Dear Mr. Rohlfes:

My name is Maryann Oelker McElwain and I too have been in touch with Gustav Oelker and we had the pleasure of a visit with him a few years back at our first oelker family reunion. Although we could not establish a real family tie I truly believe we are family. Perhaps you can help me to do this.

There is confusion because there are so many Oelker's with the first name Johann or Johann. I can tell you that my great-great grandfather was Karl Oelker born July 20, 1835 in Germany. He was known here in the US as Charles Oelker and he married a Christina Pape in 1857 here. Problem is who is father was and on back. I know that my great great grandfather may have also had a brother named Joseph and Chrstian as we can find cemetary records for all right around a 50 miles radius. I believe another brother may have gone to Urbana, Ohio.

Charles' middle name may have been August but not sure. I do know he had quite a few children including my great grandfather who married a Elenora Strueff or Struff, divorced and then married an Elizabeth Granberman or ? in Chicago.

With meeting Gustav and Arnulfo Behn Oelker (Chile), they bore striking family characteristics to our family. Very tall men 6'5", my great grandfather john henry Oelker was born in 1966 and he was rumored to be 6'7".

Hopefully you can help me beyond my great great grandfather.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

We are also planning another reunion this fall.

Maryann