support the railroad, the
Purfeerst brothers simply followed along with Charles and Mary Jane maintaining contact.
Family stories also relate that Charles met Mary Jane in Pennsylvania and subsequently followed her to
Minnesota. It is generally agreed that her birth year was in 1837, plus or minus a few years. Charles
entered the country through Baltimore Maryland in September, 1852. He then, undoubtedly,
accompanied his sister to Newark, New Jersey and then went on to meet up with his brothers in Ohio
where he presented himself for his citizenship in October 1854. If he met Mary Jane Brown in
Pennsylvania during that two year window, she would have been about 15 years old. It is questionable
that Charles would have traveled half way across the country to Minnesota in pursuit of a child that
young.
The Minnesota counties of Steele and Rice geographically abut one another. In 1857 Charles took
occupancy of his first farm in Steele County six months before the Brown family took possession of
theirs in Rice County. The Brown property was but three miles from Charles, situated between Charles
and the then-major Rice County city of Faribault, Minnesota. It is, therefore, speculated that Charles did
not follow the Brown family from either Indiana or Pennsylvania but simply met his future wife as a
result of being neighbors.
It has always been intriguing to consider the fact that the January 1859 marriage of Charles and Mary
Jane took place in Aurora Township, Steele County, Minnesota. Without question the custom in those
days was for marriages to take place in the home location of the bride. If the James Brown, occupying
the Rice County property at the time of the wedding was, in fact, Mary Jane's father, why would the
marriage not have taken place at the Brown farm; or in Faribault, a city which was even closer to
everyone? Why marry in Aurora, located in southern Steele County and 13 miles south of Charles, and
some 16 miles in an opposite direction of the Brown family? Then there is the realization that a Charles
Lancaster was a witness for Mary Jane. Who was he and why was not a family member a witness?
Maybe the wife of this Charles Lancaster was a sister to Mary Jane.
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And just who lived on this farm down in Dodge County that Charles maintained long after establishing
their home in Rice County? Maybe that was for Mary Jane's family.
The search for hard documentation continues. But it proves to be a challenge to find evidence of a Mary
Jane Brown, born in Pennsylvania sometime between 1832 and 1842, who had a father named James
and possibly a mother named Jane, both of whom were born in Ireland.
Charles and Mary Purfeerst would remain in Rice County, Minnesota for the remainder of their lives.
Charles died March 1, 1895. Mary died January 23, 1919. They were interred in Richland Cemetery,
Rice County, Minnesota. They had eight children: David Ernst Purfeerst, Charles Ernest Purfeerst, Rosa
Ann Purfeerst, Jane Elizabeth Purfeerst, John James Purfeerst, Harmon Francis, William Frederick
Purfeerst and Henry Mark Purfeerst.
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Charles & Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst Family – 1884
Left to Right
Standing Seated
* Charles Ernest Purfeerst, Jr. * Henry Mark Purfeerst
* Rosa Ann Purfeerst * Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst
* Harmon Francis Purfeerst * William Frederick Purfeerst
* David Ernest Purfeerst * Charles Ernest Purfeerst, Sr.
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Charles Ernest & Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst, Sr Family – 1895
Left to Right
Standing Seated
* Harmon Francis Purfeerst * David Ernest Purfeerst
* Henry Mark Purfeerst * Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst
* Charles Ernest Purfeerst, Jr. * Rosa Ann (Purfeerst) Meyer
* William Frederick Purfeerst
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1. Charles and Mary Jane Purfeerst's first child, David Ernst Purfeerst, was born May 30, 1860 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On April 15, 1885 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota he would
marry Magdalena Margaret Gatzke. The daughter of Charles Gatzke and Barbara Kritzer, she was
born November 28, 1866 in Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota. David died January 26, 1949 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Magdalena died October 1, 1950 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota. They were both interred in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota.
They had three children: David Charles Purfeerst, Roy Ernest Purfeerst and Mark Phillip Purfeerst.
David Ernest & Magdalena (Gatzke) Purfeerst Family – 1894
Sons Roy David Purfeerst (infant) and David ‘Davy’ Charles Purfeerst (standing)
208

David Ernest & Magdalena (Gatzke) Purfeerst Family – 1932
Left to Right
Foreground (children) Adults
* Earl Christ Purfeerst * David ‘Davy’ Charles Purfeerst
* Ernest David Purfeerst * Dorthea (Hansen) Purfeerst
* Marie Marie Purfeerst * Lynn David Purfeerst
* Violet Purfeerst * Margaret (Carpentier) Purfeerst
* Myrtle Margaret Purfeerst * Roy David Purfeerst
* Clarence Mark Purfeerst * Magdalena (Gatzke) Purfeerst
* Amelia (Carpentier) Purfeerst
* David Ernest Purfeerst
* Mark Phillip Purfeerst
209

1.1. David and Magdalena Purfeerst's first child, David Charles Purfeerst, was born March 22, 1886
in Rice County, Minnesota. On July 26, 1912 in Faribault, Minnesota he would marry Dorothea
Christine Hansen. The daughter of Hans Hansen and Mary Hansen, she was born September 23,
1891 in West Point, Cuming County, Nebraska. David died October 26, 1963 in Isanti, Isanti
Country, Minnesota. Dorothea died December 30, 1949 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County,
Minnesota. They are interred in Cambridge Union Cemetery, Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota.
They had two children: Earl Christ Purfeerst and Lynn David Purfeerst.
David 'Davy' Charles & Dorthea (Hansen) Purfeerst Family – 1947
Left to Right
Foreground Ladies Men
* Alvin Earl Purfeerst * Dorthea (Hansen) Purfeerst * David Charles Purfeerst
* Hazel (Schlipp) Purfeerst * Earl Christ Purfeerst
* Mae (Kriesel) Purfeerst * Lynn David Purfeerst
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1.1.1. David and Dorothea Purfeerst's first child, Earl Christ Purfeerst, was born May 9, 1913 in
Henning, Otter Tail, County, Minnesota. On March 16, 1935 in Cambridge, Isanti
County, Minnesota he would marry Hazel Marcia Schlipp. The daughter of Charles
Schlipp and Emma Johnson, she was born January 24, 1913 in Isanti, Isanti County,
Minnesota. Earl died June 8, 1985 in Cambridge, Isanti County, Minnesota. Hazel died
Jan 10, 2005 in L’Anse, Baraga County, Michigan. They were interred in Cambridge
Union Cemetery, Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota. They had one son: Alvin Earl
Purfeerst.
Earl Christ & Hazel (Schlipp) Purfeerst Family – 1951
Son Alvin Earl Purfeerst
1.1.1.1. Earl and Hazel Purfeest's son Alvin Earl Purfeerst was born November 21, 1935
in Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota. On February 23, 1954 in Almelund, Chisago
County, Minnesota he would marry Marcia Jeanne Herberg. The daughter of
Lawrence Herberg and Pearl Swenson, she was born June 9, 1937 in Almelund,
Chisago County, Minnesota. Alvin died May 24, 1992 in Isanti, Isanti County,
Minnesota. He was interred in Cambridge Union Cemetery, Isanti, Isanti
County, Minnesota. They had four children: Darrie Lynn Purfeerst, Theresa
Jenne Purfeerst, Sherri Kim Purfeerst and David Gregory Purfeerst.
1.1.1.1.1. Alvin and Marcia Purfeerst's first child, Darri Lynn Purfeerst, would
marry Wayne Virgil Niesen and have children Michelle Marie
Niesen, Nicole Lynn Niesen and Chastity Lee Niesen. Darri died
April 12, 2004 in Rush City, Chisago County, Minnesota. She was
interred in the Cambridge Union Cemetery, Isanti, Isanti County,
Minnesota.
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1.1.1.1.2. Alvin and Marcia Purfeerst's second child, Theresa Jenne Purfeerst,
would marry Steven John Nowack and have children Jessica Sue
Nowack and Micah Steven Nowack.
1.1.1.1.3. Alvin and Marcia Purfeerst's third child, Sherri Kim Purfeerst, would
marry Kenneth Charles Koran and have children Corey Beth Koran,
Callie Mae Koran and Joseph Ryan Koran.
1.1.1.1.4. Alvin and Marcia Purfeerst's fourth child, David Gregory Purfeerst,
never married.
1.1.2. David and Dorothea Purfeerst's second child, Lynn David Purfeerst, was born November
5, 1920 in North Branch, Chisago County, Minnesota. On April 25, 1942 in Cambridge,
Isanti County, Minnesota he would marry Mae Susan Kriesel. The daughter of Otto
Kriesel and Calara Lewerenz, she was born February 17 1923 in Stacy, Chisago County,
Minnesota. Lynn died December 10, 2004 in Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota. Mae died
in June 1, 2002 in Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota. They were interred in Isanti Union
Cemetery, Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota. Theirs was a childless marriage.
Lynn David & Mae (Kriesel) Purfeerst - 1942
212

1.2. David and Magdalena Purfeerst's second child, Roy Ernest Purfeerst, was born April 23, 1894 in
Richland Township, Rice County, Minnesota. On July 17, 1918 in Clinton Falls, Steele County,
Minnesota he would marry Margaret Marie Carpenter. The daughter of Alfred Carpenter and
Michelena Lenway, she was born January 23, 1897 in Shieldsville Township, Rice County,
Minnesota. Roy died February 2, 1971 in Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota. Margaret died
August 27, 1988 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They were interred in Maple Lawn
Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They would have five children: Ernest David
Purfeerst, Myrtle Margaret Purfeerst, Marie Marie Purfeerst, Violet Purfeerst and Lorraine Dora
Purfeerst.
Roy Ernest & Margaret (Carpentier) Purfeerst - 1918
213

Roy Ernest & Margaret (Carpentier) Purfeerst Family – 1964
Left to Right
First Row Second Row
* Christine Zabel * Marie (Purfeerst) Sticha
* Larry Zabel * Lorriane (Purfeerst) Ritter holding Steven Ritter
* Margaret (Carpentier) Purfeerst
* Myrtle (Purfeerst) Durand
* Violet (Purfeerst) Zabel
Third Row Fourth Row
* Gary Durand * Leo Durand
* Wayne Sticha * Roger Durand
* Phillip Sticha * Eugene Durand
* Roy David Purfeerst
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1.2.1. Roy and Margaret Purfeerst's first child, Ernest David Purfeerst, was born February 2,
1919 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Ernest died November 18, 2007 in Saint
Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. He never married.
1.2.2. Roy and Margaret Purfeerst's second child, Myrtle Margaret Purfeerst, was born October
15, 1920 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On May 8, 1944 in Faribault, Rice
County, Minnesota she would marry Leo Phillip Durand. The son of George Durand and
Eleanor Dubeau, he was born May 13, 1918 in Hubbard County, Minnesota. Leo died
December 17, 2003 in Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota. They had three
children: Eugene James Duran, Roger Eugene Durand and Gary Francis Durand.
Leo & Myrtle (Purfeerst) Durand - 1944
215

Leo & Myrtle (Purfeerst) Durand Family – 2005
Left to Right
First Row Second Row
* Christopher Atkinson * Eugene Durand
* Carol (Helstedt) Durand holding Molly Dudley * Chad Durand
* Michele (Holt) Durand holding Maren Durand * Gary Durand
* Myrtle (Purfeerst) Durand *Stephanie (Durand) Atkinson
* Kathleen (Macioch) Durand holding Ava & Noah Durand * David Durand
* Cassandra Atkinson
Third Row Fourth Row
* Roger Durand * Scott Durand
* Elizabeth Durand * Emily (Utoft) Durand
* Kerrii (Stiene) Durand * Todd Durand
* Jessica (Englin) Durand * Amanda Durand
* Amy (Durand) Dudley * Thomas Dudley holding
Madeline Dudley
216

1.2.2.1. Eugene James Duran married Kathleen Ann Macioch and had children
Stephanie Renee Durand, Chad Anthony Durand and Amanda Jean Durand.
1.2.2.2. Roger Eugene Durand married Carol Marie Helstedt and had children Amy
Christine Durand, Elizabeth Mary Durand and David Anthony Durand.
1.2.2.3. Gary Francis Durand married Michele Jacqueline Holt and had children Todd
Francis Durand and Scott Holt Durand.
Fillip & Marie (Purfeerst) Sticha Wedding - 1946
Left to Right
* Kenneth Sticha (brother of the groom)
* Violet (Purfeerst) Zabel
* Fillip Sticha
* Marie (Purfeerst) Sticha
* Leo Durand
* Myrtle (Purfeerst) Durand
* Eileen Schema (Leo Durand’s niece)
* Clarence Mark Purfeerst
217

1.2.3. Roy and Margaret Purfeerst's third child, Marie Marie Purfeerst, was born March 2, 1918
in Lonsdale, Rice County, Minnesota. On October 14, 1946 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota she would marry Fillip James Sticha. The son of James Sticha and Mary
Sticha, he was born March 2, 1918 in Lonsdale, Wheatland Township, Rice County,
Minnesota. Fillip died August 7, 1994 in Lonsdale, Rice County, Minnesota. He was
interred in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County,
Minnesota. They had one son: Wayne Phillip Sticha.
Fillip & Marie (Purfeerst) Sticha Family – 2001
Left to Tight
Front Rear
* Jennifer Sticha * Jessiah Sticha
* Marie (Purfeerst) Sticha * Timothy Sticha
* Christine ( Bright) Sticha * Wayne Sticha
* Jeremy Sticha
1.2.3.1. Wayne Phillip Sticha married Tricia Dawn Lindeman and had a son Timothy
Wayne Sticha. Wayne later married Anthi Wittig and had children Jessiah
Benedict Sticha, Jennifer Felicia Sticha and Jeremy Jay Sticha. Wayne later
married Christine Bright. Theirs was a childless marriage.
218

1.2.4. Roy and Margaret Purfeerst's four child, Violet Purfeerst, was born November 14, 1929
in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On February 6, 1951 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota she would marry William Aloysus Zabel. The son of Ralph Zabel and
Genevieve Hacket, he was born May 5, 1925 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota.
William died January 19, 1971 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Violet died March
10, 2002 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They were interred in the Calvary
Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They had two children: Christine Marie
Zabel and Larry William Zabel.
William & Violet (Purfeerst) Zabel - 1957
1.2.4.1. Christine Marie Zabel married Jerome John Kerrigan
1.2.4.2. Larry William Zabel married Vicki Susan Vance and had children Mark
William Zabel and Sean Lawrence Zabel.
219

1.2.5. Roy and Margaret Purfeerst's fifth child, Lorraine Dora Purfeerst, was born October 9,
1937 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota on November 25, 1961 in St. Paul, Ramsey
County, Minnesota she would marry Marvin Bernard Reiter. The son of Henry Reiter and
Theresa Schriesels, he was born February 14, 1937 in Rockville, Stearns County,
Minnesota. They had four children: Steven Roger Reiter, Ann Margaret Reiter, Mary
Theresa Reiter and Lisa Verena Reiter.
Marvin & Lorraine (Purfeerst) Reiter Family – 1995
Left To Right
* Lorraine (Purfeerst) Reiter
* Marvin Reiter
* Ann (Reiter) Graham
* Lisa Reiter
* Steven Reiter
* Mary Reiter
220

1.2.5.1. Steven Roger Reiter married Lesli Ann Easton and had children Samantha Kristi
Reiter, Joshua Henry Reiter and Melanie Susan Reiter.
1.2.5.2. Ann Margaret Reiter married Andrew Michael Graham and had sons Charles &
Colen.
1.2.5.3. Mary Theresa Reiter
1.2.5.4. Lisa Verena Reiter.
1.3. David and Magdalena Purfeerst's third son, Mark Phillip Purfeerst, was born December 14,
1902 in Rice County, Minnesota. On March 4, 1928 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota he
married Amelia Carpenter. The daughter of Alfred Carpentier and Michelena Lenway she was
born August 14, 1900 in Rice County, Minnesota. Mark died February 12, 1957 in Faribault,
Rice County, Minnesota. Amelia died December 19, 1970 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota.
They are interred in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault, Minnesota. They had a son, Clarence
Mark Purfeerst
Mark Philip & Amelia (Carpentier) Purfeerst Family – 1928
son Clarence Mark Purfeerst
221

1.3.1. Mark and Amelia Purfeerst's only child, Clarence Mark Purfeerst, was born June 30,
1928 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On January 26, 1949 in Faribault, Rice
County, Minnesota he would marry Rosemond Eugenie Paquette. The daughter of
Eugene Paquette and Effie Egan, she was born November 28, 1929 in Faribault, Rice
Minnesota. They had six children: Judith Ann Purfeerst, Jane Marie Purfeerst, James
Mark Purfeerst, Joseph Eugene Purfeerst, Mary Jean Purfeerst and Amy Jo Purfeerst.
Clarence Mark & Rosemond (Paquette) Purfeerst Family – 1985
Left to Right
Seated Standing
* Mary Jane Purfeerst * Jane (Purfeerst) Stoneburner
* Rosie (Paquette) Purfeerst * James Mark Purfeerst
* Clarence Mark Purfeerst * Joseph Purfeerst
* Amy Jo Purfeerst * Judith (Purfeerst) Hanscom
1.3.1.1. Judith Ann Purfeerst married John Floyd Hanscom and had children Jamie
Marie Hanscom, Jody Christine Hanscom and Jackie Ann Hanscom.
1.3.1.2. Jane Marie Purfeerst married Robert David Stoneburner and had children Ryan
David Stoneburner, Lynn Marie Stoneburner, Laura Mae Stoneburner and
Thomas Robert Stoneburner.
1.3.1.3. James Mark Purfeerst married Debra Kay Tatge and had children Misty Jo
Purfeerst, Mark James Purfeerst and Matthew James Purfeerst.
1.3.1.4. Joseph Eugene Purfeerst, with Meredith Marie Bauer, had a son Alexander
Joseph Purfeerst.
1.3.1.5. Mary Jean Purfeerst
222

1.3.1.6. Amy Jo Purfeerst married Mark Frans Nordstrom and had children Timothy
John Nordstrom, Christopher Joseph Nordstrom and Kyle Victor Nordstrom.
2. Charles and Mary Jane Purfeerst's second child, Charles Ernest Purfeerst (Jr.), was born March 16,
1862 in Rice County, Minnesota. On October 24, 1894 in Big River, Pierce County, Wisconsin he
married Margaret Ann Dauser. The daughter of Louis Dauser and Katherine Hendricks, she was born
March 29, 1873 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Charles died March 3, 1940 in River Falls,
Pierce County, Wisconsin. Margaret died July 9, 1947 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
They are interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
Charles Ernest & Margaret (Dauser) Purfeerst, Jr. – 1894
On December 15, 1891 Charles would buy 80 acres in Rice County, Minnesota. The West one half
of the SE Quarter Section of Section 18, Range 19 West, Township 109 North was purchased from
his parents, Charles and Mary Purfeerst for $1500.00.
On April 12, 1895 Charles would buy 80 acres in Rice County, Minnesota. The East half of the SE
Quarter Section of Section 18, Range 19 West, Township 109 North was purchased from John
Becker for $2900. It was retained until July 18, 1899 when it was sold to Frank Belinca for $6,000.
They lived in Rice County, Minnesota until 1900 when the family moved to Pierce County,
Wisconsin.
223

On January 27, 1900 Charles would buy 120 acres in Pierce County, Wisconsin. The NW half of the
SW quarter of Quarter Section and the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Quarter Section 30, Range
120, Township 18 was purchased from Hannah Moyniham for $3150.
The birth of three children (Louis, Mary & and a stillborn) and three crop failures in a row were
experienced in the first years of Charles and Margaret's marriage. One year Army Worms destroyed
the crop. The next year the crop was lost to hail and the third year they were stricken by draught. At
this time Margaret's father, Louis Dauser, said he knew of a farm for sale near River Falls,
Wisconsin. Charles purchased this Pierce County farm in January 1900. A small house was on this
farm. Charles found a big house nearby and moved it his farm. That house is still in use. Charles &
Margaret remained on this farm until their son Bernard married in 1937. At that time Charles &
Margaret moved into the city of River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin and Bernard became the
farmer.
When Charles & Margaret first moved to the Pierce County farm he wondered where the family
should attend school and church. At Big River, Wisconsin people spoke German. To the east was a
solid Bohemian settlement that spoke Bohemian. Very little English was used in either settlement.
He chose to go west where the Donegal School was located. Family lore states the school was named
after a teacher named Donegal. Mary Catherine took Normal training and taught at the El Paso
School in the Bohemian settlement and at the Donegal School where she had brothers and sisters as
students.
Charles and Margaret Ann Purfeerst had 12 children: Louis Ernest Purfeerst, Mary Catherine
Purfeerst, Isabelle Purfeerst, Josephine Elizabeth Purfeerst, Lucy Louise Purfeerst, Charles Edmond
Purfeerst, Margaret Rose Purfeerst, Mathilda Anna Purfeerst, Ernest Jacob Purfeerst, Adelard Eugene
Purfeerst, Patricia Ann Purfeerst and Bernard Alfonse Purfeerst.
224

Charles Ernest & Margaret (Dauser) Purfeerst, Jr. Children – 1957
Left to Right
Front Row Back Row
* Louis Ernest Purfeerst * Bernard Alfonse Purfeerst
* Ernest Jacob Purfeerst * Adelard Eugene Purfeerst
* Lucy (Purfeerst) Meyer * Mathilda (Purfeerst) Karp
* Mary Catherine (Purfeerst) Karp * Margaret (Purfeerst) Schommer
* Charles Edmond Purfeerst
225

Charles Ernest & Margaret (Dauser) Purfeerst, Jr. Descendants – 1975
Left to Right
First Row Second Row Third Row
* Michael Chmiel * James Chmiel * Joyce (Murphy) Purfeerst
* Jay Purfeerst * Ernest Jacob Purfeerst *Ida (Corrigan-King) Purfeerst
* Brian Frey * Isabelle Purfeerst * Benedict Meyer
* Lisa Frey * Lucy (Purfeerst) Meyer * Eugene Schommer
* Gina Purfeerst * Margaret (Purfeerst) Schommer * Virginia (Taplin) Purfeerst
* Angela Purfeerst holding * Bernard Alfonse Purfeerst * Mary Lou (Karp) Pluemer
Daniel Purfeerst * Michael Karp * Kathleen (Linehan) Purfeerst
* Blake Pluemer * Lawrence Purfeerst holding
Ryan Purfeerst
* Thomas Frey
Fourth Row Fifth Row
* Robert Pluemer * Bruce Pluemer * Patricia (Dunn) Purfeerst
* Brian Pluemer (face obscured) * Gerald Purfeerst *Bernadine (Purfeerst) Frey
* Donald Chmiel * Katherine (Birkel) Schommer * Gerald Frey
* Mary Louise (Purfeerst) Chmiel * Ralph Schommer
226

2.1. Charles and Margaret Ann Purfeerst's first child, Louis Ernest Purfeerst, was born August 2,
1895 in Rice County, Minnesota. On October 12, 1920 in Pierce County, Wisconsin he married
Luella Mae Byrnes. The daughter of Michael Byrnes and Ellen Agnew, she was born August
28, 1896 Pierce County, Wisconsin. Louis died June 27, 1958 in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa
County, Wisconsin. Luella died January 7, 1982 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. They
were interred in Cornell Community Cemetery, Cornell, Chippewa County, Wisconsin. They
had 5 children: Edwin Eugene Purfeerst, Raymond Louis Purfeerst, Marcella Cecelia Purfeerst,
Donald Francis Purfeerst and Patricia Ann Purfeerst.
Louis Ernest & Luella (Byrnes) Purfeerst – 1920
227

Louis & Luella (Byrnes) Purfeerst Descendants – 1985
Left to Right
Foreground Rear
* Marcella (Purfeerst) Reif * Edwin Eugene Purfeerst
* Patricia (Purfeerst) Vogel * Raymond Louis Purfeerst
* Donald Francis Purfeerst
2.1.1. Louis and Luella Purfeerst's first child, Edwin Eugene Purfeerst, was born April 22, 1922
in River Falls, Wisconsin. On August 21, 1943 in Cicero, Illinois he married Alma
Cecilia Collum. The daughter of Arthur Collum and Anna Schaumann, she was born
August 22, 1921 in Alma, Buffalo County, Wisconsin. Ualma died December 1, 2005 in
Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. They had two sons: David Allen Purfeerst and
Wayne Thomas Purfeerst.
228

Edwin Eugene & Alma (Collum) Purfeerst - 1943
2.1.1.1. David Allen Purfeerst married Sharon Yvonne Spears and had children Adam
Todd Purfeerst and Dawn Yvonne Purfeerst.
2.1.1.2. Wayne Thomas Purfeerst
229

Raymond & Ethel Lee (Israel) Purfeerst – 1946
Ray & Lee (right) on their wedding day.
(The couple on the left are unknown)
2.2.1. Louis and Luella Purfeerst's second child, Raymond Louis Purfeerst, was born November
2, 1923 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On February 14, 1946 in Lake Charles,
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana he married Ethel Lee Israel. The daughter of Anatol Israel
and Elvina Chapman, she was born March 10, 1927 in Iowa, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
Raymond died March 22, 1999 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. They had four
children: Brenda Jean Purfeerst, Anne Renee Purfeerst, Beth Marie Purfeerst and Stephen
Mathew Purfeerst.
2.2.1.1. Brenda Jean Purfeerst married Steve Gibson and had children David Mathew
Gibson and Elizabeth Anne Gibson.
2.2.1.2. Anne Renee Purfeerst married James Robert Grindle and had children Daniel Jae
Grindle and Gabriel Martin Grindle.
2.2.2.3. Beth Marie Purfeerst married Randy Vibrant Paul-Petersen, III.
2.2.2.4. Stephen Mathew Purfeerst married Holly Ann Easton and had a son Jackson
Matthew Purfeerst.
230

Robert & Marcella (Purfeerst) Reif Family - 2002
Left to Right
Foreground First Row
* Lauren Edwards * Scott Laughlin holding Gabrielle Laughlin
* Conner Edwards * Mirand Laughlin
* Marcella (Purfeerst) Reif
* Marjorie (Humphreys) Reif
* Phil Niles (Louise Reif acquaintenance)
Second Row Third Row
* Teresa Laughlin * Patricia (Reif) Laughlin
* Mary Ellen (Reif) Edwards * Jon Laughlin
* Donald Reif * Berry Edwards
* Louise Reif * Jessica Laughlin
* James Reif
231

2.3.1. Louis and Luella Purfeerst's third child, Marcella Cecelia Purfeerst, was born February
16, 1925 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On October 28, 1950 in Oshkosh,
Winnebago County, Wisconsin she married Robert Florian Reif. The son of Charles Reif
and Theresa Gorny, he was born March 25, 1923 in Oshkosh, Winnebago County,
Wisconsin. Robert died April 27, 2002 in Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa. They had five
children: Patricia Lee Reif, Mary Ellen Reif, Donald Charles Reif, Louise Theresa Reif
and James Robert Reif.
2.3.1.1. Patricia Lee Reif married Jon Michael Laughlin and had children Teresa Lynn
Laughlin, Scott Michael Laughlin, Jessica Ann Laughlin and Miranda Jean
Laughlin.
2.3.1.2. Mary Ellen Reif married H. Berryman Edwards and had sons Conner Griffith
Edwards and Lauren Claire Edwards.
2.3.1.3. Donald Charles Reif married Marjorie Ruth Humphrey.
2.3.1.4. Louise Theresa Reif
2.3.1.5. James Robert Reif.
Donald Francis Purfeerst – 1947
2.4.1. Louis and Luella Purfeerst's fourth child, Donald Francis Purfeerst, was born November
18, 1929in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. About 1962 he married Dorothy Mae
Jordon. The daughter of Frank Jordon and Catherine Scarry, she was born on July 7, 1927
in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Donald died January 01, 2004 in Tucson, Pima
County, Arizona. Dorothy died November 21, 2003 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
They had three children: Donald Francis Purfeerst, Jr., Catherine Luella Purfeerst and
Margaret Anne Purfeerst.
2.4.1.1 Donald Francis Purfeerst, Jr. married Vikki E. DeVoy and had a daughter
Megan Elaine Purfeerst. Donald later married Beth E. Olson and had children
Donald Francis Purfeerst, III and Adam James Purfeerst.
2.4.1.2. Catherine Luella Purfeerst married Mark Robert Swainbank and had a son Kyle
Paul Swainbank.
232

2.4.1.3. Margaret Anne Purfeerst married Daniel B. Ritchie, Sr. and had children Tiffeny
Dawn Ritchie and Daniel B. Ritchie, Jr.
Joseph & Patricia (Purfeerst) Vogel Family - 1979
Left to Right
Seated Standing
* Joseph Vogel * Andrew Vogel
* Michael Vogel * Patricia (Purfeerst) Vogel
* Anthony Vogel * Edward Vogel
* Jane (Vogel) Phillips
* Daniel Vogel
2.5.1. Louis and Luella Purfeerst's fifth child, Patricia Ann Purfeerst, was born March 9, 1931
in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On February 25, 1952 in Rock Island, Rock
Island County, Illinois she married Joseph Peter Vogel. The son of Barth Vogel and
Kathryn Plunkett, he was born January 17, 1924 in Rock Island, Rock island County,
Illinois. Joseph died April 28, 1996 in Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois. He was
interred in the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery, Rock Island, Rock Island County,
Illinois. They had seven children: Daniel Joseph Vogel, Michael Francis Vogel, Edward
Patrick Vogel, Susan Theresa Vogel, Andrew Thomas Vogel, Anthony James Vogel and
Jane Elizabeth Vogel.
2.5.1.1. Daniel Joseph Vogel
2.5.1.2. Michael Francis Vogel married Kathleen Davidson and had children Kathrin
Marie Vogel, Megan Michelle Vogel and Grace Ann Vogel
233

2.5.1.3. Edward Patrick Vogel
2.5.1.4. Susan Theresa Vogel
2.5.1.5. Andrew Thomas Vogel
2.5.1.6. Anthony James Vogel
2.5.1.7. Jane Elizabeth Vogel married Christopher Don Phillips and had children Joseph
and Olivia
234

2.2. Charles and Margaret Ann Purfeerst's second child, Mary Catherine Purfeerst, was born October
12, 1896 in Rice County, Minnesota. On June 10, 1919 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin
she married Michael Peter Karp. The son of John Karp and Maria DeGross, he was born July
29, 1893 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Mary died January 9, 1975 in Faribault, Rice
County, Minnesota. Michael died November 29, 1987 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota.
They were interred in Calvary Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They had five
children: Catherine Josephine Karp, Michael John Karp, Mary Lou Karp, Cecilia Margaret Karp
and Richard Charles Karp.
Michael & Mary Catherine (Purfeerst) Karp -1919
235

Michael Peter & Mary Catherine (Purfeerst) Karp Family – 1968
Left to Right
First Row Second Row Third Row
* Blake Pluemer * Leslie Peter Karp * Brad Karp
* Douglas Karp * Charles Karp * Bruce Pluemer
* David Karp * Michael Peter Karp * Brian Pluemer
* Mary Kay Karp * Mary Catherine (Purfeerst) Karp * Kevin Friesen
* Rose Mary Karp * Keith Friesen * Gregory Karp
* Donna Mino * Michael Christopher Karp * Denise Friesen
* Christine Friesen * Alan Mino * Carol (Ford) Karp
* John Mino
* Kathleen Mino
Fourth Row Fifth Row
* Dixean Pluemer * Shirley (Franek) Karp * James Mino
* Rhonda Friesen * Mary Lou (Karp) Pluemer * Catherine (Karp) Mino
* Cecelia (Karp) Friesen * Michael John Karp * Leslie Mino
* Kim Pluemer * William Mino * Gerald Friesen
* Patrick Mino
* Richard Karp
* Robert Pluemer
236

2.2.1. Michael and Mary Karp's first child, Catherine Josephine Karp, was born May 24, 1922
in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On June 26, 1948 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota she married Leslie William Mino. The son of Edward Mino and Mable
Christophel, he was born November 3, 1914 in Kossath County, Iowa. Leslie died
December 5, 2003 in Blue Earth, Faribault County, Minnesota. They had seven children:
William Leslie Mino, Patrick Michael Mino, Kathleen Ann Mino, James Edward Mino,
John Thomas Mino, Alan Anthony Mino, and Donna Rose Mino.
Leslie & Catherine (Karp) Mino Family - 1998
Left to Right
First Row Second Row
* Anne Mino * Patrick Mino
* Ned Hochberger * Donna Rose (Mino) Hochberger
* Amy Van Veldhuizen * Kathleen (Mino) Van Veldhiuzen
* David Mino * William Mino
* Katie Mino * Leslie Mino
* Jessica Mino * Catherine (Karp) Mino
* Kyle Mino * John Mino
* Steven Mino * Alan Mino
* Rebecca Mino * James Mino
Third Row
* Donna Jean (Selvig) Mino * Deborah (Talbert) Mino * Lindsay Mino
* Lisa Mino * Stephenie Mino * Jan (Wells) Mino
* Kelly Van Veldhiuzen * Heather Mino * Janice (Greaser) Mino
* Brian Mino * Carol (Purdy) Mino * Michelle Mino
* Dale Van Veldhiuzen
237

2.2.1.1. William Leslie Mino married Deborah Martha Talbert and had a son David
William Talbert Mino.
2.2.1.2. Patrick Michael Mino married Donna Jean Selvig and had children Lisa
Christine Mino, Anne Michelle Mino and Brian Patrick Mino.
2.2.1.3. Kathleen Ann Mino married Dale Erwin Van Veldhuizen and had children Kelly
Beth Van Veldhuizen and Amy Lynn Van Veldhuizen.
2.2.1.4. James Edward Mino married Janice Lynn Greaser and had children Michelle
Lynn Mino, Rebecca Ann Mino and Steven James Mino.
2.2.1.5. John Thomas Mino married Carol Elizabeth Purdy and had children Stephanie
Elizabeth Mino, Heather Marie Mino and Katie Lynn Mino.
2.2.1.6. Alan Anthony Mino married Jan Marie Wells and had children Lindsay Alicia
Mino, Jessica Dawn-Marie Mino and Kyle Jacob Mino.
2.2.1.7. Donna Rose Mino married Ned Joel Hochberger.
238

2.2.2. Michael and Mary Karp's second child, Michael John Karp was born June 27, 1927 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On September 9, 1950 in St. Paul, Ramsey County,
Minnesota he married Carol Marie Ford. The daughter of Leighton Ford and Margaret
Blanchard, she was born December 20, 1928 in St Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
They had five children: Leslie Peter Karp, Charles Joseph Karp, Michael Christopher
Karp, Rosemary Carol Karp and Mary Kay Karp.
Michael John & Carol (Ford) Karp Family – 2000
Left to Right
Foreground Rear
* Michael John Karp * Leslie Peter Karp
* Carol (Ford) Karp * Daniel Karp
* Benjamin Karp
Row Directly Behind Chairs * Jon Karp
* Charles Karp
* Elizabeth Karp * Julie (Pettipiece) Karp
* Robert Johnson * Michael Christopher Karp
* Mary (Karp) Woods holding * Tyler Karp
Morgan Woods * Rosemary (Karp) Johnson
* Steven Woods holding
Nathan Woods
239

2.2.2.1. Leslie Peter Karp married Susan Vitelli and had a son Daniel Peter Karp.
2.2.2.2. Charles Joseph Karp
2.2.2.3. Michael Christopher Karp married Julie Ann Pettipiece and had children
Michael Tyler Karp, Benjamin Mark Karp, Jonathan Leighton Karp and
Elizabeth Gloria Karp
2.2.2.4. Rosemary Carol Karp married Robert Clyde Johnson.
2.2.2.5. Mary Kay Karp married Steven Michael Woods and had children Nathan
Michael Woods and Morgan Caroline Woods.
240

2.2.3. Michael and Mary Karp's third child, Mary Lou Karp was born July 2, 1929 in Faribault,
Rice County, Minnesota. On September 26, 1953 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota
she married Robert Louis Pluemer. The son of Leo Pluemer and Rose Friesen, he was
born January 28, 1923 in Potosi, Grant County, Wisconsin. They had five children: Kim
Marie Pluemer, Dixean Ann Pluemer, Brian Robert Pluemer, Bruce David Pluemer and
Blake Joseph Pluemer.
Robert & Mary Lou (Karp) Pluemer Family - 1970
Left to Right
Seated Standing (children)
* Mary Lou (Karp) Pluemer * Blake Pluemer
* Robert Pluemer * Dixean Pluemer
* Kim Pluemer
* Brian Pluemer
* Bruce Pluemer
2.2.3.1. Kim Marie Pluemer married David Joseph Bongers and had children Brent
David Bongers, Bradley Joseph Bongers and Brittany Marie Bongers.
2.2.3.2. Dixean Ann Pluemer married Harry Norman Drager and had children Michael
Robert Drager and William Harry Drager.
2.2.3.3. Brian Robert Pluemer married Julia Jeffers and had children Rachel Nicole
Pluemer and Jenna Marie Pluemer.
2.2.3.4. Bruce David Pluemer
241

2.2.3.5. Blake Joseph Pluemer married Kay Marie Evers and had children Paige Lexus
Pluemer, Blake Joseph Pluemer II and Pierce Dixon Pluemer.
2.2.4. Michael and Mary Karp's fourth child, Cecilia Margaret Karp, was born April 24, 1934 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On May 15, 1954 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota she married Gerald Mathius Friesen. The son of Edward Friesen and Rose
Simon, he was born February 2, 1933 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They had
five children: Rhonda Lynn Friesen, Denise Michelle Friesen, Keith Bennett Friesen,
Kevin Edward Friesen and Christine Judith Friesen.
Gerald & Cecilia (Karp) Friesen Family - 2004
Left to Right
Front Rear
* Denise Friesen * Rhonda Friesen
* Cecilia (Karp) Friesen * Kevin Friesen
* Gerald Friesen * Keith Friesen
* Christine Friesen
2.2.4.1 Rhonda Lynn Friesen married Anthony Joseph Meyer and had children Nicholas
Paul Meyer, Andrew Gerald Meyer, Peter Joseph Meyer and Caitlin Elizabeth
Meyer.
2.2.4.2 Denise Michelle Friesen married Steven Gahm.
242

2.2.4.3 Keith Bennett Friesen married Pamela Jean Meyer and had children Lea
Elizabeth Friesen, Stacy Kate Friesen and Samuel Meyer Friesen.
2.2.4.4 Kevin Edward Friesen married Terri Jean Morphew and had children Hannah
Cecilia Friesen and Natalie Grace Friesen.
2.2.4.5 Christine Judith Friesen married Tim Jay Caron and had children Jacob Gerald
Caron, Zachary Jay Caron and Cole Michael Caron.
243

2.2.5. Michael and Mary Karp's fifth child, Richard Charles Karp, was born November 16,
1935 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On February 1, 1958 in Lonsdale, Rice
County, Minnesota he married Shirley Ann Franek. The daughter of William Franek and
Margaret Foley, she was born December 15, 1935 in New Prague, La Sueur County,
Minnesota. They had four children: Gregory Paul Karp, Bradley Charles Karp, David
William Karp and Douglas Michael Karp.
Richard & Shirley (Franek) Karp Family - 1994
Left to Right
* David Karp
* Greg Karp
* Nancy (Bonello) Karp
* Rchard Karp
* Karie (Robbins) Karp
* Douglas Karp
* Shirley (Franek) Karp
* Bradley Karp
* Belinda (Smith-Warford) Karp
* Dané Karp
2.2.5.1. Gregory Paul Karp married Nancy Catherine Bonello and had a daughter Heidi
Ann Karp.
2.2.5.2. Bradley Charles Karp married Belinda Cheryl Smith-Warford and had a
daughter Kathy Dane' Karp.
2.2.5.3. David William Karp
2.2.5.4. Douglas Michael Karp married Karie Jo Robbins and had children Garrett
Michael and Makeuna Grace Karp.
244

Isabelle Purfeerst - 1975
2.3. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's third child, Isabelle Purfeerst, was born January 29, 1899 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. She died January 26, 1978 in River Falls, St. Croix County,
Wisconsin. She was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
She never married.
Josephine Elizabeth Purfeerst - 1923
2.4. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's fourth child, Josephine Elizabeth Purfeerst, was born May 22,
1900 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. She died January 26, 1923 in River Falls, Pierce
County, Wisconsin. She was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin. She never married.
245

2.5. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's fifth child, Lucy Louise Purfeerst, was born July 22, 1901 in
River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On June 26, 1926 in River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin she married Benedict Joseph Meyer. The son of John Meyer and Margaret Beschta,
he was born September 20, 1897 in Canton, Madison County, Mississippi. Lucy died February
1, 1984 in River Falls, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Benjamin died January 20, 2000 in Racine,
Racine County, Wisconsin. They were interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce
County, Wisconsin. They had one child: Robert Benedict Meyer.
Benedict & Lucy (Purfeerst) Meyer - 1926
2.5.1. Benjamin and Lucy Meyer's son Robert Benedict Meyer was born June 27, 1927 in St.
Paul, Minnesota. On June 27, 1950 in Spring Valley, Wisconsin he married Dorothy
Elizabeth O'Connell. The daughter of Frank O'Connell and Fern Powers, she was born
February 20, 1927 in El Paso Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Dorothy died March
25, 1991 in Reedsburg, Sauk County, Wisconsin. They had ten children: David Robert
Meyer, Wanda Dorothy Meyer, Rodney Joseph Meyer, Jerome Edward Meyer, Donald
James Meyer, Judith Ann Meyer, Linda Louise Meyer, Roberta Maria Meyer, Craig
Allen Meyer and Susan Ellen Meyer.
246

Robert & Dorothy (O’Connell) Meyer Family - 1958
Left to Right
* Jerome sitting behind Donald
* Wanda holding Judith
* David holding Rodney
2.5.1.1. David Robert Meyer married Marcia Lyn Jenson.
2.5.1.2. Wanda Dorothy Meyer married William Lester Brethorst.
2.5.1.3. Rodney Joseph Meyer married Kitty Kucher and had children Randall Joseph
Meyer and Derek John Meyer.
2.5.1.4. Jerome Edward Meyer married Patricia Lynn Hahn and had children Jennifer
Mae Meyer and Chance Jerome Meyer.
2.5.1.5. Donald James Meyer married Brenda Marie Sattler and had children Meghan
Marie Meyer and Isaac Jacob Meyer.
2.5.1.6. Judith Ann Meyer
2.5.1.7. Linda Louise Meyer married Evan Carl Meyer and had a daughter Courtney
Ann Meyer.
2.5.1.8. Roberta Maria Meyer.
2.5.1.9. Craig Allen Meyer married Debra Ann Schmidt and had a son Dustin Allen
Meyer.
2.5.1.10. Susan Ellen Meyer married Olaf Gordon Gregerson and had a daughter Jenna
Elizabeth Gregerson.
247

2.6. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's sixth child, Charles Edmond Purfeerst, was born September
30, 1904 in River Falls, Pierece County, Wisconsin. On November 22, 1946 in River Falls,
Pierce County, Wisconsin he married Ida Hortense Corrigan-King. The daughter of John
Corrigan and Gussie Osburn, she was born October 26, 1909 in Chickasha, Grady County,
Oklahoma. Charles died May 15, 1970 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Ida died
September 29, 1991 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. They were interred in St
Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Theirs was a childless marriage. To
this union Ida brought James Allen King, a son from a previous marriage.
2.6.1. James Allen King married Marie Moelter.
Eugene & Margaret (Purfeerst) Schommer - 1927
Seated Standing
* Eugene Schommer * Charles Edmond Purfeerst (Margaret’s brother)
* Margaret (Purfeerst) Schommer * Lucy (Schommer) Murphy (Eugene’s sister)
248

2.7. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's seventh child, Margaret Rose Purfeerst, was born September 8,
1906 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On May 24, 1927 in Big River, Pierce County,
Wisconsin she married Eugene William Schommer. The son of William Schommer and Anna
Rock, he was born August 27, 1902 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Eugene died
August 27, 1984 in Ellsworth, Pierce County Wisconsin. Margaret died February 06, 2005 in
Prescott, Pierce County Wisconsin. They were interred in St Joseph's Cemetery, Prescott, Pierce
County, Wisconsin. They had six children: Rose Marie Schommer, Dorothy Mae Schommer,
Ralph Francis Schommer, Eugene Joseph Schommer, Leroy Alvin Schommer and Carol
Bernice Schommer.
Eugene & Margaret Rose (Purfeerst) Schommer Family – 1977
Left to Right
Front Row Back Row
* Dorothy (Schommer) Frey * Richard Frey
* Carol (Schommer) Mercord * John Mercord
* Rose (Schommer) Hove * Joseph Hove
* Margaret Rose (Purfeerst) Schommer * Ralph Schommer
* Eugene Schommer * Eugene Schommer
* Kathryn (Birkel) Schommer * LeRoy Schommer
* Jane (Ames) Schommer
* Katherine (Murphy) Schommer
249

2.7.1. Eugene and Margaret Schommer's first child, Rose Marie Schommer, was born
November 3, 1928 In River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On October 14, 1950 in
Oak Grove, Pierce County, Wisconsin she married Jerome Evon Hove. The son of Otto
Hove and Della Block, he was born August 29, 1926 in Eau Claire, Eau Claire County,
Wisconsin. Jerome died March 17, 1997 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
He was interred in St Joseph's Cemetery, Prescott, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Theirs was
a childless marriage.
Jerome & Rose (Schommer) Hove - 1996
2.7.2. Eugene and Margaret Schommer's second child, Dorothy Mae Schommer was born
November 5, 1931 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On April 7, 1951 in River
Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin she married Richard Donald Frey. The son of Eugene
Frey and Ida Thompson, he was born August 15, 1927 in River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin. Dorothy Mae died September 24, 2002 in River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin. They had five children: Susan Jane Frey, Daniel Eugene Frey, Sandra Marie
Frey, John Paul Frey and Melissa Ann Frey.
2.7.2.1. Susan Jane Frey married Charles Cornelius Henning and had daughters
Margaret Marie Henning and Breanne Kathryn Henning.
2.7.2.2. Daniel Eugene Frey married Mary Ruth Nadeau and had sons Matthew Thomas
Frey and Benjamin Daniel Frey.
2.7.2.3. Sandra Marie Frey married Grant Eugene Hughes and had a son Garrett Eugene
Hughes.
2.7.2.4. John Paul Frey married Cathalina Rodarte and had children Joseph Michael
Frey, Mary Elizabeth Frey and John Paul Richard Frey.
2.7.2.5. Melissa Ann Frey married Christopher Crombar and had a daughter Anna
Katherine Crombar.
250

2.7.3. Eugene and Margaret Schommer's third child, Ralph Francis Schommer, was born
November 24, 1933 in Pierce County, Wisconsin. On June 9, 1959 in Ellsworth, Pierce
County, Wisconsin he married Kathryn Maria Birkel. The daughter of Ernest Birkel and
Kathryn Zeilinger, she was born June 28, 1933 in Ellsworth, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
Theirs was a childless marriage.
Ralph & Kathryn (Birkel) Schommer - 2006
2.7.4. Eugene and Margaret Schommer's fourth child, Eugene Joseph Schommer, was born
September 21, 1936 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On October 16, 1954 in
Big River, Wisconsin he married Jane Kay Ames. The daughter of Russell Ames and
Evelyn Lubnow, she was born November 25, 1936 in Ellsworth, Pierce County,
Wisconsin. They had seven children: Jeffrey Allen Schommer, Sally Jo Schommer, Julie
Rose Schommer, William Eugene Schommer, David Russell Schommer, Steven Eugene
Schommer and Bradley Mark Schommer.
2.7.4.1. Jeffrey Allen Schommer married June Ann Schmidt and had a son Benjamin
Jeffrey Allen Schommer.
2.7.4.2. Sally Jo Schommer married Richard Rickey Ellis and had children Timothy
Richard Ellis and Tiffany Marie Ellis.
2.7.4.3. Julie Rose Schommer married Terrence Michael Most and had children Ryan
Mathew Most and Megan Ashley Most
2.7.4.4. William Eugene Schommer married Patti Jean Birkel and had children Owen
John Schommer and Bessie Jane Schommer.
251

2.7.4.5. David Russell Schommer married Cathy Jane Valentine and had children Emily
Nicole Schommer and Mitchell Eugene Schommer.
2.7.4.6. Steven Eugene Schommer
2.7.4.7. Bradley Mark Schommer married Tiffany Riley and had children Ella Ann Riley
and Claire Marie Riley.
2.7.5. Eugene and Margaret Schommer's fifth child, Leroy Alvin Schommer, was born October
9, 1942 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On July 2, 1966 in Prescott, Pierce
County, Wisconsin he married Katherine Jean Murphy. The daughter of William Murphy
and Peg Kobrowski, she was born July 29, 1946 in Hastings, Dakota County, Minnesota.
Katherine died March 11, 1981 in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Wisconsin. She was interred
in St Joseph's Cemetery, Prescott, Wisconsin. They had two children: Amy Katherine
Schommer and Molly Ann Schommer.
2.7.5.1. Amy Katherine Schommer married Michael Amir Bahauddin and had children
Katherine Bahauddin.and Adham Bahauddin.
2.7.5.2. Molly Ann Schommer married Ellis Swopes and had children Elise Katherine
Swopes and Marcel Ellis Swopes.
2.7.6. Eugene and Margaret Schommer's sixth child, Carol Bernice Schommer, was born
October 19, 1944 in Prescott, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On May 13, 1967 in
Prescott,Pierce County, Wisconsin she married John Francis Mercord. The son of Clinton
Mercord and Mildred Cernohous, he was born May 28, 1944 in Prescott, Pierce County,
Wisconsin. They had a daughter, MaryLee Carol Mercord, who married Derek Romens. .
John & Carol (Schommer) Mercord
with daughter Mary Lee – 2002
252

2.8. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's eighth child, Mathilda Anna Purfeerst, was born February 22,
1908 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On September 24, 1928 in Faribault, Rice
County, Minnesota she married George Joseph Karp. The son of John Karp and Maria DeGross,
he was born March 24, 1903 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Mathilda died November 18,
1971 in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. George died July 17, 1987 in St Paul, Ramsey
County, Minnesota. They were interred in Roselawn Cemetery, St Paul, Ramsey County,
Minnesota. They had four children: George Edward Karp, Leonard Charles Karp, Andrew M.
Karp and Donna Karp.
George & Mathilda (Purfeerst) Karp – 1936
Sons Leonard (left) and George (right)
2.8.1. George and Mathilda Karp's first child, George Edward Karp, was born April 22, 1929 in
St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. On October 22, 1955 in St. Paul, Ramsey County,
Minnesota he would marry Mary Louise Dittberner. The daughter of Otto Dittberner and
Doris Ficher, she was born June 17, 1932 in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. They
had eight children: Mary Gabrielle Karp, Jeanne Marie Karp, Rosemary Therese Karp,
Margaret Mary Karp, Christopher George Blaise Karp, Angela Rosemary Karp, Kathleen
Louise Karp and Bonnie Jean Karp.
2.8.1.1. Mary Gabrielle Karp married Dan Joseph Nissen and had children Amy Marie
Nissen, Nicholas Daniel Nissen and Anthony Gabriel Nissen.
2.8.1.2. Jeanne Marie Karp married Steven Richard Oelfke and had children Andrew
Steven Oelfke, Daniel Paul Oelfke, Phillip Richard Edward Oelfke and Timothy
Steven Oelfke.
2.8.1.3. Rosemary Therese Karp
2.8.1.4. Margaret Mary Karp married James Norman Malaske, II and had children Sarah
Marie Malaske, Drake Andrew Malaske and Mary Ellen Malaske.
253

2.8.1.5. Christopher George Blaise Karp married Christine Marie Francis Demont and
had children Louis Christopher Karp, Nathan George Karp, Elizabeth Marie
Karp and Theodore William Karp.
2.8.1.6. Angela Rosemary Karp married Troy Vincent Vertina and had children Mathew
Couper Vertina and Terrance Troy Vertina.
2.8.1.7. Kathleen Louise Karp married Paul Joseph Czech
2.8.1.8. Bonnie Jean Karp married Darren Palmer Amundson.
2.8.2. George and Mathilda Karp's second child, Leonard Charles Karp, was born May 30, 1930
inSt Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. On April 28, 1951 in Little Canada, Ramsey
County, Minnesota he married Patricia Ann Sailer. The daughter of Joseph Sailer and
Janet Mackin, she was born December 7, 1931 in St Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
They had seven children: Mary Claire Karp, Joseph Leonard Karp, Jane Ann Karp,
Gregory Paul Karp, Barbara Lea Karp, Lora Marie Karp and Timothy John Karp.
2.8.2.1. Mary Claire Karp married Jeffrey Leonard Grunewald and had children Amy Jo
Grunewald and Melissa Ann Grunewald
2.8.2.2. Joseph Leonard Karp married Sharon Halvorson and had children Lyndsey Erin
Karp, Britta Roehelle Karp and Nerissa Paige Karp.
2.8.2.3. Jane Ann Karp married James Gordon Gorecki and had children Ann Louise
Gorecki, Catherine Elizabeth Gorecki and Megan Marie Gorecki.
2.8.2.4. Gregory Paul Karp married Diane Louise Clark and had children Nicholas Rhys
Karp, Danielle Terese Karp and Sara Christine Karp.
2.8.2.5. Barbara Lea Karp
2.8.2.6. Lora Marie Karp married Jeffery Dean Novak and had children Ashli Nicole
Novak and Troy Michael Novak.
2.8.2.7. Timothy John Karp married Susan Ann Burzinski.
2.8.3. George and Mathilda Karp's third child, Andrew M. Karp, was born August 7, 1931 in St
Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota and died shortly thereafter on December 25, 1931. He
was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
2.8.4. George and Mathilda's Karp's fourth child, Donna Karp, died at birth in 1932.
254

Leonard & Patricia (Sailer) Karp Family – 1991
Left to Right
Foreground First Row Rear
* Diane (Clark) Karp * Jeffery Novak * Jeffrey Grunewald
* Jane Ann (Karp) Gorecki * Lora (Karp) Novak * Mary (Karp) Grunewald
* Gregory Paul Karp * Patricia (Sailer) Karp
* James Gorecki *Leonard Charles Karp
* Joseph Leonard Karp * Timothy John Karp
* Sharon (Halverson) Karp * Susan (Burzinski) Karp
* Barbara Lea Karp
255

Ernest Jacob & Joyce (Murphy) Purfeerst Family – 1968
Left to Right (rear)
* Mary Louise (Purfeerst) Schmiel
* Joyce (Purfeerst) Meyer
* Joan (Purfeerst) Williams
2.9. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's ninth child, Ernest Jacob Purfeerst, was born September 6,
1910 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On January 19, 1932 in Big River, Pierce
County, Wisconsin he married Joyce Agnes Murphy. The daughter of Emmet Murphy and
Margaret Betzel, she was born September 1, 1914 in Oak Grove, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
Ernest died December 3, 1978 in San Diego, San Diego County, California. Joyce died October
22, 2003 in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Her ashes were interred with her parents at
St Marys Cemetery, Big River, Pierce County, Wisconsin and also with her husband who had
been interred at the Greenwood Mausoleum San Diego, California. They had three children:
Joan Lucy Purfeerst, Mary Louise Purfeerst and Joyce Margaret Purfeerst.
2.9.1. Ernest and Joyce Purfeerst's first child, Joyce Margaret Purfeerst, was born November 30,
1932 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On September 20, 1952 in Faribault, Rice
County, Minnesota she married Gerald Francis Meyer. The son of Frank Meyer and
Elizabeth Ball, he was born November 22, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Itasca County,
Minnesota. They had two children: Patricia Ann Meyer and Therese Michele Meyer.
2.9.1.1. Patricia Ann Meyer married Alan Clemens Harrer and had children Paul Alan
Harrer and Justin Patrick Harrer.
2.9.1.2. Therese Michele Meyer married Philip Dean Taffie and had children Kristan
Nichol Taffie and Ryan Neal Taffie.
256

2.9.2. Ernest and Joyce Purfeerst's second child, Joan Lucy Purfeerst, was born December 19,
1933 in Pierce County, Wisconsin. On June 25, 1955 in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois
she married Roger Forrester Williams. The son of Albert Williams and Florence
Forrester, he was born August 22, 1929 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. They had
eight children: Rodger Purfeerst Williams, Steven Joseph Williams, Julie Grace
Williams, David Thomas Williams, Paul Forrester Williams, Nancy Ann Williams, Peter
Albert Williams, and Margaret Lee Williams.
2.9.2.1. Rodger Purfeerst Williams first married Jackie Mitsel and had a son Rodger
Anthony Williams and later married Mary Weiland and had a daughter Margaret
Alice Williams.
2.9.2.2. Steven Joseph Williams
2.9.2.3. Julie Grace Williams married George Mark Plaskeetes and had children Anais
Lyn Plaskeetes and Rivers William Plaskeetes.
2.9.2.4. David Thomas Williams married Margaret Wells and had children Lindsay Lyle
2.9.2.5. Williams, Sara Forrester Williams and Katherine Graham Williams.
2.9.2.6. Paul Forrester Williams married Pamela Rene Bass and had children Elliott
Forrester Williams and Sophia Camille Williams.
2.9.2.7. Nancy Ann Williams married Todd Michael Rewis
2.9.2.8. Peter Albert Williams married Shaye Nixon and had a daughter Grace Williams.
2.9.2.9. Margaret Lee Williams
2.9.3. Ernest and Joyce Purfeerst's third child, Mary Louise Purfeerst, was born May 22, 1935
in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On May 21, 1955 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota she married Donald Joseph Chmiel. The son of Ambroise Chmiel and Natalie
Gort, he was born September 8, 1930 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Donald died
December 18, 2002 in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. They had four children:
Anna Marie Chmiel, Jeffrey Thomas Chmiel, James Joseph Chmiel and Michael William
Chmiel.
2.9.3.1. Anna Marie Chmiel married Mark Gregory Pask and had a daughter Camille
Louise Pask.
2.9.3.2. Jeffrey Thomas Chmiel married Lori Dammann and had children Jessica Marie
2.9.3.3. Chmiel and Katey Ann Chmiel.
2.9.3.4. James Joseph Chmiel married Angie and had a son Riley James Chmiel.
2.9.3.5. Michael William Chmiel married Jennifer Anderson and had a son Patrick
William Chmiel.
257

Adelard Eugene & Bernice (Schulte) Purfeerst - 1940
2.10. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's tenth child, Adelard Eugene Purfeerst, was born November 26,
1911 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On June 7, 1940 in River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin he married Bernice May Schulte. The daughter of Phillip Schulte and Emma
Eichman, she was born March 6, 1918 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Adelard died
March 6, 1998 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Bernice died December 2, 1983 in
River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. They were interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls,
Pierce County, Wisconsin. They had six children: James Phillip Purfeerst, Emma Lou Purfeerst,
Adelard Eugene Purfeerst, Jr, Diane Elaine Purfeerst, Donna Patricia Purfeerst and Julia Ann
Purfeerst.
258

James Phillip & Mary (Hauth) James & Mary (Hauth) Purfeerst Family - 1996
Purfeerst – 1961 Clockwise from Bottom Left
* Megan Purfeerst
* Amy (Purfeerst) Janovec
* Maria (Purfeerst) Traynor
* Anne (Purfeerst) Stephens
* Matthew Edward Purfeerst
* Andrew Phillip Purfeerst
2.10.1. Adelard and Bernice Purfeerst's first child, James Phillip Purfeerst, was born February
3, 1941 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On September 2, 1961 in River
Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin he married Mary Anne Hauth. The daughter of
Edward Hauth and Isabelle Johnson, she was born April 18, 1942 in River Falls,
Wisconsin. They had six children: Anne Christine Purfeerst, Maria Elana Purfeerst,
Matthew Purfeerst, Amy Therese Purfeerst, Andrew Phillip Purfeerst and Megan
Anastasia Purfeerst.
2.10.1.1. Anne Christine Purfeerst married Darryl James Stephens and had children
Isabelle Helen Stephens, Edward James Stephens, Blaze Alexandar Stephens,
Kaleb Peter Stephens, Levi Augustus Stephens, Olivia Mary Stephens and
Quincy Jasper Stephens.
2.10.1.2. Maria Elana Purfeerst married William Dale Traynor and had children Torrie
Leigh Traynor, Lucas Donovan Traynor and Logan James Traynor.
2.10.1.3. Matthew Edward Purfeerst married Debra Mary Beskar and had children
Lincoln Andrew Purfeerst and Colton Jackson Purfeerst.
2.10.1.4. Amy Therese Purfeerst married Jeff David Janovec and had children Anastacia
Mae Janovec, Franklin Paul Janovec and Claire Therese Janovec.
259

2.10.1.5. Andrew Phillip Purfeerst married Charity Lee Peterson and had sons Drew
Phillip Purfeerst and Rowan Dean Purfeerst.
2.10.1.6. Megan Anastasia Purfeerst.
2.10.2. Adelard and Bernice Purfeerst's second child, Emma Lou Purfeerst, died at birth on
April 4, 1944 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. She was interred in St
Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
2.10.3. Adelard and Bernice Purfeerst's third child, Adelard Eugene Purfeerst, Jr. died at birth
on September 7, 1946 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. He was interred in St
Bridget's Cemetery, Pierce County, River Falls, Wisconsin.
2.10.4. Adelard and Bernice Purfeerst's fourth child, Diane Elaine Purfeerst, was born
November 2, 1947 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin and died shortly
thereafter on November 23, 1947. She was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River
Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
2.10.5. Adelard and Bernice Purfeerst's fifth child, Donna Patricia Purfeerst, was born
October 3, 1949 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On August 26, 1972 in
River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin she married Howard Robert Swanson. The son
of Robert Swanson and Evelyn Sanderson, he was born May 05, 1945 in St Paul,
Ramsey County, Minnesota. They had five children: Michelle Lynn Swanson, Debra
Anna Swanson, Amanda Lee Swanson, Jessica Sue Swanson and Nancy Marie
Swanson.
2.10.6. Adelard and Bernice Purfeerst's sixth child, Julia Ann Purfeerst, was born June 2,
1953 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin and died as a youth on August 27,
1957. She was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin.
2.11. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's eleventh child, Patricia Ann Purfeerst, was born March 17,
1915 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin and died shortly thereafter on March 19, 1915.
She was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
2.12. Charles and Margaret Purfeerst's twelve child, Bernard Alfonse Purfeerst, was born May 11,
1917 in River Falls, Wisconsin. On January 27, 1937 in River Falls, St. Croix County,
Wisconsin he married Virginia Mary Taplin. The daughter of Lynn Taplin and Verta Bunce,
she was born February 2, 1920 in Elmwood, Wisconsin. Bernard died November 23, 1983 in
Gordon, Douglas County, Wisconsin. Virginia died October 31, 2002 in Sun City, Maricopa
County, Arizona. They were interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County,
Wisconsin. They had four children: Bernadine Mary Purfeerst, Gerald Bernard Purfeerst,
Lawrence Charles Purfeerst and Barbara Jean Purfeerst.
260

Bernard Alfonse & Virginia (Taplin) Purfeerst - 1937
Bernard & Virginia (Taplin) Purfeerst Family – 1981
Left to Right
Seated Standing
* Virginia (Taplin) Purfeerst * Bernadine (Purfeerst) Frey
* Bernard Alfonse Purfeerst * Gerald Bernard Purfeerst
* Lawrence Charles Purfeerst
* Barbara (Purfeerst) Kraemer
261

2.12.1. Bernard and Virginia Purfeerst's first child, Bernadine Mary Purfeerst, was born July
21, 1937 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On July 6, 1957 in River Falls,
Wisconsin she married Gerald William Frey. The son of Theodore Frey and Gladys
Kelly, he was born December 28, 1934 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
They had four children: Steven John Frey, Thomas Michael Frey, Brian Bernard Frey,
and Lisa Ann Frey.
Gerald & Bernadine (Purfeerst) Frey Gerald & Bernadine (Purfeerst) Frey Family
1957 2005
Left to Right
Foreground (Ladies) Rear (Men)
* Bernadine (Purfeerst) Frey * Steven Frey
* Lisa (Frey) Earley * Thomas Frey
* Gerald Frey
* Brian Frey
2.12.1.1. Steven John Frey married Peggy S. Stanek and had children Alison Lynn Frey
and Patrick Steven Frey.
2.12.1.2. Thomas Michael Frey married Susan Lee Casey and had children Kristine
Nicole Frey and Kathryn Mary Frey.
2.12.1.3. Brian Bernard Frey married Brenda Marie Rickey and had children Jared
Thomas Frey, Kyle Joseph Frey and Landon James Frey.
262

2.12.1.4. Lisa Ann Frey married Patrick James Earley and had children James Joseph
Earley, Erin Elizabeth Earley and John Patrick Earley.
Gerald Bernard & Patrica (Dunn) Purfeerst - 1965
2.12.2 Bernard and Virginia Purfeerst's second child, Gerald Bernard Purfeerst, was born
October 9, 1941 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On July 3, 1965 in
Ellsworth, Pierce County, Wisconsin he married Patricia Jean Dunn. The daughter
of Stuart Dunn and Gertrude Gense, she was born October 26, 1942 in Ellsworth,
Pierce County, Wisconsin. Gerald died October 29, 2000 in River Falls, Pierce
County, Wisconsin. He was interred in St Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce
County, Wisconsin. They had five children: Jay Gerald Purfeerst, Angela Rae
Purfeerst, Gina Marie Purfeerst, Daniel Stuart Purfeerst, and Carrie Jean
Purfeerst.
2.12.2.1 Jay Gerald Purfeerst married Rhonda Kay Karras and had children
Emma R. Purfeerst, Abby Patricia Purfeerst and Samuel Jay Purfeerst.
2.12.2.2 Angela Rae Purfeerst adopted children Chad Purfeerst and Tiffany
Purfeerst.
2.12.2.3 Gina Marie Purfeerst married Robert Ndungu and had a son Cameron.
2.12.2.4 Daniel Stuart Purfeerst married Laura Ann Deja and had children Brett
Purfeerst and Cecilia Purfeerst.
2.12.2.5 Carrie Jean Purfeerst and friend Joel Carlson had a daughter Eve
Carlson.
2.12.3 Bernard and Virginia Purfeerst's third child, Lawrence Charles Purfeerst, was
born November 7, 1945 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On August 3,
1968 in River Falls, St. Croix County, Wisconsin he married Kathleen Ann
263

Linehan. The daughter of John Linehan and Genevieve Schommer, she was born
March 21, 1946 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Lawrence died August
22, 2001 in River Falls, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. He was interred in St
Bridget's Cemetery, River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. They had three
children: Ryan John Purfeerst, Michael Paul Purfeerst and Kati Jo Purfeerst.
Lawrence & Kathleen (Linehan) Purfeerst - 1968
Lawrence & Kathleen (Linehan) Purfeerst Family – 2000
Left to Right
Foreground Rear
* Kati Jo Purfeerst * Ryan John Purfeerst
* Lawrence Charles Purfeerst
* Kathleen (Linehan) Purfeerst
* Michael Paul Purfeerst
264

Daniel & Barbara (Purfeerst) Kraemer - 2002
2.12.4 Bernard and Virginia's fourth child, Barbara Jean Purfeerst, was born June 8,
1951 in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. On May 11, 1974 in River Falls,
St. Croix County, Wisconsin she married Daniel Matthew Kraemer. The son of
Daniel A. Kraemer and Elayne A. Johnson, he was born August 13, 1948 in River
Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. They had one daughter: Nicole Erin Kraemer.
265

3. Charles and Mary Purfeerst's third child, Rosa Ann Purfeerst, was born December 25, 1864 in Rice
County, Minnesota. On August 5, 1885 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota she married Mathius
Meyer. The son of Abraham Meyer and Elizabeth Becker, he was born November 23, 1859 in New
York; probably Buffalo, Erie County. Rosa died August 8, 1946 in Seattle, King County,
Washington. Mathius died March 1, 1926 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. They were
interred in Riverside Park Cemetery, Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. They had two children:
Ernest Abraham Meyer and Earl Mathius Henry Meyer.
Rosa Ann Purfeerst – 1885
266

Mathius & Rosa Ann (Purfeerst) Meyer Family – 1897
Sons Earl (left) and Ernest (infant)
Ernest & Ruth (Maurer) Meyer - 1945
267

3.1. Mathius and Rosa Meyer's first child, Ernest Abraham Meyer, was born August 25, 1891 in
Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. On September 3, 1927 in Seattle, King County,
Washington he married Ruth Ann Maurer. The daughter of Joseph Maurer and Mollie
Anderson, she was born March 28, 1892 in Duluth, Duluth County, Minnesota. Ernest died
November 23, 1952 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Ruth died November 20, 1975 in
Seattle, King County, Washington. They were interred in Washelli National Cemetery, Seattle,
King County, Washington. Theirs was a childless marriage.
Rosa Ann (Purfeerst) Meyer
with
Daughter-in-law Kathryn (Schiffner) Meyer
and
Granddaughter Shirley Meyer - 1932
3.2. Mathius and Rosa Meyer's second child, Earl Mathius Henry Meyer, was born April 12, 1895 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. About 1925 in Washington he married Kathryn Marjorie
Schiffner. The daughter of Conrad Schiffner and Anna Floydt, she was born December 10, 1895
in Samara, Russia. Earl died October 19, 1969 in Everett, Snohomish County, Washington.
Kathryn died July 29, 1974 in Everett, Snohomish County, Washington. They were interred in
Evergreen Cemetery, Everett, Snohomish County, Washington. They had two children: Earl
Ernest Meyer and Shirley Rosanna Meyer.
268

Rosa Ann (Purfeerst) Meyer & Grandson Earl Meyer, Jr. - 1928
3.2.1 Earl and Kathryn Meyer's first child, Earl Ernest Meyer, was born October 2,
1926 in Seattle, King County, Washington. On January 21, 1973 in Everett,
Snohomish County, Washington he married Iris Ardelle Wilcox. The daughter of
Eugene Wilcox and Gynda Jaeger, she was born June 16, 1928 in Alderwood
Manor, Snohomish County, Washington. Iris died March 8, 1997 in San Diego,
San Diego County, California. Her cremated remains were scattered in Wilcox
Park, Lynwood, Snohomish County, Washington, once the site of her childhood
home. They had two children: Barbara Jo Meyer and Beverly Ann Meyer.
3.2.1.1 Beverly Ann Meyer married Phillip Henry Willms and had a daughter
Joey Michelle Willms.
3.2.1.2 Barbara Jo Meyer married Derick William Christensen.
Earl Meyer later married Linda Marie Belton on January 21, 1973 in Everett,
Snohomish County, Washington. The daughter of John and Myrtle Belton, she
was born December 21, 1948 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Earl died
June 23, 2003 in Bellevue, King County, Washington. They had a son Brent
Christopher Meyer.
3.2.2 Earl and Kathryn Meyer's second child, Shirley Rosanna Meyer, was born May
21, 1931 in Seattle, King County, Washington. On May 21, 1950 in Everett,
Snohomish County, Washington she married Arthur Charles Qually. The son of
Walter Qually and Katherine Clark, he was born August 4, 1926 in Bellingham,
Whatcom County, Washington. They had two children: Kim Marie Qually and
Steven Lee Qually.
3.2.2.1 Kim Marie Qually
269

3.2.2.2 Steven Lee Qually married Teri Lynn Shibata and had a son Cooper Lee
Qually.
4. Charles and Mary Purfeerst's fourth child, Jane Elizabeth Purfeerst, was born February 16, 1867 in
Rice County, Minnesota and died as a youth on April 4, 1873 in Rice County, Minnesota. She was
interred in Richland Community Cemetery, Rice County, Minnesota.
5. Charles and Mary Purfeerst's fifth child, John James Purfeerst, was born January 5, 1869 in Rice
County, Minnesota and died as a youth on April 15, 1873 in Rice County, Minnesota. He was
interred in Richland Community Cemetery, Rice County, Minnesota
270

6. Charles and Mary Purfeerst's sixth child, Harmon Francis Purfeerst, was born March 22, 1873 in
Rice County, Minnesota. On July 1, 1895 in Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota he married Jennie
June Johnson. The daughter of John Johnson and Mahala Swanger, she was born January 20, 1877 in
Rice County, Minnesota. Harmon died April 19, 1955 in Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington.
Jennie died December 27, 1958 in Seattle, King County, Washington. They were interred in
Evergreen Cemetery, Seattle, King County, Washington. They had three children: Myles Archie
Purfeerst, Walter Everett Purfeerst and George William Purfeerst.
Author’s Comment: The history for Jennie June (Johnson) Purfeerst’s ancestors – Bostock
and Johnson - will be found elsewhere in this volume.
Harmon Francis & Jennie (Johnson) Purfeerst Family – 1904
Sons Myles (rear), Walter (center) and George (left)
271

Harmon Francis & Jennie (Johnson) Purfeerst Family - 1914
Left to Right
Son Myles & Harmon Purfeerst Sons George & Walter Purfeerst
Sons (L-R), Myles, Walter and George - 1955
Jennie June (Johnson) Purfeerst Harmon & Jennie (Johnson) Purfeerst
50 th Anniversary - 1945
272

Harmon Francis & Jennie June (Johnson) Purfeerst Family – 1926
Taken upon the occasion of the marriage of George & Helga
Left to Right
Rear Foreground
* Mathilda (Neas) Purfeerst * Harmon Francis Purfeerst
* Myles Archie Purfeerst holding Calvin Purfeerst
* George William Purfeerst * Jennie (Johnson) Purfeerst
* Helga (Hansen) Purfeerst with Alice Purfeerst
* Ella Weiss (future wife of Walter) (Calvin & Alice were children
* Walter Everett Purfeerst of Myles & Mathilda)
Harmon Francis Purfeerst Milk Delivery, Morton County, North Dakota - 1928
Granddaughter LaVerne Purfeerst on Running Board
273

6.1. Harmon and Jennie Purfeerst's first child, Myles Archie Purfeerst, was born September 9, 1898
in Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota. On April 19, 1919 in New Salem, Morton County,
North Dakota he married Mathilda Augusta Neas. The daughter of William Neas and Augusta
Ott, she was born October 30, 1889 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. Myles died
July 16, 1970 in Forsyth, Rosebud County, Montana. Mathilda died August 20, 1978 in Forsyth,
Rosebud County, Montana. They were interred in Rosebud Cemetery, Forsyth, Rosebud
County, Montana. They had two children: Alice Dorothy Purfeerst, Calvin Myles Purfeerst.
Myles Archie & Matilda (Neas) Purfeerst - 1968
Harmon Francis & Jennie (Johnson) Purfeerst - 1926
With Grandchildren Calvin and Alice Purfeerst
274

6.1.1. Myles and Mathilda Purfeerst's first child, Alice Dorothy Purfeerst, was born January 19,
1920 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. On April 20, 1940 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota she married Nathaniel Miller. The son of Guy Miller and
Augusta Kemmesat, he was born May 9, 1908 in New Salem, Morton County, North
Dakota. Alice died August 20, 1979 in Sturgis, Meade County, South Dakota. She was
interred in Bear Butte Cemetery, Sturgis, Meade County, South Dakota. Nathaniel died
September 1, 1965 in Mandan, Morton County, North Dakota. He was interred in Peace
Cemetery, New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. They had three children: Marsha
Kaye Miller, Marlene Dorothy Miller and Daniel Ross Miller.
Nathaniel & Alice (Purfeerst) Miller Family – 1956
Left to Right
* Marsha Miller * Alice (Purfeerst) Miller * Nathaniel Miller * Daniel Miller
* Marlene Miller (foreground)
6.1.1.1. Marsha Kaye Miller married Russell Dwight Dittus and had children Mashelle
Joan Dittus and RoAnn Lynn Dittus.
6.1.1.2. Daniel Ross Miller
6.1.1.3. Marlene Dorothy Miller married Bradley Alan Volk and had children Jeremy
James Arthur Volk and Jessica Lynn Volk.
275

6.1.2. Myles and Mathilda Purfeerst's second child, Calvin Myles Purfeerst, was born March 7,
1924 in Almont, Morton County, North Dakota. On August 17, 1946 in Mandan, Morton
County, North Dakota he married Helyn Edna Kemmesat. The daughter of Paul
Kemmesat and Elsie Golde, she was born May 2, 1924 in Judson, Morton County, North
Dakota. They had two children: LanaRae Helen Purfeerst and Bradley Calvin Purfeerst.
Calvin Myles & Helyn (Kemmesat) Purfeerst Family – 1967
Left to Right
Front Rear
* Helyn (Kemmesat) Purfeerst * LanaRae Purfeerst
* Calvin Myles Purfeerst * Bradley Calvin Purfeerst
6.1.2.1. LanaRae Helen Purfeerst married Gerald Theodore Mlakar and had a son Joshua
Saul Mlakar.
6.1.2.2. Bradley Calvin Purfeerst married Carol Sue Bresnahan and had children Allison
Ann Purfeerst and Galen Bradley Purfeerst.
276

6.2. Harmon and Jennie Purfeerst's second child, Walter Everett Purfeerst, was born December 9,
1900 in Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota. On September 27, 1925 in Judson, Morton
County, North Dakota he married Ella Louise Weiss. The daughter of William Weiss and
Caroline Keller, she was born June 3, 1903 in Almont, Morton County, North Dakota. Walter
died July 3, 1965 in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. Ella died April 8, 1964 in Grand
Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota. They were interred in Peace Cemetery, New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. They had two children: Roger Duane Purfeerst and Donald Lee
Purfeerst (the Author).
Walter & Ella (Weiss) Purfeerst Place of Marriage
September 27, 1925 Bethel Church
Morton County, North Dakota
277

Walter & Ella (Weiss) Purfeerst Family Auto –
1925 Maxwell Club Coupe
Purchase Price when new: $900.00
Walter Everett & Ella (Weiss) Purfeerst Family - 1939
Sons Donald and Roger (right)
278

Walter & Ella (Weiss) Family Home
Valley City, North Dakota 1941 - 1959
Walter & Ella (Weiss) Family Home,
Grand Forks, North Dakota 1959 - 1963
279

6.2.1. Walter and Ella Purfeerst's first child, Roger Duane Purfeerst, was born August 15, 1933
in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. On January 26, 1968 in Midland, Midland
County, Michigan he married Patricia Gail Richter. The daughter of Harold Richter and
Alice Pryor, she was born May 1, 1938 in Saginaw, Saginaw County, Michigan. They
had two children: Christopher Michael Purfeerst and Katherine Kimberly Purfeerst.
Roger Duane & Patricia (Richter) Purfeerst – 1986
Roger Duane & Patricia (Richter) Purfeerst Family – 1974
280

6.2.1.1. Christopher Michael Purfeerst married Riann Jeanine Giovacchini.
Christopher Michael & Riann
(Giovacchini) Purfeerst - 2001
281

6.2.1.2. Katherine Kimberly Purfeerst married Jeffrey Pedersen and had a son Roan
Pedersen.
Jeffrey & Katherine (Purfeerst) Pedersen -2004
Roan Pedersen - 2004
282

6.2.2. Walter and Ella Purfeerst's second child, Donald Lee Purfeerst, was born February 22,
1937 in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. On August 1, 1960 in Verona, La
Moure County, North Dakota he married Marion Elizabeth Brademeyer. The daughter of
Fred Brademeyer and Marion Fitzsimmons, she was born May 23, 1938 in Oakes, Dickey
County, North Dakota. They had three children: Bradley Allen Purfeerst, Sheryl Marie
Purfeerst and Sheila Renee Purfeerst.
Donald Lee & Marion (Brademeyer) Purfeerst Family - 1967
Children (L-R) Sheila, Sheryl and Bradley Allen (foreground)
Donald Purfeerst later married Martha Jean Tanguay on October 11, 1980. The daughter
of Donoto Vernald Tanguay and Alta Beryl Mary Currier, she was born September 03,
1944 in Huntington, Suffolk County, New York. Theirs was a childless marriage.
283

Donald Lee & Martha (Tanguay) Purfeerst - 2001
Donald Lee Purfeerst Family - 2001
284

6.2.2.1. Bradley Allen Purfeerst married Holly Stauffer and had a son Adam Kenneth
Purfeerst. Bradley later married Karen Ann Frederick and had a daughter Bailey
Ann Purfeerst. To this union Karen brought a son Ryan from a previous
marriage.
Bradley Allen & Karen (Frederick) Purfeerst Family - 2001
Children (L-R) Adam Kenneth Purfeerst, Bailey Ann Purfeerst and Ryan Smith
285

6.2.2.2. Sheryl Marie Purfeerst married Gary Ernest Geisler and had children Brent
Charles Geisler and Chad Frederick Geisler.
Gary & Sheryl (Purfeerst) Geisler Family – 2001
Sons Brent (left) and Chad (right)
286

6.2.2.3. Sheila Renee Purfeerst married Adam Crawford and had a son James Michael
Crawford.
Sheila (Purfeerst) Crawford Family – 2001
son James Michael Crawford
Sheila later married Jerry Huber. Theirs was a childless marriage.
Jerry & Sheila (Purfeerst) Huber - 2005
287

6.3. Harmon and Jennie Purfeerst's third child, George William Purfeerst, was born May 4, 1904 in
Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota. On March 17, 1926 he married Helga Olive Hansen. The
daughter of Axel Hansen and Olava Nelson, she was born December 23, 1907 in Almont,
Morton County, North Dakota. George died March 12, 1959 in Centralia, Lewis County,
Washington. Helga died August 13, 1999 in Bothell, King County, Washington. They were
interred in Evergreen Cemetery, Seattle, Washington. They had four children: LaVerne Elaine
Purfeerst, Robert George Purfeerst, Harmon Axel Purfeerst and LaJean Ann Purfeerst.
George & Helga (Hansen) Purfeerst Family – 1944
Left to Right
Front Rear
* Harmon Axel Purfeerst * George William Purfeerst
* LaJean Purfeerst * LaVerne Purfeerst
* Robert George Purfeerst * Helga (Hansen) Purfeerst
Four Purfeerst Generations - 1953
* Harmon Purfeerst * George Purfeerst * Robert Purfeerst * Craig Purfeerst
288

6.3.1. George and Helga Purfeerst's first child, LaVerne Elaine Purfeerst, was born March 6,
1927 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. On May 28, 1927 in Seattle, King
County, Washington she married Benedict Alexander Robbins. The son of William
Robbins and Ethelyn Dunn, he was born December 29, 1926 in Morrisville, Iredell
County, North Carolina. They had four children: Bruce Williams Robbins, Dale Alan
Robbins, Sharyn Robbins and Wendy Jane Robbins.
La Verne (Purfeerst) Robbins Family – 2002
Left to Right
Front Row Second Row Third Row
* LaVerne (Purfeerst) Robbins * Wendy (Robbins) Heyworth * Eric Robbins
* Jeffrey Robbins * Tara Robbins * Dale Robbins
* Gay (Wright) Robbins * David Thomas * James Parker Mounce
* Bruce Robbins * Sharyn Robbins
Rear: Brent Thomas
6.3.1.1. Bruce Williams Robbins married Gay Cynthia Wright and had a son Jeffrey
Wright Robbins.
6.3.1.2. Dale Alan Robbins married Barbara Ann King and had children Eric John
Robbins and Tara Lynn Robbins.
6.3.1.3. Sharyn Diane Robbins married Carl Brent Thomas and had a son David
Thomas.
6.3.1.4. Wendy Jane Robbins married Vincent Heyworth and had a daughter Kristin
Nicole Heyworth.
289

6.3.2. George and Helga Purfeerst's second child, Robert George Purfeerst, was born November
28, 1929 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. On June 24, 1951 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota he married Leota Mathilda Moos. The daughter of John
Moos and Wilhelmina Lange, she was born February 26, 1930 in Youngstown, Oliver
County, North Dakota. Leota died October 20, 2003 in Lynnwood, Snohomish County,
Washington. They had three children: Robert Craig Purfeerst, Terri Lynn Purfeerst and
Brian Jay Purfeerst.
Robert George & Leota (Moos) Purfeerst Family – 1996
Left to Right
(children-standing)
* Robert Craig Purfeerst * Teri (Purfeerst) Jarshaw * Brian Jay Purfeerst
6.3.2.1. Robert Craig Purfeerst
6.3.2.2. Terri Lynn Purfeerst married David Leigh Conover and had children Ryan
Leigh Conover and Christopher Grant Conover.
6.3.2.3. Brian Jay Purfeerst married Lisa Marie Darrow and had children Tyler Jay
Purfeerst and Lindsey Marie Purfeerst.
290

6.3.3. George and Helga Purfeerst's third child, Harmon Axel Purfeerst, was born January 30,
1931 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. On July 2, 1954 in Seattle, King
County, Washington he married Gloria Belle Holland. The daughter of Harold Holland
and Ethel Twaic, she was born September 7, 1933 in Encino, Los Angeles County,
California. Gloria died July 29, 1995 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Harmon died
February 13, 2006 in Green Valley, Pima County, Arizona. They were interred in
Washelli Cemetery, Seattle, King County, Washington. They had two children: Daryl
Leigh Purfeerst and Dianna Lynn Purfeerst.
6.3.3.1. Daryl Leigh Purfeerst married Lorraine Molstad and had children Stephanie Ann
Purfeerst and Tyler Brent Purfeerst.
6.3.3.2. Dianna Lynn Purfeerst married Terry Lee Hachel, Sr and had a son Terry Lee
Hachel, Jr. Diana later married David Jerome Teel and had a son David Lee
Teel.
Harmon and Gloria (Holland) Purfeerst
with children Dianna and Daryl - 1963
291

6.3.4. George and Helga Purfeerst's fourth child, LaJean Ann Purfeerst, was born October 3,
1938 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. On April 16, 1955 in Wenatchee,
Chelan County, Washington she married Travis Harlin Jackson. The son of Thomas
Jackson and Thelma Gaston, he was born July 17, 1935 in Violet Hill, Izard County,
Arkansas. They had four children: James Duane Jackson, John Alan Jackson, Patricia
Ann Jackson and Donald L. Jackson.
Travis ‘Babe’ & LaJean (Purfeerst) Jackson Family – 2004
Left to Right
Foreground Seated
* Patricia Jackson * Jesse Jackson
* Vanessa Jackson * LaJean (Purfeerst) Jackson
* Travis ‘Babe’ Jackson
* Raini (Riston) Jackson
Second Row Back Row
* Jennifer Jackson * James Jackson, Sr.
* Erica Smith * James Jackson, Jr.
* Patricia (Jackson) Smith * Todd Smith
* Stacy Jackson * Gordon Smith
* John Jackson
* Luke Jackson
292

6.3.4.1. James Duane Jackson, Sr. married Mary Kurtzenacher and had children James
Duane Jackson, Jr., Jennifer Ann Jackson and Jesse Lee Jackson. James later
married Emily Jane Duffy and had daughter Patricia LaJean Jackson.
6.3.4.2. Patricia Ann Jackson married Gordon Kirk Smith and had children Todd
Michael Smith and Erica Ann Smith.
6.3.4.3. John Alan Jackson married Melinda Carter and had children Stacy Kaye Jackson
and Luke David Jackson, John later married Raini Elizabeth Riston and had a
daughter Vanessa Elizabeth Jackson.
6.3.4.4. Donald L. Jackson.
293

7. Charles and Mary Purfeerst's seventh child, William Frederick Purfeerst, was born November 17,
1875 in Rice County, Minnesota. On June 30, 1909 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota he married
Josephine Elizabeth Kenney. The daughter of Michael Kenney and Mary Harty, she was born June 8,
1880 in Rice County, Minnesota. William died April 15, 1959 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota.
Josephine died February 9, 1978 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They were interred in
Calvary Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Theirs was a childless marriage.
William Frederick & Josephine (Kenney) Purfeerst − 1909
(couple to the rear unidentified)
294

8. Charles and Mary Purfeerst's eighth child, Henry Mark Purfeerst, was born June 30, 1883 in Rice
County, Minnesota. On March 11, 1909 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota he married Josephine
Hanson. The daughter of Andrew Hanson and Olena Golberg, she was born December 26, 1890 in
Rice County, Minnesota. Henry died August 31, 1962 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota.
Josephine died December 3, 1981 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They were interred in
Meadow Ridge Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. They had three children: Lauretta
Hazel Purfeerst, Leland Rosemond Purfeerst and Charles Henry Purfeerst.
Henry Mark & Josephine (Hanson) Purfeerst - 1909
295

Henry Mark & Josephine (Hanson) Purfeerst Children – 1914
Left to Right
* Lauretta Purfeerst * Leland Rosemond Purfeerst * Charles Henry Purfeerst
296

8.1. Henry and Josephine Purfeerst's first child, Lauretta Hazel Purfeerst, was born March 15, 1910
in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On March 27, 1948 in Faribault, Minnesota she married
George Webster Bowers, Jr. The son of George Webster, Sr. and Laura Stubbs, he was born
September 15, 1919 in Preston, Webster County, Georgia. Lauretta died November 13, 1997 in
Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. George died September 25, 1987 in Dawson, Dawson
County, Georgia. They were interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Dawson, Dawson County,
Georgia. Theirs was a childless marriage.
George & Lauretta (Purfeerst) Bowers - 1948
8.2. Henry and Josephine Purfeerst's second child, Leland Rosemond Purfeerst, was born June 30,
1911 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On October 23, 1941 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota he married Eleanora Dorthea Hachfeld. The daughter of Herman Hachfeld and Lydia
Bisping, she was born August 12, 1921 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Leland died May
29, 1987 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Eleanora died May 14, 1995 in Faribault, Rice
County, Minnesota. They were interred in Meadow Ridge Cemetery, Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota. They had a son Luverne Leland Purfeerst.
8.2.1. Luverne Leland Purfeerst married Marjory Jean Bauer and had children Amy Jean
Purfeerst, Carl Leland Purfeerst and Kristina Marie Purfeerst.
297

8.3. Henry and Josephine Purfeerst's third child, Charles Henry Purfeerst, was born March 24, 1913
in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. On September 15, 1937 in Faribault, Rice County,
Minnesota he married Elda Marie Schwartz. The daughter of George Schwartz and Laura
Daeke, she was born May 13, 1916 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. Charles died June 24,
1995 in Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. He was interred in Meadow Ridge Cemetery,
Faribault, Minnesota. They had six children: Charles George Purfeerst, Walter Henry Purfeerst,
Richard Dale Purfeerst, Marvin Arthur Purfeerst, Cheryl Joy Purfeerst and Shawn Marie
Purfeerst.
Charles Henry & Elda (Schwartz) Purfeerst - 1937
298

Charles Henry & Elda (Schwartz) Purfeerst Family – 1984
Left to Right
Foreground Rear
* Marvin Arthur Purfeerst * Richard Dale Purfeerst
* Shawn (Purfeerst) Paulson * Charles Henry Purfeerst
* Elda Marie (Schwartz) Purfeerst * Charles George Purfeerst
* Cheryl (Purfeerst) Hill
8.3.1 Charles George Purfeerst married Barbara Ann Novak and had children Todd Charles
Purfeerst and Teresa Elizabeth Purfeerst.
8.3.2 Walter Henry Purfeerst
8.3.3 Richard Dale Purfeerst married Gail Marie Johnson.
8.3.4 Marvin Arthur Purfeerst married Patricia Mary Helgeson and had children Paul David
Purfeerst and Cynthia Kay Purfeerst.
8.3.5 Cheryl Joy Purfeerst married Michael Dunham Baker and had children Amy Jo Baker,
Jimmy Lee Baker and Jody Marie Baker.
8.3.6 Shawn Marie Purfeerst married Brian Thomas Paulson and had children Matthew Philip
Paulson and Michael Charles Paulson.
299

Charles & Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst Descendants - 1934
Charles & Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst Descendants Family Reunion - 1934
300

PRECEDING PAGE (large photo), Left to Right (with younger generations identified with their later married names):
FRONT ROW:
* Ernest David Purfeerst
* Mary Lou (Karp) Pluemer
* Violet (Purfeerst) Zabel
* Marie (Purfeerst) Sticha
* Clarence Mark Purfeerst
* Michael John Karp
* Myrtle Margaret (Purfeerst) Durand.
* Catherine (Karp) Mino holding Cecilia (Karp) Friesen
SECOND ROW: (all of Charles and Mary Purfeerst's surviving children and their respective surviving spouses.)
(surviving children also seen in small photo at top of preceding page)
* Margaret Dauser and spouse Charles Ernest Purfeerst, Jr., Pierce County, Wisconsin.
* Rosa Ann (Purfeerst) Meyer, Spokane, Washington. (spouse Mathias Meyer, deceased)
* David Ernest Purfeerst & spouse Magdalena Margaret Gatzke, Rice County, Minnesota.
* Harmon Francis Purfeerst & spouse Jennie June Johnson, Morton County, North Dakota.
* William Frederick Purfeerst & spouse Josephine Kinney, Rice County, Minnesota.
* Henry Mark Purfeerst & spouse Josephine Hanson, Rice County, Minnesota.
THIRD ROW:
* Isabelle Purfeerst
* Amelia (Carpenter) Purfeerst
* Earl Mathius Meyer, Sr.
* Helga Olive (Hansen) Purfeerst
* Margaret Marie (Carpentier) Purfeerst
* Lauretta Hazel (Purfeerst) Bowers
* Lena (Meyer) Kaiser
* Helen Sticha
* Mary Catherine (Purfeerst) Karp
* Hazel Marcella (Schlipp)Purfeerst
* Elizabeth M. Sherning-Purfeerst
* Wilhelmine A. Purfeerst
FOURTH ROW
* David Charles Purfeerst
* Mark Phillip Purfeerst
* George William Purfeerst
* Roy Ernest Purfeerst
* Charles Henry Purfeerst
* Arthur Kaiser
* Michael Peter Karp
* Adelard Eugene Purfeerst
* Leland Rosemond Purfeerst
* Earl Christ Purfeerst
Most are family descendants; however, Adelard Purfeerst identified Helen Sticha as "his girl friend". Lena (Meyer) Kaiser
was the sister of Rosa Anna (Meyer) Purfeerst’s deceased spouse, Mathias Meyer. Arthur Kaiser is Lena’s son.
The two ladies standing to the extreme right in the third row are Elizabeth and Wilhelmine Purfeerst, the unmarried daughters
of Charles Purfeerst's brother, Herman Purfeerst, of Steele County, Minnesota.
301

Charles & Mary Jane (Brown) Purfeerst Descendants Family Reunion
July 13-14, 1985, Rice County, Minnesota
302