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The Walter John Stuempges Family
Walter John Stuempges
b. 10 Jun 1899, Coon Valley, Vernon Co, WI
d. 13 May 1982, Ely, St. Louis Co, MN
bu. Ely Cemetery, Ely, MN
Father: Johann Philipp Julius "John" Stuempges
Mother: Anna Weishaupt
m1. 21 Sep 1926,
Aberdeen, Brown Co, SD
div1. 5 May 1944,
Antigo, Langlade Co, WI
Sylvia Maria Bertha Hedwig Martin
b. 28 May 1909, Polar, Langlade Co, WI
ba. 13 Jun 1909, St. Peter's Church, Polar, WI
d. 12 Jan 2008, Antigo, Langlade Co, WI
bu. 16 Jan 2008, St. John's Cemetery, Polar, WI
Father: Hermann Wilhelm Gustav "Gust" Märten-Martin
Mother: Maria Summ
m2. 12 Jul 1946,
Antigo, Langlade Co, WI
Bernice Valerie Kluwe
b. 2 Jul 1921, Antigo, Langlade Co, WI
d. 6 Dec 2012, Duluth, St. Louis Co, MN
bu. Ely Cemetery, Ely, MN
Widow of: Elmer C. Prahl
Father: Albert August Gustave Kluwe
Mother: May Elizabeth Schissel
m2. 28 May 1949,
St. John's Lutheran Church, Polar, Langlade County, Wisconsin
Sylvia Maria Bertha Hedwig Martin
(see above)
Children:
Elaine Florella Stuempges (m1. James William Howard Felton)
b. 31 Dec 1926, Polar, Langlade Co, WI (m2. Thomas Thurman Rodgers
m1. 14 Jun 1948, Chicago, Cook Co, IL
m2. 1 Dec 1961, Crown Point, Lake Co, IN
d. 19 Jun 1987, Holy Cross Hospital,
Chicago, Cook Co, ILEunice Lorraine Stuempges (m. Sterling Eugene Page)
b. 27 Sep 1928, Polar, Langlade Co, WI
m. 10 Jun 1950, St. John's Church, Polar, WI
d. 20 Oct 2019, Antigo, Langlade Co, WI
bu. 25 Oct 2019, Pearson Cemetery, Pearson, WI
Chronological Timeline:
On 19 Nov 1913, the Vernon County Censor published an article entitled "Some Snakes for November:"
"While out hunting a week ago Sunday, Adolph Lee and Walter Stumpges caught sight of a few rattle snakes, which had crawled out of the rocks for a little sunshine, it being a warm day. They immediately got a pick ax and dug them out, thirteen in all. The largest snake had thirteen rattles.--
Coon Valley Herald."
On 12 Sep 1918 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin, Walter John Stuempges registered for the draft. He was a resident of Westby in Vernon County, was 19 years old and born on June 10th, 1899. He was native-born and worked as a farmer for his father, John Stuempges in Westby. He was physically described as being of medium height and build, with blue eyes and dark hair; no scars or such.
The Vernon County Censor later published on 18 Sep 1918 a listing of the men who registered for the draft, with Walter J. Stuempges appearing in Viroqua.
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-G184-X3
On 6 Nov 1918, the Vernon County Censor published an article entitled "Sons of Vernon To Front." It stated men were being called to appear on either Monday or Wednesday, "contingent to go by the afternoon Southeastern train. For both these occasions informal farewell demonstrations will be held. Below are given the names of the patriotic sons called."
Walter J. Stuempges of Westby was "to report at Viroqua, November 13, at 8:30 a. m., for Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, November 13 at 2:40 P. M."
I personally don't believe Walter served during WWI, as there are no further records on him about such. The 1930 census specifically states he was not a veteran.
On 3 Nov 1924, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"Lincoln
Walter Strempge, Orrel Mikkelson, and Sylvia Martin of Polar and Leona Drethwin of Elton visited at the Smola home Sunday morning."
On 20 May 1925, Walter Stuempges and Sylvia Martin were witnesses to the wedding of Walter's brother, Eddie Willie Stuempges, to Nina Mikkelson. This wedding photo was taken the same day; from left to right: Sylvia, Nina, Walter, Eddie Willie.
NOTE: Sylvia Martin was only 15 in this photo; she would turn 16 eight days later, 28 May 1925. Walter Stuempges was 25 years old.
On 23 May 1925, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"Polar
Miss Nina Mikkelson and Edward Stumpges were married on Wednesday at 2:30 o'clock by Judge A. N. Whiting. They were attended by Miss Sylvia Martin and Walter Stumpges. Their many friends wish them a long and happy wedded life."
On 6 Jun 1925, the Wisconsin Telegram of Superior, Wisconsin, published an article about Walter Stuempges' brother:
"STATE WEDDINGS
STUEMPGES-MIKKELSON.
ANTIGO.- Miss Nina Mikkelson and E. Stuempges, both of Polar, were married here by Judge A. N. Whiting. They were attended by Miss Sylvia Marten and Walter Stuempges. A wedding dinner was served at the home of the bridegroom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Stuempges, in Polar."
On 21 Sep 1926 in Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota, Walter J. Stuempges [27] was married to Sylvia M. Martin [18]. They were both listed as residents of Polar, Langlade [County, Wisconsin] and Americans. They were married by minister John E. Booth.
NOTE: Sylvia was 17 years old, not 18, and she was presumably ~5-6 months pregnant with daughter Elaine. The legal age to marry in both South Dakota and Wisconsin at the time was 18 years old, leading me to believe they eloped without parental permission.
NOTE: Rev. John E. Booth presided over the Evangelical Church in Aberdeen from 1924, until his death in 1931. Is there a church marriage record to be found? Who are the witnesses to this wedding? [Two separate requests were sent on 1 Oct 2025, via email and Facebook, to the current Faith United Methodist Church in Aberdeen.]
SOURCE: http://www.aberdeenareahistory.org/files/original/b41ea7b017d9b581be34d79c4e0d099a.pdf
The 1930 federal census has Walter Stempges enumerated on 7 May 1930 in the town of Polar, Langlade County, Wisconsin. His household consisted of the following:
Walter Stempges Head M W 30 Married at 27 Wisconsin Wisconsin Bohemia Mechanic-Garage Non-Veteran
Silvie Wife F W 20 Married at 17 Wisconsin Germany Wisconsin
Elane Daughter F W 3 Single Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Eunis Daughter F W 1 Single Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RZZ-3H4
On 11 Sep 1936, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article within the 'Legal Notices' column:
"STATE OF WISCONSIN, MUNICIPAL COURT, LANGLADE COUNTY
William Martin, Executor of the estate of GUSTAVE MARTIN SR., deceased, Plaintiff,
vs.
WALTER STUEMPGES and SYLVIA STUEMPGES, his wife, and H. J. MORTENSON, Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin, Defendants,
NOTICE OF SALE
By virtue of a judgement of foreclosure and sale made in the above entitled action on the 19th day of August, A. D. 1935, and further order of the court dated September 3, 1936, the undersigned Sheriff of Langlade County, State of Wisconsin, will sell at public auction at the East Front door of the Court House in the City of Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, on the 24th day of October, A. D. 1936 at 10:00 o'clock in the forenoon of that day, those lands and premises described by said judgement to be sold, and described as follows:
Commencing at the center stake of Section Fifteen (15) in Township Thirty-one (31) North of Range Twelve (12) East, thence East twenty-three (23) feet thence South nine rods and three feet, thence East thirty-four and one-half (34 1-2) rods, thence north Nine rods and three feet, thence West Thirty-four and one-half (34 1/2) rods to place of beginning, being a part of the Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter (NW1/4 SE1/4) of Section Fifteen (15) in Township and Rane aforesaid;) situate in Langlade County, State of Wisconsin, with the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belongong.
Terms of Sale: CASH
Dated September 3, 1936.
Brack Gillespie, Sheriff, Langlade County, Wis.
ARTHUR H. STROCHAN, PLAINTIFF'S Attorney.
September 4-11-18-25, Oct 2-9"
The 1940 federal census has Walter Stuempges enumerated on 7 May 1930 in the town of Polar, Langlade County, Wisconsin. His household consisted of the following:
Walter Stuempges Head M W 40 Married Grade 5 Wisconsin Sawyer-Saw Mill [Paid Wage]
Sylvia Wife F W 31 Married High School 1 Wisconsin Manager-Farm [Own Account]
Elaine Daughter F W 13 Single Grade 7 Wisconsin
Eunice Daughter F W 11 Single Grade 4 Wisconsin
NOTE: It appears that Walter was employed at a saw mill, while Sylvia managed the home farm. Elaine would later be a freshman at Antigo High School the following school year.
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9M1-ZZJW
On 15 Feb 1942 in Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, Walter John Stuempges registered for the WWII draft. He was a resident of Antigo Star Route in the town of Polar, Langlade County, Wisconsin. He was 42 years old and born on 10 Jun 1899 in Coon Valley, Vernon County, Wisconsin. His nearest relative was his wife, Sylvia Stuempges. He was employed by George Klement of Polar, Wisconsin, with the place of employment listed as "Gibb's City" in Iron County, Michigan. He was physically described as being 5'8" and 150lbs with blue eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion; no scars or such.
NOTE: Gibbs City in Iron County, Michigan is currently a ghost town, which was founded in the 1800's as Atkinson. The community centered itself on a sawmill on Paint River, which caught fire in 1921 and resulted in the town being mostly abandoned. A post office remained in operation until 1952 and the last of the town was destroyed in a controlled fire in 1966.
On 5 May 1944 at the courthouse in Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, Sylvia Stuempges was declared divorced from her husband Walter Stuempges.
Walter Stuempges Remarries
On 12 Jul 1946 in Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, Walter J. Stuempges was married to Bernice V. Kluwe, the widow of Elmer C. Prahl.
The 1950 federal census has Walter Stuempges enumerated on 13 Apr 1950 in White Lake, Langlade County, Wisconsin. His household consisted of the following:
Walter Stuempges Head W M 50 Married Wisconsin Cutting Wood Pulp-Woods [Paid Wage]
Bernice Wife W F 28 Married Wisconsin
Ronald Prahl Ward W M 7 Single Wisconsin
Sharon Prahl Ward W F 6 Single Wisconsin
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHK-SQHW-K9DX-Q
A photo dated 1957 shows Walter Stuempges (back row, right) with wife Bernice, and her parents - the Kluwe's.
Walter Stuempges with his step-children Ronald & Sharon Prahl; presumably their confirmation ~1957.
Sylvia Martin Stuempges Remarries
On 19 Sep 1946, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"Miss Elaine Stuempges is attending Columbia hospital school of nursing in Milwaukee. She is the daughter of Mrs. Sylvia Stuempges."
On 13 Nov 1946, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"Miss Elaine Stuempges, who attends the Columbia hospital school of nursing in Milwaukee, spent the last four days with her mother, Mrs. Sylvia Stuempges in Polar."
On 18 Feb 1947, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"Mrs. Sylvia Stuempges of Polar and Miss Juanita [Anita] Martin of Chicago attended the capping exercises at the Milwaukee County hospital Sunday in which Mrs. Stuempges' daughter, Elaine, received her cap. They were also guests at the reception which followed."
On 1 Aug 1947, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"LOST!
Wallet with driver's license and money Thursday at Woolworth store. Finder return to Sylvia Stuempges, Polar. REWARD!"
On 31 May 1949, the Antigo Daily Journal of Antigo, Wisconsin published an article:
"Sylvia Stuempes, Ewald Flemming Married Saturday
Mrs. Sylvia Stuempges, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gust Martin of Polar, and Ewald Flemming of Bryant were united in marriage Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in a ceremony performed by the Rev. Rodney Hansen at St. John's Lutheran church at Polar.
Attending the couple were Miss Anita Martin of Chicago, sister of the bride, and Gerhart Flemming of Antigo, nephew of the groom.
The bride was attired in a powder blue gown of net over taffeta with braided net at the waistline and shoulderline of the fitted bodice. Completing her costume were matching gloves of net and taffeta and a blue hat of lace and taffeta ribbon. She wore a pearl necklace with matching earrings, gift of the groom, and carried a bouquet of white carnations and pink roses.
Maid of Honor
The maid of honor's pink taffeta gown was fashioned with puffed sleeves, tight bodice and full skirt trimmed with lace and bows of taffeta. Her hat and gloves were of pink lace and taffeta. She wore a pearl necklace, gift of the bride, and carried a mixed bouquet.
For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Martin wore a grey figured dress with accessories in royal blue and white. Red roses and white carnations formed her corsage.
During the ceremony, "O Perfect Love" and "Because" were sung by Phyllis and Doris Hoppe and Lorraine and Marilyn Bruening. Miss Delilah Hoppe was organist.
Fifty guests were entertained at the reception at the groom's home. A wedding dance was held at the Polar country club. Guests from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. James Felton and son, Timothy, Mrs. Harry Ramsey, Miss Eunice Stuempges and Robert Gullick, Chicago; and Gene Kuenzli, Milwaukee.
The newlyweds will make a wedding trip to the west coast after a brief visit with relatives in Chicago. On their return, they will live at Bryant where the groom has operated a farm for the past four years."
The 1950 federal census has Ewald Flemming enumerated on 12 Apr 1950 within the Township of Polar, Langlade County, Wisconsin. His household consisted of the following:
Ewald Flemming Head W M 49 Married Wisconsin Farmer-Farm
Sylvia Wife W F 40 Married Wisconsin
William Son W M 15 Never Married Wisconsin Farm helper-Farm
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHJ-5QHW-29T5
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