Living

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 33, Number 50
Friday, March 10, 1939

Graduating Class of 66 has 20 Honor Students

Russell Striffler is Valedictorian...

The Class of 1939 of the high school at Cass City which will number 66 has an unusually large percentage of honor students, 20 having earned that distinction. Russell Striffler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon C. Striffler, of Cass City heads the list with a nearly perfect record and will be valedictorian.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 16, 1947
Cass City, Michigan

Rev. Russell C. Striffler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon C. Striffler, of Cass City has completed his course in the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Napierville, Ill., and was graduated from that institution during commencement week from April 30 to May 5. He has been pastor of the Evangelical Church at Benton Harbor since last fall, filling the vacancy caused by the illness and death of the former minister of that charge. Rev. Mr. Striffler is attending the Michigan conference of the Evangelical Church at Vicksbury this week.

Volume 12 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 5, 1949, reported that her was transferred from the Michigan Conference to the New England Conference, with a pastorate at Medford, Mass.. He was to enroll in Boston University in the Fall to study for his Ph.D. degree. Volume 14 of the same periodical reported that he joined the staff of Iowa Methodist Hospital (Des Moines) as a Chaplain-Psychiatrist to offer a religious approach to those mentally ill or depressed by illness.

His obituary was published in the Minnesota Star Tribune on October 7, 2019:
?b?
?/b?The Rev. Dr. Russell Clare Striffler died of natural causes Sept 14, 2019. He was 97 years old and living in Arden Hills, MN. He was born in Cass City, MI. to S. C. and Mary Striffler. Russell graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL. In 1945. From there he went on to graduate from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, from Boston University receiving a master's degree in Pastoral Psychology, and from Dubuque Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of Ministry Degree. He married June Gilbert in 1944. They were married for 73 years. Russell served for 37 years as director of Chaplaincy and was Chaplain Supervisor at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA and St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. He is survived by his daughter, June Striffler Sand (David) and his son, David R. Striffler (Marie). He has been graced with four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Services will be held at Johanna Shores (Presbyterian Homes - 3200 Lake Johanna Blvd., Arden Hills) on Friday October 11 at 3pm.

Russell married June Rosetta Gilbert in Dec 1944. June was born on 28 Jun 1923 in Oakland Township, Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan; died on 30 Sep 2017 in Arden Hills, Ramsey County, Minnesota; was buried on 11 Nov 2017 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Iowa Conference The United Methodist Church
Death Notifications

Mrs. June Striffler, spouse of Rev. Russell C. Striffler, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2017

Memorials Services are pending due to Rev. Striffler's health.

Rev. Striffler served in Iowa as Chaplain, Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, IA; Clinical Chaplain and Chaplain Supervisor, Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines and as Director of Chaplaincy and Chaplain Supervisor, St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA. He retired in 1987.

Survivors include Rev. Striffler of Arden Hills, MN; daughter, June Sand of Arden Hills, MN and son, David Striffler of Fairfield Bay, AR.

https://www.iaumc.org/obituarydetail/mrs-june-striffler-9711547


In Memoriam

Winter 2018

June GIlbert '45 Striffler of Arden Hills, Minn., on September 30. She is surived by her husband, Dr. Russell C. Striffler '45.

Note: North Central College is a private liberal arts college in the historic district of Naperville, Illinois, US. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church having nearly 70 areas of study in undergraduate majors, minors and programs through 19 academic departments organized in three undergraduate colleges/schools

https://magazine.northcentralcollege.edu/blog/memoriam

Notes:

On his Form SS-5, application for a Social Security Account Number, Solomon Striffler listed his address as Rt. #1, Cass City, MI. His date of birth was given as Jan. 18, 1882, Tuscola County, Michigan, and he listed his age at his last birthday as 72. His father was listed as Christofer Striffler, and mother as Mary Rummel. His occupation was shown as self employed farmer. His SSN was 362-38-3574.

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 32, Number 43
Cass City, Michigan, Friday, January 21, 1938
Page Four

In honor of Solomon C. Striffler's birthday, Mrs. Striffler entertained at dinner Tuesday night, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Patterson, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Helwig and son, Clark. W. D. Striffler is a brother of the honor guest and Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Helwig are sisters.


Cass City Chronicle
November 24, 1966

Final Services for Solomon C. Striffler, 84, lifelong resident of the area, died Saturday, November 19, in Hills and Dales Hospital where he had been hospitalized for a month. Mr. Striffler, a retired farmer, had been in ill health for a year. Born in Cass City January 18, 1992, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian Striffler. He and Miss Mary BUEHRLY were married in Cass City June 29, 1910, and they made their home in Elkland Township. Mrs. Striffler died December 30, 1963. Mr. Striffler was a life member of Salem EUB Church, Cass City.

Survivors included two sons: the Rev. Russell Striffler of Des Moines, Iowa, and Delvin Striffler of Caro; two sisters, Mrs. Edward HELWIG of Cass City and Mrs. Barbara GRIFFIN of Alhambra, California and four grandchildren. Little's Funeral Home had charge of arrangements and final services are to be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the EUB Church. The Rev. Ira Wood, pastor, will officiate and burial will be in Elkland cemetery.

(Research):1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 16-18-19 of April 1910 By John A. Benkelman
SD 8, ED 112 Sheet No 1 B
17-18
Striffler, Solomon C Hd M W 28 S Mich Ger Germany France Germany Home Farmer
Striffler, Chris? Father M W 82 M1 52 France German France German France German
Striffler, Mary Mother F W 72 M1 8/6 Ger Germany Ger Germany Ger German

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland, ED 12
Striffer, Solomon C Hd M W 48 M @ 28 Mich Alsace-Lorraine Germany Farmer
Striffer, Mary L Wife F W 40 M @ 23 Mich Germany Germany
Striffer, Delvin L Son M W 14 Michigan Michigan Michigan
Striffer, Russell C Son M W 7 Michigan Michigan Michigan

Solomon married Mary Magdalene Buehrly on 29 Jun 1910 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mary (daughter of Johann Leonhard Buehrly and Catherine Buerk) was born on 19 Jun 1887 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 30 Dec 1963 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
July 17, 1908
Local Items, Page 4

While returning from a berry patch southeast of town Monday, the horse driven by Mrs. Fred Buerk and her granddaughter, Miss Mary Buehrley, became frightened at the big umbrella ont eh mail wagon and Mrs. Buerk was thrown from the buggy. Her head was caught between the wheel and the buggy box and she was extricated from her perilous posistion with difficulty. Mrs. Buerk's face was badly bruised but her injuries are not considered servious. Miss Buerhly escaped uninjured and showed great pluck during the excitement.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, October 2008)

Cass City Chronicle
January 2, 1964

Mrs. Sol Striffler Services Thursday

Funeral services are to be held at the Cass City EUB Church at 2 p.m. Thursday for Mrs. Mary Striffler, lifelong resident of Cass City. Mrs. Striffler, 77, died in her home Monday, December 30, following a year's illness. Born Jun 19, 1886 in Cass City, she was the former Mary BUEHRLY, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Leonard BUEHRLY. She married Solomon Striffler June 29, 1910 in Cass City. The Rev. R.E. Beits and the Rev. S.R. Wurtz were to officiate at the services. Besides her husband, survivors are two sons, Delbert Striffler of Caro and the Rev. Russell STRIFFLER of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister, Mrs. Walter Anthes of Cass City, and three brothers, Edward BUEHRLY, Fred BUEHRLY, and Lawrence BUEHRLY, all of Cass City, and four grandchildren. Burial is to be in the Elkland Cemetery. Little's Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, February 10, 1911
Vol. 5, No. 42
Elkland Pioneer Answers Summons
Christian Striffler Passes Away Monday
Had Resided on the Homestead For More than Thirty Years

One by one the pioneers of this vicinity are answering the summons and are passing into the great beyond. We are called upon this week to announce the death of Christian Striffler, who passed away at this home, three miles east and one mile north of Cass City on Monday afternoon, February 6, 1911. Mr. Striffler had been in poor health for some time, but his condition was not alarming to his friends until a few days prior to his passing away. The end came peacefully and quietly, typical of the life the aged man had lived.

Christian Striffler was born December 8, 1827 in Germany, and while yet a young man came with his parents to America to seek a livelihood in a foreign land. The family located at Lancaster, New York, at that time the home of his future wife, also.

Mrs. Striffler, previous to her marriage, went to White Pigeon, Michigan. She was joined there by Mr. Striffler, where they were united in marriage July 3, 1856. Her maiden name was Mary ROMMEL. After their marriage they returned to Lancaster for seven years, when they again decided to make their home in Michigan, locating near Sturgis.

In the year 1877 they came to Cass City where several of Mr. Striffler's brothers resided and soon after purchased the farm which is now the old homestead, and where together they have toiled for more than thirty years. By hard work they gradually converted the wilderness into a nice farm.

Mr. Striffler ans his wife are loyal, consistent Christians, and members of the local Evangelical church. They were converted under the labors of Rev. Mueller and at that time united with the church of their choice.

The house was blessed with eight children, two of them, Christian and Mrs. S.G. BENKELMAN preceding the father to the homeland. The remaining children are: Samuel W. of Argyle, William D., Mrs. Charles PATTERSON, Mrs. H.L. McDERMOTT, Solomon, and Mrs. Edward HELWIG, all of whom resided in this vicinity. One brother, John Striffler, of this place and sixteen grandchildren, also survive him.

The funeral services were held at the Evangelical church Thursday afternoon at half past one o'clock, the pastor, Rev. J.A. Schweitzer officiating. The pall bearers were his three sons, Samuel, William, and Solomon; and three son-in-laws, H.L. McDERMOTT, Charles PATTERSON and Edward HELWIG. The interment was at Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

A copy of his actual Michigan Death Certificate is viewable online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Christ Striffler


(Research):
Census Information:

1850 Census
New York, Erie County, Lancaster
Enumerated 23 Aug 1850
Page 200
1048-1082
Otil Strifler 59 F $2550 Germany
Jacob Strifler 30 M Farmer
Susanna Strifler 27 F
Joseph Stifler 24 M Farmer
Christian Strifler 22 m Farmer
John Strifler 17 Farmer New York (sic)
David Strifler 14


1880 Census, Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland, ED 400
Page No Eighteen SD--- ED---
Enumerated on the 15th of June, 1880
George Petertand
170-170
Striffler, Christian W M 52 Farmer France France France
Striffler, Mary A W F 42 Keeping House Wurtemberg Wurtemberg Wurtemberg
Striffler, Samuel W. W M 22 Son Farmer NY France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Lydia W F 21 Dtr Without Occupation NY France Wurtemberg
Striffler, William D. W M 14 Son At School Michigan Framce Wurtemberg
Striffler, Christina A W F 7 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Barbara O W F 5 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Mary P W F 1 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg

The household immediately preceding his was that of John and Elizabeth Zinnecker.

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County,Elkland Twp
Enumerated 8 and 9 June 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 5A Stamped 108
93-93
Striffler, Christ Hd W M Dec 1827 72 M Germany Germany Germany Farmer
Striffler, Mary Wife W F Dec 1837 62 M 6/5 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Barbara Dtr W F Sep 1875 24 S Mich Germany Germany
Striffler, Mary Dtr W F Nov 1878 21 S Mich Germany Germany
Striffler, Solomon Son W M ??? 188? 18 S Mich Germany Germany Farm Laborer

Christian married Anna Maria "Mary Anna" Rommel on 3 Jul 1856 in White Pigeon, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Anna (daughter of Michael Rommel and Maria Barbara Frey) was born on 8 Dec 1837 in B?nzwangen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 31 Oct 1911 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, November 3, 1911
Vol. 6, No. 29

Pioneer Lady Answers Summons
Mrs. Christian Striffler Died Tuesday, Oct. 31
Came to Elkland Township in 1877 and Settled on Farm Four Miles for Cass City

Another pioneer was called to rest when Mrs. Christian Striffler answered the final summons at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward HELWIG, three miles east of Cass City, at five o'clock Tuesay afternoon. Mrs. Striffler had been in poor health for several months, and as her illness developed into a serious nature several weeks ago, the end was not unexpected.

Mary ROMMEL was born in Germany on Dec. 9, 1837. She came to the United States with her parents while she was yet young and they located at Lancaster, N.Y.
Later she went to White Pigeon, Mich. and at that place she was united in marriage with Christian Striffler on July 3, 1856. Shortly after they returned to Lancaster and resided there about seven years when they came to Michigan, locating near Sturgis. In 1877 they came to Cass City where Mr. Stiffler's brother resided and soon after purchased the farm four miles northeast of town on which they lived until Mr. Striffler's death Feb. 6, 1911.

Mrs. Striffler was a loyal and consistant Christian lady and a member of the Evangelical church. She was ever of a kind indulgent disposition and none ever entered her home without a warm welcome nor left without feeling the warmth of genuine hospitality.

Her home was blessed by eight children, two of whom, Christian and Mrs. S.G. Benkelman, preceding the mother in death. The remaining children are: Samuel W. of Argyle; William D., Mrs. Clara (sic) PATTERSON, Mrs. H.L. McDERMOTT, Mrs. Edward HELWIG and Solomon C., all of whom reside in this vicinity. She is also survived by her two brothers, Andrew and George RUMMEL, of Sturgis, one sister, Mrs. Geo. BENKELMAN of St. Francis, Kansas, 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. The funeral services will be held at the residence of Edward HELWIG at 12 o'clock today (Friday) and later int he afternoon at the Evangelical Church.

Her tombstone inscription reads:

Striffler, Mary,b. 9 Dec 1937, d. 31 Oct 1911, mother

Her actual Michigan Death Certificate can be viewed online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Mary Anna Striffler

(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

Hilda Stickley Benkelman writes that "When Leonard was eight, his father died. His mother later remarried, and life with his new stepfather was unpleasant. At age 14, using a small inheritance from an aunt to pay his passage, Leonard emigrated to America. He landed at Ellis Island with 25 cents in his pocket, and went to first live with his Uncle John Schiefle near Buffalo, New York. He worked for others on farms, and also attended school, but became very homesick for Germany. He was persuaded to visit his Aunt, Catherine Benkelman nee Schiefle in Cass City before returning to Germany, and did so. His Aunt made a home for him, and he again worked for neighboring farmers, helping to clear the land on which part of Cass City is located.

Leonard was happy to find the Buerk family living in Cass City, as they were well acquainted in Germany. He visited them often, and in 1885 married their only child, Catherine. The young family started out with one cow, a one room home, and a log stable. Leonard often left home at daybreak, working all day for 50 cents, and returning home after dark. Since they didn't even have a fence, he then had to light a lantern and go in search of their cow in order to milk her. Leonard was active in his church, on both the building committee and superintendent of the Sunday School. In 1900, the Buehrly family moved into the Buerk home and took care of Catherine's aging parents. They remained in the family home after her parents died."

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 22, Number 46
Cass City, Mich., Friday, Feb. 10. 1939

L. Buehrly Was Elkland Pioneer
Came From New York and Continued Residence Here Since 1876

Leonard Buehrly, for 62 years a resident of Elkland Township, passed away at his farm home three miles northeast of Cass City, late Friday afternoon, after an illness of nearly a year's duration.

Funeral services were conducted at the Evangelical Church on Tuesday afternoon by Dr. R.N. Holsaple. Burial was in Elkland Cemetery. Leonard Buehrly was born in Borthinger, Wuertemberg, Germany, on February 21, 1859, and at the age of 14, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean all alone as far as his friends and relatives were concerned. He landed in Buffalo, N.Y. with exactly 25 cents in his pocket. An uncle lived at Buffalo and after a short stay in his home, Mr. Buehrly found employment on a farm. At Christmas time in 1876, he came to Cass City where he entered the employ of Adam Benkelman on a farm two miles northeast of the village. On March 24, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Buerk. The early married years of Mr. and Mrs. Buehrly in Section 23, Elkland, presented the hardships of Pioneer days in this community which they met with a courageous spirit and with unfailing industry. The have resided on the same farm since their marriage nearly 54 years ago. In 1935, they celebrated their golden wedding at their farm home on the afternoon of March 24, surrounded by a large company of relatives, and the next evening, they were honored at a public reception at the Evangelical Church attended by a large group of relatives and friends. During his residence here, Mr. Buehrly had been a member of the Evangelical Church, serving that society as a member of the board of trustees for 25 years, as Sunday School superintendent for three years, and as calls leader and steward. Mr. Buehrly was a member of the building committee in charge of the erection of the first Evangelical Church edifice her in 1884.In this age of endevouring to shift burdens on other shoulders, it is rather unusual to find one anxious to assume more than his allotted shares of the day's burdens. However, there are such rare people, and such a man was Leonard Buehrly, who early in life, was taught that every industrious many, in every lawful calling, is a useful man. Coupled with an industrious spirit was honesty and frugalilty, all of which combined in making Mr. Buehrly a useful citizen. Mrs. Buehrly is survived by his widow and six children, Fred, Edward and Lawrence BUEHRLY, Mrs. Burt A. ELLIOT, Mrs. S.C. STRIFFLER, and Miss Elsie BUEHRLY. All are residents of Elkland Township. Friends and relatives from a distance in attendance at the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred BERNICKER of Saginaw, Frank STRIFFLER, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. KAISER and son, Kenneth, of Detroit; Mrs. Margaret GOLL and son, Carl of Unionville; Mr. and Mrs. Fred MENZEL of Sebewaing; Mr. and Mrs. Henry BLASI and threee daughters of Kilmanagh; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar WEBBER of Owendale; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph BEST of Kingston; Mr. and Mrs. Dan SCHIELE of Caro; Mr. and Mrs. Harry YOUNG of Elkton.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-060
7 Page 95B Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
John STRIFFLER Self M M W 47 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: FRANCE Mo: FRANCE

Mary STRIFFLER Wife F M W 41 WERTENBURG Occ: Keeping House Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Emmiline STRIFFLER Dau F S W 19 MI Occ: Without Occupation Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
George A. STRIFFLER Son M S W 16 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Salome STRIFFLER Dau F S W 13 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Martha STRIFFLER Dau F S W 7 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Esther STRIFFLER Dau F S W 2 MI Occ: At Home Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Leonard BUEHRLY Other M S W 21 WERTENBURG Occ:Farmer Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Philipp STRIFFLER Nephew M S W19 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: NY Mo: NY

Johann married Catherine Buerk on 24 Mar 1885 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Catherine (daughter of Johann Freidrich "Fredrick" Buerk and Anna Catharina Benkelman) was born on 16 Aug 1865 in W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 20 Mar 1954 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 26, 1954

Pioneer Resident of Cass City Area Dies

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Evangelical United Brethren Church for Mrs. Catherine Buehrly, pioneer resident of this community, who died Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter ANTHES. She had been in ill health for the past two years. The Rev. S.R. Wurtz and Rev. Stanley Kirn officiated. Mrs. Buehrly was born in Waldhausen, Wurttemberg, Germany, August 16, 1865, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick BUERK and came to this country with her parents when she was seven years old. The settled on a farm three and one-half miles northeast of Cass City. On March 24, 1885, she married Mr. Leonard BUEHRLY at her home in Elkland Township. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near the homestead. Mr. Buehrly died February 4, 1939, and in 1945 Mrs. Buehrly came to live with her daughter, Mrs. ANTHES, where she had lived until her death. Mrs. Buehrly had been a faithful member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City since early childhood and attended services when they were being held in the Walmsley School. She watched the church grow to the present time. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Walter (Elsie) ANTHES of Novesta Township and Mrs. S.C. (Mary) STRIFFLER of Elkland Township; three sons, Fred, Edward and Lawrence, all of Elkland Township; then grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One daughter preceded her in death. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Little's Funeral Home and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)