2 Year Anniversary

Tomorrow, January 12th, it'll be two years since the passing of my great-grandmother, Sylvia Flemming. I'd like to share a little information about her and include some pictures. You won't be forgotten, grandma.

(Elaine Stuempges & Sylvia Flemming before a plane ride)

She was born Sylvia Laura Hattie Martin on 28 May 1909 in Langlade County, Wisconsin. Her parents were Gustav Martin and Maria Summ. Gustav's family were from Brandenburg and Pommern, and Maria's family was from Baden. Sylvia was baptized on 13 June 1909 at St. Peter's church in Polar. Her baptismal name was Sylvia Maria Bertha Hedwig Martin.

(Elaine Stuempges & Sylvia Flemming in Chicago on the shore of Lake Michigan)

Sylvia was married to Walter John Stuempges on 21 Sep 1927 in Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota. They had two daughter, Elaine (my grandmother) on 31 Dec 1926 in Polar, and Eunice on 27 Sep 1928. The marriage was an unhappy one, Walter was an abusive alcoholic. Sylvia divorced him in 1944.

(Elaine Stuempges & Sylvia Flemming at Brookfield Zoo)

Sylvia later married a widower named Ewald Ferdinand Flemming. They farmed and lived happily until his death in July of 1987, just one month after her daughter Elaine (my grandma) passed away. She was a loved and well-spoken of woman and she'll always be remembered as such. Rest In Peace, grandma.