August Korwitz age 40 immigrated to the United States from Jarnikow, Germany. The ship records show his destination is Nebraska and that he brought along $38.00. There were 10 family members that also came with him. His wife, Ernstina age 39, Albert age 24 (Ernestine's brother), and children Emilia 16, Ernstina 14, Martha age 9, Franz 7, Gustav 4, Otto 2, Albert 1. The family was all listed in good health and of the protestant faith. The ship was the Weimer and arrived at the Port of Baltimore on November 27th, 1892.

Deshler Rustler, Wednesday, August 13, 1969
Obituary of Mrs. Martha Degner

It has pleased the Lord of life and death to take out of this vale of tears to Himself in heaven the soul of Mrs. Martha Emma Maria Degner, who departed this life on Sunday morning. August 10, 1969 in the Thayer County Memorial Hospital at Hebron. She attained an age of 86 years and 12 days.

She was born July 29, 1883, in Janikow, Germany. She was the daughter of August Koerwitz and Ernstine nee Kietzke. She was confirmed in the Christian faith on April 11, 1897 in Deshler, Nebr., by the Rev. William Cholcher.

She entered the holy estate of matrimony on May 1, 1902 with William Degner with Pastor William Cholcher officiating. This union was blessed with one child which died in infancy.

She was preceded in death by her husband and one daughter.

The immediate survivors are as follows: her adopted son, Harry Degner, of Lincoln and also the following sisters and brother: Mrs. Meta Kline and family of Orange Calif..; Mrs. Mathilda Nehring and family of Whittier, Calif.; Ernest Koerwitz and family of Hastings, Nebr.; other relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral service was conducted Tuesday afternoon from St. Peter Lutheran Church with the Rev. John D. Kovac officiating. His sermon theme "Coming To Christ In Death" was based on Matt. 9 :23-26. The congregation sang "All Men Living Are But Mortal" and "O God, Thou Faithful God."

Burial was made in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wm. Gruhn, Floyd Boyer, Frank Koerwitz, Arthur Kreissler, Ernst Von Alm and Fred Buntemeyer.

The Ahrendts Funeral Home had charge of the funeral arrangements..