Friedaricka Elizabeth Altenbernd

     Her common name was Reke Altenbernd.
     Friedaricka was born on 24 November 1878.² Other sources show Friedaricka Elizabeth Altenbernd was born on 25 November 1878 in Kansas, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd and Katharine Hill.¹
     Friedaricka Elizabeth Altenbernd was listed as Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd's daughter on the 1880 US Federal Census in Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, enumerated 1 June 1880.³ Her age was listed as 1. She was shown as born in Kansas. Her father was born in Prussia. Her mother was born in Hessen-Darmstadt.³
     She graduated from Douglas County Common Schools, High School Building, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 24 June 1897. Reaka was part of the class of 1893.⁴
     They was a student at Kaw Valley, District No. 12, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1898.⁵
     The following information is from the records of John Altenbernd.

Reke was a very attractive and classy woman. She married Emil Hoelzel, brother and partner of Frank Hoelzel. (It was a case of sisters marrying brothers.) The two brothers once had a contract in the Lawrence, Kansas area (I think it was to build a school), and they met the Altenbernd sisters during that time. Reke and Emil had children-- Carl, Clara, and Ruth. Reke spelled her name either Reke, Reake, or Reaka. Her name may have been spelled Friedereka or Friedaricka. Friedaricka was born at home as were all of the Altenbernd children.

End of information from John Altenbernd
---------------------------.
     Friedaricka Elizabeth Altenbernd was listed as Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd's daughter on the 1900 US Federal Census in Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, enumerated 11 June 1900.⁶ Her birth date was listed as November 1879, age 20. She was born in Kansas. She was single. Her father was born in Germany. Her mother was born in Germany.⁶ She was able to read, able to write, and able to speak English.⁶
     The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 31 October 1901


     Frederick Emil Hoelzel married Friedaricka Elizabeth Altenbernd, daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd and Katharine Hill, Bride's Home on 31 October 1901.^1,7

     Photo of Altenbernd Family (About 1905)

Left to Right Back Row: William, Emil Holzel, Fredericka Hoelzel, Fred, Mary (Fred's wife), Carl, Louise

Left To Right Front Row: Frank Hoelzel, Katharina Helzel, Wilhelm (Father), Magadalina, Katherine (Mother), Louis

Children: Hildegarde Hoelzel, Francis Hoelzel circa 1905. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)⁸


     The following item appeared at Eudora News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 1 May 1913


     The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 25 September 1913


     Friedaricka Elizabeth Altenbernd was listed as the nearest relative of Frederick Emil Hoelzel on his WWI draft registration card.¹¹
     Friedaricka Elizabeth Hoelzel residing at at 2732 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, sent a letter to Flora Altenbernd on 1 July 1931.
Dearest Flora,

I have intended writing to you for some time. We enjoyed getting John's picture so much, it is very good of him. I showed it to Mrs. Kobrock and she immediately said that he is a Stoerker in looks. Of course that is true and is very complementary to you. Thanks a lot for the picture.

It has been so very hot here for two weeks and for those who are and have to be busy in the sun I feel plenty sorry, for it is more than I appreciate and I can stay in and make myself as nearly comfortable as possible. I mean the heat is more than I appreciate. I guess Will and Carl are digging potatoes now, and I so hope they get a good price. It is so discouraging to put the money and labor in for a crop and then get such prices as the farmers are getting for wheat. I am about sure that never before has wheat been so cheap. The country is full of food supplies and there are so many people coming to my door every day for a little to eat. Prices with us too have changed a great deal. So many people are out of work. Emil has had no extra business all year, so we are dependent on our rental income. I am very thankful that we saved our money when we made good money. I know so many people who lived off their entire income and now feel the depression very heavily. Claire starts her vacation Friday, she is looking forward to a good time with Harvey. He is taking a 12 weeks summer course in Midland and wants Claire there for one month. She will live in Dr. Martin's home but will have her meals and recreation with Harvey. He preached in our church the last two Sundays and did remarkably well. Dr. Band is in Portland and paid Harvey to fill his pulpit. Ruth is rather lonesome, she enjoyed her year at K.U. so much. I guess she will go again next year. Carl is home again, just got back from a 10 day trip to Oklahoma City. I often think about Louis. Have Will and Carl heard from him? I am truly sorry the way things stand with him but I know what it would mean to us had we listened to his plea.

I am piecing a flower garden quilt. I love it. I like to talk quilts to people who like that kind of work, And now I must close and would like to hear from or better yet to see you after the heat is over. Claire and Harvey will be here after the 10th of Aug. Come down sometime when they are here.

With love

Reaka.¹²
     They resided at 2732 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, on 1 July 1931.¹²

     Photo of Emil and Friederika Hoelzel mid 1940. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)⁸


     Friedaricka died on 28 January 1947 at Research Hospital, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, at age 68. The cause of death was ruptured thorasic aorta and arterial schlerosis.¹ She was buried on 31 January 1947 in the Forest Hill Cemetery located in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA.¹