William Edward Kortbein (1882 - 1970)

Born 7 Oct 1882 in Larabee, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, USA

Ancestors

Died 16 Jul 1970 at age 87 in Wittenberg, Shawano County, Wisconsin

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Biography

(Saturday 7 Oct 1882 – Thursday 16 July 1970) Age 87

Kortbein’s & Pribbernow’s Immigrate to USA

Per the 1900 US Census Ed Kortbein and Amelia Pribbernow told the enumerator, Eli Elipsum, that they had been living in the USA for 43 years. According to Ed Kortbein his father and mother immigrated to the USA in 1857 when he was 7 years old. Amelia Augusta Pribbernow said that her parents also immigrated to the USA in 1857 and that she was 2 years old at that time. Ed and Amelia were married in 1872.

Birth & Parents

On Saturday, 7 Oct 1882, in Larabee, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, William Edward Kortbein was born, the 7th known child of 12 known children born to Amelia Pribbernow, (18 Aug 1855 - 29 March 1930), and Wilhelm Kortbein, (3 March 1849 - 5 March 1905). Ed, as he was known by his friends and family, was named after his father. There is confusion among the source documents about the year in which Edward was born. He personally wrote his birth year as 1882 on his WW1 draft registration card. His obituary states that he was born in 1882. However, his WW2 draft register card lists the year in which he was born as 1884. The Confirmanden Register of St John Lutheran Church lists his birthday as 7 Oct 1883.

Confirmation

On Sunday, 9 April 1899, St John Lutheran Church in Birnamwood, had confirmation for 11 of their parishioners. William Edward Kortbein and his sister, Louise Emily, were among the group. Source: Confirmanden Register, page 210, Line Item 7, St. John Lutheran Church Congregations Records, Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin. Citation: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Archives; Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Congregational Records.

Parents & Siblings

Amelia Augusta Frederike Pribbernow told the 1900 US Census enumerator and the 1910 US Census enumerator that she and Ed Kortbein were married in 1872 and that 13 children were born to her. She also said that 10 of her children were alive in 1900 and she repeats that claim on the 1910 US census. This means that 3 of her children died during infancy and they died prior to 1900. If the following children’s list is correct, it means at least 1 infant remains unidentified.

• It is known that Amelia and Ed Kortbein adopted 2 girls. It is believed that Lilly Kortbein, (19 July 1891– 12 Nov 1918), was their granddaughter, the daughter of Ira Rebecca Kortbein. However, no source documents have been located to authenticate this claim. Their relationship to their other adopted daughter, Anna Martha Franziska Engelke Carlson, (4 Feb 1881 - 9 Dec 1956), remains a mystery. Augusta would not have counted either Lily or Martha since they were adopted and alive in 1900. Their daughter, Johanna Mathilde Caroline Kortbein, (20 Nov 1873 – Unknown), also remains a mystery

12 known children were born to Amelia Pribbernow Kortbein, all of whom were born near the towns of Clintonville or Larrabee, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. In chronological order the 12 known children, 5 sons and 7 daughters are:

• 1. Ida Rebecca Dorothea Kortbein, (3 Nov 1872 – ? 1919 ?).
• 2. Johanna Mathilde Caroline Kortbein, (20 Nov 1873 – Unknown) Age
• 3. Frederick (Fred) Wilhelm Christop Kortbein, (19 June 1875 - 21 Aug 1953) Age 78
• 4. Albert George Kortbein, (23 Nov 1876 - 10 Dec 1943) Age 67
• 5. Emma Wilhelmine Kortbein Zilch, (5 Sept 1878 - 3 Sept 1947) Age 68
• 6. Wilhelmine (Minnie) Kortbein Klitz, (22 Aug 1879 - 4 June 1946) Age 66
• 7. William Edward (Ed) Kortbein, (7 Oct 1882 - 16 July 1970) Age 87
• 8. Louise "Lizzie" Emilie Kortbein Uttecht, (25 May 1885 - 1 July 1973) Age 88
• 9. John Robert Kortbein, (4 Dec 1886 - 13 Jan 1945) Age 74
• 10. Martha Marie Kortbein French, (8 Nov 1888 - 27 Oct 1947) Age 58
• 11. Amanda Augusta Albertina Kortbein Kielman, (20 Feb 1891 - 24 Aug 1974) Age 83
• 12. Herman Walter Kortbein, (27 Dec 1899 - 20 Sept 1958) Age 58

Father’s Death: Wilhelm Edward Kortbein

On Sunday, 5 March 1905, Wilhelm Edward Kortbein died. He was only 56 years old. His remains were buried in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin. A description of his gravesite may be found on Find-A-Grave memorial ID # 104542139. The website is https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/104542139

Wilhelm's death left surviving family members in grief and confusion. For example, Lily Kortbein moved out of the family home and went to live with her cousin Fred Kortbein and his wife, Ella. Lily had a son out of wedlock and placed the newborn in the state orphanage. Among all the siblings, John Robert and William Edward, were the two who travelled the farthest from home. Both moved to Montana. Edward settled in Whitefish and later Missoula, Montana, while John Robert was restless, moving every few years within the state of Montana.

1910 Marriage to Frieda Rahe

On Wednesday, 14 Dec 1910, at St John Lutheran Church in Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin, 27-year-old William Edward Kortbein married 19-year-old Frieda Rahe, (26 Feb 1891 - 12 Dec 1918), daughter of Johanna Pinske, (15 Dec 1868 - 20 Feb 1947), and Heinrich "Henry" C Rahe, (1866 - 24 Oct 1933). Frieda’s brother, Gustav Rahe, and her sister, Hilda Rahe, were witnesses to the marital ceremony as well as Walter Schenk, and Beata Bergmann.

• Source: 1910 Trau Register, page 314, St. John Lutheran Church Congregations Records, Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin. Citation: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Archives; Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Congregational Records

Frieda’s Parents & Siblings

Johanna Pinske, and Heinrich "Henry" C Rahe, were both born in Germany. According to the 1900 US Census Henry Rahe immigrated to the USA with his family in 1885 and Johanna Pinske immigrated to the USA with her mother Albertine Rosin Pinske and her father Heinrich Pinske. The family departed from Bremen, Germany on the passenger steam ship, “Baltimore” and arrived in the port city of Baltimore, Maryland on 22 March 1871. Their destination was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Henry and Johanna met each other in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and married in 1887. They moved to Shawano County soon after their marriage and Johanna began having children. Johanna told the 1900 US Census enumerator that she had borne 9 children but, at that time, only 5 of her children were living. Johanna told the 1910 US Census enumerator that she had borne 14 children but, as of that day, only 6 were alive. Only 7 of their 14 children have been identified. In chronological order, the 7 known children, 2 sons and 5 daughters, of Johanna and Henry Rahe are:

• 1. Wilhelm Rahe, (15 Aug 1887 - 30 Jan 1910) Age 22
• 2. Gustave Paul “Gust” Rahe (20 July 1889 - 17 July 1964) Age 74
• 3. Frieda Rahe Kortbein, (26 Feb 1891 - 12 Dec 1918) Age 27
• 4. Ida Minnie Hilda Rahe Niemuth Longfellow, (26 April 1895 – 25 May 1949) Age 54
• 5. Ottilie Emma Rahe Koebel, (26 Jan 1899 - 5 Sept 1953) Age 54
• 6. Clara Rahe Thomas, (19 March 1901 - 24 Jan 1993) Age 91
• 7. Anna Maria Rahe Romero, (3 April 1905 - 29 Jan 1996) Age 90

Frieda and Edward Had No Known Children

There are no source documents that suggest Frieda and Ed Kortbein had any children. If they did have children, they did not survive infancy.

1918 Frieda Rahe Kortbein Died

On Thursday, 12 Dec 1918, Frieda Rahe Kortbein died in Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin. She was 27 years old at the time of her death. No source documents have been located to explain her death. Her remains were buried in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin. A description of her gravesite may be found at Find-A-Grave Memorial ID #143184432. The Weblink is https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143184432

1920 Ed is Head of House for Siblings & Mother

Per the 1920 US Census William Edward is a widower, and head of house, maintaining a home for his mother and his siblings.

Early 1930s Edward Moves to Montana

It is not certain if Edward moved to Montana prior to or with his brother, John Robert. The earliest source document found indicating that Edward is living in Montana is the 1938 City Directory for Whitefish, Montana which states that William E Kortbein is employed in the lab for Somers Lumber Company.

Occupation

Whoever wrote William Edward’s obituary made the claimed that he was employed by the National Forest Service at Missoula, Montana for thirty years. There are other source documents that suggest that he worked for Somers Lumber Company for a number of years and then in the 1940s worked for Beeson Brothers for a few years.

William Edward Kortbein, Serial Number: 963; Current Residence: Sommers, Flathead County, Montana; Male; White; Age 58; Birthdate: 7 Oct 1884; Birth Place: Larabee, Wisconsin. Occupation: Beeson Brothers, in Avon, Powell County, Montana. Height: 6 ft; Weight: 202 lbs; Complexion: Ruddy; Eye Color: Blue; Hair Color: Blonde.

Source Citation: The National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; World War II Draft Cards (Fourth Registration) for the State of Montana; Record Group Title: Records of the Selective Service System, 1926-1975; Record Group Number: 147; Box or Roll Number: 31

The 1943 City Directory for Whitefish, Montana City Directory says that William E Kortbein is employed as Pond man for Somers Lumber Company. John and Bessie B Kortbein are also listed as residents of the city. No other information is given.

The 1947 City Directory for Whitefish, Montana City Directory says that William E Kortbein is employed as Pond man for Somers Lumber Company.

The 1951 City Directory for Kalispell, Montana lists William Edward Kortbein as a resident. The 1954 City Directory for Kalispell, Montana lists William Edward Kortbein as a resident. The 1957 City Directory for Kalispell, Montana lists William Edward Kortbein as a resident.

The 1958 City Directory for Missoula, Montana lists William Edward Kortbein as a resident living on 224 E Pine, Apt. 3.

1964 Ed Returned to Shawano County, Wisconsin

Not much information is available.

Death & Burial

“Ed Kortbein, 87, Homme Home for the Aging, Wittenberg, died Thursday [16 July 1970] at 2:05 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday [19 July 1970] at 1:30 in the chapel at the Homme Home for the Aging. The Rev. H. H. Landdeck, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg, will officiate, and burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Saturday at Kopitzke-Staus Funeral Home, Birnamwood, until 11 a.m. Sunday, and Sunday at the Homme Home Chapel from noon until time of services. Mr. Kortbein was born Oct. 7, 1882, in Waupaca County, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kortbein. He was married to Frieda Rahe in Clintonville. She died in 1917. He was a forest ranger for the National Forest Service for 30 years at Missoula, Montana. He returned to Wittenberg in 1964. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Paul Uttecht, Wittenberg, and Mrs. Carl Kielman, Matton.” Obituary published in the Wausau Daily Herald, (Wausau, Wisconsin), Friday, 17 July 1970, page 12.

• Mrs. Paul Uttecht is the former Louise "Lizzie" Emilie Kortbein, (25 May 1885 - 1 July 1973). Mrs. Carl “Charles” Kielman is the former Amanda Augusta Albertina Kortbein, (20 Feb 1891 - 24 Aug 1974). The Wisconsin Vital Records has his last residence as Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This is slightly confusing since the obituary says he was living in Homme Home for the Aging in Wittenberg.

Death Date is confirmed by Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Name: William E Kortbein; Age: 87; Sex: M (Male); Birth Date: abt. 1883; Death Date: 16 July 1970; Certificate: 029423; Citation: Wisconsin Death Index, 1959-67, 1969-97. Madison, Wisconsin, USA: Wisconsin Department of Health. ### Ancestry.com. Wisconsin, Death Index, 1959-1997 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.

Sources

Brother’s Obituary: John Robert Kortbein

On Saturday, 13 Jan 1945, in Great Falls, Wyoming, John Robert Kortbein died. His remains were buried in Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana. A description of the cemetery and his gravesite is available at Find-A-Grave memorial ID # 17696262. Weblink is https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17696262

“Gore Field Fireman Dies While at Work. John Kortbein, 58, fireman at Gore Field, who lived at the Sunset Tourist cabins, died suddenly at his work Saturday from a heart attack. His body is at Croxford’s. Funeral arrangements will be made following receipt of word from relatives. John Kortbein was born Dec 4, 1886, in Larabe, Wisconsin, and for the last 22 years lived at Somers, coming to Great Falls four months ago to work as a stationary engineer at Gore Field. In addition to his widow, Mrs. Bessie Kortbein, of Great Falls, he is survived by three Big Fork; three brothers: William E. of Somers, Fred of Wisconsin, and Herman of Milwaukee, and four sisters, Mrs. Martha Fouch, in California, Mrs. Elizabeth Uttecht and Mrs. Amanda children, Mrs. Nyhl Beeson of Mike Horse, Mrs. Farrel Sandland of Auburn, Washington, and Mrs. Dora Grier of Kilman of Birnamwood, Wisconsin and Mrs. Emma Zelch of Wild Rose, Wisconsin and four grandchildren.” Obituary notice published in the Great Falls Tribune, (Great Falls, Montana), Sunday, 14Jan 1945, page 7.

• This obituary had several spelling errors. The guide below (hopefully) clarifies who the obituary is referring to. First, Mrs. Nyhl Beeson’s former formal name was Mrs. Frank Robert Wilson, Jr. She divorced and remarried and at the time of this obituary she would have been formerly known as Mrs. Murel LeRoy Beeson. Her maiden name was Alta Nyhl Kortbein, (30 July 1911 - 19 May 1979). Second, Mrs. Farrel Sandland’s first name is misspelled. Her formal name, at the time of this obituary, should have been written as Mrs. Milton Edward Sandland. She is the former Farol Fay Kortbein, (24 Apr 1916 – 2 Aug 1977). Third, Mrs. Dora Grier’s formal name should have been written as Mrs. Gordon Ralph Grier. Her maiden name was, Dora Augusta Kortbein, (10 Jan 1919 - 2 Jan 1990). Fourth, Mrs. Amanda Kilman’s surname is misspelled. Her formal name should have been written as Mrs. Charles Kielman. Her maiden name was Amanda Augusta Albertina Kortbein, (20 Feb 1891 - 24 Aug 1974). Fifth, Mrs. Emma Zelch’s surname is misspelled. Her formal name should have been written as Mrs. Albert Gustave Zilch. Her maiden name was Emma Wilhelmine Kortbein, (5 Sept 1878 - 3 Sept 1947)

“John R. Kortbein Dies at Falls. Kalispell, Jan 16. – John R. Kortbein, 58, a former Flathead resident died Saturday afternoon in Great Falls, according to word received here. He had resided at Somers for a number of years. The body is to be brought to Kalispell, where service arrangements will be announced later by the Waggener & Campbell funeral home.” Funeral service notice published in The Missoulian, (Missoula, Montana), Wednesday, 17 Jan 1945, page 2.

Brother’s Obituary Herman Walter Kortbein

On Saturday, 20 Sept 1958, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Herman Walter Arnold Kortbein died. He was 58 years old. His remains were buried in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood, Shawano County, Wisconsin. A description of the cemetery and gravesite may be found on Find-A-Grave memorial ID # 50558375. Weblink is https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50558375.

“Herman Kortbein. 58, Milwaukee, died Saturday morning at 8:10 o’clock at a hospital in that city after six months’ illness. Funeral services will be tomorrow at 2 o’clock at the Kopitzke Funeral Home in Birnamwood. The Rev. Richard. C. Glock will officiate and burial will be in Forest Cemetery in Birnamwood. The body is at the funeral home. Mr. Kortbein was born Dec. 27, 1899 in the Town of Almond, Shawano County, the son of Mr. and Mrs Edward Kortbein. He married Clara Rickert Jan. 5, 1927 in Matton. He lived in the Matton area until 1942 when they moved to Milwaukee where he was employed as an elevator operator by the Pritzlaff Hardware Company. Surviving are the widow; a daughter Mrs. Lucille Mack, Milwaukee; a step-daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Czebotor, Milwaukee; two sisters, Mrs. Paul Uttecht, Birnamwood, and Mrs. Amanda Kielman, Bowler; and five grandchildren.” Wausau Daily Herald, Monday, 22 Sept 1958, page 2.

“Mrs. Paul Uttecht has received word of the death of her brother, Herman Korbein, 58, at Milwaukee, where he resided many years. He formerly operated a farm several miles east of the village. The body was brought here for burial and funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Richard C. Glock, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, at the Kopitzke Funeral Home. The Rev. V. J. Zuberbier, of Caroline, was guest speaker at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Sunday morning “. This news item was written by Mrs. Ellen Lyons, social correspondent, for her column entitled ‘News of Birnamwood & Vicinity’, and published in the Wausau Daily Herald, (Wausau, Wisconsin), Thursday 25 Sept 1958, page 20.

Sister’s Obituary: Louise “Lizzie” Kortbein Uttecht

“Mrs. Paul Uttecht, 88, a former Birnamwood resident died Sunday morning at Homme Home for the Aging, Wittenberg. Funeral services at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Town of Aniwa. The Rev. Kenneth Malpert will officiate, and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from now until Tuesday noon at Kopitzke-Staus Funeral Home in Birnamwood, and at the church from 12:30 p. m. Tuesday until time of services. The former Louise A. Kortbein was born May 25, 1885, in Waupaca County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kortbein. On April 18, 1905, in the Town of Aniwa, she was married to Paul Uttecht, who died Dec. 15, 1958. She was a member of the Ladies Aid of the church. Survivors include two sons, Walter, of Birnamwood, and William, of Wittenberg Route 2; a sister, Mrs. Amanda Kielman, of Mattoon; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.” Obituary published in the Wausau Daily Herald, (Wausau, Wisconsin), Monday, 2 July 1973, page 8.

“Uttecht Services. Funeral services for Mrs. Paul Uttecht, 88, former Birnamwood resident who died Sunday at Homme Home for the Aging, Wittenberg, were held today at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Town of Aniwa. The Rev. Kenneth Malpert officiated and burial was in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were Dick Block, Alfred Kielman, Ronny Stillman, Ronald Uttecht, Milton and Edward Schmidt.” News article published in the Wausau Daily Herald, (Wausau, Wisconsin), Tuesday, 3 July 1973, page 6.

1900 US Census

1900 US Census. Birnamwood, Shawano, Wisconsin; Page: 4; Enumeration District: 0160; FHL microfilm: 1241817. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Sheet Number: 4; Number of Dwelling in Order of Visitation: 191; Family Number: 192; Residence: 8 Maple Street; Birnamwood, Shawano, Wisconsin. Farm-House Owned; Home Free; Report Dated: 22-23 June 1900; Enumerator: Eli Elipson;

• Head of House: Ed Kortbind, 51; Birth Date: Mar 1849; White; Male; Birthplace: Germany; Years in US: 48; Naturalization: Na, Immigration Year: 1856; Married; Marriage Year: 1872; Can Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: Farmer; Months Not Employed: 0; Father's Birthplace: Germany; Mother's Birthplace: Germany;
• Wife: Emillea Kortbind, 44; White; Female; Birth Date: Aug 1855; Birthplace: Germany; Years in US: 43; Immigration Year: 1857; Married; Marriage Year: 1872; Can Read/Write: Yes; Mother: Number of Living Children: 10; Mother: How Many Children: 13; Father's Birthplace: Germany; Mother's Birthplace: Germany;
• Daughter: Emma Kortbind, 21; Birth Date: Sep 1878; White; Female; Single; Birthplace: Wisconsin; Can Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: At Home;
• Son: Edward Kortbind, 16; White; Male; Single; Birth Date: Oct 1883; Birthplace: Wisconsin; Can Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: Farm Laborer;
• Daughter: Louisa Kortbind, 15; Birth Date: May 1885; White; Female; Single; Birthplace: Wisconsin; Can Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: At Home;
• Son: John Kortbind, 13; White; Male; Single; Birth Date: Dec 1886; Birthplace: Wisconsin; Can Read/Write: Yes;
• Daughter: Martha Kortbind, 11; White; Female; Birth Date: Nov 1888; Birthplace: Wisconsin;
• Daughter: Manda Kortbind, 9; Birth Date: Feb 1891; White, Female; Birthplace: Wisconsin; Occupation: At School; Attended School: 7;
• Daughter: Lida Kortbind, 8; Birth Date: Jul 1891; White; Female; Birthplace: Wisconsin;
• Son: Herman Kortbind, 5/12; Birth Date: Dec 1899; White; Male; Birthplace: Wisconsin.

1910 US Census

1910 US Federal Census: Birnamwood, Shawano, Wisconsin; Roll: T624_1737; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0143; FHL microfilm: 1375750. Original data: Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C., Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Farm-House Owned; Home Mortgaged; Report Dated: 24 April 1910; Enumerator: Fred E. Strupp;

• Head of House: Fred Kortbein, 24; Birth Year: abt. 1886; Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Male; Married; Years Married: 6 years; Able to Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: Farmer; Father's Birthplace: Germany; mother's birthplace: Germany;
• Wife: Ella Kortbein, 23; Birth Year: abt. 1887; Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Female; Able to Read/Write: Yes; Married; Years Married: 6 Years; No. of Children Born: 3; Number of Children Living: 2; Father's Birthplace: Germany; Mother's Birthplace: Germany;
• Daughter: Louise Kortbein, 4; Birth Year: abt. 1906; Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Female;
• Son: Ervin (Andrew)Kortbein, 2; Birth Year: abt. 1908; Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Male;
• Mother: Amelia A Kortbein, 54; Birth Year: abt.1856; Birthplace: Germany; Immigration Year: 1877; White; Female; Widowed; Able to Read: Yes; Able to Write: No; Years Married: 0; Number of Children Born: 13; Number of Children Living: 10;
• Brother: Edward Kortbein, 26; Birth Year: abt. 1884; Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Male; Single; Able to Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: Laborer in Lumber Mill;
• Brother: Herman Kortbein, 10; Birth Year: abt. 1900; Birthplace: Wisconsin; Able to Read/Write: Yes;

1920 US Census

1920 US Census: Aniwa, Shawano, Wisconsin; Roll: T625_2016; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 90; ## Original data: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. ## Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Report Dated: 9 Jan 1920; Enumerator: Nestor C. Humboldt; Home Owned; Mortgaged;

• Head of House: Edward Kortbien, 36; Birth Year: abt. 1884; Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Male; Marital status: Widowed; Able to Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: Farm Laborer;
• Brother: Herman Kortbien, 20; Birth Year: abt. 1900: Birthplace: Wisconsin; White; Male; Single; Able to Read/Write: Yes; Occupation: Farm Laborer;
• Son: Archie Kortbien, 2; Birth Year: abt. 1918; Birthplace: Wisconsin;
• Mother: Augusta Kortbien, 64; Birth Year: abt. 1856; Birthplace: Germany; Marital status: Widowed; Able to Read/Write: Yes; Father's Birthplace: Germany; Mother's Birthplace: Germany.

Missing 1930 US Census

Missing 1940 US Census

Frieda’s Father’s Obituary

“Funeral services for Henry Rahe, farmer of the town of Birnamwood, who died here at St. Mary’s hospital Monday, [24 Oct 1932} are to be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Congregational Church in Birnamwood, the Rev. J. M. Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery near Birnamwood. The deceased was born in Germany in 1866, and came to this country in 1884, settling in Milwaukee. He was married there to Johanna Pinske shortly before the couple moved to Shawano County in 1888. Surviving are the widow; a son, Gustav Rahe of the town of Birnamwood; and four daughters, Mrs. Hilda Wiemuth, and Mrs. Erna Hoeber of Plymouth, Mrs. Cora St. Louis Obisquo, Cal., and Mrs. Anna Romero of Santa Barbara, California.” Obituary published in the Wausau Daily Herald (Wausau, Wisconsin), Wednesday, 26 Oct 1932, page 4.

Frieda’s Mother’s Obituary

“Mrs. Rahe Dies at Kohler; Plan Rites Saturday. Mrs. Henry Rahe, 48, of Kohler, died late Thursday morning, [21 Feb 1947], at St. Nicholas hospital following a lingering illness. Nee Johanna Pinski, the deceased was born in Milwaukee, Dec. 15, 1868, the daughter of Henry and Albertina Pinski. She was married to Henry Rahe at Milwaukee on Feb. 15, 1887, and the couple immediately moved to Birnamwood, Wis., to reside. For the past five months Mrs. Rahe had made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Louis Niemuth at Kohler. Her husband preceded her in death on Oct., 24, 1932. Survivors include one son, Gust, of Birnamwood; four daughters, Mrs. Clayton (Hilda) Longfellow, of San Luis Obispo, California, Mrs. Norman (Emma) Koebel, of Plymouth, Mrs. Joe (Clara) Thomas, of San Luis Obispo, and Mrs Benito (Anna) Romera, of Santa Barbara, California; one sister, Mrs. Minnie McCrossen, of Chicago; 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. One son, one daughter, two brothers and two sisters also preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 8 o’clock Saturday evening at the Dean Funeral home, Sheboygan Falls. The Rev. Herbert W. Baxmann, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Plymouth, will officiate, and burial will be made in the Birnamwood, Wisconsin cemetery Sunday. Friends may call at the Dean Funeral Home from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service.” Obituary published in The Sheboygan Press, (Sheboygan, Wisconsin), Friday 21 Feb 1947, page 6.

Frieda’s Brother’s Obituary

Gustave Rahe, 74, Town of Birnamwood retired farmer, died at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Langlade County Memorial Hospital in Antigo after being ill two days. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. in Kopitzke Funeral Home, Birnamwood. The Rev. Roy Reierson, paster of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Town of Aniwa, will officiate and burial will be in Forest Cemetery at Birnamwood. The body will be at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Sunday. Mr. Rahe was born July 20, 1889, in the town of Almon, Shawano County, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rahe. He married the former Hattie Kolbe Aug 27, 1914, in Birnamwood. She died in 1958. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Jasper Thayer, of Eland, Route 1; Mrs. Carl Wicke, of Tigerton, Mrs. Herman Hersant, of Antigo, and Mrs. Emery Mundt, of Birnamwood route 1; two sons, William, of Sheboygan, and Gustave Jr., of Oostburg; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Thomas, and Mrs. Benito Romero, both of California. And 17 grandchildren.” Obituary published in the Wausau Daily Herald (Wausau, Wisconsin), Saturday, 18 Jul 1964, page 2.

Frieda’s Sister’s Obituary

“Mrs. Hilda Ida Longfellow, 54, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., died early today [25 May 1949] at the home of her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Koebel, 320 Elizabeth Street, after a short illness. She had been visiting at the Koebel home since Tuesday May 17. Born April 26, 1895, in Birnamwood, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rohe, she was married to Clayton F. Longfellow on Sept 24, 1942. The couple made their home at San Luis Obispo since that time. Survivors are her husband; three sons, Henry Niemuth, Sheboygan Falls; Louis Niemuth, Plymouth, and Lawrence Niemuth, Santa Maria, California, and two daughters, Mrs. William (Sylvia) Hartzell, Ventura, Calif., and Mrs. A.N. (Angeline) Johnston, San Luis Obispo. She is also survived by two step-children, Mrs. Nenona Moorhouse, Paso Robles, Calif., and Gerald C. Longfellow, Santa Maria, Calif., 10 grandchildren; one brother, Gustave Rohe, Birnamwood, and three sisters, Mrs. Norman Koebel, Plymouth; Mrs. Joseph Thomas, San Luis Obispo, and Mrs. Beneto Remero, Santa Barbara, Calif. The body was taken to the Wittkopp Funeral Home and will be shipped to San Luis Obispo later today. Funeral services will be held there Monday.” Obituary published in The Sheboygan Press, (Sheboygan, Wisconsin), Wednesday, 25 May 1949, page 16.