Alma (Strassburger) Mauk (1887 - 1960)

Born 19 Apr 1887 in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

Ancestors

Wife of Arthur Mauk — married 24 Nov 1910 in Town of Herman, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

Descendants

Died 12 Aug 1960 at age 73 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Lee Mauk [send private message]

Biography

(1940 Census = Mank instead of Mauk)

Alma was my grandmother. She completed 4th grade. Her father then sent her into various homes in the community to help new mothers with new babies. I am the oldest grandchild. I was 19 when Alma died, so I have vivid memories of both Arthur and Alma. What I remember most was their simple life. They often spoke to me in German, and while I didn't speak German, I did manage to learn enough German words to understand most of what they were saying.

Alma and Arthur Mauk lived in a small house in Ada, Wisconsin. I recall that they had one milking cow in a small barn behind the house. Alma turned the basement into a chicken hatchery. The 1940 census lists Laverne Nennig, a 16-year-old girl who lived with them, identified as a maid. Alma had to spend considerable time every day "turning the eggs", so Laverne took over many of the household tasks. Art and some friends started a small insurance company, Heritage Insurance, which today is Acuity. In addition, Arthur raised bees, and sold honey and honeycomb. He was a handyman and a skilled carpenter, taking numerous odd jobs in the village of Ada.

Alma's youngest sister, Hilda Strassburger Dittrich died at the age of 39 in 1933, leaving two children, Burt (9) and June (13). Burt later lived with Arthur and Alma, who raised him. Burt lived with Art and Alma until he married Theresa (Terry) Mulloy in 1950. Burt and Terry then lived on the second floor of Art and Alma's house at 1225 N. 15th Street, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Sources

• Personal family records