Individual Details
Ida Augusta BUCHHOLZ
(24 Nov 1890 - 21 Apr 1974)
1 Jun 1900, Merrill City, Lincoln Co., WI, ED 61 Sh 18A;
Joe Buckholtz, head, born Jun 1856, 43, Widowed, born Germany both parents born Germany, immigrated 1884, naturalized, foreman - lumber yard, owns house free and clear
John Buckholtz, son, born Mar 1882, 18, single, born Germany both parents born Germany
Anna Buckholtz, daughter, born May 1883, 16, single, born WI both parents born Germany
Bertha Buckholtz, daughter, born Jan 1889, 11, born WI both parents born Germany
Ida Buckholtz, daughter, born Nov 1890, 9, born WI both parents born Germany
Carl Buckholtz, son, born Apr 1894, 6, born WI both parents born Germany.
1 Jan 1920, Lindsay City, Lindsay Twp., Tulare Co., CA, Ward 2, ED 207 Sh 5A printed pg 249;
Carl J. Kroells, head, 31 (1888), married, immigrated 1890 naturalized 1895, born Crefeld, Germany both parents born Crefeld, Germany, mother tongue, German, agent, tractor
Ida Kroells, wife, 29 (1890) married, born WI, father born Mecklinburg mother born Hol?tan [?], both spoke German
Katherine Kroells, daughter, 12 (1916), born CA father born Crefeld, Germany, mother born WI
Carl Jr., son, 1 (1918-1919) born CA father born Crefeld, Germany, mother born WI.
1 Apr 1930, Strathmore Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 54-58, Sh 13A;
Carl J. Kroells, head, 41 (1888-89) married, 25 at first marriage, born Germany both parents born Germany, immigrated 1891, naturalized, farmer on fruit farm
Ida G. Kroells, wife, 39 (1890-91), married, 22 at first marriage, born WI both parents born Germany
Katherine J. Kroells, daughter, 13, born CA father born Germany mother born WI
Carl J. Kroells Jr., son, 11 (1918-19) born CA father born Germany mother born WI
Lorraine Kroells, daughter, 3 (1926-27), born CA father born Germany mother born WI.
1 Apr 1940, Strathmore Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 54-56 Sh 9B:
Carl J Croells [sic[, head, 52 (1887-88), born Germany, naturalized, same house in 1935, rancher - citrus, completed 4 yr college
Ida G Croells, wife, 49 (1890-91), born WI, completed 2 yr high school
Carl J Croells Jr., son, 21 (1918-19), born CA, completed 2 yr college, attendant - gas station
Edith Lorraine Croells, daughter, 13 (1926-27), born CA, completed 6th grade.
The author is privileged to have custody of a zippered, three-ring binder belonging to Ida Buchholz Kroells. In it is an eleven-page handwritten account, dated October 15, 1968, entitled "My Life Story as I remember it". It is transcribed below. Following that is a diary/journal that she wrote from November, 1968 until February 14,1974, two months before she died. In it are many references to family and friends, and giving a great deal of information of genealogical interest.
"Oct. 15, 1968
"My Life Story as I remember it".
My mother was Anna Marie (Carstens) Buchholz.
My father Joachim Buchholz.
Mother born in Schleswig Holstein Germany - about 1874 (crossed out) -1758 [sic].
Father born in Mecklinburg Schwerine - Germany.
They came to America around 1875 [note: the year had both 7 and 8 written, as though she wrote 1775 and corrected to 1875] . Settled in the Lumber [that crossed out and Lincoln written below] county in Northern [that crossed out and central written below it] central Wisconin - a small town Merrill Lincoln Co. The County seat. They brot one son John about 2-1/2 years old - Visited for a while with Cousins The John Helmke's, in Marrathon County about 18 miles S.W. of Merrill. The country was mostly Forest, Pine woods & farm land. The Helmke's Homesteaded 640 acres, cleared it & began extensive farming & Darying. The farm houses were usually red brick & the barns huge high buildings. The lower part was used as cattle stalls. All work was done with horses. They had a wonderful Maple grove & in mid winter tapped the trees & boiled down gallons of Maple Syrup. The family consisted of Grandpa John Helmke - son John Jr. & Aunt Dora. They had five 5 sons & one daughter a delightful family - kind & happy - Edward, Bennie, Theodor , John [& Martin][ this was written above the line so it appears the next part is referring to John, not Martin] - who lived to age 16 and obese boy who died early from Diabetes. The one daughter Lena was a very sweet girl & after the usual country school education she stayed home as mothers helper. As they grew into adulthood -Edward who did not care for farming, Rec'd what would have been a farm moved to Wausau & went into the manufacturing of heavy machinery especially snow plows.
The other boys & Lena rec'd a nice farm, raising Dairy cows, poultry & Chinese 'Jensin' (sp? - could that be Ginseng?) most of which was shipped to China for medicine. Bennie farmed until his son was old enough to take over. He then retired & moved to Wausaw.
Theodor sold his holdings retaining The Apple Orchard & the Home. He was Postmaster for many years - finally selling out & also moving to Wausau. Lena married Martin Kleinschmitt. Had three sons & two daughters. They farmed & raised Ginsin [crossed out and written over as Jimsin], dairy cows & all general farming. Upon retiring they turned the farm over to the older son [name written in margin appears to be Edmund] & moved to Wasau.
Father loved Lumbering and in company of August Stange - He worked for many years in the local saw mills. Dad passed away Aug. 12, 1925 is burried [sic] in Merrill Cemetary [sic] next to Mother & Sepmother [sic] Augusta Vogel Buchholz.
We lived on Hathaway Hill on Prospect St. until 1897 when Dad bot a home at 915 Grand Ave. Mother died in May 1898.
There were Eight children. 3 died in Infancy. John the oldest was born in Germany, 1878. He married Ida Weber his first sweetheart - 1894 & moved to Minneapolis where he worked in a Lumber Mill. Had a cabinet shop in basement of his store-home, run by his wife Ida. John died in Feb 1921 [note that Sept. was written then crossed out and Feb. written to the upper left]. They had three sons & one daughter All died young - One of Pneumonia 2 drowned in Miss. River boat accident & Bernice died in Apr. 1921.
Ida later married Fred Davis a widower with three grown daughters Ruth Medlin, Grace Buford, Swanson Ethel (killed in auto accident). Ida died at the Ruth Medlin home in Vista Cal - 1960 - Grace died of heart attack - 1965. Sister Anna - married Otto Justman in Merrill, had two sons & one daughter Helen. The boys drowned in the same River accident as did the boys Orville & baby John.
Sister Bertha - 9, when Mother died came to California with me, in 1913. She married Forest Rice in 1917. Riverside Cal. Had one daughter, Anna Mae. Married to Dr. R. B. Rhyner a Dentist in Hayward Cal.
Helen, Anna's daughter. Married in S. F. to Leo Oswold, has two sons. Jerry & Richard. Richard living in Sausalita married & has two children. Jerry in L.A. still unmarried.
Ida (myself) born in Merrill Wisc. Nov. 24 1890. Spent all my young life in Merrill. Went to Minneapolis in 1908, met C. J. Kroells. He followed his folks to California in 1910. After our engagement, I followed in 1913 accompanied by my older sister Bertha. We were married on July 16, 1913 at the B. J. Kroells home on Mirage Ave. Lindsay.
My brother Carl born 1894, died Dec. 1963 in Merrill, leaving one daughter Emelie. his wife died many years earlier.
Emelie live in Merrill, has 6 children. Her husband, John Leist, works in Chicago.
Carl J. Kroells & Ida Auguta [sic] Buchholz were married on July 16,1913. Rev. J. H. Hoover Baptist minister in Lindsay officiated. After reception at B. J. Kroells Lawn, we drove to Camp Nelson. Horseback the last 9 miles. Never rode a horse before. Nelson Campers from Lindsay Flats came down to sernanade [sic] us in our tent bedroom.
We lived with Carl's folks for several months.
I went to the garage office each day, keeping books etc.
Then moved into the folks small house at back of lot, facing Apia Street. Here Murl & Del Crabtree lived with us, Del keeping house for the four of us for six months while Murl was working in Carls garage to learn mechanics & car repairs. We had a very happy life. Carl being called out all hours of the day & night to help stalled cars etc. especially the rural mail carrier, who never could get his Model T car started on cold mornings.
In 1915 Carl, Mother K & Ed & I drove to S. F. to the Exposition Ed was bitten with fleas, he looked as tho he had measles. Driving a Model T it took 8 hrs to make the trip over narrow 2 Lane Hiways & Windy Atlamont pass. Almost tore the top off our touring car. We stopped under a cliff until the wind died down. At this time I realized I was pregrant [sic] with Catherine.
Feet fuie [sic] all the way. Made over night trips to Gen Grant park sleeping in the open. On July 4 -15 We & several friends (9) went to the Park, taking a tiny baby in a basket. We stretched a large canvas tourpolin from a large fallen log & anchored at the other end by tent stakes. We made a common bed & all slept fine.
Now we moved to house on S. Elmwood, where Catherine was born attended by Old Dr. Locke. It was a very hard delivery, but after three weeks flat in bed, I got along fine. Catherine was a rolly polly baby & soon grew to a beautiful child. At 9 mo she weighed 29 lbs. She was born on Aug 27, 1916.
Life went on as usual. Then in 1918, the War=I. We left our business under Murls supervision who by now was a good repair man Carl had also sold many Fordson Tractors to Ranchers which required a great deal of servicing. By now the Samson Tractor people of Stockton needed expert inspections for tractors being shipped to the war zone. Carl took this job & we moved to Stockton for the duration.
At this time our son Joe was expected. This was during the terrible Flu Epidemic & no hospitals took maternity cases, so I was taken to a private materity [sic] home My Dr came down with the Flu & when Joe was due, I had a strange Dr. Joe was born before he arrived but on Jan 2, 1919 I had my second child. Since the Armistice came in Nov. & the time came to return home, We, in our little Model T Coupe, Joe 7 wks old came back to Lindsay to take up our business & life as usual.
Joe was not doing too well. We could not find food to agree with him. We rented a house on corner of Formosa & Homosell [sic] from W. D. Race. Just across from the Washington school now the Presbeterian [sic] church. This was in 1919. While living there Catherine was playing on the school slides, when another child coming down after her, upset her & her heel almost took out Kay's eye. she carried the scar to her grave but was not permanately [sic] injured.
When Joe was 6 mo old, we packed up all we needed into our T touring car & drove to Grants Park. There I camped for 6 weeks & finally got Joe on a formula that agreed with him & he began to grow & get well. Carl came up every weekend. Our camp stove, wood burner) [sic] was outside the tent & many a morning at 2 or so I built a quick fire to heat his bottle. We had a small Kerosine stove in the tent. got cold toward morning but we survived. I had to carry all water from a faucet up the hill & Carl dug a hole in the meadow & sunk a box into it to accumulate water for daily baby washing but it was fun. We enjoyed life as it came.
Carl was very busy at his garage but we had a good life. About this time my folks decided to come for a visit. We were living now in a house. Mother & Dad came out Jan 1920 [first wrote Dec 1919 and crossed that out and wrote above] to visit. Joe was almost 1 yr old. We had sold our Oxford Ave. home & moved to the old home place on S. Mirage which Dad K. had bult [sic] in 1912.
I had gone to P.V. [Porterville] to a meeting with 4 women, Mr. M. R.Hersey driving us. We had a bad accident & I was badly hurt. My left leg was badly cut & bones twisted. We were taken to a [sic] then only hospital in P.V. my leg repaired & Carl called to bring me home. I was in bed for some time & what a blessing that Mother & Dad were with me to take care of the baby Joe, & the home. I was on crutches for weeks but soon was able to drive my Model T again. The scars are still visable on my leg. In the meantime Dad K. had traded the town property to a Mr. Babcock from whom we rented. We then bot our house on Oxford Ave.
In Nov. brother John in Mplis had a severe illness & Dad felt he should go home to see him. So after 11 mo in Cal. they went home. John died in Feb, 1921 - leaving a widow & 1 small daughter having lost two sons in a boating accident before.. The son all [sic] daughter died a few months after John did. Ida his wife came out to visit us, spent several months here.
In the meantime Mr. Morley Carls partner was about to fail & offered Carl his agency with Ford in Exeter. 1928-30 [wrote 1930, crossed out the 30 and wrote 28-29]. The depression hit & business failed. We then decided to quit business & buy a small oranges grove, with Dad K help we did this & moved into a small house on the grove. At this time Jan 1927 our youngest daughter was born.
Catherine & Joe were both in school & doing fine. They attended Strathmore schools & did well."
That ended the first section of papers in the binder. The diary/journal portion is quite lengthy and only part will be listed here. A theme throughout was how lonely she was with Carl and Kay both gone and Joe and Lorraine living in other parts of the state. She was, however, very active, attending Eastern Star and church regularly and going out to lunch and dinner with friends often. She mentions Mary Nolan Katarvich, who later went back to just Mary Nolan, quite often. Mary lived in an apartment in the same building as Ida and became a good friend to Ida. Her closest friend was Charlotte Myers.
Betty Maas has her first baby born in Lindsay Hospital Nov. 19, 1968 - called her Lena.
Al & El [Al and Eleanor Verfuth] & Armella are coming Sunday Nov. 24,1968. Came at noon, brought birthday gifts...A most wonderful dinner at Ed & Etta's {Kroells]. She invited Roger & Sherrie & Lisa & Marie Green & Mr. Harvey Gilmer, her boy friend. We had a delightful afternoon & gifts. Joe & Jody & Carrie, her mother, called in eve., also Lorraine. No word from H [Heinz] or the boys. Came home at dusk, Oh such a wonderful (78) birthday.
Nov. 25, 1968. Dick & Betty [Maas] came by & brot their 6 day old baby Lena. Etta too came by - nice day all the way.
Aug 27, 1969. Kays 53 birthday. Oh what a wonderful day when God gave me you. You was so lovely pink & fat. M nursed you for 16 months. You weighed 30 lbs at 9 m & 1 year who still weighed 30 lbs. You was such a beautiful blonde. My first child, Aug. 27, 1916.
NOTE: Pages with entries for 1970 aren't in chronological order - have left them as I received them. skk
May 25, 1870. Lovely day - cool but fair. Had hair done. Went to Star in eve. Was escorted to East to receive 25-yr pin. Have been a member for 28 years - joined in 1942. Carl was Patron in 1945 so I also rec'd a pin & lovely corsage. Home at 10 P.M. New Hair Do.
July 25, 1970. Heinz was married today in the Episicopal Church hereby The Rev Mr. Brandon of P.V. I did not go, tho I was invited but since he did not bring her in to meet me, I felt he did not care whether I came or not even when advised by a friend he should do so. He has ignored me completely for two years, So I could not feel he wanted me there. Very few at the Wedding. Marian came from Bksfd, but others were not invited. So.
Apr 24, 1970. Joe & Jody came to lake on friday eve with a cute little trailer house. Nolans & I drove up for a lovely afternoon & lunch on Sat. Joe & Jody brot Mary home & left a fancy Pyramid of kitchen gagets [sic] etc. on my table & left a note, left for Burbank at 2:30 or so. Roger came to Success lake with a lovely boat. TV went out Sat eve. so no TV called repairman. TV is 14 years old - B&W Zenith - my 40th wedding anniversary gift.
Apr 25, 1970. Orange Blossom parade watched on Charlotts lawn. Very lovely floats, bands etc. Then off to Lake Success for Lunch with Joe & Jody Lucile & Bill.
Nov. 9 - Went shopping, to Bank etc.. Joe called in eve - feel well. Visited Mildred at hospital.
Nov. 10 - Gen DeGaul died today in France - just 3 days older than I am. He was born Nov. 22, 1890. Hair done. Made sandwiches for Star -Charlotte helped - Star tonite.
Aug 1970. Very warm - much alone - feeling fairly well. quite lame but get along OK. Charlotte My pal, has gone to San Gabriel & Palm Springs for a week or so with her eldest daughter.
May 30, 1971. Very cool & windy Sunday. Charlotte & I went to church picked up Mrs. OBrian (Mrs. McBee's mother).
In afternoon we drove to Lake Success. Had a happy hour and then a wonderful chicken & salad supper. We came home at dark and I spent the whole evening alone. Life is so lonely. All my Old friends except a few widows are dead. All the husbands are dead. The only couple still alive & my dearest friends are Al & El Verfurth of Fresno.
May 31, 1971. Memorial Day. The first time I have ever failed to put flowers on Carls or Kays grave. This is a very lonesome day.
Charlotte & I went to a Boy Scout breakfast at Memorial Hall. Home & alone all day. I have no flowers nor money to buy some.
Bless you Carl & Kay I have thot of you all day. I dream of you both almost every night. I feel so alone & lonely. so many of my old friends have gone on to the Land beyond.
Charlotte & I are inseparable and go around together.
I am quite lame. Still drive but walkiing is so painful.
June 21, 1971. Just returned from the Golden Wedding celebration of Al & Eleanor Verfurth.
A beautiful Nuptial Mass was said by Father Norbert Rauk (Als cousin from La Cross Wisc.) Al family were present.
Jerry Freemau (?) & wife Pauline & daughter Mary & son Donny.
Jack Verfurth & wife Nedra & daughter Noel.
Sister Oliva Verfurth. Al's sister.
Leone & Dave morau & daughter Pat.
Clarence Bertler & wife Agnes (brother)
Lyn Sopoer - Eleanors sister.
Elaine Eggenes - Als niece & husband [NOTE: She wrote the book The Dauntless Dillons]
Father Culick a priest friend.
The Marmian (?) sisters
Mary Backwell
The Barry sisters
Gussie Wolf & Ida Kroells.........
July 16, 1971. This would have been our 58th wedding anniversary. Carl died of bladder cancer in 1965. Katherine my Eldest child - was my faithful standby until she too passed away on Jan 22, 1968. So now I am a widow alone in my apartment. Content but alone.
My son (Joe) Carl Jr. is very kind and thoughtful but lives in Burbank. He & his dear Jody call me every sunday eve. & come to see me as often as possible.
Lorraine my youngest lives in Walnut Creek Cal., with her husband Dick & two sons. I am 80 years old. Have a Dear Chum. Charlotte Myers a widow, who owns & lives 1/2 block N. of me in the home in which Carl & were married 58 years ago. Dad Kroells built the 2 story house in 1911 & sold it in 1914 as a trade in on a young orange grove, near Strathmore, where we too lived & raised our family - 25 years. Then moved to a home in Lindsay on Bond Way where Carl died I sold the home one year after he died - & moved to 273 S. Mirage. I have been here 5 years.
So life goes on for those who live on. Many of my old friends have gone before not many of my age left.
Nov. 22, 1971. Nearing my 81st birthday on Nov 24. What a good & happy life I have had. I have two lovely children Carl John (Joe) my eldest & Lorraine my baby, both now grown married & happy.
Joe has 5 children - Roger by his first marriage. Now grown & married to Sherrie. They have a nice home here in Lindsay & a sweet little daughter 3 years old.
(Joe's) other children by a Mexican mother are nice children -
Laura the eldest, now almost 18
John second - 16 +
Tina third a charming girl 14
Kelly fourth - 12
God bless them all - may they mature into good citizens.
I am now living alone for almost seven years.
My oldest Daughter Katherine died of cancer Jan 22, 1968. I miss her so much, but I know she is in God's keeping - she leaves two sons, Eric 20 & Chris 16. Both fine tall boys. but they seldom come to see me since their father prefers it that way. I love them & miss them, but their life is their own.
[The next are after the previous entry, in spite of the dates]
Nov. 21 [1977] - Joe & Jody came up from Burbank in their lovely new camper. I enjoy them so much when they sleep here. They took me out to dinner at Gang Sues in Porterville also invited Charlotte - to celebrate my birthday. They left early Sunday in their camper. They & a boat club crowd are spending four days in Arizona on the Colorado Rivers.
Dear God watch over them & protect them from harm.
Nov 21 1977 [Two separate entries with this date]
Tonight Charlotte Myers my very dear friend is taking me to dinner for my birthday. Wednesday on my birthday I will have lunch with Ed & Etta [Kroells] in Porterville. On Thanksgiving day I will go to Bakerfield with Ed & Etta to have dinner at their daughter Marian's home.
Had a wonderful day. spent a night & home the next day. Marian & her girls & Gib are always so kind to me.
Christmas Day Dec 25, 1971
After a midnight church & communion arrived at my apt 273 S. mirage to find Lorraine, Dick & the boys already here. Boys - Garry 15 & Charles 11 years old Dec 26. Lorraine brot a complete dinner which we enjoyed at 1 o'clock.
Charlotte Myers had dinner with us. At 2:30 Analiee (Franken) Odencrantz called with her husband Kirk & three nice children, daughter 12, son 10 & son 8. Had a grand visit. Then at about three, Roger (my oldest grandson) his wife Sherrie & great grand daughter Lisa arrived with Phyllis his mother & her two sons (half brothers to Roger) Phillip & Allen arrived. There were 17 in my Apt at one time. Had a grand visit.
At 5:30 Lorrainie & Family left for home in Walnut Creek. Dick was on duty at the Post Offfice & Concord at 10:30 p.m. They made it OK - All is well.
Jan 2, 1972. Joe is 53 years old today and married seven years today to Jody......
Jan 3, 1972. .....Minnie (Grantich) White & husband came by. Her brother Bill in Lindsay hospital. Had not seen her in years. Looks fine.
Maurice Kroells well has three children all married. Gene is living with Maurice now Hes not well.
Jan 5, 1970. Cold frost. Home alone reading lorence [sic] Welk's biography. Feel pretty good.
Palm Sunday March 26, 1972. All alone & very lonesome. Lovely sunny day but cool. Went to church, had dinner at Don's Hillside inn - I drove. Charlotte my Pal went with me.
Have not felt well for some time. No vitality & can't eat. Had X Rays made of lower tract on Friday. Will have more made on Tuesday of digestive tract.
No word or sign of the boys or H. for months.
Ranch not paying its expenses & I've about used all my money to pay bills & my own rent.
Joe & Jody will be up at Lake over Easter. Lorraine can't be here to the "Old Lady, is all alone. So many old friends are dying or incapacitated too, so loneliness is my lot. I miss Ka - she was always my crutch & stand by. But such is life. I will be 82 on Nov. 24, 1972 & so alone. I don't feel sorry for myself but age can be so lonely.
5 pm. Sunday Mch 26, 71
Mary came in. This was to have been her wedding day - but fell thru. No wedding.
May 8, 1972. .........
Joe & Jody came Sat. eve, from Burbank to attend the annual Homecoming & school reunion in Strathmore. Roger & Cherrie & Lisa came over. Went to dinner with Joe & Jody. I did not go as I can't eat that kind of food. Jody & I sat up & chatted until 1:15 a.m.
May 19, 1972. Feeling pretty good. Went to Visalia, Star friendship night. big crowd. Millers took Charlotte & me. Home at 11 p.m. Lorraine & family here on way to Indianapolis- Dicks home - Father very ill. Driving new Ford station wagon. Very nice.
May 20. Lorraine & family left at 10 a.m. on journeye. Went to P.H. [packing house?] for box of Oranges for them. Lots of commotion getting going.
L. quite heavy - & puttery - but glad to see them. God protect them on their trip.
June 8 [1970]. ........
Eric came by, had a nice visit had not seen him for several years.
June 10 - Evely Hersey funeral
June 11 1970. Church. Breakfast at Sambos - Tulare.
Garden party at Jack Wilcox home for Trudeau & Virginia Gable here from Florada. [sic] Nice eve. 12 at pot L [potluck?] supper - Barbara Maas was down for the party.
June 12 - Thelma Dressel funeral.
June 24, 1972. A beautiful clear cool sunny morning.
This is Gretchen Eckert's wedding day. To Merle Phillip Christianson Ensign in U. S. Navy. I watched & waited with a very nervous father"Wendel Eckert" on the day she entered this world.
This too is the wedding anniversary of Dad and Mother Kroells, in 1888 in Krefeldt Germany and Chris Maas & Kunegunda Kroells in LeSuer Minn. about 1890-1891.
July 6, 1972 - 9:30 am. . Lovely morning - Charlotte & I going to Visalia for my hearing aides.
Have had another bad spell with my back, feel better today.
Joe & Jody came from Lake to see me. I could not go to Lake to see them. They had a 4 day 4th of July holliday [sic].
Have no appetite - getting thin for me now 170 lbs.
Mary getting ready to leave for Writers Conference in Salt Lake City. Very busy. Very quiet here, some away & some at work. I'm mostly alone here all day.
No word from L. [Lorraine] for a month.
8 Sat. July 1972. Feel fair - Very lonely & alone - place so quiet.
Letter from Milla Lentzner Vienna. Wrote to Ollie & Milla.
Just no pep & wish to go on. Still no appetite - don't care to eat.
Reading.
July 12, 1972...............Here in Apt. 6 years today.
13 - Alone & lonesome all day. Demo. convention on.
No word yet from Lorraine. Charlotte came in for a visit in eve. Wrote a note to L. (Anxious)
16 [July 1972]. To church. Very hot. Brkfst at Chopsticks then home. No air cond. To Methodist Hall for Chapman's Golden Wedding saw many old friends. My 59th wedding anniversary. Met an old friend who was at Camp Nelson & hellped to chivaree us on our marriage. Home at 4 & hot.
25 [July 1972]. Hair done - feel fair. Mary E. came. I prepared lunch. Had a nice visit. she left for Fresno at 4 p.m. M.E. is divorced from Bob Gibson. But may go back to him. He is a chaser.
July 27, 1972. Went shopppy [sic] Chris came by. Don't feel too good.
Finally rec'd card from Lorraine. All's well. Dick studying for Masonic. Put out small wash. No appetite - just don't like food. Not too hot - 95 degrees.
July 30, 1972. Sunday church & dinner here with Charlotte. Very hot. lonely. Did not hear from Joe.
31 [July 1972] Feeling fair - alone & lonely. Talked to Ruth Cole. Card from Mary N. from Tahiti.
8 Tuesday - Aug, 1972. ........Rec'd P.H. check for $279.44 final balance on 1971 Val & 1971 Navels. Not enough to pay expenses. Pickers got more than grower & spraying & other expenses.
9 Wednesday Aug 1972. Feeling fair. Etta Edwards came by. Elaine Egenes (Vervurth) came to have me translate German papers to her - for a Verfurth geneology book she is writing. Had a nice chinn fest with her. she was here about 5 hours. Did washing..........
Aug 15 - Tuesday [1972]. Not too warm. finally rec'd a long looked for letter from Lorraine. Home all day alone & eve.
Aug 17 - Thursday [1972]. Not too warm. Card from Fran from Idaho. Etta came by. Gave her my Golden Anniversary mayonaise Bowl & spoon. Ed called to tell me to sign quit claim deed on Santa Fe property. Alone all day & eve.
Aug 31 [1972] Thursday. Shopping - home all alone all day & eve.
Chris came by for a chat about noon. Feel fair.
Saturday Sept. 16, 1972. Cleaned rugs. Fran called. Erwin sick with kidney stones. Home all day.
Thursday Sept. 21, 1972. .......Had call that Vernon Hayward died this morning. Funeral on Sat. morning at 10 in Myers Chapal in P.V.
Monday Sept. 14 [1972]. Had a Gentleman caller. tried to get fresh [underlined fresh], first man, since Carl's death who could not keep hands to himself & wanted to kiss me. Uh. Hope he never comes near me again. I thot he was a decent man & a mason at that.
Friday Nov. 24, 1972 82 years old. My birth day. Many cards. None from Lorraine. Mary came in, went to store for me & brot me a picture of herself. Charlotte came in brot me a gift. Many lovely cards & a call from our Minister Lee Wilson. feel poorly this evening. To bed early.
Saturday Nov. 25, 1972. Lorraine's 17th wedding anniversary. Not feeling well.
Sunday Nov. 26, 1972. Not feeling well. Did not go to church. Charlotte came by. Call from Joe. Roger & Sherrie & Lisa came by.
Tuesday Dec 19, 1972. Warmer, sunny. Al & El & Armella came down to see Lyn. could not get in & no answer. found key & went in, found Lyn dead on the bedroom floor near his bed. died sometime during night or early morning. Verfurths staying in the house tonight. Clarence coming to make arrangements. Al & El going home when he comes. Feel fair.
Monday Jan 29, 1973............Joe's daughter Laura is 19 years old today. Now working & making her own way..........
Tuesday Mch 6, 1973. Up at 7 a.m. Very blue & depressed. Eight years today that Carl died. I miss him so much - am so lonely. The Ranch is not paying expenses. I've but [sic] over $15000 of my insurance money into the Ranch - and no returns. H & the boys ignore me completely & I can't keep on much longer. Money just does not grow on trees & yet the bills come in. I wish I knew how to handle it. Give up the Ranch or what.
Thursday Apr 5, 1973. ...........Left Mpls. 60 years ago today for Lindsay.
Saturday Apr 7, 1973. U at 6:30. Home & finished book of Harry Truman..........Mary came in. Also Chris.
Friday Apr 17, 1973. ...........Mary's folks have come from Long Beach. Mary's birthday is on 30th. Mary in Barn play at .V. I have not seen them, but car is in stall.
Sunday July 15, 1973. Lorraine & family here. I got breakfast for them & they got ready for their trip to Indy. I did not go to church. Not feeling too good - nervous. Ed & Etta came in eve. Also Roger, Cherrie & Lisa. Nice visit.
Sat. Nov. 24, 1978. U early. My 83 birthday. Many cards. One from Nolans & a letter from Mike & Ollie. Cloudy day but not too cool. 18 cards so far, & several gifts. Call from Peggy K. expecting L now in about an hr. n---- noon.....Call from Ross's -They arrived about 5 -always late. Ed & Etta came - mary too. Very nice presents & so many cards.
Sunday Nov. 25, 1973. Up early. Very poor night - slept on hideabed in L room. Lorraine her usual grumpy, noisy self, but sweet too. She brot whole turkey dinner etc. L & the boys went to church with me. Gerry real handsome & so well mannered & neat took cake to the Wilsons, Mary brot tarts
Friday Dec. 14, 1973........Raining. Home alone all eve. Call from Dick Maas - Barbara died in her sleep. Talked to Ethel Thompson about funeral. Called F. Wilson.
Saturday Dec 15, 1973. foggy - rain in night. Called Dick Maas & Sanders [funeral home, probably]
Tuesday Dec 18, 1973. Up early Very foggy, not cold. Barbara Maas funeral at 2 p.m. Ed, Etta, Fran & Erv went together few people out. Fr. Lee Wilson did the commital service at cemetary Eastern star at chapel. Alone all eve. Fog coming in Went to store in P.M.
Saturday Jan 13,, 1974. Lorraines 47 birthday. I put flowers on altar at church for her birthday. Born in Exeter hospital, raining then too. To church at 10 a.m. Lunch at chop sticks. Home alone all P.M. & eve.
Wednesday Jan 16, 1974. Up early - don't feel too good. Letter from Ollie - put off their trip to U.S. Teeth bothering much. Still don't eat well. Mr. Lightner (St. Hi S.) principal died.
Thursday Jan 17, 1974. Rained in night. Now bright & sunny. Very mild weather. Wrote letter to Ollie. Fran called. Dewey Maas died in Vet hospital Fresno.
Monday Jan 21, 1974. Foggy & dark. no rain. Up at 4 a.m. dark at 7. feeling fair. Going to Dewey funeral with Fran & Erv in P.V. at 2 P.M.
Tuesday Jan 22, 1974. Kay died at 6 A.M. 6 years ago. (1968) Very foggy on drive to hospital. Went to Star in Eve. nice meeting small attendence. home by 10 P.M. Gettng more used to teeth. To bed at 11P.M. not cold. Letter from Marian.
Wed. Feb 13, 1974...........received beautiful Valentine vase of flowers from Joe & Jody. feel very bad. Wish I had some one to do for me. Need Help. Etta came................
The last entry was Thursday, Feb. 14, 1974. Valentines day. beautiful morning but I feel bad. neck hurts no pep.
Ida died two months later.
Joe Buckholtz, head, born Jun 1856, 43, Widowed, born Germany both parents born Germany, immigrated 1884, naturalized, foreman - lumber yard, owns house free and clear
John Buckholtz, son, born Mar 1882, 18, single, born Germany both parents born Germany
Anna Buckholtz, daughter, born May 1883, 16, single, born WI both parents born Germany
Bertha Buckholtz, daughter, born Jan 1889, 11, born WI both parents born Germany
Ida Buckholtz, daughter, born Nov 1890, 9, born WI both parents born Germany
Carl Buckholtz, son, born Apr 1894, 6, born WI both parents born Germany.
1 Jan 1920, Lindsay City, Lindsay Twp., Tulare Co., CA, Ward 2, ED 207 Sh 5A printed pg 249;
Carl J. Kroells, head, 31 (1888), married, immigrated 1890 naturalized 1895, born Crefeld, Germany both parents born Crefeld, Germany, mother tongue, German, agent, tractor
Ida Kroells, wife, 29 (1890) married, born WI, father born Mecklinburg mother born Hol?tan [?], both spoke German
Katherine Kroells, daughter, 12 (1916), born CA father born Crefeld, Germany, mother born WI
Carl Jr., son, 1 (1918-1919) born CA father born Crefeld, Germany, mother born WI.
1 Apr 1930, Strathmore Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 54-58, Sh 13A;
Carl J. Kroells, head, 41 (1888-89) married, 25 at first marriage, born Germany both parents born Germany, immigrated 1891, naturalized, farmer on fruit farm
Ida G. Kroells, wife, 39 (1890-91), married, 22 at first marriage, born WI both parents born Germany
Katherine J. Kroells, daughter, 13, born CA father born Germany mother born WI
Carl J. Kroells Jr., son, 11 (1918-19) born CA father born Germany mother born WI
Lorraine Kroells, daughter, 3 (1926-27), born CA father born Germany mother born WI.
1 Apr 1940, Strathmore Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 54-56 Sh 9B:
Carl J Croells [sic[, head, 52 (1887-88), born Germany, naturalized, same house in 1935, rancher - citrus, completed 4 yr college
Ida G Croells, wife, 49 (1890-91), born WI, completed 2 yr high school
Carl J Croells Jr., son, 21 (1918-19), born CA, completed 2 yr college, attendant - gas station
Edith Lorraine Croells, daughter, 13 (1926-27), born CA, completed 6th grade.
The author is privileged to have custody of a zippered, three-ring binder belonging to Ida Buchholz Kroells. In it is an eleven-page handwritten account, dated October 15, 1968, entitled "My Life Story as I remember it". It is transcribed below. Following that is a diary/journal that she wrote from November, 1968 until February 14,1974, two months before she died. In it are many references to family and friends, and giving a great deal of information of genealogical interest.
"Oct. 15, 1968
"My Life Story as I remember it".
My mother was Anna Marie (Carstens) Buchholz.
My father Joachim Buchholz.
Mother born in Schleswig Holstein Germany - about 1874 (crossed out) -1758 [sic].
Father born in Mecklinburg Schwerine - Germany.
They came to America around 1875 [note: the year had both 7 and 8 written, as though she wrote 1775 and corrected to 1875] . Settled in the Lumber [that crossed out and Lincoln written below] county in Northern [that crossed out and central written below it] central Wisconin - a small town Merrill Lincoln Co. The County seat. They brot one son John about 2-1/2 years old - Visited for a while with Cousins The John Helmke's, in Marrathon County about 18 miles S.W. of Merrill. The country was mostly Forest, Pine woods & farm land. The Helmke's Homesteaded 640 acres, cleared it & began extensive farming & Darying. The farm houses were usually red brick & the barns huge high buildings. The lower part was used as cattle stalls. All work was done with horses. They had a wonderful Maple grove & in mid winter tapped the trees & boiled down gallons of Maple Syrup. The family consisted of Grandpa John Helmke - son John Jr. & Aunt Dora. They had five 5 sons & one daughter a delightful family - kind & happy - Edward, Bennie, Theodor , John [& Martin][ this was written above the line so it appears the next part is referring to John, not Martin] - who lived to age 16 and obese boy who died early from Diabetes. The one daughter Lena was a very sweet girl & after the usual country school education she stayed home as mothers helper. As they grew into adulthood -Edward who did not care for farming, Rec'd what would have been a farm moved to Wausau & went into the manufacturing of heavy machinery especially snow plows.
The other boys & Lena rec'd a nice farm, raising Dairy cows, poultry & Chinese 'Jensin' (sp? - could that be Ginseng?) most of which was shipped to China for medicine. Bennie farmed until his son was old enough to take over. He then retired & moved to Wausaw.
Theodor sold his holdings retaining The Apple Orchard & the Home. He was Postmaster for many years - finally selling out & also moving to Wausau. Lena married Martin Kleinschmitt. Had three sons & two daughters. They farmed & raised Ginsin [crossed out and written over as Jimsin], dairy cows & all general farming. Upon retiring they turned the farm over to the older son [name written in margin appears to be Edmund] & moved to Wasau.
Father loved Lumbering and in company of August Stange - He worked for many years in the local saw mills. Dad passed away Aug. 12, 1925 is burried [sic] in Merrill Cemetary [sic] next to Mother & Sepmother [sic] Augusta Vogel Buchholz.
We lived on Hathaway Hill on Prospect St. until 1897 when Dad bot a home at 915 Grand Ave. Mother died in May 1898.
There were Eight children. 3 died in Infancy. John the oldest was born in Germany, 1878. He married Ida Weber his first sweetheart - 1894 & moved to Minneapolis where he worked in a Lumber Mill. Had a cabinet shop in basement of his store-home, run by his wife Ida. John died in Feb 1921 [note that Sept. was written then crossed out and Feb. written to the upper left]. They had three sons & one daughter All died young - One of Pneumonia 2 drowned in Miss. River boat accident & Bernice died in Apr. 1921.
Ida later married Fred Davis a widower with three grown daughters Ruth Medlin, Grace Buford, Swanson Ethel (killed in auto accident). Ida died at the Ruth Medlin home in Vista Cal - 1960 - Grace died of heart attack - 1965. Sister Anna - married Otto Justman in Merrill, had two sons & one daughter Helen. The boys drowned in the same River accident as did the boys Orville & baby John.
Sister Bertha - 9, when Mother died came to California with me, in 1913. She married Forest Rice in 1917. Riverside Cal. Had one daughter, Anna Mae. Married to Dr. R. B. Rhyner a Dentist in Hayward Cal.
Helen, Anna's daughter. Married in S. F. to Leo Oswold, has two sons. Jerry & Richard. Richard living in Sausalita married & has two children. Jerry in L.A. still unmarried.
Ida (myself) born in Merrill Wisc. Nov. 24 1890. Spent all my young life in Merrill. Went to Minneapolis in 1908, met C. J. Kroells. He followed his folks to California in 1910. After our engagement, I followed in 1913 accompanied by my older sister Bertha. We were married on July 16, 1913 at the B. J. Kroells home on Mirage Ave. Lindsay.
My brother Carl born 1894, died Dec. 1963 in Merrill, leaving one daughter Emelie. his wife died many years earlier.
Emelie live in Merrill, has 6 children. Her husband, John Leist, works in Chicago.
Carl J. Kroells & Ida Auguta [sic] Buchholz were married on July 16,1913. Rev. J. H. Hoover Baptist minister in Lindsay officiated. After reception at B. J. Kroells Lawn, we drove to Camp Nelson. Horseback the last 9 miles. Never rode a horse before. Nelson Campers from Lindsay Flats came down to sernanade [sic] us in our tent bedroom.
We lived with Carl's folks for several months.
I went to the garage office each day, keeping books etc.
Then moved into the folks small house at back of lot, facing Apia Street. Here Murl & Del Crabtree lived with us, Del keeping house for the four of us for six months while Murl was working in Carls garage to learn mechanics & car repairs. We had a very happy life. Carl being called out all hours of the day & night to help stalled cars etc. especially the rural mail carrier, who never could get his Model T car started on cold mornings.
In 1915 Carl, Mother K & Ed & I drove to S. F. to the Exposition Ed was bitten with fleas, he looked as tho he had measles. Driving a Model T it took 8 hrs to make the trip over narrow 2 Lane Hiways & Windy Atlamont pass. Almost tore the top off our touring car. We stopped under a cliff until the wind died down. At this time I realized I was pregrant [sic] with Catherine.
Feet fuie [sic] all the way. Made over night trips to Gen Grant park sleeping in the open. On July 4 -15 We & several friends (9) went to the Park, taking a tiny baby in a basket. We stretched a large canvas tourpolin from a large fallen log & anchored at the other end by tent stakes. We made a common bed & all slept fine.
Now we moved to house on S. Elmwood, where Catherine was born attended by Old Dr. Locke. It was a very hard delivery, but after three weeks flat in bed, I got along fine. Catherine was a rolly polly baby & soon grew to a beautiful child. At 9 mo she weighed 29 lbs. She was born on Aug 27, 1916.
Life went on as usual. Then in 1918, the War=I. We left our business under Murls supervision who by now was a good repair man Carl had also sold many Fordson Tractors to Ranchers which required a great deal of servicing. By now the Samson Tractor people of Stockton needed expert inspections for tractors being shipped to the war zone. Carl took this job & we moved to Stockton for the duration.
At this time our son Joe was expected. This was during the terrible Flu Epidemic & no hospitals took maternity cases, so I was taken to a private materity [sic] home My Dr came down with the Flu & when Joe was due, I had a strange Dr. Joe was born before he arrived but on Jan 2, 1919 I had my second child. Since the Armistice came in Nov. & the time came to return home, We, in our little Model T Coupe, Joe 7 wks old came back to Lindsay to take up our business & life as usual.
Joe was not doing too well. We could not find food to agree with him. We rented a house on corner of Formosa & Homosell [sic] from W. D. Race. Just across from the Washington school now the Presbeterian [sic] church. This was in 1919. While living there Catherine was playing on the school slides, when another child coming down after her, upset her & her heel almost took out Kay's eye. she carried the scar to her grave but was not permanately [sic] injured.
When Joe was 6 mo old, we packed up all we needed into our T touring car & drove to Grants Park. There I camped for 6 weeks & finally got Joe on a formula that agreed with him & he began to grow & get well. Carl came up every weekend. Our camp stove, wood burner) [sic] was outside the tent & many a morning at 2 or so I built a quick fire to heat his bottle. We had a small Kerosine stove in the tent. got cold toward morning but we survived. I had to carry all water from a faucet up the hill & Carl dug a hole in the meadow & sunk a box into it to accumulate water for daily baby washing but it was fun. We enjoyed life as it came.
Carl was very busy at his garage but we had a good life. About this time my folks decided to come for a visit. We were living now in a house. Mother & Dad came out Jan 1920 [first wrote Dec 1919 and crossed that out and wrote above] to visit. Joe was almost 1 yr old. We had sold our Oxford Ave. home & moved to the old home place on S. Mirage which Dad K. had bult [sic] in 1912.
I had gone to P.V. [Porterville] to a meeting with 4 women, Mr. M. R.Hersey driving us. We had a bad accident & I was badly hurt. My left leg was badly cut & bones twisted. We were taken to a [sic] then only hospital in P.V. my leg repaired & Carl called to bring me home. I was in bed for some time & what a blessing that Mother & Dad were with me to take care of the baby Joe, & the home. I was on crutches for weeks but soon was able to drive my Model T again. The scars are still visable on my leg. In the meantime Dad K. had traded the town property to a Mr. Babcock from whom we rented. We then bot our house on Oxford Ave.
In Nov. brother John in Mplis had a severe illness & Dad felt he should go home to see him. So after 11 mo in Cal. they went home. John died in Feb, 1921 - leaving a widow & 1 small daughter having lost two sons in a boating accident before.. The son all [sic] daughter died a few months after John did. Ida his wife came out to visit us, spent several months here.
In the meantime Mr. Morley Carls partner was about to fail & offered Carl his agency with Ford in Exeter. 1928-30 [wrote 1930, crossed out the 30 and wrote 28-29]. The depression hit & business failed. We then decided to quit business & buy a small oranges grove, with Dad K help we did this & moved into a small house on the grove. At this time Jan 1927 our youngest daughter was born.
Catherine & Joe were both in school & doing fine. They attended Strathmore schools & did well."
That ended the first section of papers in the binder. The diary/journal portion is quite lengthy and only part will be listed here. A theme throughout was how lonely she was with Carl and Kay both gone and Joe and Lorraine living in other parts of the state. She was, however, very active, attending Eastern Star and church regularly and going out to lunch and dinner with friends often. She mentions Mary Nolan Katarvich, who later went back to just Mary Nolan, quite often. Mary lived in an apartment in the same building as Ida and became a good friend to Ida. Her closest friend was Charlotte Myers.
Betty Maas has her first baby born in Lindsay Hospital Nov. 19, 1968 - called her Lena.
Al & El [Al and Eleanor Verfuth] & Armella are coming Sunday Nov. 24,1968. Came at noon, brought birthday gifts...A most wonderful dinner at Ed & Etta's {Kroells]. She invited Roger & Sherrie & Lisa & Marie Green & Mr. Harvey Gilmer, her boy friend. We had a delightful afternoon & gifts. Joe & Jody & Carrie, her mother, called in eve., also Lorraine. No word from H [Heinz] or the boys. Came home at dusk, Oh such a wonderful (78) birthday.
Nov. 25, 1968. Dick & Betty [Maas] came by & brot their 6 day old baby Lena. Etta too came by - nice day all the way.
Aug 27, 1969. Kays 53 birthday. Oh what a wonderful day when God gave me you. You was so lovely pink & fat. M nursed you for 16 months. You weighed 30 lbs at 9 m & 1 year who still weighed 30 lbs. You was such a beautiful blonde. My first child, Aug. 27, 1916.
NOTE: Pages with entries for 1970 aren't in chronological order - have left them as I received them. skk
May 25, 1870. Lovely day - cool but fair. Had hair done. Went to Star in eve. Was escorted to East to receive 25-yr pin. Have been a member for 28 years - joined in 1942. Carl was Patron in 1945 so I also rec'd a pin & lovely corsage. Home at 10 P.M. New Hair Do.
July 25, 1970. Heinz was married today in the Episicopal Church hereby The Rev Mr. Brandon of P.V. I did not go, tho I was invited but since he did not bring her in to meet me, I felt he did not care whether I came or not even when advised by a friend he should do so. He has ignored me completely for two years, So I could not feel he wanted me there. Very few at the Wedding. Marian came from Bksfd, but others were not invited. So.
Apr 24, 1970. Joe & Jody came to lake on friday eve with a cute little trailer house. Nolans & I drove up for a lovely afternoon & lunch on Sat. Joe & Jody brot Mary home & left a fancy Pyramid of kitchen gagets [sic] etc. on my table & left a note, left for Burbank at 2:30 or so. Roger came to Success lake with a lovely boat. TV went out Sat eve. so no TV called repairman. TV is 14 years old - B&W Zenith - my 40th wedding anniversary gift.
Apr 25, 1970. Orange Blossom parade watched on Charlotts lawn. Very lovely floats, bands etc. Then off to Lake Success for Lunch with Joe & Jody Lucile & Bill.
Nov. 9 - Went shopping, to Bank etc.. Joe called in eve - feel well. Visited Mildred at hospital.
Nov. 10 - Gen DeGaul died today in France - just 3 days older than I am. He was born Nov. 22, 1890. Hair done. Made sandwiches for Star -Charlotte helped - Star tonite.
Aug 1970. Very warm - much alone - feeling fairly well. quite lame but get along OK. Charlotte My pal, has gone to San Gabriel & Palm Springs for a week or so with her eldest daughter.
May 30, 1971. Very cool & windy Sunday. Charlotte & I went to church picked up Mrs. OBrian (Mrs. McBee's mother).
In afternoon we drove to Lake Success. Had a happy hour and then a wonderful chicken & salad supper. We came home at dark and I spent the whole evening alone. Life is so lonely. All my Old friends except a few widows are dead. All the husbands are dead. The only couple still alive & my dearest friends are Al & El Verfurth of Fresno.
May 31, 1971. Memorial Day. The first time I have ever failed to put flowers on Carls or Kays grave. This is a very lonesome day.
Charlotte & I went to a Boy Scout breakfast at Memorial Hall. Home & alone all day. I have no flowers nor money to buy some.
Bless you Carl & Kay I have thot of you all day. I dream of you both almost every night. I feel so alone & lonely. so many of my old friends have gone on to the Land beyond.
Charlotte & I are inseparable and go around together.
I am quite lame. Still drive but walkiing is so painful.
June 21, 1971. Just returned from the Golden Wedding celebration of Al & Eleanor Verfurth.
A beautiful Nuptial Mass was said by Father Norbert Rauk (Als cousin from La Cross Wisc.) Al family were present.
Jerry Freemau (?) & wife Pauline & daughter Mary & son Donny.
Jack Verfurth & wife Nedra & daughter Noel.
Sister Oliva Verfurth. Al's sister.
Leone & Dave morau & daughter Pat.
Clarence Bertler & wife Agnes (brother)
Lyn Sopoer - Eleanors sister.
Elaine Eggenes - Als niece & husband [NOTE: She wrote the book The Dauntless Dillons]
Father Culick a priest friend.
The Marmian (?) sisters
Mary Backwell
The Barry sisters
Gussie Wolf & Ida Kroells.........
July 16, 1971. This would have been our 58th wedding anniversary. Carl died of bladder cancer in 1965. Katherine my Eldest child - was my faithful standby until she too passed away on Jan 22, 1968. So now I am a widow alone in my apartment. Content but alone.
My son (Joe) Carl Jr. is very kind and thoughtful but lives in Burbank. He & his dear Jody call me every sunday eve. & come to see me as often as possible.
Lorraine my youngest lives in Walnut Creek Cal., with her husband Dick & two sons. I am 80 years old. Have a Dear Chum. Charlotte Myers a widow, who owns & lives 1/2 block N. of me in the home in which Carl & were married 58 years ago. Dad Kroells built the 2 story house in 1911 & sold it in 1914 as a trade in on a young orange grove, near Strathmore, where we too lived & raised our family - 25 years. Then moved to a home in Lindsay on Bond Way where Carl died I sold the home one year after he died - & moved to 273 S. Mirage. I have been here 5 years.
So life goes on for those who live on. Many of my old friends have gone before not many of my age left.
Nov. 22, 1971. Nearing my 81st birthday on Nov 24. What a good & happy life I have had. I have two lovely children Carl John (Joe) my eldest & Lorraine my baby, both now grown married & happy.
Joe has 5 children - Roger by his first marriage. Now grown & married to Sherrie. They have a nice home here in Lindsay & a sweet little daughter 3 years old.
(Joe's) other children by a Mexican mother are nice children -
Laura the eldest, now almost 18
John second - 16 +
Tina third a charming girl 14
Kelly fourth - 12
God bless them all - may they mature into good citizens.
I am now living alone for almost seven years.
My oldest Daughter Katherine died of cancer Jan 22, 1968. I miss her so much, but I know she is in God's keeping - she leaves two sons, Eric 20 & Chris 16. Both fine tall boys. but they seldom come to see me since their father prefers it that way. I love them & miss them, but their life is their own.
[The next are after the previous entry, in spite of the dates]
Nov. 21 [1977] - Joe & Jody came up from Burbank in their lovely new camper. I enjoy them so much when they sleep here. They took me out to dinner at Gang Sues in Porterville also invited Charlotte - to celebrate my birthday. They left early Sunday in their camper. They & a boat club crowd are spending four days in Arizona on the Colorado Rivers.
Dear God watch over them & protect them from harm.
Nov 21 1977 [Two separate entries with this date]
Tonight Charlotte Myers my very dear friend is taking me to dinner for my birthday. Wednesday on my birthday I will have lunch with Ed & Etta [Kroells] in Porterville. On Thanksgiving day I will go to Bakerfield with Ed & Etta to have dinner at their daughter Marian's home.
Had a wonderful day. spent a night & home the next day. Marian & her girls & Gib are always so kind to me.
Christmas Day Dec 25, 1971
After a midnight church & communion arrived at my apt 273 S. mirage to find Lorraine, Dick & the boys already here. Boys - Garry 15 & Charles 11 years old Dec 26. Lorraine brot a complete dinner which we enjoyed at 1 o'clock.
Charlotte Myers had dinner with us. At 2:30 Analiee (Franken) Odencrantz called with her husband Kirk & three nice children, daughter 12, son 10 & son 8. Had a grand visit. Then at about three, Roger (my oldest grandson) his wife Sherrie & great grand daughter Lisa arrived with Phyllis his mother & her two sons (half brothers to Roger) Phillip & Allen arrived. There were 17 in my Apt at one time. Had a grand visit.
At 5:30 Lorrainie & Family left for home in Walnut Creek. Dick was on duty at the Post Offfice & Concord at 10:30 p.m. They made it OK - All is well.
Jan 2, 1972. Joe is 53 years old today and married seven years today to Jody......
Jan 3, 1972. .....Minnie (Grantich) White & husband came by. Her brother Bill in Lindsay hospital. Had not seen her in years. Looks fine.
Maurice Kroells well has three children all married. Gene is living with Maurice now Hes not well.
Jan 5, 1970. Cold frost. Home alone reading lorence [sic] Welk's biography. Feel pretty good.
Palm Sunday March 26, 1972. All alone & very lonesome. Lovely sunny day but cool. Went to church, had dinner at Don's Hillside inn - I drove. Charlotte my Pal went with me.
Have not felt well for some time. No vitality & can't eat. Had X Rays made of lower tract on Friday. Will have more made on Tuesday of digestive tract.
No word or sign of the boys or H. for months.
Ranch not paying its expenses & I've about used all my money to pay bills & my own rent.
Joe & Jody will be up at Lake over Easter. Lorraine can't be here to the "Old Lady, is all alone. So many old friends are dying or incapacitated too, so loneliness is my lot. I miss Ka - she was always my crutch & stand by. But such is life. I will be 82 on Nov. 24, 1972 & so alone. I don't feel sorry for myself but age can be so lonely.
5 pm. Sunday Mch 26, 71
Mary came in. This was to have been her wedding day - but fell thru. No wedding.
May 8, 1972. .........
Joe & Jody came Sat. eve, from Burbank to attend the annual Homecoming & school reunion in Strathmore. Roger & Cherrie & Lisa came over. Went to dinner with Joe & Jody. I did not go as I can't eat that kind of food. Jody & I sat up & chatted until 1:15 a.m.
May 19, 1972. Feeling pretty good. Went to Visalia, Star friendship night. big crowd. Millers took Charlotte & me. Home at 11 p.m. Lorraine & family here on way to Indianapolis- Dicks home - Father very ill. Driving new Ford station wagon. Very nice.
May 20. Lorraine & family left at 10 a.m. on journeye. Went to P.H. [packing house?] for box of Oranges for them. Lots of commotion getting going.
L. quite heavy - & puttery - but glad to see them. God protect them on their trip.
June 8 [1970]. ........
Eric came by, had a nice visit had not seen him for several years.
June 10 - Evely Hersey funeral
June 11 1970. Church. Breakfast at Sambos - Tulare.
Garden party at Jack Wilcox home for Trudeau & Virginia Gable here from Florada. [sic] Nice eve. 12 at pot L [potluck?] supper - Barbara Maas was down for the party.
June 12 - Thelma Dressel funeral.
June 24, 1972. A beautiful clear cool sunny morning.
This is Gretchen Eckert's wedding day. To Merle Phillip Christianson Ensign in U. S. Navy. I watched & waited with a very nervous father"Wendel Eckert" on the day she entered this world.
This too is the wedding anniversary of Dad and Mother Kroells, in 1888 in Krefeldt Germany and Chris Maas & Kunegunda Kroells in LeSuer Minn. about 1890-1891.
July 6, 1972 - 9:30 am. . Lovely morning - Charlotte & I going to Visalia for my hearing aides.
Have had another bad spell with my back, feel better today.
Joe & Jody came from Lake to see me. I could not go to Lake to see them. They had a 4 day 4th of July holliday [sic].
Have no appetite - getting thin for me now 170 lbs.
Mary getting ready to leave for Writers Conference in Salt Lake City. Very busy. Very quiet here, some away & some at work. I'm mostly alone here all day.
No word from L. [Lorraine] for a month.
8 Sat. July 1972. Feel fair - Very lonely & alone - place so quiet.
Letter from Milla Lentzner Vienna. Wrote to Ollie & Milla.
Just no pep & wish to go on. Still no appetite - don't care to eat.
Reading.
July 12, 1972...............Here in Apt. 6 years today.
13 - Alone & lonesome all day. Demo. convention on.
No word yet from Lorraine. Charlotte came in for a visit in eve. Wrote a note to L. (Anxious)
16 [July 1972]. To church. Very hot. Brkfst at Chopsticks then home. No air cond. To Methodist Hall for Chapman's Golden Wedding saw many old friends. My 59th wedding anniversary. Met an old friend who was at Camp Nelson & hellped to chivaree us on our marriage. Home at 4 & hot.
25 [July 1972]. Hair done - feel fair. Mary E. came. I prepared lunch. Had a nice visit. she left for Fresno at 4 p.m. M.E. is divorced from Bob Gibson. But may go back to him. He is a chaser.
July 27, 1972. Went shopppy [sic] Chris came by. Don't feel too good.
Finally rec'd card from Lorraine. All's well. Dick studying for Masonic. Put out small wash. No appetite - just don't like food. Not too hot - 95 degrees.
July 30, 1972. Sunday church & dinner here with Charlotte. Very hot. lonely. Did not hear from Joe.
31 [July 1972] Feeling fair - alone & lonely. Talked to Ruth Cole. Card from Mary N. from Tahiti.
8 Tuesday - Aug, 1972. ........Rec'd P.H. check for $279.44 final balance on 1971 Val & 1971 Navels. Not enough to pay expenses. Pickers got more than grower & spraying & other expenses.
9 Wednesday Aug 1972. Feeling fair. Etta Edwards came by. Elaine Egenes (Vervurth) came to have me translate German papers to her - for a Verfurth geneology book she is writing. Had a nice chinn fest with her. she was here about 5 hours. Did washing..........
Aug 15 - Tuesday [1972]. Not too warm. finally rec'd a long looked for letter from Lorraine. Home all day alone & eve.
Aug 17 - Thursday [1972]. Not too warm. Card from Fran from Idaho. Etta came by. Gave her my Golden Anniversary mayonaise Bowl & spoon. Ed called to tell me to sign quit claim deed on Santa Fe property. Alone all day & eve.
Aug 31 [1972] Thursday. Shopping - home all alone all day & eve.
Chris came by for a chat about noon. Feel fair.
Saturday Sept. 16, 1972. Cleaned rugs. Fran called. Erwin sick with kidney stones. Home all day.
Thursday Sept. 21, 1972. .......Had call that Vernon Hayward died this morning. Funeral on Sat. morning at 10 in Myers Chapal in P.V.
Monday Sept. 14 [1972]. Had a Gentleman caller. tried to get fresh [underlined fresh], first man, since Carl's death who could not keep hands to himself & wanted to kiss me. Uh. Hope he never comes near me again. I thot he was a decent man & a mason at that.
Friday Nov. 24, 1972 82 years old. My birth day. Many cards. None from Lorraine. Mary came in, went to store for me & brot me a picture of herself. Charlotte came in brot me a gift. Many lovely cards & a call from our Minister Lee Wilson. feel poorly this evening. To bed early.
Saturday Nov. 25, 1972. Lorraine's 17th wedding anniversary. Not feeling well.
Sunday Nov. 26, 1972. Not feeling well. Did not go to church. Charlotte came by. Call from Joe. Roger & Sherrie & Lisa came by.
Tuesday Dec 19, 1972. Warmer, sunny. Al & El & Armella came down to see Lyn. could not get in & no answer. found key & went in, found Lyn dead on the bedroom floor near his bed. died sometime during night or early morning. Verfurths staying in the house tonight. Clarence coming to make arrangements. Al & El going home when he comes. Feel fair.
Monday Jan 29, 1973............Joe's daughter Laura is 19 years old today. Now working & making her own way..........
Tuesday Mch 6, 1973. Up at 7 a.m. Very blue & depressed. Eight years today that Carl died. I miss him so much - am so lonely. The Ranch is not paying expenses. I've but [sic] over $15000 of my insurance money into the Ranch - and no returns. H & the boys ignore me completely & I can't keep on much longer. Money just does not grow on trees & yet the bills come in. I wish I knew how to handle it. Give up the Ranch or what.
Thursday Apr 5, 1973. ...........Left Mpls. 60 years ago today for Lindsay.
Saturday Apr 7, 1973. U at 6:30. Home & finished book of Harry Truman..........Mary came in. Also Chris.
Friday Apr 17, 1973. ...........Mary's folks have come from Long Beach. Mary's birthday is on 30th. Mary in Barn play at .V. I have not seen them, but car is in stall.
Sunday July 15, 1973. Lorraine & family here. I got breakfast for them & they got ready for their trip to Indy. I did not go to church. Not feeling too good - nervous. Ed & Etta came in eve. Also Roger, Cherrie & Lisa. Nice visit.
Sat. Nov. 24, 1978. U early. My 83 birthday. Many cards. One from Nolans & a letter from Mike & Ollie. Cloudy day but not too cool. 18 cards so far, & several gifts. Call from Peggy K. expecting L now in about an hr. n---- noon.....Call from Ross's -They arrived about 5 -always late. Ed & Etta came - mary too. Very nice presents & so many cards.
Sunday Nov. 25, 1973. Up early. Very poor night - slept on hideabed in L room. Lorraine her usual grumpy, noisy self, but sweet too. She brot whole turkey dinner etc. L & the boys went to church with me. Gerry real handsome & so well mannered & neat took cake to the Wilsons, Mary brot tarts
Friday Dec. 14, 1973........Raining. Home alone all eve. Call from Dick Maas - Barbara died in her sleep. Talked to Ethel Thompson about funeral. Called F. Wilson.
Saturday Dec 15, 1973. foggy - rain in night. Called Dick Maas & Sanders [funeral home, probably]
Tuesday Dec 18, 1973. Up early Very foggy, not cold. Barbara Maas funeral at 2 p.m. Ed, Etta, Fran & Erv went together few people out. Fr. Lee Wilson did the commital service at cemetary Eastern star at chapel. Alone all eve. Fog coming in Went to store in P.M.
Saturday Jan 13,, 1974. Lorraines 47 birthday. I put flowers on altar at church for her birthday. Born in Exeter hospital, raining then too. To church at 10 a.m. Lunch at chop sticks. Home alone all P.M. & eve.
Wednesday Jan 16, 1974. Up early - don't feel too good. Letter from Ollie - put off their trip to U.S. Teeth bothering much. Still don't eat well. Mr. Lightner (St. Hi S.) principal died.
Thursday Jan 17, 1974. Rained in night. Now bright & sunny. Very mild weather. Wrote letter to Ollie. Fran called. Dewey Maas died in Vet hospital Fresno.
Monday Jan 21, 1974. Foggy & dark. no rain. Up at 4 a.m. dark at 7. feeling fair. Going to Dewey funeral with Fran & Erv in P.V. at 2 P.M.
Tuesday Jan 22, 1974. Kay died at 6 A.M. 6 years ago. (1968) Very foggy on drive to hospital. Went to Star in Eve. nice meeting small attendence. home by 10 P.M. Gettng more used to teeth. To bed at 11P.M. not cold. Letter from Marian.
Wed. Feb 13, 1974...........received beautiful Valentine vase of flowers from Joe & Jody. feel very bad. Wish I had some one to do for me. Need Help. Etta came................
The last entry was Thursday, Feb. 14, 1974. Valentines day. beautiful morning but I feel bad. neck hurts no pep.
Ida died two months later.
Events
| Birth | 24 Nov 1890 | Merrill, Lincoln Co., Wisconsin |  | ||
| Census | 1 Jun 1900 | Merrill, Lincoln Co., Wisconsin | |||
| Marriage | 16 Jul 1913 | Lindsay, Tulare Co., California - Carl John KROELLS | |||
| Census | 1 Jan 1920 | Lindsay, Tulare Co., California | |||
| Census | 1 Apr 1930 | Strathmore Twp., Tulare Co., California | |||
| Census | 1 Apr 1940 | Strathmore Twp., Tulare Co., California | |||
| Death | 21 Apr 1974 | Tulare Co., California | | ||
| Burial | 24 Apr 1974 | Lindsay Cemetery, Lindsay, Tulare Co., CA | |||
| Reference No | 2678 |
Families
| Spouse | Carl John KROELLS (1888 - 1965) |
| Child | Katherine Jeanette KROELLS (1916 - 1968) |
| Child | Carl John (Joe) KROELLS (1919 - 1979) |
| Child | Edith Lorraine KROELLS (1927 - 1999) |
| Father | Joachim "Joe" BUCHHOLZ (1856 - 1935) |
| Mother | Anna Elizabeth Maria CARSTENS (1859 - 1898) |
| Sibling | John Joe Carl BUCHHOLZ (1882 - 1921) |
| Sibling | Anna M. BUCHHOLZ (1884 - 1935) |
| Sibling | Hermann Johann Julius BUCHHOLZ (1887 - 1900) |
| Sibling | Bertha P. BUCHHOLZ (1889 - 1964) |
| Sibling | Carl J. BUCHHOLZ (1894 - 1963) |
Endnotes
1. Social Security Death Index.
2. Cemetery Records.
3. CADI - post 1940.