Bernhard W. Michaelis Family

Bernhard W. Michaelis, son of Frederick H. Michaelis and Henrietta Sonnenberg, was born July 3, 1907 in Marion Township, Henry County, Ohio. As a young boy, Bernhard grew up near Hamler and attended several one room schoolhouses: Porcupine, Rohrs, Arps, Parker and West Hope. He also attended German School at Hope Lutheran Church during the summer months. Bernhard was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in 1921.

Besides going to school, much time was spent working on his father's farm. Also being the oldest of 10 children, Bernhard did housework for his mother. One of his earliest paying jobs was as cook for Otto Meyer's baling gang during 1928 and 1929. The workers traveled to many areas to bale straw, but mainly near Coshocton, Ohio where the straw bales would be later used to make paper. During the winter of 1928, Bernhard worked at Tietcke's in Toledo. He returned to Toledo to work at Madison Buffet in the winter of 1933 and stayed until the spring of 1937.

On June 2, 1935 Bernhard married Edna Oberhaus. They were married by Rev. Haase in his house near St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township.

Edna Oberhaus, daughter of Karl and Ida Oberhaus, was born November 10, 1913 near Hamler, Ohio. In 1914, Karl Oberhaus bought a farm one mile west of the Damascus Bridge on State Route 24 and moved his family to his homestead. Here Edna grew up as a child and attended the nearby Damascus school. She attended school through her freshman year at Liberty Center High School. Edna was a 4-H member from 1927 to 1931. She was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township in 1928.

As the oldest of nine children, Edna worked with her father on the farm. Much time was also spent with the household chores. She worked as a maid for various families in Ottawa Hills near Toledo and in Napoleon during 1933 to 1935.

The young couple first lived in an apartment in Toledo paying $6 per week for rent, while Bernhard only made $9 per week in wages. Here in 1936, Bernhard and Edna's first child, Clarence, was born. In early 1937 the family moved to live with Edna's parents, Karl Oberhaus. It was here that their second child, Bernhard T., was born in 1937. During this time, Bernhard worked at the Fremont Kraut Factory and Kraut Machinery in Liberty Center.

In 1938 the couple with their two small sons moved to the I.G. Sharp farm near Liberty Center. Bernhard farmed here and worked as the manager of the Luts and Schramm Pickle Dock. He also did seasonal work for the Kraut Factory. Bernhard and Edna's third child, a daughter, Betty Jane, was born on this farm in 1938.

The family moved once more, this time in 1939 to the Charles T. Groll farm near Holgate. Bernhard farmed and during the winter worked at the Julius Hoffman saw mill. It was here that in 1940 the fourth child, Marvin, was born. Bernhard and his family lived here until 1944.

In 1943 Bernhard and Edna bought a farm located at the intersection of east U.S. Route 6 and County Road 0 in Harrison Township. The family moved to the homestead in the winter of 1944. This is where Bernhard and Edna reside and farm today. Their fifth child, Diann, was born in 1952. Bernhard farmed and worked on building construction for 6 years. Also during four winters, he worked for Price-Boiler and Welding in Toledo while farming his 80 acres. Edna worked several seasons for the Campbell Soup Company.

Bernhard and Edna have both been very active in 4-1-1. Bernhard was an advisor for 20 years with the West Liberty Prize Winners. Edna was an advisor with the Sharon Rainbows for 7 years. She also served on the 4-H Advisory Council. In 1964 Pedro Quadri, a member of IFYE (International Farm Young Exchange), stayed with them to learn of farming in Ohio. Also that same year Bernhard was chosen as Henry County's 4-H delegate to Washington, D.C., where he and Edna saw President Hoover's body lying in state. They were able to visit their IFYE in Switzerland in 1970.

For three years Bernhard served as the director of Red Cross for Harrison Township. In 1970 while in Switzerland, he visited the International Red Cross Headquarters.

Bernhard and Edna have enjoyed traveling to the east and west coasts as well as Europe and Canada. They are both active members of the McClure Senior Citizens and the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Napoleon.

CLARENCE A. MICHAELIS, the first child of Bernhard and Edna Michaelis, was born January 28, 1936. As a youth, Clarence was a member of the West Liberty Prize Winners 4-H Club, president of 4-H Council in Henry County, participated in the State of Ohio 4-H Band in 1951, and had a grand champion steer in 1953. He also was a member of the Napoleon High School Band and graduated from Napoleon High School in 1954. Following graduation, Clarence enlisted in the U.S. Army and served much of the two-year term in Germany, 1955-1957. He was employed by the Napoleon Egg Auction, a construction firm in Toledo, and finally worked for Gould-Harris Products for 7 years.

On April 4, 1959, Clarence married Rozella Hofmann, daughter of Otto and Mary Hofmann of Hamler, Ohio. He bought a farm near Malinta and became involved with farming and poultry production. Clarence was active as the superintendent of sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Hamler and served as the president of PTA at Malinta School.

Clarence and Rozella had three children: Michael, 18, (April 21, 1960) who will graduate from Pettisville High School in 1978 and writes for the school newspaper. He is listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students, 1976. Mike plans to attend Bowling Green State University in the fall of 1978. Steven, 15, (October 15, 1962) plays on the freshman basketball team at Pettisville High School. He is also a member of FFA. Steve was involved in the presentation of a lamp from Malinta School in Washington, D.C., 1975. Debra, 11, (November 10, 1966) attends St. John Lutheran Church School, Freedom Township, and is a cheerleader. She enjoys collecting china dogs and is a 4-H member.

On December 26, 1970, Clarence was involved in a farm related accident. For the next five years, he was confined to various VA Hospitals. Clarence died February 8, 1976 at the VA Hospital in Cleveland and was laid to rest at the Immanuel Lutheran Church cemetery near Hamler.

Rozella remarried Eldor Gruenhagen of Pettisville, Ohio, on April 22, 1977.

BERNHARD T. (BEN) MICHAELIS, was born June 24, 1937. During his youth, he was a member of the West Liberty Prize Winners 4-H Club for 8 years. Ben represented Henry County at 4-H Club Congress in 1955 and served on the 4-H Council. He was also active in FFA for four years and was president in 1956. Ben graduated from Napoleon High School in 1956. From 1957 through 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. He attended the Artillary Survey School at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and spent 13 months in Italy. Ben worked several years for the Napoleon Egg Auction and in building construction in Toledo. He has worked the past 13 years for Maumee Valley Vending.

On October 8, 1960, Ben married Barbara Hatfield, daughter of Mary and the late David Hatfield of McClure, Ohio. Both are active members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Napoleon and the church choir. Ben participates on the dart ball team. Ben and Barb are advisors of the Luther League. They also are the church's custodians.

Ben and Barb have three sons: Brent, 16, (December 19, 1961) is a sophomore at Napoleon High School and a member of the mixed choir. He is a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Bell Choir and Luther League. Brent has been active in 4-H and Junior Leadership. Brad, 14, (March 9, 1964) participates in 8th grade football, and wrestling. He is a member of 4-H. Brian, 11, (June 12, 1967) is a 5th grader at C.D. Brillhart and a member of 4-H. He enjoys building models.

Ben and his family presently are living on County Road N, five miles southeast of Napoleon.

BETTY JANE MICHAELIS MIDDLETON, was born September 25, 1938. From 1949 through 1955, she was an active member of the Sharon Rainbows 4-F1 Club. She worked at Franz Fruit Market, 1955-1956. Upon graduation from Napoleon High School in 1956, Betty attended the Gale Institute in Minnesota and graduated in 1957. She moved to Washington, D.C. and worked as a secretary for the Department of Navy, Bureau of Ships from 1957 to 1958. Betty returned home and was employed as a secretary for the U.S. Army, Ordinance Packaging Agency at Rossford, Ohio until 1962. She worked for the City of Napoleon from 1966 to 1969 and recently was employed by the Campbell Soup Company for a brief time.

On June 6, 1959, Betty married James Daniel Middleton, the son of Francis and the late Garn Middleton of McClure, Ohio. Dan has worked at Gould-Harris Products since 1954, except for 1955-1957, during which time he served in the U.S. Army. They are members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and also the church's custodians.

Betty and Danny have three children: Mark, 18, (April 9, 1960) will graduate from Napoleon High School in 1978, where he is a member of the band, Quiz Team, and Junior Achievement. He also participates in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Bell Choir and Luther League. Mark was a delegate to Buckeye Boy's State in 1977. He plans to attend Bowling Green State University in the fall of 1978. Mark enjoys collecting beer cans and is a member of the Beer Can Collectors of America. Scott, 15, (October 22, 1962) is a member of the Napoleon High School mixed choir and the freshman swim team. He is a 4-H member and participates in Junior Leadership. Scott enjoys art, especially drawing. Lori, 9, (January 2, 1960) is a 3rd grader at C.D. Brillhart, where she enjoys music and participating in school programs.

Betty and her family are presently living on County Road 17, four miles west of Napoleon.

MARVIN A. MICHAELIS, was born September 19, 1940. During his eleven years as a member of the West Liberty Prize Winners 4-H Club, he completed 32 projects, held many offices and attended many state camps. Marvin received special awards for grand champion steer in 1957, market pig showmanship in 1957 and 1958, and beef animal showmanship in 1958. In 1958 he competed in the Ohio 4-H Report Form, for which he received an outstanding. As a member of FFA for four years, he attended the National FFA Convention in Kansas City in 1957. Marvin is presently a 4-H advisor with the Florida Sod Busters and Busy Fingers, completing his 17th year. He is currently serving on the 4H Advisory Council and the Extension Advisory Committee for Henry County. He has worked at Napoleon Egg Auction, in building construction and is presently employed at the Automatic Feed Company for 19 years. Marvin is also in a partnership called Multi-Form which builds speculation homes.

On April 8, 1961, Marvin married Nancy Mae Walter, daughter of Juluis C., Sr. and Mona Walter of Florida, Ohio. They are members of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Florida, Ohio, where Marvin has served as chairman and vice-chairman plus held other offices thru the years. He and his wife served as parade chairmen on the Florida Bi-Centennial Committee. Nancy is a real estate associate of Ed Rohrs Realty and belongs to the Northwest Ohio Board of Realtors. She is a member of H.O.M.E. society at the Henry County Home, Gals N'Pals O.C.C.L. of Florida, Florida Volunteer Fire Auxiliary, and is presently vice-president of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Marvin is currently a 17 year member of the Florida Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a captain. He is a Florida Village council member having just been elected to his second term. For enjoyment he likes to hunt and fish.

Marvin and Nancy are parents of three children: Wayne, 16, (May 18, 1962) is the sophomore manager of the Napoleon Varsity Football team. He is a member of St. Peter's Walther League, 4-H, Junior Leadership, and Beer Can Collectors of America. He enjoys hunting and fishing. Annette, 13, (September 4, 1964) enjoys all sports and is starting on Napoleon's 8th grade volleyball and basketball teams. She is also in track, band, and a 4-H member. Tammy, 7, (August 20, 1970) is a 2nd grader at Florida Elementary School. She enjoys her cats and collecting various things.

Marvin and his family live in the Village of Florida, Ohio.

DIANN SUE MICHAELIS JOHNSON was born March 3, 1952 in the Napoleon hospital. As a young girl, she participated in the Brownie Troop at C.D. Brillhart. Diann was a 4-H member for nine years and actively participated in two clubs, West Liberty Prize Winners and Sharon Rainbows. During this time she held many offices and served as a delegate to State 4-H Leadership Camp in 1969 and State 4-H Club Congress in 1970. She also competed at the state level with a foods project. While attending Napoleon High School, Diann was a member of band, a mixed choir called the "Mixed Emotions", Tri-Hi-Y, G.A.A., and French Club. She was also a member of the cast for her senior class play, "Music Man". Upon graduation in 1970, Diann was fortunate to travel to Europe with her parents for six weeks.

While attending Bowling Green State University, Diann was active in the University Chorus, Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honorary), and Phi Upsilon Omicron (Home Economics Honorary). She graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Home Economics. Diann then taught for two years (1974-1976) at Macomber-Whitney Vocational Technical School in Toledo.

On September 9, 1972, Diann married George Leroy Johnson, son of James E. and Gwen Johnson of Portsmouth, Ohio. George is also a graduate of Bowling Green State University with the following degrees, Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies in 1973 and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1976. He took a position in internal auditing with ARMCO Steel Corporation and works at the corporate offices in Middletown, Ohio. Since moving to Middletown, Diann has attended Miami University where she was a graduate assistant in the Home Economics Department and received her Master of Education in August, 1977. Her husband is currently attending Xavier University seeking his Master of Business Administration. He has passed his CPA Exam.

The couple presently live at 4416 Creek View Drive in Middletown and are expecting their arrival of their first child in July, 1978.

Submitted by: The Bernhard W. Michaelis Family