Willis Henry Delmar Serl
Willis Henry Delmar Serl was born April 27, 1873, in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, and died March 9, 1939, in Yuma, Yuma Co., CO, at age 65. Buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO. He is the son of Henry Searle of Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, and Charlotte Clarinda Fuller of Pennsylvania.
Ruth Elfrieda Loppe was born February 9, 1881, in Woosung, Ogle Co., IL, and died March 5, 1957, in Eckley, Yuma Co., CO, at age 76. Buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO. She is the daughter of John William Loppe of Boonsboro, Washington Co., MD, and Mary E. Miller of Unknown..
Willis Henry Delmar Serl and Ruth Elfrieda Loppe were married February 28, 1900, in Red Cloud, Webster Co., NE.
Willis Henry Delmar Serl and Ruth Elfrieda (Loppe) Serl had eleven children:
Baby Serl: Born January 29, 1901, in Inavale, Webster Co., NE; Died January 29, 1901, in Inavale, Webster Co., NE (age Stillborn Infant).
Baby Serl: Born November 8, 1901, in Inavale, Webster Co., NE; Died November 8, 1901, in Inavale, Webster Co., NE (age Stillborn Infant).
Baby Serl: Born June 19, 1903, in Inavale, Webster Co., NE; Died June 19, 1903, in Inavale, Webster Co., NE (age Stillborn Infant).
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Willis Henry Delmar Serl and Ruth Elfrieda (Loppe) Serl are buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available.
Merle Willis Serl and Zoe Edith (Gilbert) Serl are buried in Eckley Cemetery, Eckley, Yuma Co., CO. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Glenn Sanford Flood and Mary Erma (Serl) Flood are buried in Mount Gilead Cemetery, Black Springs, Montgomery Co., AR. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Otto Henry Serl and Anna Alice (Fincher) Serl are buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Alvin LeRoy Serl and Vonda Irine (Watson) Serl are buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Irvun Edward Weiher and Ruth Elfreda (Serl) Serl are buried in Claquato Cemetery, Chehalis, Lewis Co., WA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Elmer LeRoy Piper and Lila Mae (Serl) Piper are buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 26, 1870, shows Henry Serl (age 35) born in Canada West with real estate worth $1,000 and personal estate worth $300 and both parents of foreign birth is a Farmer living in Mayfield Twp., Grand Traverse Co., MI. Living with him is is wife Charlotte Serl (age 35) born in Pennsylvania with her father of foreign birth, who is Keeping House. Also living at home are five children, with the father being of foreign birth: Harriet Serl (age 9) born in Illinois; Adam Serl (age 7) born in Illinois; Charles Serl (age 5) born in Michigan; Ida Serl (age 3) born in Michigan; and Samuel Serl (age 1) born in Michigan.
Willis Henry Delmar Serl was born April 27, 1873, in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI.
The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 10, 1880, shows Henry Serl (age 43) born in Canada to English-born parents, and who cannot read or write, is a married Farmer, and is living in Walnut Creek Precinct, Webster Co., NE. Living with him are: his wife, Charlotte Serl (age 44) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents, who is Keeping House; his unmarried daughter, Harriet Serl (age 18) born in Illinois to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents, who is Keeping House; his unmarried son, Adam A. Serl (age 17) born in Illinois to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents, and who cannot read or write, who Works on Farm; his son, Chas. C. Serl (age 15) born in Michigan to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents, and who cannot write, who Works on Farm; his daughter, Ida A. Serl (age 18) born in Michigan to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents; his son, Albert G. Serl (age 12) born in Michigan to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents, and who cannot write; his son, Willis Hy. Serl (age 7) born in Michigan to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents; his son, Ralph R. Serl (age 5) born in Nebraska to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents; and his daughter, Lillie M. Serl (age 2) born in Nebraska to Canada and Pennsylvania-born parents.
On June 17, 1880, Tilla Serl (age 18) born in Illinois to Canadian and Pennsylvania-born parents is also listed as a Servant in the Edward Kellogg household in Red Cloud Precinct, Webster Co., NE.
Ruth Elfrieda Loppe was born February 9, 1881, in Woosung, Ogle Co., IL.
The 1885 Kansas State Census dated March 1, 1885, shows Henry Serl (age 48) born in Canada and having come to Kansas from Nebraska is a Farmer living in Valverde Twp., Sumner Co., KS. Living with him is Charlote Serl (age 49) born in Pennsylvania. Also living there are six unmarried Serl children, all born in Michigan: Chas. Serl (age 20); Ida Serl (age 17); Burt Serl (age 16); Willis Serl (age 11); Ralph Serl (age 9); and Lilly Serl (age 7).
The Red Cloud Chief, Red Cloud, Webster Co., NE, May 8, 1896
W. H. Serls now occupies the Hoffman house south of L. B. Thorn's.
The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 20, 1900, shows Willis H. Serl (age 27) born April 1873 in Michigan to English and Illinois-born parents is a Farmer who rents his farm and is living on Walnut Creek Twp., Webster Co., NE. Living with him is his childless wife of less than one year, Elfleda Serl (age 19) born February 1881 in Illinois to Pennsylvania and Maryland-born parents.
Elmer LeRoy Piper was born July 15, 1909, in Creston, Union Co., IA.
Elmer LeRoy Piper Birth Record.
The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 12, 1910, shows Willis H. D. Searle (age 38) born in Michigan to English and Illinois-born parents and in his first marriage is a Farmer of his Own Farm who owns his farm free of a mortgage and is living on Wray Road, Eckley Pct., Yuma Co., CO. Living with him is his wife of 10 years, Ruth E. Serl (age 29) born in Illinois to Pennsylvania and Maryland-born parents and in her first marriage, with 3 of the 6 children born to her still alive. Also living there are his three children, all born to Michigan and Illinois-born parents: Merle W. Serl (age 5) born in Nebraska; Mary E. Serl (age 3) born in Nebraska; and Otto H. Serl (age 1) born in Colorado.
Charlotte Clarinda (Fuller) Serl died January 13, 1913, in the City of Everett, Snohomish Co., WA, at age 77.
Henry Searle died April 23, 1915, in Fort Steilacoom, Pierce Co., WA, at age 79.
The WWI Draft Registration Report taken on September 12, 1918, shows Willis Henry Serl, born April 1, 1873, is a Farmer and is living in Eckley, Yuma Co., CO. His nearest relative is Ruth A. Serl.
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on April 2, 1920, shows Willis H. Serl (age 47) born in Michigan to English and Iowa-born parents is a General Farm Farmer Operator owning his own farm with a mortgage and is living in Eckley Pct., Yuma Co., CO. Living with him is his wife, Ruth E. Serl (age 38) born in Iowa to Maryland-born parents. Also living there are his seven children, all born to Michigan and Iowa-born parents: Merle W. Serl (age 15) born in Nebraska; Mary E. Serl (age 13) born in Nebraska; Otto H. Serl (age 11) born in Colorado; Ray D. Serl (age 10) born in Colorado; Alvin L. Serl (age 7) born in Colorado; Ruth E. Serl (age 3) born in Colorado; and Lila M. Serl (age 4/12) born in Colorado.
The 1930 U. S. Census taken on 1930, shows Willis D. Serl (age 57) born in Michigan to English and Iowa-born parents and first married at age 27 is a Farmer of his Own Farm who owns his farm valued at $7,000 ad is living in Eckley Pct., Yuma Co., CO. Living with him is his wife, Ruth E. Serl (age 39) born in Illinois to Pennsylvania and Maryland-born parents and first married at age 19. Also living there are his six unmarried children, all born in Colorado to Michigan and Illinois-born parents: Oto H. Serl (age 21), who Helps on Farm; Ray B. Serl (age 18), who Helps on Farm; Alvin L. Serl (age 15); Ruth E. Serl (age 13); Lila M. Serl (age 10); and Zelphia I. Serl (age 7).
Elmer LeRoy Piper and Lila Mae Serl were married December 24, 1935, in Colorado.
Martin H. Moravec and Zelphia Irene Serl were married April 29, 1938, in Olympia, Thurston Co., WA.
Martin H. Moravec and Zelphia Irene Serl Marriage Certificate.
Willis Henry Delmar Serl died March 9, 1939, in Yuma, Yuma Co., CO, at age 65. Buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO.
Ruth Elfrieda (Loppe) Serl died March 5, 1957, in Eckley, Yuma Co., CO, at age 76. Buried in Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, Yuma Co., CO.
The family of Ruth E. (Loppe) Serl and William H. Serl moved from Red Cloud, Nebraska to a farm 2 miles west and 4 1/2 miles south of Eckley, Colorado in Yuma County in April 1908 in covered wagons. They lived in a covered wagon and a shed until they built a two room house. They had two children at this time, Merle and Mary. The other six children, Otto, Wray, Alvin, Ruth, Lila, and Zelphia, were born on this farm. The family lived on the farm until 1931 when they moved to Arkansas for a few years. Ruth and Willis were married February 28, 1900 at Red Cloud, Nebraska. For a honeymoon, they stayed overnight at Red Cloud, going the next day to their new home to start their new life together. In those days, they worked very hard. The neighbors got together and helped each other do different things, and the ladies would prepare the food and go along. Things like this were more or less their entertainment. Life was very hard then with no modern conveniences of any kind. Ruth carried her water from a spring some distance from the house for several years until they could get a well dug. They washed on a board and cooked on an old cook stove, lots of times using cow chips for their fuel. That alone was a job, carrying them into the stove and carrying the ashes out. The ironing was a real chore with the old "sad irons" heated on the stove. There was no way of controlling the temperature. While living south of Eckley in 1919, Willis built a lovely big barn. It had room enough for 20 head of horses and in the winter all of the cattle could be put inside out of the weather. In the fall, it was a big job to put the hay in the barn with slings and stacking it up in there for feeding when the weather was bad. We usually milked about 20 - 25 cows with the family helping with this job if they weren't busy with other jobs. We made our own entertainment, and our toys were only homemade things, since we could not afford fancy things. We always had a large garden. It took lots of food for a large family. We always had a lot of company, too. In 1912, if I remember right, Willis gave an acre of ground for the Lone Star School House to be built. All of the Serl children went to that school. There were as many as 28 - 30 children in all eight classrooms and only one teacher. Ruth boarded the teacher for many years. There was never a dull moment at our house. Ruth baked bread, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies practically every day for her large family, taking a lot for lunches each day. All of the children married. Merle and Zoe (Gilbert). Mary and Glenn Ford. Otto and Ann (Fincher). Wray and Mabel Weiher. Alvin and Vonda (Watson). Ruth and Irvun Weiher. Lila and Elmer Piper. Zelphia and Lyle Phillips.
Kenneth E. Serl
Aug. 1, 1940-March 19, 2005
Kenneth Eugene Serl was born Aug. 1, 1940, southwest of Yuma to Alvin and Vonda (Watson) Serl. He passed away at home on March 19, 2005.
After high school he worked for Tom Brophy until he married Marlene Brockmeier on July 30, 1961. As newlyweds they moved to Haxtun where he was employed by Haxtun Telephone Company.
In 1963, the U.S. Army found his number and he served our country for two years -- 13 months of it in Korea. He was honorably discharged in August 1965. When he returned home, he joined Marlene in Haxtun for another year. He was transferred by the telephone company to Indianola in 1966 and resided there until 1976.
While in Indianola he made many friends and engaged in many heated "Women Vs. Men" pitch games. The women are still sure the men cheated.
The three children were born while the Serls lived in Indianola; Kendra, Karma and Kip. Ken got involved in the community because he had to fix their phones. He was chased by a rattle snake and had a person threaten to whip him, but he won both times. The dog bite sent him in for a shot. One very good (deceased) farmer told him to get the lines high enough so the Jack Rabbits wouldn't tear them down. So Ken and Marlene rigged up a bill to send him. They charged him for parts, labor and the lip he had to take while fixing the phone. It got expensive.
He served two terms on the Indianola City Council and got involved in fund raising and building a swimming pool. He served as President of the commercial club. Some free advice -- don't ever get involved with the Indians and try to move an Indian gravesite -- even if your town is named after an Indian maiden. He also was an instigator of the Indianola Saddle Club. He even conned Marlene into riding a horse in a McCook parade with three year old Kendra in her lap. He had to carry a flag. That only happened once!
In March of 1976, they moved back to Yuma. They built a new home where they still reside. Ken and Marlene started Anspacher Futures which they have owned and operated for 25 years. Many of their customers weren't just customers, they were very good friends. Ken always meant to thank those very special customers who, after becoming discouraged with the "down" market, went out and turned Ken's "Limit Up" license plate upside down! He served on the YCCA Board for many years and was a devoted board member. He also raised cattle and farmed.
He loved to fish and he and Marlene traveled to their lake home at Hugh Butler Lake near McCook many times during the summer. He always said when he retired he would buy a boat and hang up a "Gone Fishing" sign. He was also an avid football fan and enjoyed spending time at the golf course too.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Serl; brother, Bruce Serl; father-in-law, Marvin Brockmeier; and brother-in-law, Harold Frink.
He was loved enormously and will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 44 years, Marlene; his children, Kendra Wagner and husband, Daryl of North Platte, Karma Wells and husband, Doug, and son, Kip Serl and wife, Tonya, all of Yuma; grandchildren, Kayla, Lauren and Matthew Wagner, Steven and Samantha Wells and Ken was anxiously awaiting the birth of baby Serl later this year. He is also survived by his mother, Vonda Serl; brother, Les Serl and wife, Shirley, all of Yuma; sister, Marie Frink; and sister-in-law, Lois Serl, both of Akron; and mother-in-law, Esther Brockmeier of Yuma; plus numerous nieces and nephews, several who tried very hard to save him.
Mabel M. Serl, 98, of Walla Walla died Aug. 30 at the Washington Odd Fellows Home. Mrs. Serl was born in Clay, Mo. She also lived in Arkansas, Colorado, White Swan, and Toppenish. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Hebert of College Place; five sons, Bobby Serl of Toledo, John Serl of Kenmore, Glenn Serl of Lake Stevens, Wray Serl Jr. of Elgin, Texas, and Larry Serl of College Place; two sisters, Elsie Bickar and Ruby Shepard, both of Chehalis; 27 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be at noon Friday in Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish. Arrangements are by Mountain View-Colonial Dewitt Funeral Home of Walla Walla. Yakima Herald-Republic
Willis Henry Delmar Serl. Son of Henry and Charlotte (Fuller) Serl. Married Ruth E. Loppe February 28, 1900 at Red Cloud, Nebraska. Children include Merl, Mary, Otto, Wray, Alvin, Ruth, Lila, Zelphia. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ He signed a WWI draft registration card September 12, 1918 at Wray, Colorado giving his date of birth as April 1, 1873. Description: age 45, medium height, stout build, grey eyes, brown hair. He and Ruth were living at Eckley, Colorado where he was a farmer. Signed: Willis Henry Serl. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~