Parents
Mary Drees (called Mayme)
Born: Feb 4, 1887 -- New Vienna, IA
Died: June 20, 1974 -- Dubuque, IA
Born: Feb 4, 1887 -- New Vienna, IA
Died: June 20, 1974 -- Dubuque, IA
William H Stelken (called Bill)
Born Nov 12, 1884 -- Worthington, IA
Died April 1, 1973 -- Dyersville, IA
Born Nov 12, 1884 -- Worthington, IA
Died April 1, 1973 -- Dyersville, IA
Bill and Mayme wed on February 16, 1914
Siblings
Lucile was the oldest child, born in 1916
The next born was Anita who died young, perhaps at birth.
The youngest is Frances (Fanny), born in 1927.
The next born was Anita who died young, perhaps at birth.
The youngest is Frances (Fanny), born in 1927.
PHOTO: Lucile as young child.
Growing Up
Lucile and Fanny grew up on a farm just outside of Farley. The same farm where Lucile would live with Ambrose after a few years of marriage and raise her own family there. There was a decent age gap between the two girls, 11 years.
PHOTO: Fanny (left) and Lucile in front of their home.
Their mother Mayme’s own mother (also named Mary), died when Mayme was young and her father remarried. Fanny said Mayme’s step-mother didn’t like Mayme much, probably because she was “the first wife’s” daughter.
Bill farmed with horses. Planting corn with two horses and seeding in a grid pattern so it could be cultivated and harvested in either direction.
PHOTO: Bill on the farm.
Teaching Career
Lucile was nearly 30 years old when she got married, perhaps considered an old maid for her time. She was a school teacher prior to getting married and lived at home with her parents prior to getting married. Lucile was a school teacher for 8 years, she taught 4 years at Humke school in R.R. Centralia, Iowa and 4 years at Wuchter school in R.R. Dyersville, Iowa. Wuchter School was located outside of Dyersville (going east) on or near Wuchter Road. Lucile's sister Fanny also taught in rural schools prior to getting married.
PHOTO: Lucile (far right) with 1938-39 Wuchter class.
