Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Samuel and Anna (Hauser) Schmidke, 7 South 45 West



"1893, April 11, departed Bremmen, Germany for American on the ship Dresden 1893, April 25, arrived at Ellis Island in New York City. "
"Six children died in infancy, Six more children survived
1. Margaretta SCHMIDKE Stahlecker
2. Rosina SCHMIDKE Schaal
3. John SCHMIDKE
4. Lydia SCHMIDKE Weiss
5. Emma SCHMIDKE Dabbler
6. Samuel SCHMIDKE

"On Oct. 12, 1889, the following four families departed from Russia to come to America: Christian Baltzer, the widow Dorothea Baltzer, Friedrich Stutz, and Andreas Baltzer. There initial goal was Scotland, S. D., with the intention of settling in Colorado.
The following families joined them at their departure: Christian Dobler, Jakob Strobel, Christian Strobel, August Adolf, Johannes Schaal and Samuel Schaal. Others followed in 1893, namely Johann Wahl, Martin Stahlecker and Samuel Schmidke from South Dakota, and Christian Adolf who came directly from Russia. Six years later Christian Gramm and Andreas Weber also joined them. In the years between 1902 and 1908 still more families followed, Karl Weiss, Johannes Knodel, Andreas Knodel, Jakob Knodel, the widow Knodel, Johann Weiss, Gottlieb Knodel, Wflhelm Adolf, and another widow, Karolone Schaal. "

Samuel Schmidke 1848-1900 is buried in Bethune # 69831005.

In 1900 Kit Carson County, Anna is widowed, born Nov 1850, John Nov 1879, Samuel Nov 1881, Oct 1890, and Emma Jan 1892, all born in Russia.

Anna claimed a quarter in section 22, 7S 45W in 1907.

Anna 1850-1925 is buried in Bethune # 69831256, "Anna Magdalena Hauser.
Born: 03 Nov 1850 in Borodino, Akkerman District, Bessarabian Village, South Russia.
Died: 1925 at Bethune, Kit Carson, Colorado.


Father: Christian Hauser, Mother: Anna Magdalena Kubler."

MARGARET

Margeret married Christophe Stahlecker, son of Martin Stahleckerand Katharina Koch 1816-1875.

Margaret Schmidke and Christophe Stahlecker had Lydia on October 29, 1897 in Pierce County, South Dakota.

In 1900, Christophe Stahlecker is a mail carrier in Burlington, Kit Carson County, born Aug 1871 , married six years to Marguerette born Jan 1874, both in Russia. They said Christain was born Nov 1894, Lydia Oct 1899, both in Colorado.

One post says Margaret died November 17, 1901, probably buried in Bethune.
Christophe Stahlecker,31, married Christina Schachterle on July 19, 1903 in Longmont, Colorado.

November 3, 1909 "Matilda Stahlecker, daughter of Christoph and Margaret Stahlecker, died of typhoid fever at the family home 8 miles northwest of Sterling Sunday, aged 9 years, 1 month and 18 days. There were seven children in the Stachlecker family, five of whom have been sick with typhoid, as has also the father. They are homesteaders and just beginning to get a start on the uplands when misfortune came upon them. The disease was incurred by drinking water from a shallow well, it is thought. The neighbors have been helping to care for the sick family, and last week the county commissioners engaged a nurse for them. The little girl was buried in the Sterling cemetery yesterday."

In 1910, Christophe is farming near Sterling, Colorado, married seven years to Christina 28 born in Nebraska. Christine is 15, born in Colorado, Lydia M. 12 in South Dakota. Arthur O. 5, Ruban H. 4, Emma 3, and Edgwar W. 1 all born in Colorado.

October 1911 Sterling "C. Stahlecker is exhibiting some exceptional dry land products. Among them is a white Strasburg radish which weighs five and one half pounds and is twenty-one inches in circumference. A white egg turnip weighing nine and three quarter pounds, with top on, was twenty inches in circumference. The top was nearly large enough to provide shade for a herd of cattle. Mr. Stahlecker also had an ear of corn containing sixteen rows and deep well-filled grains. These were all raised without irrigation and proved the fertility of the Springdale district."
"Not content with the excellent showing he made on turnips, radishes and corn, C. Stahlecker was today exhibiting a peanut vine with about 60 well formed tubers on it. Mr. Stahlecker had about fifty hills of peanuts which he raised as an experiment and he was well pleased with tbe result. The peanuts were raixed without irrigation and the results are sufficient to warrant larger acreage next year."

Lydia M. Stahlecker, 17, married Joseph W. Dikeman on June 1, 1915 in Sterling, Logan County, Colorado.

1919 Sterling "Christ Stahlecker is on the sick list with a bad cold."

In 1920, they're farming in northwest Washington County, between Brush and Sterling. Christoph 48, Christina K. 38, Arthur O. 15, Reuben H. 14, Emma W> 13, Edgar M. 11, and ruth K. 8.

August 1920 Morgan County "Mrs. Fred Bryant and children visited with Mrs. Chris. Stahlecker at the home of the latter's parents last Wednesday and Thursday."

May 5, 1922 Woodrow, Colorado "Chris Stahlecker and daughter of Burlington. Colo., are visiting at the Schachterle home. Mr. Stahlecker is doing the caipenter work on their new buildings."

Christoph Stahlecker 1873-1946 is buried in Burlington, # 89678122, with Christina 1881-1935.

JOHN

John Schmidke and Caroline Janke, both of Yale, Kit Carson County, married there on September 18, 1902, by Lutheran minister Gerhard Janssen.

In 1910 John, 30, and Carrie 28, both born in Russia, have Mary 6, Albert 5, John 3, and Willie 2, all born in Colorado.

John claimed two quarters in section 20, 7S 45W in 1910.

John was a witness for the 1910 claim of Karl Weis for land in 7S 45W , along with John Ziegler, John Weisshaar, and August Adolf.
(Karl Weiss was the second husband of Karoline Janke's mother Apolonia Juengling (Janke) Weiss. )

1910

Thanks to Ed Stahlecker
John is buried in Greeley, Colorado 1879-1960 # 65234169, with Karoline (Janke) Schmidke 1885-1967 # 69832628.

December 6, 1960 "John Schmidke Sr., 81, died early Tuesday morning at Osteopathic Memorial hospital. He had resided in Greeley for 33 years. Born Nov. 16, 1879 at Alexander Jaid, Russia, Schmidke came to the United States in 1902 (sic). He lived in Loveland until moving to Greeley. He was a retired farmer.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Caroline Schmidke, whom he married Sept. 19, 1902; five children, Mrs. Marie Stelter of Elgin, N. D., John Schmidke Jr. of Greeley, William Schmidke of Akron, Mrs. Emma Osier of Seattle, Wash., and Mrs. Sophie Mandella of Klamath Falls, Ore.; grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a brother, Sam Schmidke of Pomona, California. Funeral services will be announced by Macy's."

" Born: 07 Jun 1885 in Friedenstal, Akkerman District, Bessarabian Village, South Russia.
Died: 27 Dec 1967 at Greeley, Weld, Colorado.

Father: Jakob Janke, Mother: Apolonia Juengling."

" 1. Marie SCHMIDKE
B. 1903, Kit Carson County D. 1982
Married Henry STELTER

2. Albert SCHMIDKE
B. 1904, Kit Carson County
D. 21 Nov 1934

3. John SCHMIDKE
B. 1907, Kit Carson County
D. 2 May 1966

4. William SCHMIDKE
B. 1908, Kit Carson County
D. 1991, Denver
Married Elsie TRAUTMAN

5. Emma SCHMIDKE
B. 1913, Delmont, South Dakota
D. 1998, Fall City, Washington
Married 1931 to Louie OSTER

6. Sophia SCHMIDKE
"Sophie A Mandella, widow of Fred J Mandella, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2003, at her residence, The Circle of Friends Adult Family Home in Everett, WA where she received loving care as their first client until her last day.
Sophie died at the age of 87 years old due to natural causes, just two months short of her 88th birthday. She was happy and delighted through her final hours that were filled with the many visitations of her family members.
Sophie was born in Elgin, ND on May 13, 1915. Her parents were Carolyn and John Schmidke, now deceased, from the old European continent in the area of White Prussia.
Sophie requested cremation and arrangements were entrusted to Purdy and Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home of Everett. She also requested that her ashes be placed near her parents who are buried in Greeley, CO where they all spent many of their years together prior to 1945. This will take place later this summer.
Sophie will be most remembered for her deep love of her family and friends, her wonderful crocheting projects, and last but not least her wonderful cooking.
Sophie graduated from High School in Greeley. Her early years were spent working on the Plum farm, where she met her first husband, Carl Behlen. They had their one and surviving son, James Carl Behlen, Sr. The family moved to California in the early years of WWII. They worked at Bethlehem Shipyards through the war years.
Later, Sophie moved to Carson City, NV to complete her separation from Carl. Nevada was where Sophie met Fred J. Mandella while working as a waitress. Later they married and moved to the Mandella family farm in Paso Robles, CA. Fred and Sophie enjoyed a beautiful marriage until Fred passed away, here, in Everett, in 1993, six months short of their 50th wedding anniversary. They lived in Paso Robles, CA: Fallon, NV; Long Beach, CA; Klamath Falls, OR; Kodak, AK; Prineville, OR; Shelton, WA; and finally to rest in Everett, WA.
Sophie in her early years was active with Carl as members of the Modern Woodman of America. Later during the years with Fred, they were affilated with The Order of Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron, following Fred who served earlier as Worthy Patron. Sophie accompanied Fred with his tireless efforts, in the VFW, with the VFW Cooties charitable activities. This was all followed by their activities in the Elks in Shelton, WA.
Sophie is survived by her only child, her son, Jim Behlen of Everett, WA. She had four grandchildren, Jim Behlen, Jr. of San Jose, CA, Cindy Richards of Los Osos, CA, Kevan Behlen of Everett, WA, Mandy Behlen of SeaTac, WA. She is also survived by three step-grandchildren, Gene Conradi of Spokane, WA, Lisa Schwarz and Jerry Conradi of Preston, WA. Sophie, also is survived by 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. "
7. Martha SCHMIDKE
B. 1926
D. 1927, Loveland, Colorado"


LYDIA

Lydia (Schmidke) Weiss1890-1936 is buried in Bethune # 69765117.

EMMA

"Emma M. Oster, 84, of Fall City, Wash., died Wednesday, March 4, at the Issaquah Care Center in Issaquah, Wash. She was born, March 24, 1913, in Delmont, S.D., to John and Karoline Schmidke. The Schmidkes, who were married in Bethune, lived in many states, eventually settling in Loveland and Greeley.
In 1931, she married Louie Oster and the couple lived in Greeley until 1955. During the 1940s, they owned the Yellow Cab Co. and a small grocery store. Mrs. Oster began working for the Singer Sewing Co. in 1949 as an instructor. Other interests including Civil Air Patrol in 1947, photography classes in 1949 and a one-half-hour sewing instruction program in 1955 on KFKA radio station.
Mrs. Oster and her husband and his guide dog Adair, moved to Seattle in 1955 because of her husband's health. She continued employment with Singer until her retirement in 1975. Her biggest joy was the trip she and one of her students took to Rome in 1965. The Osters moved to Fall City in 1968 after they lost their house in Seattle to the Interstate 5 freeway development.
Mrs. Oster was a loving and compassionate person, devoting her time to family, friends, church, her home and garden.
Survivors are a son, Gilbert Oster of Seattle; a sister, Sophie Mandella in Everett, Wash.; and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Hulen and Mae Oster, both of Greeley; as well as other relatives in Greeley, Denver and Yuman, and Bismarck, N.D. Her husband is deceased.
Services were March 10 at the United Methodist Church in Fall City. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of the donor's choice or to the Fall City United Methodist Church, 4326 337th Place S.E., Fall City, Wash. 98024."

ROSINA

Samuel Schaal married Rosina Schmidke Nov 214, 1895, recorded in Kit Carson County.
Rosina Schaal 1877-1898 is buried in Bethune # 118830826 "Mother of Jake & John."

SAMUEL

Samuel Schmidke and Bertha Weiss married in
Kit Carson County on February 15, 1908.

They're farming in Kit Carson County in 1910, with Emma newborn.
Samuel claimed a quarter in section 22, 7S 45W in 1913.

In 1920, Samuel is farming in Kit Carson County, 38, with Bertha 31, Emma M. 10, Emil J. 6, Elsie J. 5, Theodore 3, Esther L. 2, and Leopold C. 1. His mother Anna M. 69 is living with them.

They're raising fruit in 1930 Larimer County, Colorado, Sam 47, Berhta 40, Emil 17, Elsie 15, Esther 12, Lee 11, Hudla 9, and Marian 1.

In 1940 Sam and Bertha are farming in Sacramento County, California with only Miriam 11.

Bertha died in Lodi, California on December 26, 1947, and is buried in Lodi # 69756557.

Lodi, California " An extended illness came to an end yesterday morning in a local hospital for Mrs. Bertha Schmidke, 59, when she passed away some 28 hours after fulfilling one of her last greatest desires, that of returning to Lodi, her former residence.
Mrs. Schmidke and her husband, Mr. Sam Schmidke, left Lodi little more than a year ago and became residents of Loveland, Colorado. Two weeks ago, on December 12, four of the couple's children, who live in Lodi and vicinity, left to be at the bedside of their mother and immediately began making arrangements for her return to Lodi.
At 5 o'clock Christmas morning, Mrs. Schmidke arrived in a local hospital where she spent the last few hours of her struggle for life with relatives and friends she wanted to see "just once more" before her inevitable passing.
A native of South Russia, she came to the United States in 1909 and settled in Bethune Colo. She and her husband moved to Lodi in 1934. She was a member of the local Church of God.
She is survived by her husband, Mr. Sam Schmidke, who returned with her, and the following children: Mrs. Emma M. McDowell, Lodi; Emil Schmidke, Lodi; Mrs. Elsie Mittleider, Hawaii; Theodore Schmidke, Sacramento; Esther Appel, Lodi; Lee Schmidke, Clay; Mrs. Hulda Schleining; Sacramento and Mrs. Miriam Werner, Lodi.
Also surviving are two sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Wilhelmina Stalecker (Stahlecker), Loveland, Colo.; Mrs. Josephine Stalecker (Stahlecker), Loveland, Colo.; Gottfried Weis (Weiss), Bethune, Colo.; Martin Weiss, Bethune; Colo., and John Weiss, Pacific Beach.
Mrs. Schmidke had eight grand-children, Rose, Marie and Marjorie McDowell, Lodi; Gail, William and Nadine Schmidke; Lodi; Kenneth and Donna Donna Schleining, Sacramerlto, and Diainna Appel, Lodi.
Funeral services will be held on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the chapel of the Wells Funeral Home with the Rev. Earl Shaffer, pastor of the local Church of God, officiating."

Sam died in Sacramento County on October 26, 1969, and is buried in Lodi, California # 69757405,

"Samuel Schmidke, 87, a former resident of Lodi, died Sunday in a Carmichael hospital after an extended illness. A native of Russia, he came to California and to Lodi in 1935 and lived here until 1948. He returned here in 1964 and stayed until six months ago when he moved to Carmichael. He was a retired carpenter. He is survived by two sons, Lee Schmidke of Lodi and Emil Schmidke of North Sacramento; five daughters, Mrs. Miriam Werner of Lodi, Mrs. Emma McDowell and Mrs. Hilda Schleining of Sacramento, Mrs. Elsie Mittleider of Los Angeles and Mrs. Esther Appel of Washington; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of the Gierhart & Wells Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cherokee Memorial Park."

Sam married Prudence Angeleine Keeble in Pomona, California on October 30, 1948.

Emma M. McDowell 1909-1993 is buried in Sacramento # 99987316, with Wayne S. 1911-1983.

Elsie Joann (Schmidke) Mittleider 1914-1972, dying in Los Angles, is buried in Cypress, California # 94538327.

Emil Schmidlke and Lydia Herman married on July 3, 1934 in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In 1940 Lodi, California, Emil is 27, Lydia 29, Gail 4, and William one month.

Emil J. Schmidke 1913-1991 is buried in Colorado Springs # 33963162.

Lydia Fuller married B.W. Fuller in 1962.
" Lydia Fuller, 84, of Lodi died in her home Dec.2 after a sudden illness. She was born Lydia Herman on April 2, 1911 in Fort Collins, Colo. Mrs. Fuller married Emil Schmidke in Colorado in 1934, and they came to California shortly after. They lived in Clarksburg and came to Lodi in 1936. In 1962, she married B.W. "Spud" Fuller. Mrs. Fuller was a homemaker and enjoyed fishing in her younger years. Her other pastimes included gardening and going on family outings. She was preceded in death by her second husband, B.W. "Spud" Fuller in 1983. She is survived by two sons; a daughter; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Committal at Lodi Memorial Cemetery Lodi News-Sentinel Dec 4, 1995"

Gail H. Schmidke, 18, married Dorothy M. Weeks, 16, in San Joaquin COunty on July 17, 1955.

William R. Schmidke 1940-2011, is buried in Lodi # 141408276.
"Married Kathleen Felton. Married Roberta Anglen."

Hilda (Schmidke) Schleining, wife of Edward Schleining, born February 23, 1921, died Feburary 28, 1997 in Solano County, California.
Edward, born 1918 in Montana to Jacob Schleining and Lena Leaphart, died December 29, 1999.
"No formal services will be held for Edward Schleining, 80, of Fairfield. Burial will be at sea.
Born on Jan. 28, 1919, in Huntley, Mont., Mr. Schleining died Dec. 29, 1999, at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo following a short illness.
He was an equipment operator for Sacramento County for 15 years before retiring in 1977. He lived in Fairfield for 10 years.
Mr. Schleining is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Jane of Fairfield; sisters, Becky Amador of Sacramento and Sara Frankenfield of Greenlane, Pa.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Theodore Schmidke 1916-1961 is buried in Sacramento # 138999374.

"Miriam Werner 83 0f Lodi, CA was called to join her heavenly father on April 19, 2012 in Nampa Idaho. Born in Loveland CO.
Preceded in death by her loving husband Ruben (Papa) Werner and daughter Candace Woodward.
Survived by her daughter Robinette McAninch; 6 Grandchildren-Heather Hayden, Liz Eisenbrandt, Desiree Beall, Darci Rivas, Nathan Woodward, Patrick McAninch and 7 Great-Grandchildren. She enjoyed many years working as a CNA, crafting, and gardening. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bammie was put on this earth to care for others. In life we strive to be someone that cares for others more than ourselves; if you knew Bammie then you knew she was that person, the person that was exactly who you want to be. Bammie never had a negative opinion, she was unfailingly positive. Bammie lived God's Golden Rule: love one another as I have loved you. She truly loved everyone with all of her heart.
Funeral Services will be held 10am Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 & Harney Ln., Lodi. "

"Lee C. Schmidke, 86, of Lodi, died Jan. 18, 2005 in a Stockton hospital. He was born Dec. 20, 1918, in Bethune, Colo.
Mr. Schmidke served in the U.S. Army and was a World War II veteran. He lived in Lodi for 70 years, where he owned and operated Delta Auto Wreckers for 70 years.
He enjoyed farming and took care of his ranch for 30 years. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice K. Schmidke, of Lodi; son, Steven Schmidke, of Manteca; daughter, Sandra King, of Stockton; sister, Miriam Werner, of Galt; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A funeral will be held at noon Monday in the Chapel of the Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park, Highway 99 and Harney Lane. Visitation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi.

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