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)