in Cedar Rapids. Ronald has been an employee of the Amana Colonies for a number of years.

The Ronald Bloxham family Ronald, Ronald C., Gary and Marilyn.

Blumhagen, Henry and Anna (Schutte)

(Marlys Hager)

Heinrich Carl Wilhelm Blumhagen was born in Charlottenhoff, Uckemarch, Germany 21 Sep 1868. Henry came to the United States with his parents, Otto and Caroline (Stolzenburg) Blumhagen, when he was 15 years old. They first stopped in Postville, IA where friends from Germany (the Miller and Baltz families) already lived. Soon they located permanently in Bloomfield Twp. where Otto’s brother, August, was already farming. Henry became a naturalized citizen of the United States 27 Oct 1891. On 21 May 1896 Henry married Anna Schutte. Anna was born 8 Feb 1876, the daughter of Helmuth and Helmine (Konow) Schutte. The Blumhagens first lived in a log cabin which was located beside the spring on the farm in Sec. 15. After the new frame house was built, the log cabin was used for making soap. Ashes were saved all year, then in the spring they would pour water over the ashes. The water would run into a big black iron cooking kettle. Later fat from butchering was added to the water and a fire was built under the large kettle and soap was stirred.

Henry and Anna were the parents of 11 children. Their children were:

Carl was born 13 Mar 1897 and died 13 Nov 1967. He married Esther Bugenhagen 16 Mar 1921. They farmed near Ossian and then moved to a farm south of Postville. They were the parents of a son, Leon. Minnie was born 15 Dec 1899. She married William Bugenhagen 28 Sep 1927. William was a brother of Carl’s wife. Minnie and Bill farmed south of Luana. Minnie is presently residing at The Good Samaritan Home in Postville. Louis was born 15 Apr 1901. He died an accidental death while working in the timber on 31 May 1948. George was born 8 Aug 1902. He married Mabel Meyer on 19 Feb 1931. They had 3 children: Mardella and twins, Loren and Loretta. They farmed in the Castalia area. George died in the Decorah Hospital following a operation for appendicitis 31 Mar 1948. Mabel was born 17 Sep 1904 and died 12 Mar 1929. She married Harold Meyer on 9 Feb 1927. They had a son, Arthur. Harold was a brother to George’s wife. Elsie was born 16 Jun 1906. She married Harold Meyer on 2 Apr 1930. They were the parents of 3 children: Cloy, Duane and Marlys. Harold and Elsie farmed southeast of Castalia. Elsie died 6 Dec 1973. Arno was born 6 May 1908. He married Hazel Lestina on 27 Nov 1930. They had 3 children: Ronald and twins, Joanne and Joanita. They farmed near Castalia; then moved to Monona. Arno died 26 Jan 1967. Lloyd was born 4 Mar 1910. He married Agnes Russett on 14 Feb 1933. They were the parents of 4 children: Darlene, Dale, Gerald and Shirley. They farmed north of Castalia. Lloyd died 2 Apr 1974. Henry was born 20 May 1912. He farmed in the Castalia area. He never married. Alvin was born 24 Apr 1915. He married Alice Teetshorn on 4 Oct 1939. They were the parents of 3 children: Joyce, Gary and Dennis. They farmed on the home place which is still being farmed by their son, Dennis. Alvin died 31 Dec 1979. Elda was born 31 Dec 1916. She worked with the telephone company for many years.

Henry and Anna retired to Postville in 1937. Henry died 12 Jul 1938 in Marion, SD where he had gone to a medical clinic. Anna died on 28 Dec 1952.

Blumhagen, Lloyd and Agnes (Russett)

(Donna Blumhagen)

Lloyd Blumhagen, son of Henry and Anna (Schutte) Blumhagen, was born 4 Mar 1910 in Bloomfield Twp. He received his education in the rural schools near his home.

On 14 Feb 1933 he married Agnes Russett at Galena, IL. Agnes Russett, daughter of Ole and Agatha (Sjoboen) Russett, was born 14 Feb 1911 in the Moneek area of Bloomfield Twp.

After their marriage Lloyd and Agnes farmed in Bloomfield Twp. until Lloyd’s death on 2 Apr 1973. Later Agnes moved to Castalia. They were the parents of 4 children:

Darlene married Donald Gilster on 28 Jul 1954. Donald, son of Earl and Grace (Welzel) Gilster, was born 17 Sep 1933. Donald and Darlene farmed on the Gilster farm in Bloomfield Twp. Later they moved to Postville where Darlene is employed as a clerk in a store and Donald works for the Ford Garage. They are the parents of 3 children:  They live near