Notes for Elizabeth SCHAFF

Notes for Elizabeth SCHAFF

SOURCE: Land of the Pioneers Meade County SD. Newspaper Obit,
Marriage Record Book "F" Meade County page 92
RECORDS: Death.
NICKNAME: Lizzie

On May 10, 1895 a son Volmar Wetz, was born to Ottomar and Kathrina Wetz. He grew to manhood in the community near Tilford, South Dakota. In 1911 Volmar moved with his folks, two brothers and one sister to a farm east of Vale, South Dakota.In the fall of 1916, Volmar narrowly escaped death, he was thrown from a horse he was breaking, and his head struck a corral post causing severe hemorrhaging of the brain. Through an operation a steel plate was placed in his head, However, Volmar regained his health quickly, a characteristic of most of the hearty pioneers. In November of 1916 he married Elizabeth Schaff of Bear Butte Valley. Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Katherine Schaff. On June 25, 1917, Volmar and Lizzie were blessed with a daughter, Evelyn. She married a prominent rancher, John Anderson, and they reside near the Belle Fourche River east of Vale. To them one son, Robert, was born. Robert is married, and has four children. Robert and his family now occupy the ranch with his folks. Volmar and Lizzie lived on a farm with Volmar's brother, Gerald and his family. In 1928 Volmar bought what is known as the "Old Dickey Place", and took up residence there. On September 1, 1923 a son, Orville, was born to them. Orville married Thelma Casteel, daughter of Charles and Louella Casteel, on December 24, 1941 While they were living on the "Dickey Place", four children were born to Thelma and Orville. Their daughter, Roxie, is a Licensed Practical Nurse working in St. Charles, Missouri. Sgt. Timothy Wetz is presently serving a tour of duty in Viet Nam with the Armed Forces. Terry is a student at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City. Bruce is a student in Spearfish Junior High School where the family resides. Orville is employed by the Homestake Mining Company in Lead.

Marjorie was born to Volmar and Lizzie on May 27, 1926. Marjorie showed much promise early in life as she graduated valedictorian of her graduating class in Sturgis in 1944. In September of 1945, Marjorie married Oscar Bachand. Marjorie's family was very disheartened to learn of her committing suicide on August 7, 1946. Another daughter, Beverly, was born to Volmar and Lizzie on May 29, 1932. Beverly now lives in Sturgis, Where she is presently employed by Gene Wheeler, D.V.M. Beverly kept house for her father from the time of her mother's death until he died. The family of Volmar was saddened by the death of their mother Elizabeth in July of 1948. At the time of her death, the family was living in Sturgis, and Orville was farming the home place. In 1957 he sold the farm and went to work for the Homestake
Mining Company.

Volmar was employed by the Sturgis Livestock Exchange from 1945 until 1950, when he went to work for the V.A. Hospital at Fort Meade. He worked at Fort Meade until the time of his retirement. On May 10, 1965 Volmar suffering from a heart attack was admitted to the St. Joseph's Hospital in Deadwood. He passed away one week later and is presently resting in peace beside his wife in Sturgis cemetery.

Written by Orville Wetz-305

NEWSPAPER OBIT: Sturgis Tribune dated 29 Jul 1948.

MRS. VOLMER WETZ DIES FOLLOWING PARALYTIC STROKE.

According to word received here, Mrs Volmer Wetz passed away at St. Joseph's hospital, Deadwood, Wednesday morning, July 28th. She suffered a paralytic stroke some time ago. She was born March 29th, 1898 at Sturgis. Funeral services will be Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church under the direction of the F.O. Jolley Funeral Home, Rev. C.D. Erskine officiating. Burial will be made in the Bear Butte cemetery.