The story of Sister Martina Marxer

Death Certificate of  Sister M. Martina Marxer
1862-1936
source Familysearch.org

Here we have the death certificate of M. Martina Gabriela Marxer. She was born on 29 Mar 1862 to Andreas and Anna Marie Marxer, in Eschen Liechtenstein. She was my great grandfather, Joseph Marxer's sister. She came to the US with her father and siblings in 1884 and lived, for a time in St. Paul MN. By 1926 she was living in New Riegel, Seneca County, OH as a Catholic Nun with the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Her death certificate states that at the age of 72 and suffering from senility, she was working the garden of the convent in 108 degree temperatures  She suffered heat stroke and died. I find this scenario so sad. I've sent a request to the archives department of the Sisters of the Precious Blood for any other information, stories or photos they may have of Sister Martina Marxer. I hope to hear something very soon.

Friday Funny...all dressed up, nowhere to go.

photo taken in Miles City MT c. 1890

Carl Borgreen obit

Great Falls Tribune Nov. 1959

Today we mark the passing of Carl T. Borgreen who passed away, suddenly, on 22 Nov 1959, while on a hunting trip.

I never had the chance to meet Grandpa Borgreen, but everything I've ever heard about him tells me that he was a wonderful man who was much loved by all who knew him. We love you Grandpa. 

You can read more about Carl Borgreen Here 

Friday Funny....your face will freeze that way

source unknown

Mystery Monday.....Can you identify this uniform?

original post in August:

This is grandpa, Carl Borgreen, circa 1925. Can anyone help me identify this uniform?

He graduated H.S. in 1925 and would have been about 18. Thank you in advance.

Update! 4 Aug 2011
 The mystery may be solved. I sent an email to an uncle (son of this grandpa) and received this reply:

Hey Bum, Thanks, these are great. I have never seen these actual photo's  before, but  the one on the right is in the 1925 GFHS yearbook. I have 2 copies. What I remember Dad saying was that he graduated early and joined the army, so I am sure these are when he was in boot camp. He went in as an enlisted man and came out an officer, 1st. Lt. , your Mom has one of his silver officers bars. For a time he was in the cavalry on the border chasing bandit's into Mexico. He loved that country, spoke the language well, loved bull fights and Mexican food. He was a smart, tough, cocky, daredevil in his younger years. Was a barn stormer biplane  pilot, rode motorcycles, was a great athlete and outdoorsman. Not to mention a great husband and father. SOOO, there is a little info for you sweetie. 

Thanks for doing all this, it means a great deal to me as well as the rest of the family.

Love you, and looking forward to seeing all of you soon.

Uncle J

So more research on this new development. Things to search out; HS grad info, 1925 HS yearbook, military enlistment records, service records, those officer's bars that my Mom may have, etc. 

To Be Continued....

Update: 14 Nov 2011

Nothing is panning out. Mom says she doesn't have any officer's bars. There are not records, that I can find, that indicate military service. There is no mention in any written material re; Carl Borgreen, to support this claim either. I'm stumped, and I'm not convinced that the uniform is military at all. It could be a boy scout uniform, for all we know. Beating my head against this brick wall.

Friday Funny....nice ink

source unknown

Friday Funny....beep beep, coming through

source unknown

Workday Wednesday....Gary on the Ranch

Dad during branding 2005

This is dad, who grew up on a ranch, worked for years in the feed and fertilizer business and retired to play on his son-in-law's family ranch. This photo was a quick snap that I caught during branding in 2005 and is my absolute favorite picture of Dad. It just captures his true self.