THE RAATZ STORY UNFOLDS

Strolling down the Raatz Reunion memory lane with you the last few months has been fun. Now it’s time to take some time to step back further in time. Where did this Raatz bunch come from? Thanks to George Gildersleeve for the photos and information. If anything is incorrect, I apologize.

Emil Karl Raatz was born in Strostin, Germany June 22, 1842. He married Wilhelmine Ottilie Wobschall. After a brief time of living in Waseca they settled in LaMoure County, ND. Emil died August 24,1928 in Verona, ND

Otilja Wilhelmine Wobschall was born August 29, 1861 in Kolmar, Posen, Germany. She and Karl had eight children. She died in November 15, 1931 in LaMoure County, ND

Emil & Otilja Raatz family (Note his sister that always posed with her best side showing) Charles is seated on the left.

Karl August William “Charles” Raatz was one of these children. He was born in Waseca, MN, September 24, 1884. The photos is of Charley’s confirmation picture at age 14. (Third boy from left) Charles died March 3, 1975 in Oakes, ND.

Heinrich Gotbar Petersen was born April 4, 1854 in Stedesand, Tondern, Schweis-Hold. He married Margaretha Metta Lund. After serving in the army he found that he had no means of supporting their 8 children (one of these died) in Germany. They decided to homestead in the Dakotas. In 1891 he took their eldest son and went to find a place to live before sending for the rest of the family. He died May 31, 1878 in Lisbon, ND.

Margaretha Metta Lund was born November 29, 1855 in Huerup, Flensburg, Schleswig-Hols. When Heinrich left for America she was pregnant with another child. After the birth of the next son she took the long ship journey across the ocean with the children. Another child was born in America. This brought their total surviving children to 10. Margaretha died July 13, 1914 in Lisbon, ND.

The Heinrich & Margaretha Petersen family (Mary in back row right)

Catherine Marie “Mary” Petersen was born December 6, 1890 in Germany. Interesting that her four month old sister who died the year Mary was born was named Marie Chatherine. Mary was two years old when her family settled in America. The photo is of her confirmation in 1906. (Mary is back row right)

She died September 29, 1966 in LaMoure, ND

Karl August William “Charles” Raatz married Catherine Marie “Mary” Petersen June 2, 1908 in Verona, ND. There they began a happy life on the farm and later retired to the town of Verona. They were actively involved in their community and St. John’s Lutheran Church. The second photo was taken in 1918.

And that brings us to the wonderful siblings that brought us all together for these wonderful Raatz Reunions. Edith, Ardith, Marie, Shirley, James and Jeanette. Photo taken about 1936.

Here are a few photos of them in the early years. Can you figure out who is who? And where they are?