THE FAMILY OF CHARLES WENZEL
Charles Wenzel was born February 14, 1862 in Langasalsa, Germany. He emigrated to
America in 1879 at the age of 17 years and came directly to Iowa.
In 1888, on March 14, Charles Wenzel and Ida Lemke were married at Hull, Iowa. Ida Lemke
was born the daughter of Carl and Marie Lemke near Elkader, Clayton County, Iowa on
October 24, 1868.
In 1890 Charles and Ida moved to a farm near Lester. They lived on that place for nine
years and then moved to the town of Lester. In 1910 they again decided to farm and moved
onto a place near Alvord. They celebrated 63 years of married life. Ida died June 27, 1951
and Charles died on January 2, 1952 and are buried in the cemetery near Hull, Iowa.
Children of Charles and Ida:
Carl, was born January 16, 1889, died August 28, 1889.
William, was born February 28, 1890, died August 25, 1958. He married Ella Hamann who was
born January 4, 1894. Together they had twelve children.
Frederick C., was born October 25, 1891 near Lester. He died on April 10, 1968. On August
1, 1922 Frederick married Edna Stoltenberg, who was born on December 30, 1900. Both are
buried at Lester Cemetery. They had seven children.
Tillie was born on May 11, 1893 near Lester. She died September 10, 1966. She married John
Groth who was born March 17, 1890. Both are buried in the Lester Cemetery. They were long
time residents of Lester and Larchwood communities. They were married 53 years.
Katie, was born November 17, 1894 near Lester. She died on March 14, 1978. On February 11,
1914 she married John Witt, who was born on December 16, 1890 and died October 27, 1980.
They were married for 64 years and had four children.
Tony, was born on April 19, 1899 and died on February 21, 1983. She married William Miller
who was born on August 21, 1894, and died August 18, 1955. They are buried at Luverne,
Minnesota. Together they had five daughters. Tony’s second marriage was to Wayne
Emery who was born on August 4, 1907.