MAJOR genealogy break through. I created FB groups for the purpose of furthering my genealogy research on my families. My mother's line (GUTZAT) from Germany (as my grandfather told my mother, though his place of birth he always listed as RUSSIA) has always stumped me. I have 3 people from Germany and one person from Poland who joined the GUTZAT Family group. Today, the person from Poland post...ed some information about an individual with my great-grandmother's last name (OBEREINER) and the village they were from. Imagine my surprise when I recognize the name (Wartele (DE),Valteliai) of this very tiny place as the same place my grandfather and his 2 brothers listed on their hometown in Germany on the ships passenger list in 1905. Since I could not find a place by this name on the internet, I attempted to translate it into English a couple months ago and found it meant 'waiting'. Now I find it is an actual place not 'WAITING'. On top of this, Wartele (DE),Valteliai, was behind the IRON CUTAIN in Federal Republic of Germany the Federal Republic of Germany. These little bits of information all put together, explain WHY

It is believe the GUTZAT family has origins in Lituania, where Wartele (DE),Valteliai is located.

Why this place Wartele is listed on the ship's passenger list, I always thought they were from Gryzbina, Suwalki area near Wizjany. They are near there, within 6-10 miles, of this place to the NORTH called Wartele (Lithuania/Germany/DE/Poland depending on the year). I've always been looking to the South or East or West.
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How my OBERIENER family got behind the IRON CURTAIN. My mother's family and her GUTZAT cousins sent money and things to the Obereiner Family behind the Iron Curtain during WWII, because things were very bad there they could not afford to take care of themselves. They sent money for the family to buy a cow, so the children could have milk. The money ALWAYS got through, the thing never did.

I just can not believe my good fortune that God has blessed me so. If any are searching or have info about these areas I would love to hear from you. Cindy