The Merten Family
of
Clinton and Marion Counties, Illinois
Chapter 17
Ralph Cornelius Merten
of
Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois
Ralph Cornelius MERTEN, born 19 Oct 1883, Clinton County, Illinois, son of Edward Wilhelm and Wilhamenia (WEDEL) MERTEN. He died 27 Apr 1952. Ralph and Myrtle are buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, Illinois.
Ralph married Myrtle Adelia MARCHAM 29 Nov 1906. She was born 22 Sep 1885, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois, daughter of James BUCANNON and Lydia Eliza (JONES) MARCHAM. She died Thursday, 14 Apr 1983. She moved with her parents from near Carlyle to Fairman, Marion County, Illinois when she was six years old. James was a merchant in Fairman, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois.
On 19 Apr 1910, the census shows Ralph (26) and Myrtle A. (23) MERTEN living in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them is their son, Dean W. age 9 months. Ralph was a farmer. He was renting.
In 1920, the census shows Ralph (36) and Myrtle (33) MERTEN living in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Dean age 10; Clifford age 8; Howard age 6; and Mildred age 2. Ralph was a farmer and he owned his home and farm free of morgage.
On 22 Apr 1930, the census shows C. Ralph (46) and Myrtle (43) MERTEN living in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children W. Dean age 20; R. Clifford age 18; J. Howard age 16; M. Mildred age 13; and Edieth age 8. Ralph was a farmer. He owned his home. Dean was a cashier at a hotel.
Myrtle was a member of the United Methodist Church of Sandoval.
Children of Ralph Cornelius and Myrtle Adelia (MARCHAM) MERTEN:
1. Dean Wilbur MERTEN, born 21 Jun 1909, Marion County, Illinois, son of Ralph Cornelius and Myrtle Adelia (MARCHAM) MERTEN. Dean died Aug 1980. Last place of residence was Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Dean married 1st Ora COOSE 28 Nov 1934.
He married 2nd Eva (McCLELLAND) HEAVER 14 Aug 1942, Vancouver, Washington. Eva was born 2 Mar 1896, Sandoval, Illinois, daughter of William & Ada (SITHERWOOD) McCLELLAND.
They had no children. Eva had a son by her first marriage, M. F. “Skip” HEAVER of Lombard, Illinois.
2. Ralph Clifford MERTEN, born 26 May 1911, Marion County, Illinois.
Clifford married Myrtle Emily GRINER.
(See #2 following)
3. James Howard MERTEN, born 30 Sep 1913, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois.
James married Mildred KALKBRENNER.
(See #3 following)
4. Mildred Marie MERTEN, born 6 Sep 1917, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Mildred married William Homer OUTHOUSE.
(See #4 following)
5. Edith Luella MERTEN, born 19 Mar 1922, daughter of Ralph Cornelius and Myrtle Adelia (MARCHAM) MERTEN.
Edith married Frederick Frank GRAMLICK 16 Jul 1943. He was born 10 Mar 1921, son of Frank Jacob and Dena Anna (ABEL) KRAMLICK/GRAMLICK. They live in Odin, Illinois.
Children of Frederick Frank and Edith Luella (MERTEN) GRAMLICK:
2-5-1. James Frederick GRAMLICK.
2-5-2. Dean M. GRAMLICK. He married Debbie ELLIOTT.
2-5-3. Richard GRAMLICK. He married Debbie Jane NOE.
2-5-4. Steven D. GRAMLICK. He married Kathy SARGENT.
2-5-5. Don Lowell GRAMLICK. He married Debra Amy WINTERS.
#2
Ralph Clifford Merten, Sr.
of
Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois
Ralph Clifford MERTEN, Sr., born 26 May 1911, Marion County, Illinois, son of Ralph Cornelius and Myrtle Adelia (MARCHAM) MERTEN, Clinton County, Illinois. He died 9 Feb 1990, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. He is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia.
Clifford married Myrtle Emily GRINER 30 Nov 1933, Vandalia, Fayette County, Illinois.
They were members of the United Methodist Church in Sandoval, Illinois. Clifford was a Sunday school teacher there for many years.
From 1933 to 1943, Clifford operated a restaurant at the Y in Sandoval.
From 1943 to 1950 he managed the Southern Gardens Restaurant in Salem until.
From 1950 to 1958, he managed the Salem Elks Club.
From 1958 to 1973, he worked at Seigler Stove Company as a salesman.
From 1973 to 1981, he worked as a traveling chef for Arkla Industries, demonstrating gas grills.
He was a member of the AF&AM Sandoval Lodge 932, Illinois LP Gas Association, Elks Club and Lions Club.
Children of Ralph Clifford and Myrtle Emily (GRINER) MERTEN:
2-2-1. Marilyn MERTEN. She married Gary CUNNINGHAM of St. Louis, Missouri. They live in Belleville, Illinois.
Child of Gary and Marylyn (MERTEN) CUNNINGHAM:
2-2-1-1. David CUNNINGHAM.
2-2. Jean “Jeanie” MERTEN. She married Russell PARKER of Skokie, IL.
2-3. Ralph Clifford MERTEN, Jr., of Louisville, Kentucky.
Ralph married Alice P. RAPPOLEE.
(See #2-3 following)
2-4. Nancy Jo MERTEN.
Nancy married Vince McCLELLAND of Houston, Texas.
They live in Spring, Texas.
#2-3
Ralph Clifford Merten, Jr.
of
Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois
Ralph Clifford "RC" MERTEN, Jr., of Louisville, Kentucky.
Ralph married Alice P. RAPPOLEE 21 Oct 1961, Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois. Alice was born 24 Oct 1939, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of William A. and Virginia D. (GODBEY) PAPPOLEE. Alice died 25 Oct 2004, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
They lived for several years in Louisville, Kentucky. They later divorced.
Alice moved back to Centralia in 1989. Alice had been employed by Walmart for 20 years.
Also have grandchildren Ryann AHANSELMAN of Centralia and Bobby HANSELMAN of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Cory HANSELMAN and wife Traci of Sandoval. Also have great-grandchildren Kaelie HANSELMAN, Lauryn HANSELMAN, Logan HANSELMAN, Christian, WILLIS, Kylie WILLIS, Saige WILLIS, Alayna WILLIS and Madeline WILLIS.
On 27 Oct 2004, the Centralia Sentinel has, "Alice MERTEN - CENTRALIA — Alice P. MERTEN, 65, of Centralia died Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at her home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Sandoval with the Rev. Clayton Coffey officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Little Egypt Breast and Cervical Cancer Association or to the Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Day Funeral Home in Sandoval, which is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at dayfuneralhomes.com"
In 2006, R.C. was living in Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois.
Children of Ralph Clifford, Jr. and Alice P. (RAPPOLEE) MERTEN:
2-3-1. Ralph Clifford “Clicker” MERTEN.
Clicker married Amy ___?___ .
(See #2-2-3-1 following)
2-3-2. Peggy S. MERTEN. Daughter of Ralph Clifford and Alice P. (RAPPOLEE) MERTEN, Jr.
In 2004, she lived in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
In 2006, she lived in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
In 2007, at the time of her grandmother's death, Peggy was living in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
2-3-3. Gayle A. MERTEN, born 8 Apr 1957, Trenton, New Jersey.
Gayle married 1st Mark WILLIS.
Gayle married 2nd Bill CHRISTIAN.
#2-3-1
Ralph Clifford Merten, III
of
Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois
Ralph Clifford "Clicker" MERTEN, III, Son of Ralph Clifford and Alice P. (RAPPOLEE) MERTEN, Jr.
Clicker married Amy ___?___ .
They live in Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois.
Clicker served on the Sandoval School Board.
In 2008, they were living in Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois.
Children of Ralph Clifford and Amy (___?___) MERTEN:
2-3-1-1. Kelly MERTEN.
Kelly will marry Joseph Mitchell "Joe" DAHL 2 Nov 2013, Calumet Street Christian Church, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. Son of Kim DAHL of Junction City and of Mitch MILLER of Centralia.
On 14 Oct 2005, The Salem Times-Commoner has, "The Lady Blackhawks crept back into the match, but Lady Eagles sophomore Kelley MERTEN went on to serve up five straight points to put the Lady Eagles up for good."
In 2006, Joe graduated from Sandoval High School, Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois.
On 8 Feb 2008, the Salem Times Commoner has, "MERTEN receives Sons of American Revolution award -- Sandoval High School's Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizen for the Class of 2008 is Kelly MERTEN. She was chosen by her teachers and peers for her exemplary dependability, honesty, courtesy, respect, leadership and patriotism and will be awarded a certificate. MERTEN has been a member of Beta Club, National English Honor Society, FHA, band, and Tech Prep. She has served on the Sandoval High School Student Council, Beta Club Leadership Committee, and as classs officer during her junior year. In addition, MERTEN has participated in volleyball and scholar bowl. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clicker MERTEN of Sandoval, she has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout high school, is a National Honor Roll member, is listed in "Who's Who Among American High School Students," and is an Illinois State Scholar. MERTEN will begin her pursuit of a doctorate in pharmacy in the fall of 2008 at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy."
On 6 Jun 2008, the Salem Times-Commoner has, "Sandoval HS valedicotorians, salutatorian named -- Kelly MERTEN, daughter of Ralph and Amy MERTEN, and Nathan ROHNER, son of John and Margarite ROHNER, were co-valedictorians for the Sandoval High School graduations Class of 2008. The salutatorian for the Sandoval High School graduation Class of 2008 was Rachel AHLF, daughter of Clint and Julie AHLF."
In 2013, Joe is employed by UPS (United Parcel Service), as well as by the Dollar General Store.
In May 2014, Kelly will graduate with a Doctorate in Pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
2-3-1-2. Mary Beth MERTEN.
On 28 Oct 2005, the Salem Times Commoner has, "In junior varsity play, Amara Lyons and Mary Beth MERTEN each tallied six points to lead Sandoval’s girls to a 20-14 victory. "
On 4 Nov 2005, the Salem Times-Commoner has, "Courtney Callahan led Sandoval with five points, Mary Beth MERTEN scored four, Lyons four, Samantha Kishbaugh two and Kelsey Carter two."
On 11 Nov 2005, the Salem Times-Commoner has, "Alex Howell led Sandoval’s scorers with seven points, while others chipping in were Brooke Rhodes with six, Kelsey Carter 3, and Amara Lyons, Kaylee Hodge and Mary Beth MERTEN with two apiece."
On 6 Jun 2008, the Salem Times-Commoner has, "Sandoval Junior High selects top graduates -- The co-valedictorians for the Sandoval Junior High School graduation Class of 2008 are Mary Beth MERTEN, daughter of Ralph and Amy MERTEN, and Brooke RHODES, daughter of Jason and Stephanie RHODES. Tiarra HILL, daugher of Roger and Valerie HILL, was the salutatorian for the Sandoval Junior High School graduation Class of 2008."
#3
James Howard Merten
of
Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois
and
Green Valley, Pima County, Arizona
James Howard MERTEN, born 30 Sep 1913, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois, son of Ralph Cornelius and Myrtle Adelia (MARCHAM) JONES.
James married Mildred KALKBRENNER 10 May 1936. She was born 3 May 1914. She died 13 Feb 2002. Last place of residence was Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois. Burial in Carlyle Cemetery, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois.
On 11 Apr 1940, the census shows James (26) and Mildred (25) MERTEN living at 827 East Broadway, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. He was said to have been living in Sandoval in 1935 and Mildred in Centralia. Both said to have been born in Illnois. James was a Presser for a Dry Cleaning. James and Mildred had 4 years of high school. With them was their daughter, Linda Lee MERTEN age 2 monts, born IL. They were living with Mildred's parents: Joe (52) and Carrie (50) KALKBRENNER. Both said to have been born in Illinois. Both said to have had an 8th grade education. Joe was a Plummer, working for a Contractor. They owned their home, valued at $2,000.
From 1993-2000, James and Mildred lived in Green Valley, Arizona.
Children of Howard James and Mildred (KALKBRENNER) MERTEN:
3-1. Linda Lee MERTEN, born 26 Aug 1939, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Linda married Walter Bradford SIDDELL.
(See #3-1 following)
3-2. Debbi MERTEN, born circa 1943.
Debbie married John CLARK.
In 2013, according to her sister's, Linda's, obituary, Debbie and John were living in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
3-3. Lida MERTEN, born 2 Jan 1947.
Lida married Boyd VEREGGE. He was born 15 Jan 1952.
In 2013, according to her sister's, Linda's, obituary, Lida and Boyd were livintg in Greenville, Bond County, Illinois.
3-4. Leslie J. MERTEN, born 27 Jun 1950.
Leslie married Delbert D. COPPLE. He was born 29 Oct 1945.
In 2013, according to her sister's, Linda's, obituary, Leslie and Delbert were living in Dix, Rome Township, Jefferson County, Illinois.
#3-1
Linda Lee Merten
Siddell
of
Huey, Clement Township, Clinton County, Illinois
Linda Lee MERTEN, born 26 Aug 1939, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Howard James and Mildred (KALKBRENNER) MERTEN. Linda died 21 Jul 2013, Breese, Clinton County, Illinois. Burial 27 Jul 2013, Carlyle Cemetery, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois.
Linda married Walter Bradford SIDDELL 24 Dec 1954. Walter was born 13 Dec 1928, Clement Township, Clinton County, Illinois, son of Sam and Anna Belle (SULLENS) SIDDELL. Walter died 13 Feb 2010, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois.
On 23 Jul 2013, The Sentinel (Centralia, Marion County, Illinois) has, "Linda SIDDELL (26 Aug 1939 - 21 Jul 2013) - CARLYLE - Linda Lee SIDDELL, 73, of Carlyle, died Sunday, July 21, 2013, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. She was born Aug. 26, 1939, in Centralia, daughter of James H. and Mildred (KALKBRENNER) MERTEN. She married Walter Bradford SIDDELL on Dec. 24, 1954 and he preceded her in death on Feb. 12, 2010. Mrs. SIDDELL is survived by her children, Kathryn THOLE and husband Mike of Carlyle, Janice BROOM and husband Patrick of Tucson, Ariz., Sam SIDDELL and wife Angelia of Huey, James SIDDELL and wife Carla of Waunakee, Wis., Karen AVOLETTA and husband Richard of Quincy, and Laura OEHMKE and husband Mitch of Effingham; grandchildren, Stephanie RICHTER and husband Craig, Susan HOWARD and husband Mike, Kenneth SIDDELL, Melinda WICKLANDER and husband Carl, Alyssa BEST and husband Bowen, Carl SIDDELL and wife Brooke, Emily BROUGH and husband Jon, Stacie THOLE and fiancé Dennis PEREZ, Glen BROOM, Lewis AVOLETTA, Katherine SIDDELL and fiancé Todd FRANZEN, Stephen THOLE, Timothy BROOM, Elisabeth WITHROW and husband Jeff, Dean SIDDELL, Ellen AVOLETTA, Lindi OEHMKE, Neal SIDDELL, Victoria SIDDELL, Mark BROOM, Abigail SIDDELL and Jonathan SIDDELL; great-grandchildren, Kendal, Maci, Kadence and Mabree RICHTER, and Colby and Chelsea BEST; sisters, Lida VEREGGE and husband Boyd of Greenville, Leslie COPPLE and husband Delbert of Dix, and Debbi CLARK and husband John of Chicago; and sisters-in-law, Mary SCHAEFER and husband John of Lexington, Ky., and Mollie COOPER of Scottsdale, Ariz. Mrs. SIDDELL and her husband raised six children on a dairy farm in Huey and worked together at Siddell Grain Bins. She was a 4-H leader, a member of Homemakers and of the Tucson Quilt Guild. She was long-standing member of the Huey Methodist Church. She loved to Quit, travel, read, play piano, watch the St. Louis Cardinals and spend time with her family. She will be remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for her loving influence in their lives and for encouraging an interest in music, reading and creating beautiful things. Her love of life and family, her patience and kindness and her positive outlook will be with her family forever. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Huey united Methodist Church with the Rev. Sheron MURRAY officiating. Interment will follow at Carlyle Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Zieren-Day Funeral Home in Carlyle. Memorial donations may be made to Huey United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or Heartland Hospice and will be received by the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at zierenday.com."
Children of Walter Bradford and Linda Lee (MERTEN) SIDDELL:
3-1-1. Kathryn A. SIDDELL, born 25 Jul 1955.
Kathryn married Michael H. "Mike" THOLE. He was born 30 Aug 1952.
In 2013, according to her mother's obituary, Kathryn and Mike were living in Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois.
3-1-2. Janice L. SIDDELL, born 21 Dec 1956.
Janice married Patrick BROOM. He was born 17 Mar 1957.
In 2013, according to her mother's obituary, Janice and Patrick were living in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.
3-1-3. Sam B. SIDDELL, born 17 May 1958.
Sam married Angelia ___?___ . She was born 30 Aug 1962.
In 2013, according to his mother's obituary, Sam and Angelia were living in Huey, Clinton County, Illinois.
3-1-4. James SIDDELL, born 1959.
James married Carla E. ___?___ . She was born 7 Oct 1962.
In 2013, according to his mother's obituary, James and Carla were living in Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin.
3-1-5. Karen S. SIDDELL, born 2 Dec 1961.
Karen married Richard AVOLETTA. He was born 1 Jan 1960.
In 2013, according to her mother's obituary, Karen and Richard were living in Quincy, Adams County, Illinois.
3-1-6. Laura J. SIDDELL, born 7 Dec 1964.
Laura married Mitchell T. "Mitch" OEHMKE. He was born 24 Jul 1958.
In 2013, according to her mother's obituary, Laura and Mitch were living in Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois.
#4
Mildred Marie Merten
Outhouse
of
Ramsey, Fayette County, Illinois
Mildred Marie MERTEN,, born 6 Sep 1917, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Ralph Cornelius and Myrtle Adelia (MARCHAM) MERTEN. Mildred died Tuesday, 28 Mar 2006, Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Pana, Christian County, Illinois. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Mildred married William Homer OUTHOUSE 25 Dec 1937. He was born 1 Jun 1913. William died 17 May 1998. His last place of residence was Ramsey, Fayette, Illinois.
Mildred was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ramsey, where she served as pianist and organist.
Mildred played the piano for weddings and funerals.
Mildred was a piano teacher.
They lived in Ramsey, Fayette County, Illinois.
Their children changed their name to OUTIS from OUTHOUSE.
Children of William Homer and Mildred Marie (MERTEN) OUTHOUSE:
4-1. William H. “Bill” OUTIS, born 27 May 1940.
Bill married Millie MEYERHOLZ.
(See #4-1 following)
4-2. Janet L. OUTIS, born 15 Feb 1943.
4-3. Robert R. "Bob" OUTIS, born 4 Dec 1945.
#4-1
William H. Outis
of
Ramsey, Fayette County, Illinois
William H. "Bill" OUTIS,, born 27 May 1940, son of William Homer and Mildred Marie (MERTEN) OUTHOUSE.
Bill married Millie MEYERHOLZ in 1991.
Since 1988, Bill had been working for a five-farm operation in two counties.
In 2005, Millie retired as a reporter and feature writer for the Pana News-Palladium, having worked there for 38 years.
By 2007 they asked her to go back to work.
In May 2009 Millie graduated summa cum laude with a degree in liberal arts.
The Outis-Meyerholz Historical Home in Pana, Illinois
Merten-Maier-Mann-Hanke
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Genealogical Sources
***United States Federal Census Records (Note: All census records are recorded as they are, including misspelled names and wrong ages and dates, in order to keep each record accurate.).
***United States Social Security Records
***World War I Draft Registration Cards.
***World War II Draft Registration Cards.
***U.S. Veterans Cemeteries, ca. 1800-2004 Record.
***Illinois Statewide Death Index, Pre–1916.
***Database of Illinois Death Certificates, 1916–1950.
***Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database.
***Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763–1900.
***Cemeteries of Clinton and Marion County.
***California Birth Index, 1905-1995.
***California Death Records, 1940-1997.
***Wisconsin Marriages, 1973-1997.
***Wisconsin Death Index, 1959-1997.
***Cemetery and Grave Records
***St. Louis Marriage Records.
***The Sentinel, Centralia, Marion County, Illinos newspaper.
***The Salem Times-Commoner, Salem, Marion County, Illinois newspaper.
***WJBD Radio Station Web Site, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
***History of Clinton and Marion Counties, Illinois - 1881 - Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia.
***Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion, and Jefferson Counties, Illinois - 1894
***U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1.
***Personal Family Records.
Compiled by:
(Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Herman Heinrich Merten)
Stephen P.H. Frakes
321 South Franklin Street
Salem, Illinois 62881-2120
stephenfrakes@yahoo.com
Additions and Corrections Greatly Appreciated
Updated:
22 May 2021
Copyright © 1971-2021 stephenfrakes All rights reserved.
