The August Luhman (Luhmann) Family Tree

August Heinrich Luhman was born January 15, 1854 in Luxemburg, Germany to August Luhman and Rebecca Stevens. He died June 5, 1926 in Muskegon, Michigan. Cause of death was Ventricular Fibrillation. He came to USA from Germany in either 1876 (according to “Historic Michigan” book) or 1874 (according to Sexton newspaper article). He worked as sexton for Muskegon, Michigan cemeteries. He was most likely married in the United States. He married Caroline Manteufel(?) who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany in 1860 (parents names unknown). August and Caroline had 6 children: Emma, Anna, Otto, William, Robert, and Edward. Caroline died in Muskegon March 18, 1894 of Consumption. She was a Laborer. (The “Historic Michigan” book states that her name was Catherine, but her tombstone reads Caroline. And her death certificate lists her name as Caroline Luhnen). August then married Annie K. Werner (sp?), who was born approximately May 2, 1860 to Henry Werner and Katherine Zinkham in Canada. August and Annie lived at 28 Blodgett, Muskegon. Annie died July 8, 1913 in Muskegon of Nephritis. She was a housewife and raised his six children. After Annie died, August married his third wife, Rose Akins Bowen, who was born in Fruitport, Michigan on December 11, 1885 to George Akins and Mary Knapp. August and Rose were married February 24, 1914 by Pastor Julius Reichert. Witnesses were Albert Jung and Elisabeth Mew (sp?), both of Muskegon. She was a housewife and lived at 2214 Denmark in Muskegon. She died at 2:30 pm October 12, 1964 at Muskegon Co. Med. Care Facility. Cause of death was Cerebral Vascular Thrombosis, Cerebral Arteriosclerosis, and Senility. She was buried in Lakeside on October 14, 1964. Her tombstone lists her middle name as "M" but her death certificate has it listed as "Lerle". Rose had a son from a previous marriage, Bruce O. Bowen. He was born September 26, 1907 and died at 6:00 am January 22, 1956 in Hackley Hospital, Muskegon from Leukemia (15 months). He was buried January 25, 1956 in Lakeside. Bruce was co-owner of Bowen-Fischer Motor Sales. His wife was Beatrice Sibley. They lived at 3504 Seneca Drive in Norton Twp. August and Rose had a daughter, Ruth Marie Luhman.

Emma Luhman was born Sep 4, 1882, Fremont, Michigan. Her mother is listed as Caroline Unknown on her death certificate and Clara Manteufel on her marriage license. She married Earl W. Thompson on June 27, 1906 in Muskegon. Their witnesses were William C. Luhman (Muskegon) and Ethel Luhman (Grand Haven). Earl was born about 1878 in Fremont, Michigan, to Gilbert Thompson and Sarah Jane Spruce. He was a Mill worker and she was a housewife. Emma died May 5, 1941. Cause of death was Chronic Cholecystitis. They had two children, Beatrice Thompson and August Thompson (aka Augie).

Beatrice married Wilbur Springsdorf and they they had 1 boy (name unknown) and 2 daughters, Beverly and Kathleen Springsdorf.

August did not have any children.

Otto August Luhman was born January 28, 1884, Muskegon, Michigan. His mother's name is listed as Caroline Montiefel on his death certificate and Caroline Monttifel on his marriage license. Occupation: Florist and cemetery sexton. Otto married Mary Ann Dawdy (Ward) on July 14, 1915 by Rev. Archibald Hadden, Congregational Minister (Muskegon). Witnesses were Jean and Helen G. Hadden of Muskegon. Mary was born in Michigan May 5, 1895 to James Ward and Sarah Monroe. She had been previously married. Otto Died June 29, 1964 at 2046 Harding, Muskegon (home). Cause of death: Acute Cardiac Failure (1 week before death), Arteriosclerosis (3 years), Diabetes Mellitus (7 years). Gangrene in right foot, amputated May 28, 1964. Otto is buried in Lakeside. The cemetery records show that his leg was also buried, when it was amputated. Mary died Nov 1982. Their children: Charles, William, Frank, and Dorothy.

Charles Otto Luhman was born in MI approximately September 4, 1917. He died in Muskegon July 13, 1938 from a fractured scull - auto accident. He was a Laborer and unmarried.

William James Luhman (aka Bill) married Nellie Irene Stevens on September 30, 1955 at First Reformed Church in Muskegon. Rev. H. Van Roalto performed the ceremony and witnesses were Joyce M. Stevens and Frank Luhman, both from Muskegon. William and Nellie were both born and lived in Muskegon. He was baptized at First Reformed Church June 16, 1963. Nellie was the daughter of Joseph B. Stevens and Clara Knoll. William was a florist and ran the Luhman greenhouse in Muskegon, Michigan. Nellie was a nurse. Their children: Lynelle Jo was born January 21, 1960 and was baptized at First Reformed Church in Muskegon April 10, 1960. Marsha Claire was born April 29, 1957 and baptized at First Reformed Church June 16, 1957. Suzanna Kay was born September 18, 1963 and baptized at First Reformed Church December 15, 1963.

Frank Luhman married Alma Arnold October 26, 1940 by LeRoy Rolmoor, Pastor, at Central Methodist Church in Muskegon. Witnesses were William Luhman and Gladys Baldwin, both of Muskegon. Alma was born in Minnesota to Harry Arnold and Bertha Jessett. He was a florist and she was a factory worker. They had a son, Charles, and adopted children: Gordon Lee, Marilee Karen (unsure if it is 1 boy and 1 girl with first and middle names, or 2 boys and 2 girls).

Dorothy Mabel Luhman was born approximately July 29, 1916 and died September 30, 1916 of Rickets. She was 2 months and 1 day old.

William Carl Luhman was born October 15, 1884, Fremont, Newaygo, Michigan. He married Mamie (last name unknown). He died 1922. They had two children, Bill and Jack.

Bill, the oldest, never married.

Jack died as a child.

Anna Irene Luhman was born Jan 15, 1888, Freemont, Newaygo, Michigan. She married Roy Scott Killingbeck on December 14, 1909 at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Muskegon, MI. Their witnesses were Robert Luhmann and J. Killingbeck. Roy was born April 24, 1890 in Michigan City, La Porte, Indiana. He was the son of John Killingbeck and Alice Agnes Scott. Roy was a machinist and Anna was not employed. She died May 25, 1929, La Porte, Indiana. Burial May 29, 1929 Greenwood Cemetery, (Calvary Cemetery), Michigan City, Indiana. Roy later married Hazel Mae Young. He died May 7, 1965 in Michigan City, La Porte, Indiana. Anna and Roy had 1 daughter, Ruth; 3 sons, Charles; Robert; Donald.

Ruth Dee married ? Kramer and they had one child, Pam Kramer.

Pam married ? Schudrowitz.

Charles Francis was born Nov 20, 1913 in Michigan City, IN. Died May 24, 1971 in Michigan City, IN.

Donald Edward was born April 23, 1924 in Michigan City, IN. Died April 21, 1925 in Michigan City, IN.

Robert Budd was born June 13, 1920 in Michigan City, IN. He married Alice Essie Clarke who was born on February 20, 1922 in Chicago, IL. He died died Sep 14, 1992 in Michigan City, IN. They had five sons and one daughter: Raymond Bruce, David Allen, Kevin Michael, Barry Clarke, Kathleen Ann, and Brian Kieth Killingbeck (born July 20, 1955 in Michigan City, IN).

Brian married Analynne Moyes on December 18, 1981. She was born October 2, 1957 in Salt Lake City, UT. Their children: Robert John (March 31, 1983), Jenelle Cass (December 18, 1984), Kristy Lynne (February 12, 1986), Marci Dann (November 23, 1988, Brian Andrew (September 17, 1990), William Thomas (January 20, 1993), and John Francis (stillborn).

Edward F. was born June 15, 1892, Muskegon, MI. He married Edna B. Wyatt February 23, 1918. She was born July 4, 1895 in Cadillac, MI. He died May 31, 1951, Hart, MI. She died Aug 22, 1986 in Pentwater, MI. They had three children, Maxine, Evelyn, and Edward II. Edna later married a Rev. Moss.

Maxine was born in November 1918. She married Rudolph Gustafson April 12, 1941 in Muskegon by Victor Larson, Clergyman. Witnesses were Evelyn Carol Luhman and Douglas W. Hamm, both from Muskegon. Rudy was the son of Arthur H. Gustafson and Anna Bard. Rudy was an accountant and Maxine was a stenographer. They had three children, John Dean, Miriam, and Jane.

Jane married Sam Morrison.

Evelyn Carol was born in 1922 and married Harold Christenson February 14, 1942, Victor Larson, Clergyman. Witnesses were Mrs. A. R. Gustafson and Edward F. Luhmann Jr. Harold was the son of Rudolph Christenson and Mae Johnston. Harold was a timekeeper and Evelyn was not employed. They had 2 girls and 1 boy.

Edward F. Luhmann Jr. was born February 3, 1924 and died due to cancer April 1978 in the Detroit area. He had been disabled for 2 years due to an auto accident. He was married and divorced with a couple of children, including a son, Edward III (Feb 11, 1948-July 1986), who worked in the auto parts industry. He had lived at 2699 Morton Ave in Muskegon.

Edward III had a son, Edward IV, born around 1976. (wives names and dates unknown).

Robert Heinrich (Henry) was born October 22, 1889, Muskegon, Michigan. Occupation: Barber. His death certificate lists his mother as Caroline Hildebrandt. Robert married Elizabeth Auguste Zeckzer June 19, 1913 in Muskegon, MI by Rev. Julius Reichert, Pastor. Witnesses were Max Zeckzer and Clara Hall from Muskegon. Max was Elizabeth's brother and he and Clara would later get married. Elizabeth was born February 19, 1892 in Muskegon and was confirmed on April 1, 1906 at St. John’s Church in Muskegon. Robert was confirmed at the same church on March 24, 1918. He died October 18, 1934, Muskegon, Michigan. Cause of death was Myocarditis. She died April 4, 1937 from Carcinomatosis. They had two children: Robert Ferdinand and Ewald Billy.

Robert Ferdinand Luhmann was born May 8, 1914. He served in WWII Army. He married Berniece G. Hooker February 2, 1940 by Arnold Brink, Minister Reformed Church of America. Witnesses were Ewald B. Luhmann and Marian H. Haglund, of Muskegon. Robert was a barber and Berniece was an office clerk. Berniece was born in Michigan June 30, 1915 to Myreenus Hooker and Minnie Peters. She died October 19, 1974. Robert died August 28, 1973. They are buried in Restlawn Cememtery. They have a son, Robert Hooker Luhmann (born July 11, 1945 in Muskegon, MI), and a daughter, Mary Janet Luhmann (born April 1, 1949 in Muskegon, MI).

Robert married Susan Graham (born Dec 12, 1949) on March 30, 1968, and they have two daughters, Michelle Lynn Luhmann (born January 20, 1971 in Muskegon, MI) and Kristina Marie Luhmann (born June 24, 1973 in Ann Arbor, MI). He married Shirley Louise Rodgers (born July 22, 1949) on November 10, 1990 in Chicago, IL.

Michelle married George Dietrich on September 20, 1991 in LaGrange, KY. They have two children, Kadin Marcellus Dietrich (born July 30, 1993 in Louisville, KY) and Haylee Michelle Dietrich (born January 25, 1997 in Louisville, KY).

Kristina married Joseph McCullough on May 23, 1998 in Knoxville, IL. They have one child, Cassidi Jo McCullough, born August 2, 1999 in Ft. Worth, TX.

Mary Janet Luhmann married James Fredrick Bennitt January 3, 1969 in Muskegon, Michigan during a blizzard of 14" that day. They have three children. Amy Marie Bennitt born Mar 2, 1972. Barbara Elizabeth Bennitt born May 10, 1976 in Muskegon. She married Daniel John Nees on June 5, 1999 in Lansing, Michigan. Steven James Bennitt was born in Muskegon on December 26, 1980 5 minutes after Christmas.

Ewald Billy (William) Luhmann was born September 5, 1918. He married Lennetta Lenwood Loyd Lowing on June 18, 1943 at the Klise Memorial Chapel, East Congregational Church, East Grand Rapids. They had two children, Elizabeth and a son, David.

Elizabeth (aka Betty) Luhmann was born August 20, 1945. She married Larry Barnard and they had two children, Steven and Sarah. Betty later married Dennis Tabor.

Steven William Barnard was born September 19, 1974. He married Amy Suzanne Mitin on July 18, 1997.

Paige Caylee Barnard was born September 3, 2003.

Jackson Cohen Barnard was born November 26, 2004.

Sarah Lynne Barnard was born March 2, 1977. She married Jeff Skiles July 2009.

Samantha Barnard Bush was born June 17, 1997.

Cassidy was born September 2010.

David William Luhmann was born July 26, 1949. He married Roseann Roesler on March 21, 1970. She was born October 30, 1949. They had two children, Patrick and Carrie.

Patrick Joel Luhmann was born September 4, 1972. He married Jennie Yoder on December 30, 2003.

Carrie Ann Luhmann was born May 25, 1977 in Adrian, MI. She married James Walter Pieniozek on April 28, 2001.

Aaron James Pieniozek was born October 15, 2004.

Adrienne Nicole Pieniozek was born August 13, 2009.

Ruth Marie Luhman was born April 5, 1918, Muskegon, Michigan. She married Elmer C. Wesner. They had two children, Rolland Bruce Bittermann (born February 4, 1936 in Muskegon, MI) and Sharon Bitterman (born February 12, 1941 in Muskegon, MI). She later married Gordon Clarke Bittermann on November 3, 1951 in Tucson, AZ. He worked as an emblamer in a mortuary. Ruth and Gordon had one child, Deborah Susan Bittermann (born August 11, 1951). As children, all of Ruth Bittermann's children came to know her as Mammy. That is the only name anybody knew her as until they got older. Ruth and Gordon died in Lancaster, CA. She died November 1997.

Rolland married Jeanine Amick on July 13, 1957 in Lancaster, CA. They had one daughter, Karrie Lee Bittermann (born September 26, 1959 in Barstow, CA). Rolland later married Joan Wingate on July 19, 1986 in Lake Taho, CA.

Sharon married Donald Graf on July 16, 1961 in North Hollywood, CA. They had 2 children, Gaylin Michele Graf (born May 31, 1962 in Hollywood, CA) and Gina Marie Graf (born January 26, 1967 in Hollywood, CA). Sharon later married Paul Kindig on March 14, 1981 in Lancaster, CA.

Gaylin married Kevin Mitchell on January 10, 1981 in Las Vegas, NV. They had two children, Brandon Lee Mitchell (born October 23, 1981 in Panorama City, CA) and Broc Tyler Mitchell (born March 19, 1984 in Panama City, CA). Gaylin later married Walter Schmitz on October 8, 1989 in Lancaster, CA. They had two children, Danielle Marie Schmitz (born May 26, 1990) in Lancaster, CA) and Lacey Rose Schmitz (born November 17, 1991) in Lancaster, CA).

Gina married Steven Sylvies on January 20, 1985 in Lancaster, CA. They had two children, Adam Lowell Sylvies (born January 18, 1987 in Lancaster, CA) and Travis Jonathon Sylvies (born December 19, 1989 in Lancaster, CA).

Deborah married David Sorrell on June 20, 1971 in North Hollywood, CA. They had two children, Jaysen Clarke Sorrell (born October 11, 1972 in North Hollywood, CA) and Kelly Jean Sorrell (born July 5, 1977 in Lancaster, CA).

Jaysen married Michele Lyn Lloyd born June 11, 1974. They have 2 daughters, Harlie Nichole Sorrell born Aug 28, 1994, and Brianna Kristine Sorrell born Jan 30, 2001.

Kelly has a daughter, Kaitlyn Danielle Mahan.