Letters From Germany
Köhler cousins (page 5)
1953 - 1955
Letters sent by Franz and Auguste Köhler in Germany to August Maas in Walnut Grove, MN. Franz and August were first cousins.
See page one for additional information about these letters. [The accession numbers (A/N) are for reference and cataloging purposes.]
A/N - KOH011 letter from Franz Koehler to August Maas. [Translation by Siegfried Krause]
Dear August and dear wife and children!
I was in the hospital from December 1, 1952 to February 12, 1953 with bladder trouble, which occurs frequently here with old people. I couldn’t pass water, was operated on and I am, thanks to God, after many agonizing days doing well. I can’t, after lying so long, run yet like earlier. It also pleases us, that you could drive to our dear Aunt Block's funeral; as Martha Buss writes, now they all are united with God.
Here, snow still fell this night. It was a cold winter, but spring will come soon. Fritz Buss is in Florida with his children, where it is warm. All far away from you and us.
Hopefully you are generally healthy, as we still have gotten no news from you.
God with us! So, we wish everything good.
sincerely yours,
Auguste and Franz Köhler
[Updated - KOH011 added 3/12/2011]
A/N - KOH027 letter from Franz Koehler to August Maas. [Translation by Siegfried Krause]
Appen, Kr. Pinneberg (Germania)
Hauptstr. 22
Dear cousin and wife!
Unfortunately the sad news that my dear wife Auguste, who was in full health, passed away suddenly from a stroke on the 24th of December in the hospital of Pinneberg at 6:43 o'clock. It was God's will! I also was sickly and had support by the dear relatives from Iserlohn and daughter Hilde, mother and Karl, Heinz Goill(?), Hamburg. I was incapable and pleased that they soon were with me, and all could help.
Dear cousin and wife,
I must replace Franz with writing, as he can't continue in his grief. It was a complete surprise for all of us , the sudden death of our dear sister-in-law Auguste. She was quite vigorous despite her age of 76 years and 5 months and she worried about Franz after his operation. Auguste still was with the dentist in the morning, and went downward in the afternoon approximately 3 o'clock, in order to scour the sink, fell suddenly, and children found her and informed Franz; she still came to the hospital, but it was hopeless. For Franz a hard destiny, to be alone. I hurried the fastest way to Franz from Iserlohn. A few days ago, I drove with Franz to Wilhelm and Emma to Dohla(?), for a diversion for Franz and to provide housing,. It is possible that Franz will find lodging with his brother Wilhelm, because Franz can’t be absolutely alone. I will still remain here for some time in order to help with his move. All relatives came to the burial, only Berta of Monheim did not. It was a rarely beautiful sunny day on that day. So, it is in this life, the human being thinks and God directs; One year ago, I was still with Auguste and Franz, and it was a joy. Unfortunately, my husband Fritz Köhler was still not yet among the home-comers from captivity. Hopefully, the new year will bring us everything good. And hearty greetings to you dear ones from afar.
Elfriede Köhler of Iserlohn. Finkenweg 4 (Westphalia)
[Comment by Gene Maas: This undated letter was started by Franz Koehler and then finished by his sister-in-law, Elfriede Köhler. It was most likely written in January 1955.]
A/N - KOH018 letter from Franz Koehler to August Maas. [translation by Siegfried Krause]
Adr. Franz Köhler
Toppenstedt 90 (Kr.) Harburg over Winsen
You dear ones, cousin August, wife and children!
Now, I didn't hear anything from you for so long, that my dear wife died so suddenly at Christmas, and so now I must live alone; my sister-in-law probably has told you, I gave her the instructions, since I was capable of nothing. Although she was quite healthy and sprightly, she was suddenly paralyzed on one side and died on the 24th. in the hospital in the morning, and we were looking forward to the Christmas celebration! So God wanted it, and I’m now with strangers, because the relatives don’t care for one. I do quite well eating here, but coffee beans are missing. Please send me a (pound) of coffee and old shirts or a suit. I consume my pension on meals.
I hope, dear ones, you are all healthy, which I am also. We have good forest air here and I go often to pick berries. Now have a Happy Christmas celebration you dear all (How are you).
with greetings to the children
Franz Köhler
God be with you all
The harvest rainy, bad bread, but many potatoes, all the farmers have cars and refueling, as with you and already buildings here in the west-zone. (This sentence is confusing)
[Comment by Gene Maas: This undated letter had a postmark of October 4, but the year was unreadable. However, based on the death of Franz's wife, the year was most likely 1955.]
