John Stoerker Altenbernd

     Recipe for BBQ Stuffed Green Peppers from John Stoerker Altenbernd.
     Photo of John Altenbernd (about 6 months) and Ella Stoerker c 1929. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of Julia Stoerker (#62) and John Altenbernd (#102) in 1929. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers(#132).
     John was born in Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 5 May 1929. John was born on Sunday, May 5, 1929 at 9:45 p.m. at Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas delivered by Dr. A.J. Anderson. He was the last baby to be born there before the hospital closed down. He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces. He was baptized later in the year by Rev Theodore Hauck at St. Paul's Evangelical Church in Eudora, Kansas.

John was breast fed for 2 months and bottle fed for 11 months..^2,3 He was the son of William John Altenbernd and Flora Stoerker.²
     Photo of Alma Stoerker holding John Altenbernd bt May 1929 - Jun 1929. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172).
     He was baptized at St Paul's Evangelical Church, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1929.³
     Photo of Wilhelmine Stoerker and John Altenbernd Late 1929 at Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo early 1930's in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA.
     John's social security number is 499-42-5044. He applied for it in Missouri, USA.¹
     Photo of Alma Stoerker and John Altenbernd (13 months) in Jun 1930. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     At the age of 27 1/2 months, John weighed 38 lbs. He was sleeping 13 hours per day. His overall health condition was fair. He had 16 teeth. By that age he should have had 20.

When John's father died, Helen Wichman (#99) was at the farm. When Will died, she came immediately to John to comfort him. John's Uncle Fred (#49) was also there. He went to comfort Flora.

John lived on the farm near Lawrence, Kansas from 1929 - 1951. He attended Kaw Valley School. His first grade teacher was Mrs. Ada Thurman and he received a combination of G's and S's. His second grade teacher was Maxine Schellack and he received all A's. His fourth and fifth grade teacher was Ann Williams and he received A's in everything, but writing which he received a B in. His sixth grade teacher was Miss Coila L. A. Thurber and he received A's in everything, but music which he received a B in. His seventh grade teacher was Mrs. Coila L. Hegeman (Miss Thurber married over the summer.) He received A's in everything, but music and writing which he received B's in. His eighth grade teacher was Mrs. Coila L. Hegeman again. He received A's in everything, but writing which he received a B in.

In August 1939, John and his mother took a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On May 22, 1943 at 2 p.m., the Douglas County Schools held a common graduation exercise at Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence, Kansas. John was noted in the graduation program with an average of 90 or above.

On April 2, 1944, John was confirmed at St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Eudora, Kansas. Rev. H. Reifschneider performed the rite of Confirmation.

John starred as Carl Standing in the March 22, 1946 production of "I Shall Be Waiting" at Eudora High School, Eudora, Kansas. He also starred in "Pigtails" and as Cornelius Bean in "Jerry of Jericho Road" during his high school years. On May 14, 1946 John was initiated into the National Thespian Dramatic Honor Society for High Schools at Eudora High School, Eudora, Kansas.

John was number 33 of the 1946 Eudora High School, Eudora, Kansas football team. His weight at that time was 165 lbs.

On March 29, 1947, John was awarded the District Speech and Drama Festival second division award in after dinner speaking.

John participated in the 1947 Class B District Basketball Tournament in Baldwin, Kansas.

John was awarded a high school letter for his participation in basketball and football for the 1944-45, 1945-46, and 1946-47 school years.

On May 22, 1947 John was granted his high school diploma in graduation exercises at Eudora High School, Eudora, Kansas.

On September 15, 1948 John registered with the selective service.

On June 4, 1951 John graduated from Kansas University at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.

In 1951 he started attending Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves. He was there until 1954.

John was ordained on June 27, 1954 at St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Eudora, Kansas. Pastor's participating in the ordination included Rev. Joseph O. Polster, Rev. James R. McAllister, Rev. Myron W. Ross, Rev. Harold G. Barr, Rev. Frederick Stoerker, Rev. Karl F. Baur, and Rev. Adolph Stoerker. "The Lord's Prayer" was sung by Norma Wichman. There was a reception at his mother's home afterwards.

John then went to his first church in Berger, Missouri. It was here that he met and married Sue Herrell. They were married by Rev. Leon Slover. Their first daughter, Sheila was born here in 1956. They remained in Berger until 1958. They then lived in Concord Village, St. Louis County, Missouri from 1958 ? 1964. In Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1964 to 1967. In Collinsville, Illinois from 1967 to 1969. In Godfrey, Illinois from 1969 to 1976. In Charleston, Illinois from 1976 to 1980. In Shrewsbury, St. Louis County, Missouri from 1980 to 1988. In 1988 they moved to Concord Village again where they were still living as of 1992.

Cecille Benson (nee Herrell) recalls her first meeting with John. This was shortly after he and Sue met and before they were married. She thought he was a very handsome young man and pretty terrific. She considered Sue to be pretty lucky.

Dad has always been a strong figure in my life and a source of inspiration. He is a person to do things not just talk about what should be done. He gets involved in politics and community affairs and has a lot of compassion for those less fortunate than himself.

Being a minister allowed Dad to set his own hours to some degree. Because of this, my sisters and I saw more of our father during our growing up years than many of our friends did. When there was something special going on or some important event he was always there and now that we are grown that hasn't changed any.

It is the 1992 Lenten season. Dad misses preaching and has decided that he will conduct some services at the house for Mom and himself and a couple of friends. Each week, Bill and Noreen Pistrui joined my parents at their house and Dad would read a sermon followed by some religious discussion. Chris Lubert( a friend of Mom's from work also attended one evening.)

On Good Friday, another service was scheduled. In addition to Bill, Noreen, and Chris; I attended along with Noreen's mother Vel Lauth. Vel had been a parishioner of Dad's while he was preaching at Faith Church in Collinsville, Illinois.

The service started with Mom playing the organ (Amazing Grace). We then sang a hymn (The Old Rugged Cross). Dad had his sermon on the Passion story followed by communion.

It was good to hear Dad preach again. It had been along time. The service tired him out some, but it was obvious that he thoroughly enjoyed being able to conduct a service once again.

Mom and Dad and the Pistruis decided that they would continue the practice once a month as long as Dad felt up to it. I think that decision pleased my father immensely.

John has written an autobiography entitled "ME - A personal memoir for my family". He began writing in 1981 and continued adding to it as he remembered things. (As of 1990, it consisted of nine volumes.) Much additional information about John and his family can be obtained from these records.

John enjoyed a good argument. When he would make visits back home to Lawrence, Wayne Schmille (#204) was one of those he would on occassion get into a discussion with. Wayne remembers that he could never win one of those arguments.

An Advent candle was purchased for St. Matthew as a memorial to John. On November 28, 1993 it was dedicated to the church. Sue read a scripture and lighted the candle for the first time. A special dedication was given by Rev. Brian Newcomb.

     John Stoerker Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by Friedaricka Elizabeth Hoelzel residing at at 2732 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, to Flora Altenbernd on 1 Jul 1931.
Dearest Flora,

I have intended writing to you for some time. We enjoyed getting John's picture so much, it is very good of him. I showed it to Mrs. Kobrock and she immediately said that he is a Stoerker in looks. Of course that is true and is very complementary to you. Thanks a lot for the picture.

It has been so very hot here for two weeks and for those who are and have to be busy in the sun I feel plenty sorry, for it is more than I appreciate and I can stay in and make myself as nearly comfortable as possible. I mean the heat is more than I appreciate. I guess Will and Carl are digging potatoes now, and I so hope they get a good price. It is so discouraging to put the money and labor in for a crop and then get such prices as the farmers are getting for wheat. I am about sure that never before has wheat been so cheap. The country is full of food supplies and there are so many people coming to my door every day for a little to eat. Prices with us too have changed a great deal. So many people are out of work. Emil has had no extra business all year, so we are dependent on our rental income. I am very thankful that we saved our money when we made good money. I know so many people who lived off their entire income and now feel the depression very heavily. Claire starts her vacation Friday, she is looking forward to a good time with Harvey. He is taking a 12 weeks summer course in Midland and wants Claire there for one month. She will live in Dr. Martin's home but will have her meals and recreation with Harvey. He preached in our church the last two Sundays and did remarkably well. Dr. Band is in Portland and paid Harvey to fill his pulpit. Ruth is rather lonesome, she enjoyed her year at K.U. so much. I guess she will go again next year. Carl is home again, just got back from a 10 day trip to Oklahoma City. I often think about Louis. Have Will and Carl heard from him? I am truly sorry the way things stand with him but I know what it would mean to us had we listened to his plea.

I am piecing a flower garden quilt. I love it. I like to talk quilts to people who like that kind of work, And now I must close and would like to hear from or better yet to see you after the heat is over. Claire and Harvey will be here after the 10th of Aug. Come down sometime when they are here.

With love

Reaka.⁴
     Photo of Frieda Mohr, Flora, John, and Will Altenbernd in 1933 in Colorado, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of Christian and Frieda Mohr, Will, John, and Flora Altenbernd, Waldemar Mohr in 1933 in Colorado, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of Flora and John Altenbernd and Wilhelmine Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo late 1930's in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA.
     Photo of John and Flora Altenbernd, and Ella Stoerker in St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Mattie Altenbernd (#98) always seemed to have homemade ice cream on hand in the summer time. John Altenbernd (#102) would devise ways to go slowly by their house in the hopes that Mattie would see him and invite him in for a bowl, which she often did.⁵
     Photo of Bert Mankopf and John Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo taken by |Sue Myers (#130) c 1945. Original photo in the possession of John and Flora Altenbernd, Billie & Frank Greb and stepdaughter with Wayn Greb in front.
     Photo of Ella Mankopf, John Altenbernd, and Julia Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of Ella Mankopf, John and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of Julia Stoerker(#62), John(#102) and Flora Altenbernd(#63). Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers(#132).
     Photo of Julia Stoerker, Flora and John Altenbernd, Hilda Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of John Altenbernd and Fred Stoerker c 1949. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130).
     Photo of Flora and John Altenbernd and Hilda Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). John Stoerker religion was United Church of Christ. He was graduated in May 1954 at Eden Seminary, Webster Groves, St Louis County, Missouri, USA.
     Floyd once made the statement, "I run the station. My son-in-law (John) runs the church."⁶

     John worked. He worked as Minister.
     While living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, John spoke before the State House and Senate in favor of reformed liquor laws that would reduce the power of the distillers. The law didn't pass that year, but it did the next.⁶

     On Palm Sunday, John participated in the March for Martin Luther King in St. Louis. He couldn't get anyone else to join him so he went alone.⁶

     Floyd thought the world of his son-in-law, John.⁷
     John Stoerker Altenbernd performed the funeral service of Floyd Bible Herrell. John said it was the hardest funeral he ever did..⁶
     John worked at St Matthew Church, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, bt 1979 - 1989.⁶ He was ill with Emphysema. He was described as 6 feet, 3 inches, black hair, blue eyes ( at age 63).
     John died on 1 Nov 1992 at home, St Louis, St Louis County, Missouri, USA, at age 63.⁶ His funeral was on 3 Nov 1992 at St Matthew Church, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA.⁶ He was buried on 3 Nov 1992 in the St Matthew Cemetery located in St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA.⁶