William Leopold Brunken

When William Leopold Brunken was born on July 2, 1878, his father, Johann, was 33 and his mother, Johanna, was 25. He married Clara Marie “Mary” Petersen on March 15, 1905, in Columbus, Nebraska. They had five children in 13 years. He died on October 12, 1941, in Enid, Oklahoma, at the age of 63, and was buried there.

Clara Marie “Mary” (Petersen) Brunken

When Clara Marie “Mary” Petersen was born on June 25, 1884, near Platte Center, Nebraska, her father, Carsten, was 34, and her mother, Margarete, was 32. She married William Leopold Brunken on March 15, 1905, in Columbus, Nebraska. They had five children in 13 years. She died on December 21, 1972, in Alva, Oklahoma, at the age of 88, and was buried in Enid, Oklahoma.

Mary Petersen and William Brunken Wedding

Portraits of the Clara Marie “Mary” Petersen and William Leopold Brunken wedding as well as the wedding party.

Marriage Invitation and Announcements

BRUNKEN-PETERSON–Columbus friends of the contracting parties have received invitations to the wedding of Miss Maria Petersen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carsten Petersen, of Platte Center, to Mr. William Brunken. The wedding will take place at the German Lutheran church near Platte Center on Wednesday, March 15. The prospective groom is a brother of J.L. Brunken, of this city.
SOURCE: Columbus Telegram, March 3, 1905.

Lauren Brunken shared the following clipping:

Married, at the German Lutheran church, four miles west of Platte Center, on Wednesday, March 15th, Mr. William Brunken and Miss Mary Petersen. Mr. Carsten Petersen, Jr., brother of the bride, and Miss Brunken, sister of the groom attended them during the ceremony, which was performed by Rev. Miessler of Columbus. Dinner was served at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carsten Petersen. The groom is a son of John Brunken of Shell Creek township. About seventy-five people were present, and many presents were bestowed. The couple will live on the Hans Jekson farm.
SOURCE: The Columbus Journal, March 22, 1905

Almost the same marriage announcement was published by the Columbus Telegram.

BRUNKEN-PETERSEN–Married, at the German Lutheran church, four miles west of Platte Center, on Wednesday, March 15th, Mr. William Brunken and Miss Mary Petersen. Mr. Carsten Petersen jr., brother of the bride, and Miss Brunken, sister of the groom, attended them during the ceremony, which was performed by Rev. Miessler of Columbus. Dinner was served at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carsten Petersen. The groom is a son of John Brunken of Shell Creek township. About seventy-five people were present and many presents were bestowed. The young couple will live on the Hans Jepson farm. [Platte Center.]
SOURCE: Columbus Telegram, March 24, 1905

• WHEN: March 15, 1905
• WHERE: German Lutheran Church

The German Lutheran Church later known as the Evengelical Lutheran Church – Lost Creek Township was located in Lost Creek Township Section 8, four miles west and one mile north of Platte Center, Nebraska.