Notes on the Kaess Family 2016

Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 American Grandparents 4 Talmage Edward Dawson- Brian Kaess Maternal Grandfather 4 Margaret Jane Swartz- Brian Kaess' Maternal Grandmother 4 Norman Allen Langley- Brian Kaess' Step Grandfather 5 Parents of Brian Kaess 5-6 The Twins: Brian and Garret Kaess 6-8 The Children of the Kaess Twins 9 The Kaess Family from the Neckar Valley 10 The Kaess Family 10-14 Paul Ernst Kaess (or Käss)- Brian Kaess‘ Paternal Grandfather 12-13 Brian Paul Kaess’ Vacation to Europe in 1990 15-16 The Dorschke’s of Silesia 16-20 Dorothea Dorschke - Brian Kaess‘Paternal Grandmother 19 The Kulhanek’s 21-22 The Urbina’s of Mexico 23-26 Urbina Cousin’s 26 The Pereda’s 27 The Golz’s 28 A Census-Style Approach for Brian Kaess 29-31 A Slice of Brian Kaess’ Social Life 32 Brian Kaess in the U.S. Army 33 Brian Kaess in the U.S. Marines 34 Brian Kaess and the Alley Boys 34-35 Brian Kaess and his ’69 Chevy Camaro 36 Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess- Schools and Churches 36 The Will of Margaret Jane Swartz 37 Research Notes 38 Nomenclature 38 Works Cited/References 39

Introduction ‘Notes on the Kaess Family’ (Revised 2016) was written by Brian Paul Kaess, a U.S. Disabled Veteran (10%) and resident of Durango, Mexico. Brian originally hails from Chicago. His family story (in this context) spans the USA, Germany, Silesia (modern day Poland), Mexico, and so on. The Kaess Family in America has lived in Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, Texas, etc.; This volume was a result of work after the publishing of the Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History (2015). It was discovered, after publishing a 3rd edition, that there was still valuable information on the Kaess’ and Allied Families that still wasn't being made available to the public. This included unique information on Paul Ernst Kaess, Brian Paul Kaess, Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess, and so on. In the case of Paul Ernst Kaess, it was determined that valuable WW2 information was still being withheld and should be made available to the public at large. This volume includes family information on the Kaess’, Dorschke’s, Dawson's, Swartz’, Urbina’s, Pereda’s, Kulhanek’s, etc.; More extensive information on the Dawson's and Swartz’s can be found in the the Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History (2015). Religions represented in this work include Lutheran, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Secular, and so on. Brian Kaess is part German, German-American, Silesian, Scotch-Irish, Irish, and English American. His son Paul Jesus Kaess combines all of these ethnic qualities while also being Mexican. Brian Kaess is a former member of the Miltary Order of $tars and Bars, and also a former member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), both American Heritage organizations. He has visited Europe three times and is somewhat acquainted with sources on the Kaess Family there. Confederate Heritage is not covered in this volume. It can be found in the Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History(2015). Author is Brian Paul Kaess. Union Heritage in the family can be found in the History of the House of Ochiltree of Ayrshire, $cotland, with the Genealogy of those who came to America and of some of the AlliedFamilies 1124-1916. Published 1916, the author is Clementine Brown Railey. World War Two Heritage (both American and German) can be found in this volume. World War One Heritage is touched upon with the entry of Talmage E Dawson (1894-1974), Brian Kaess’ Maternal Grandfather. Please note that Nomenclature found represents that found in the Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History (2015) and also in the ‘History of the House of Ochiltree’ book. The D. Line is constant throughout and begins as D. in both books. In this work, it represents an extension of that line. It is hoped that this volume will provide researchers on the Kaess Family a brief but valuable work that covers the genealogical terrain of the family from before the arrival of Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess to America in 1965 to after—when the family spread out from Illinois to Indiana and Mexico. There are two sides to the Kaess Family- a North American line and a European branch- both are covered. Kulhanek Cousins (from Germany) who arrived about the same time as Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess are mentioned also. We love our ancestors and seek to pass on family knowledge to future generations. It is hoped that posterity will thank us for being so mindful of them.

American Grandparents The Maternal Grandparents of Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess are Talmage Edward Dawson (1894-1974) and Margaret Jane Swartz (1914-1997), both Americans. Brian never met Talmage E Dawson but heard about him growing up. It is thought that Talmage E Dawson’ middle name was Edward but this has not been shown in records yet- only his middle initial E seems to show up. Besides their mom and dad, Garret and Brian were raised by their Grandmother Margaret Jane Swartz and her husband Norman Allen Langley (1905-1980), Brian Kaess’Step Grandfather.

Talmage Edward Dawson- Brian Kaess Maternal Grandfather DW.1.1.3. PFC Talmage Edward Dawson, (b. Oct 9, 1894 in Topeka, Kansas—d. May 8 1974, Northbrook, IL).Native of Kansas. Worked as a Typographer for the Pittsburg Kansan, a Kansas newspaper. Registered for the Draft for WW1 in Crawford County, Kansas, on June 5 1917. Served in the U.S. Army in WW1 on the West Front in France. Enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 28 1918 and was Honorably discharged on Jun 8 1919. Served in HQ's Co, 351st Inf Reg, 176th Inf Brg, 88th Infantry Division. Saw action in Haute Alsace Sector. His regiment was attacked at Schonholz Woods at night (during Fog). Entitled to wear a gold war service decoration. He suffered from ‘shell shock’ from the war. His name appears on a list of the 88th Infantry Division. Married multiple times. Married to Margaret Jane Swartz on Dec 11 1952 in Cook County, Illinois- this may have been their 2nd marriage. Talmage Dawson may also have had a daughter named Wanda Dawson (b. abt 1932) from a previous marriage, and also a Grandson named Kenneth. There was supposedly a school photo from the 60’s showing Kenneth Dawson in grade school. This photo was taken in America. Brian Kaess’Maternal Grandfather

Margaret Jane Swartz- Brian Kaess' Maternal Grandmother D.5.8.5.3.4. or SW.3.1.3.4. Margaret Jane (Swartz) Langley, b. 10 Jun 1914 near the Natural Bridge, Virginia- d. Mar 12 1997 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas. Daughter of Newell T K Swartz. Resident of Chicago and Dallas and San Antonio. Resident of Spanish Trace Apartments. Waitress and Antique Collector. Owned antique store called 'The Eagle's Nest’ in Chicago on N. Clark Ave. in Roger’s Park. She ran this store in the early 1980’s. Married Talmage Edward Dawson. Divorced. One child: Marie Ellen Dawson. 2nd husband was Norman Langley. She raised her two grandchildren from the age of 9 until the eldest Grandson, Brian Kaess, joined the Army at age 17. She sold her house on 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. in Chicago in Summer 1988. She gave both Grandson’s $4,000 each. One special note about Margaret Jane Swartz. She liked to go shopping in Andersonville, Chicago, at places like Ann Sather’s, Calo’s Pizza, and Swedish Bakery. She loved to bring home ‘Napoleon’s’ and food to her Twins. She will be remembered fondly for this. Margaret Jane Swartz made Brian Kaess Executor and Garret Kaess Co-Executor of her Will. When she died they both handled the estate. She died of Pneumonia. Margaret Jane Swartz was cremated in San Antonio, Texas. Her ashes were dispersed in the backyard of Robin Brown’s home in New Lenox, Illinois, at 270 Sycamore Lane. Brian Kaess’ Maternal Grandmother.

Norman Allen Langley- Brian Kaess' Step Grandfather LA. Norman Allen Langley, b. Apr 30 1905 in Toronto, Canada, d. May 22 1980 in Chicago, Illinois. 1st m. to Thelma Schultze (b. Jul 13 1901- d.Sep 1975), 2nd m. to Margaret Jane Swartz after 1975. Res. of Chicago, Illinois. Enjoyed Model Railroading, pet lover. Served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1945 as a truck driver- served in North Africa and England. Norman Langley enjoyed telling stories about WW2 to his step Grandchildren and was instrumental in developing their character and sense of patriotism. Norman Langley was the ‘spiritual rock’ to the Kaess twins regarding American Patriotism. Norman liked to watch popular 70's television programs such as 'The Muppets’ and ‘Ba Ba Black Sheep’. Norman Langley had one son who served in the Vietnam War and was residing in Carpentersville, Illinois during the 70's. This Son had two daughters living in Suburban Chicago. Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess both met them as children in the late 1970’s. Buried in Rosehill Cemetery, Illinois

Parents of Brian Kaess K.4.3.2. or DO.4.2. Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess or Käs or Käss (aka Gert Edwin Kaess in America), b. Jan 9 1947 in Heutingsheim, Germany, Baptized Catholic on Feb 2 1947, d. Oct 20 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, of an accidental alcohol/drug overdose (a combination of alcohol and aspirin was noted on the death certificate) , m. Marie Ellen Dawson on Sep 30 1967 in Chicago, Son of Paul Ernst Kaess (Käss) and Dorothea Dorschke. Two identical twin sons: Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess. He was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Heutingsheim on Mar 26 1961. He probably switched to Lutheran because his Catholic Mother Dorothea Dorschke had died in 1951 when he was young, and his new family (Paul and Hildegard) wanted the family to be Lutheran. As a teenager, Gerd studied at the Ludwigsburg Gymnasium. Emigrated to the USA in 1965, per Claudia Blumhardt. He may have come at roughly the same era as his Kulhanek Cousins, Elsa, Roland, and Willi, who came to the USA as early or earlier than 1960. Gerd studied at Loyola University Chicago. Printer. Social security number 323-44•5594 (indicating Illinois).U.S. Legal Resident. There was some friction between him and his step mother Hildegard Golz, which may have caused him to emigrate. He thought Austria was the most beautiful country on Earth. Gerd and Marie met at a party. They were both typical hippies of that time period. Rumors circulated among the Kulhanek Cousins (living in Oak Lawn, IL) that Gerd and Marie were doing a lot of drugs in the city. Brian remembers being at a party with Gerd and his Hippie friends and recalls lots of marijuana smoke in the air. Garret Kaess was at this party too. Gerd may also have had an American girlfriend in addition to his wife Marie. Despite his obvious drug problems and tragic death, his children Brian and Garret always respected their dad for having a strong work ethic and being sort of ‘normal.’ At least he tried to provide for his family. They say, at one point, he worked three jobs to support his family. His death was tragic because he drank too much, came home to his apt. in Chicago, and compounded the problem by taking aspirin afterwards. Screaming could be heard from his apartment, probably due to the painful mixture. It was said he was dead three days before he was found. His sisters in Germany were very upset about the way he died. Buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois. Brian Kaess’ Father.

D.5.8.5.3.4.1. or DW.1.1.1.3.1. Marie Ellen Dawson, aka ‘Mary Ellen Kaess’ or ‘Marie E Kaess,’ b. Dec 4 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, d. Oct 1 2012 in Cook County, IL. Raised in Evanston, Illinois. Attended Evanston H.S.(didn't graduate); She met and married Gerd E Kaess on Sep 30 1967. Two twin sons were her pride. Waitress in her 20's. Res. of Chicago and Evanston, Illinois. Widow in her twenties. She took public aid to support her family after her husband Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess died in 1972. She lived with her children in Uptown and Roger's Park in dire conditions. In 1977 Illinois DCFS agents took custody of the Twins along with Chicago Police. Marie Kaess punched a CPD Female Officer to try and keep her kids. The children were put in Uhlich Children’s home and later with a Foster Family (the Larson’s) in Des Plaines, Illinois. This was in Summer 1977. In Late Summer 1977, they were given over as Wards of the State to the care of their Grandmother Margaret Jane Swartz. Marie Kaess’ adult children eventually found her and were happy to see her again. She lived on the North Side of Chicago during her early adulthood. In one incident, she broke a window of the family home at 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. and made Garret Kaess very angry. He chased her down the street. No punches were thrown. Marie E Dawson was a longtime resident of Columbus Park Nursing Center on the West Side of Chicago. Marie Ellen (Dawson) Kaess mentioned she had met her half sister Wanda Dawson as a little girl in the 1950's. She may have also had a half-brother or half-cousin named Kenneth Dawson. Marie E (Dawson) Kaess took comfort in meeting her children and grandchildren. The twins and their mom reconciled in her later years. They would visit her in the Nursing home. Marie E Kaess cause of death was a massive heart attack. After her death, her body was donated to science. Brian Kaess’Mother

The Twins: Brian and Garret Kaess D.5.8.5.3.4.1.1.or K.4.3.2.1. Brian Paul Kaess1, aka LCpl Brian ‘Chaos’ Kaess (Ret), b. Oct 24 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. 1st born Identical Twin. Baptized Lutheran. 1st m. to Ellen Byrd Elliott on Oct 10 1986 in Alexandria, Virginia. Divorced on Feb 1991 in Xenia, Greene County, Ohio. 2nd m. to Mayte Urbina Pereda on July 27 2000 in Chicago, Illinois. She was Catholic. One child named Paul Jesus Kaess. They agreed to raise Paul as a Catholic. Brian was born and raised in Chicago. He grew up from the age of 9 to 17 at the house of his Grandmother Margaret Jane Swartz at 1629 W. Hollywood ave. in Chicago's North Side neighborhood of Edgewater. In his teens, he liked to swim with friends at the ‘Rocks’ at Hollywood and Foster Beach near Lake Michigan. Lane Tech H.S.class of 1985; Joined the Army at age 17. He served in the U.S.Army, and U.S. Marines (in Cuba). He served as an Army Medic and in the Marine Infantry. He won a medal for helping kids. He worked on the Pediatric Ward as an Army Medic at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. A.S. Northern Virginia Community College, B.A.cum Iaude Northeastern Illinois University, study at University of Texas at San Antonio. Grad. Study Northern Illinois University. He studied Philosophy.

1 Brian Paul Kaess joined the U.S. Army at age 17. He was the 'pushups’ champion for his basic training company at Ft. Jackson, S.C.; His decorations include the Parachute Badge, AAM, ASR, OSR,Pistol Marksman Badge and Rifle Marksman Badge. While stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, he was involved with research with the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).He has Honorable Discharges from the U.S. Army, Illinois Army National Guard, and U.S.Marines. He attended Ranger Training but ‘dropped out’. He still served in the Marine Infantry and as an Army Medic. He joined the U.S. Marines at age 29. Brian Paul Kaess is a U.S. Disabled Veteran (10%) 7

He worked for four years as an Emergency Room Registration Clerk at Edgewater Medical Center in Chicago, the same hospital where he was born. Brian Kaess also worked as a H.S. Registrar at Gordon Tech Catholic High school in Chicago. This school was just a block from his old high school Lane Tech. At Gordon Tech, besides Registrar, Brian Kaess was also an Asst. Speech & Debate Coach and worked as a Finalist Judge for the Illinois H.S. Speech & Debate Finals held in Springfield, Illinois. He also judged at a number of high school events in suburban Chicago, inlcuding Loyola Academy and Stevenson H.S.; Taught a couple of sections of Freshman Literature during night school and day school. He was able to teach Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet. He liked going to Holy Name Cathedral at Graduation time to hand out diplomas to Teachers, who, in turn, handed them to students. Brian also taught ESL in Dist. 214 in Mt. Prospect, IL. In his 20's, he lived at 1625 W. Edgewater Ave.#714 in Chicago. He also lived on N. Kenmore Ave. twice. Taught ESL at Truman College. Met Mayte Urbina Pereda when she was his student at Truman College. Taught English Conversation in South Korea in 1996-97 and 2002, in Pusan and Ulsan2. P/t UBF Missionary in Pusan. His Bible Teacher was Theresa Sohn of Chicago UBF.He had a Muslim girlfriend in Chicago named Azra Bojic. He loved to travel. Nicknamed the 'travel master.’ Trips to Europe in '90, '93, and '96. Brian's travel highlights were probably visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany, in 1990 with his Aunt Arnhild and also seeing his German Family (with the exception of his dad) for the first time in Benningen am Neckar, Germany, in 1990. They were quite elated to meet. He also liked visiting Untersberg Peak near Salzburg, Austria. He lived with his Mexican Family in Gage Park/Brighton Park for about four years. Emigrated to Durango, Mexico with Mexican family in Dec 2006; They have lived there from at least 2006 until 2015. From Durango, they visited Monterrey, Mazatlan, Cuidad Juarez, and El Paso, Texas, and Chicago. He liked to hang out at the family homestead in 'Lomas’ in Durango, especially at New Year's. They had a separate home in the Barrio Tierra Blanca. Their address there was Privada de Bravo #222. In Durango City, they also lived at Universidad 346-2 and Privada de Lerdo #113, in the Barrio de Analco. His favorite Mexican food was Azado3, a red spicy beef cooked with rice. In his 40's, he settled down with his Mexican wife Mayte and son Paul in Durango, Mexico. His favorite pet dog was ‘Tommy,’ a cute blond Labrador. U.S. Disabled Veteran (10%). Former Member of Sons of Confederate Veterans and Military Order of Stars and Bars.

2 Brian Kaess climbed Mt. Gaji in South Korea as a Disabled Vet in 2002. He used his own power to make it. 3 3 Brian Kaess enjoyed food. His favorite dishes included 'quesadillas’ by his wife Mayte, Spaetzle by his Aunt Ursula, Persian Cuisine at Reza’s in Chicago, Weiner Schnitzel at Chicago Brauhaus, and Tacos at Pepe’s Restaurant in Chicago. As far as Korean food, he liked 'dul sop bebimbop’ and 'pulgogi’ burgers. He once enjoyed eating at an Amish restaurant near Terre Haute, Indiana. 8

D.5.8.5.3.4.1.2. or K.4.3.2.2. 2nd Lt Garret Thomas Kaess4, b. Oct 24 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. 2"“ born Identical Twin. He and his Brother Brian Paul Kaess were born three minutes apart. Baptized Lutheran. Raised in Chicago. He grew up with his Twin Brother Brian Kaess and his Grandmother Margaret and Step Grandfather Norman at their house on 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. in Chicago. He grew up in Edgewater and also lived in Uptown, Rogers Park, and Archer Heights neighborhoods of Chicago. He rented a basement apt. from a Polish-American family along 53rd place, a block from Archer Ave.; This was at 5325 W. 53rd Place in Chicago. He lived there during Medical School. He worked at various chemical Jobs after college. He worked at Interstate foods (Chicago), Guernsey Dell (Chicago), C.P. Hall (Bedford Park), Haggerty Enterprizes (Chicago) and briefly at Monsanto. He was very much a ‘working man’. His break came after his masters when he landed a job at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis. He has worked there from 1999- 2015. Married to Robin Brown in abt 1996 in Illinois. Two children named Nicholas Todd Kaess and Julie Leann Kaess. Lane Tech H.S. (dropped out),Cosmopolitan Prep School (class of ’85), delivery boy for Chicago Tribune. Wrote for Truman College's student newspaper. (Salutatorian) B.A.summa cum Iaude Roosevelt University. M.S.Govenor's State University, M.B.A. Butler Universty. Direct Commission in 1990. U.S. Army 2nd Lt 1990-93. Study at Loyola University Medical School for 2 ½ years (no degree awarded), Grad. Study at Indiana State University. Chemist, Pharmaceutical Researcher for Eli Lilly,|nc.; Did research on Insulin in a suburb of Florence, Italy. Inventor of Lava Lamp. He has visited New Jersey, San Francisco, San Antonio, and Toronto, for school/work. Also a resident of New Lenox, Illinois, and Noblesville, Indiana. Member of American Chemical Society. Brian Kaess’Twin Brother

4 Garret Thomas Kaess received a Direct Commission in abt Jun 1990 as a 2nd Lt. In the U.S. Army. He also received a U.S. Army Healthcare Scholarship to attend Medical School. As an undergrad, he received a General Scholarship to attend Roosevelt University. He has donated to Roosevelt University and Butler University. Brian Paul Kaess attended NEIU/NIU on the Illinois Veteran’s Grant (IVG), Montgomery GI Bill and Pell Grant. Brian Kaess was awarded Teaching Assistantships at NIU, Toledo, and SIU-Edwardsville in 1993, but decided to pursue the M.A. in Philosophy p/t at NIU while working full time. He also received a Perkin’s Loan in 2006 to attend NEIU Grad Ed School, but his wife Mayte Kaess insisted he stay home. Brian Kaess was also accepted in 1993 in the M.A. Program (s) in Philosophy at LSU and UW-Milwaukee. 9

The Children of the Kaess Twins D.5.8.5.3.4.1.1.1. or K.4.3.2.1.1. or U.1.4.1. or DO.4.2.1.1. Paul Jesus Kaess, aka ‘Paul Jesus Kaess Urbina’ in Mexico, b. Dec 11 2001 in Chicago, Illinois. Son of Brian Paul Kaess and Mayte Urbina Pereda. Baptized Roman Catholic at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago, Illinois, on Jul 26 2003. American School Durango (ASD)for grade school. Colegio Rex for middle school, Spelling Bee Winner at ASD.Twice a Winner of ’Concurso de Ortografia’ at ASD.Enjoys playing soccer. He visited Disneyland California in Anaheim in Summer 2012 with his Aunt Judy Urbina and Mexican Cousins. He also visited Six Flags Mexico and Teotihuacan in Apr 2014 on a school trip with ASD. He has been to Ramos several times. Dual USA/Mexican Citizen. Brian Kaess’ Son

K.? Joshua Blaumueller, possible illegitimate son of Brian Paul Kaess and Heidi Blaumueller. Brian Kaess and Heidi Blaumueller (b. abt 1967) had an affair in Chicago in Spring 1989. Joshua was born about Feb 1990. Heidi Blaumueller was a grad of Lake Zurich H.S. and possibly the U. of Illinois at Champaign. Brian Kaess met Heidi Blaumueller and her Grandfather John Blaumueller for dinner in Chicago in Spring 1989. Heidi’s Grandfather was a graduate of Northwestern University and was quite advanced in age. Brian Kaess’ friend John Carl Toth and Garret Kaess heard reports from a friend of Heidi’s named Sherri that Joshua was taken to a swimming pool in suburbia and that he looked ‘just like Brian.’ Heidi reportedly told Sherri, ‘don’t tell Brian!’

D.5.8.5.3.4.1.2.1. or K.4.3.2.2.1. or BR.3.1. or DO.4.2.2.1. Nicholas Todd Kaess, born Apr 13 1997 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Son of Garret Thomas Kaess and Robin Brown. Resident of Indiana. Noblesville H.S. class of 2015; active on Soccer Team. Student at Butler University. Brian Kaess’ Nephew

D.5.8.5.3.4.1.2.2. or K.4.3.2.2.2. or BR.3.2. or DO.4.2.2.2. Julie Leann Kaess, born Nov 5 1998 in Park Ridge, Illinois. Daughter of Garret Thomas Kaess and Robin Brown Resident of Noblesville, Indiana. Study at Noblesville H.S.,active on Swim Team. Swam in the Indiana State Finals as a Freshman. Brian Kaess’ Niece

The Kaess Family from the Neckar Valley Brian Kaess attained information on the Kaess Family mostly from family sources while on a trip to Germany in 1990. A town lineage book from Benningen am Neckar, acquired in 1990, has a Kaess/ Käss geneaology listed on the inside cover of the book (not unlike a Family Bible).This genealogy was written in by Brian Kaess. The book also lists Kaess residents of the Benningen am Neckar community who began to become prominent or noticeable around 1700. This book is now in the possession of Garret Kaess.The Landeskirchliches Archiv Stuttgart has a Seelenregister or 'Soul's Book’for Benningen dating from 1814 and before. They also have ‘Familienregister’ records for the towns of Benningen and Heutingsheim. The town ‘Registry Office’or Standesamt in Benningen is located on 10 Studionstrasse. They have vital records from after 1876. Before then, local Lutheran church records should be consulted. The town ‘Heimat’ of the Kaess Family is Benningen am Neckar, Baden-Wuerttemberg , Germany. The Kaess’s lived along the Neckar River for centuries. They were one of the ‘old’families of Benningen. They also spoke German with a Swabisch accent. Paul Ernst Kaess stated that he was descended from Swabian nobility.

The Kaess Family K.Andreas Kaes, b. 1846 in Benningen, Wuertemburg, Germany, m. on Nov 2 1879 to Johanna Carolina Lang, b. Dec 14 1850 in Benningen, Germany. Christened on Dec 19 1850. This was her second marriage. 1st m. to Jacob Eisenmann in 1875. Andreas and Johanna Kaess were res. of Benningen, Germany. He owned a Carpentry shop in Benningen for many years. 4 children. Her parents were Georg Adam Lang (1819-1880) and Margarethe Knoll(1819-1878). (see ‘The Langs’ in the Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History (2015)). Andreas Kaes was confirmed as the Father of Friedrich Emil Kaes by Ursula Reip, a Lutheran Parish secretary in Benningen am Neckar. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Great Grandparents K.1. Maria Pauline Kaess, Brian Kaess’ Gr. Grandaunt K.2. Gottlob Karl Kaess K.3. Berta Anna Kaess K.4. Friedrich Emil Kaes (Käss or Käs), aka ‘Emil Friedrich Kaess,’ b. Oct 15 1889 in Benningen, Wurttemburg, Germany, d. Jan 3 1968 in Benningen am Neckar, Germany, m. Anna Berta Falkenecker or Falkenauer (b. May 11 1890 in Heutingsheim, Germany, d. May 15 1970 in Benningen am Neckar, Germany) on Mar 29 1913 in a civil ceremony. A church wedding was performed on Mar 30 1913, prob. in Benningen. They celebrated their 50th ‘Golden’ wedding anniversary on Mar 31 1963 in Benningen. His parents are Andreas Kaess (b. 1946) and Johanna Carolina Lang, both from Benningen. Friedrich Emil Kaess worked as a shipbuilder on the Orinoco River in South America and eventually returned to Germany where he lived out the rest of his days in Benningen. Trained Carpenter. Mentioned as ‘Master Carpenter.’ Anna Bertha worked as a maid in Ludwigsburg. 4 children together. A family photo from the 1960's shows Friedrich Emil Kaess and Anna Berta Kaess in a group photo with Kaess family members, including Gerd Edwin Kaess. Ursula Kaess says her Grandfather was named Emil Friedrich Kaess. His name as Friedrich Emil Kaess was confirmed by Claudia Blumhardt, a Lutheran Parish secretary in Heutingsheim. Emil Friedrich Kaess may have been a rufname or ‘preferred name’ for Emil Friedrich Kaess. They may have also been grape-growers. Brian Kaess’Gr. Grandfather 11

K.4.1. Emil Kaess K.4.2. Berta Freida Kaess K.4.3. Paul Ernst Kaess, Brian Kaess’ Paternal Grandfather (see below) K.4.4. Lina Elsa Kaess K.4.1. Emil Käss (or Kaess), b. Dec 12 1913 in Benningen, Baden-Wiirttemberg , Germany, d. May 1 1994 in Germany, m. to Zazillia aka Zilli Kaess, b. circa 1917, d. circa 2006. Carpenter. Served in German Army Cavalry on East Front during WW2. Captured by Russians. Repatriated on Aug 14 1946. Disabled because of war-used a cane to get around. Reputed to be a millionaire. Met Brian Kaess in 1990. They took a cruise on the Rhine River together. They also played chess together. Resident of Heutingsheim, Germany. He struck Brian as a ‘peaceful old man.’ Brian Kaess’ Granduncle K.4.1.1. Hannelore Agathe Käss (or Kaess), b. abt 1948 in Germany, m. to Peter Kannemann. K.4.1.1.1. Dr. Anke Kannemann, b. Nov 20 1968 in Marbach am Neckar, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, m. Stefan Theilacker (b. Jul 27 1964 in Marbach am Neckar, Germany). Residents of Benningen am Neckar, Germany. Anke took a trip to Spain in 2012. Anke became a Doctor of Nueropathic Medicine in June 2015- she passed her exams then. Stefan is a policeman and had a nice German sheperd dog in 1990. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Cousin. 4 children. K.4.1.1.1.1. Nicolai Theilacker, b. Dec 1 1992 in Ludwigsburg, Germany K.4.1.1.1.2. Lion Theilacker, b. Nov 23 1994 in Bietigheim-Bissingen,Germany K.4.1.1.1.3. Matteo Theilacker, b. Mar 19 1997 in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany K.4.1.1.1.4. Carlos Jorel Theilacker, b. Dec 19 2003 in Bietigheim-Bissingen,Germany K.4.1.1.2. Wencke Kannemann, m. to Mr. Ruoff, they have one child. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Cousin. K.4.1.2. Irmgard Kaess K.4.1.3. Manfred Kaess, m. to Ester Kaess, she is compiling a history of the family. Res. of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. K.4.1.4. Wolfgang Kaess K.4.2. Berta Freida Kaess, b. Mar 6 1915 in Benningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, d. Feb 10 1992 in St. Petersburg, Florida, 1st m. to Willy Assenheimer (b. Nov 27 1912 in Asperg, Germany, d. Sep 25 1944 in La Charme, France), three kids , 2nd m. to Kulhanek (d. bef Feb 10 1992)- no children. Three children with Willy Assenheimer renamed after adoptive father Kulhanek: Willy Paul, Roland, Elsa. She came with her children and her 2nd husband Kulhanek to Venezuela and then America in abt 1955. Willy Assenheimer was killed on the Western Front while fighting for the German Army in WW2. His rank was Lance Corporal. He is buried in Andilly War Cemetery, France. Family lived in Venezuela for six years before emigrating to USA. Buried in Fairview Cemetery, Illinois. Berta Freida Kaess took on the name Berta Freida Assenheimer after she divorced her 2nd husband Kulhanek in abt 1975. She shows up on the SSDI as Berta F Assenheimer. Brian Kaess’ Grandaunt (see Kulhaneks below) K.4.2.1. Willy Paul Kulhanek, (adopted) born Willy Paul Assenheimer K.4.2.2. Roland Kulhanek,(adopted) born Roland Assenheimer K.4.2.3. Elsa F Kulhanek, (adopted) born Elsa F Assenheimer

Paul Ernst Kaess (or Käss)- Brian Kaess‘ Paternal Grandfather K.4.3. Paul Ernst Kaess5 (Käß or Käss or Käs), b. Feb 6 1921 in Benningen am Neckar, Baden Wuerttemberg, Germany, d. March 25 2002 in Pleidelsheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany; Baptized on Feb 20 1921 in the Lutheran Church in Benningen, Wuerttemburg, Germany. Confirmed Lutheran on Mar 18 1934 in Benningen. 1st m. to Dorothea ‘Doris’Dorschke on Mar 14 1944 in ’Pfarrkirche St. Johannes’ or Parish Church of St. John's in Ratibor, Upper Silesia. Two children with Dorothea Dorschke named ElkeAngelika Kaess and Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess. 2nd m. to Hildegard Louise Golz on Dec 22 1953 in Kamp-Lintfort, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Two children with Hildegard Golz: Arnhild Kaess and Ursula Karoline Berta Kaess. Paul Ernst Kaess saw extensive action in WWII as a soldier in the German Army. Served in France, Yugoslavia, Greece, Rumania, Russia, Lithuania, and perhaps Poland. Had a French girlfriend in occupied France. Sgt. in Panzer unit. Rode in Mk IVTank. Paul Ernst Kaess stated he fought at Kursk. His best friend was named Chef. Chef was killed late in the war. Paul E Kaess was wounded in late 1944 in Vilnius, Lithuania, when a Russian soldier threw a grenade into his tank. Evacuated via the Baltic. No evidence he committed any pogroms. Arnhild Kaess says she is unaware of any family members being involved in ’Kristalnacht.’ Paul E Kaess took and failed the SS entrance exam. He was a member of the Hitler Youth in the 1930's. Family photos support this. Paul Ernst Kaess also took a wartime wedding photo with Dorothea Dorschke in his German Army uniform in 1944. He served in the German Army from at least 1940 until 1944. It is known he fought against Partisans in Yugoslavia and versus Russians on the Eastern Front. Photos support this. It appears he served in Army Group Center and Army Group North in Russia. Brian P Kaess originally thought he had fought in France, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, and Russia only, but Arnhild Kaess later mentioned, in addition, he had fought in Greece, Rumania, and perhaps Poland as well. Survived War. Tended to his family vineyard after the war. His Kaess family owned a vinyard in Benningen for many years. Cabinet maker. Mentioned as a Sitzmobeitischler or ‘Seating Furniture Maker’. He worked in Freiberg am Neckar, Germany, in a small carpentry shop, and later moved to a larger company in Stuttgart. He never owned a carpentry shop in Benningen like his Father and Grandfather. Paul E Kaess was Evangelical Lutheran. Moved from Heutingsheim, Germany, to Benningen am Neckar, Germany, in 1971. Address in Benningen was ‘In Den Hofackern 5.’ Paul Ernst Kaess met his Grandson Brian Paul Kaess in 1990 and 1996. Nicole Russ of the Standesamt in Pleidelsheim,

5 Paul Ernst Kaess is believed to have earned the EK2 (Iron Cross 2nd Class) and Wounds Badge for his actions as a German Soldier in WWII. He may have also earned the Panzer Assault Badge. It is obvious he saw many tank battles. He was wounded by grenade schrapnel to the back of the skull, but recovered. Paul also mentioned he fought at Kursk. He sat down with Brian Paul Kaess in 1990 and talked about his experiences in WWII. It was clear he saw action in France, Yugoslavia, Russia and Lithuania from these chats. His service record is probably available at Deutsche Dienststelle in Berlin at Eichborndamm 179. His participation in any war wrimes, atrocities, or pogroms remains unknown. Arnhild Kaess denies any such activity by her Father Paul Ernst Kaess. He never mentioned anything about war crimes to Brian Paul Kaess either- it appears he was just an ordinary Panzer soldier. That’s what he talked about. He had a good comrade named Chef and it hurt him when Chef was killed. A favorite photo shows Chef smoking a pipe, before Chef was killed in war. ‘Chef’may be a generic name for commander, but that is how he was referred to by Paul. In the postwar era, Paul Ernst Kaess also received a plaque for Craftsmanship as a Carpenter from Manfred Rommell, Mayor of Stuttgart and son of Field Marshal Erwin Rommell. 13

Germany, says there is a Kaess/Golz Family book in the Standesamt (Heike Wolszczyniak) in Kamp- Lintfort, Germany. Paul Ernst Kaess stayed in the nursing home of the Hospitallers (Knight's of St. John) on ’Beihinger Str. 41’ in Pleidelsheim, Germany, from about 1996 until his death. He came down with Diabetes in his 70’s and had a couple of toes amputated. He died from complications from a stroke. This was the ‘sad time’ for Arnhild Kaess. Buried in town cemetery in Benningen am Neckar, Baden Wurttemburg, Germany. Paul Ernst Kaess had two Wives, four Children, four Grandchildren, and three Great Grandchildren before he died. His descendants live in Germany, the USA,and Mexico. Brian Kaess' Paternal Grandfather

K.4.3.1. or DO.4.1. Elke Angelika Kaess, b. Jul 28 1945 in Ludwigsburg, Germany, d. Jul 31 1945 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Daughter of Paul Ernst Kaess and Dorothea Dorschke. Died just days after birth. Brian Kaess’ Aunt

K.4.3.2. or DO.4.2. Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess or Käß or Kass (aka Gert Edwin Kaess in America), b. Jan 9 1947 in Heutingsheim, Germany, d. Oct 20 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, Son of Paul Ernst Kaess (Käß ) and Dorothea Dorschke. Baptized Catholic on Feb 2 1947. However, he was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Heutingsheim on Mar 26 1961, m. Marie Ellen Dawson on Sep 30 1967 in Chicago. Two identical twin sons: Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess. Ludwigsburg Gymnasium. Emigrated to America in 1965. Studied at Loyola University Chicago. Printer. Buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois. Brian Kaess' Father. (see above in ‘Parents of Brian Kaess’) K.4.3.2.1. or D.5.8.5.3.4.1.1. Brian Paul Kaess, b. 1967 in USA. K.4.3.2.1.1. or D.5.8.5.3.4.1.1.1. Pau|Jesus Kaess b. 2001 in USA. Brian Kaess' Son K.4.3.2.2. or D.5.8.5.3.4.1.2. Garret Thomas Kaess b. 1967 in USA. Brian Kaess' Twin Brother. K.4.3.2.2.1. or D.5.8.5.3.4.1.2.1. Nicholas Todd Kaess b. 1997 in USA. Brian Kaess' Nephew. K.4.3.2.2.2. or D.5.8.5.3.4.1.2.2. Julie Leann Kaess b. 1998 in USA.Brian Kaess' Niece.

K.4.3.3. or G.1.1. Arnhild Käß-Tiefenbach, b. Aug 4 1957 in Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Baptized Lutheran abt Sep 15 1957 in Heutingsheim, Germany, Confirmed Lutheran on Mar 28 1971 in Heutingsheim, Germany. Converted to Buddhism later in life. Realschule. 1st m. to Ulf Lehmann (b. Jul 28 1959) on May 1990 in Waldenbuch, Germany. Divorced in Oct 1995 in Böblingen, Germany. 2nd m. to Georg Tiefenbach (b. Aug 18 1954 in Ulm, Germany) on Sep 12 2008 in Berlin, Germany. No children. Commercial Artist. Resident of Waldenbuch, Germany, and Berlin, Germany. Likes to visit the North Sea Coast town of List,Germany, for relaxation. She has traveled to Majorca and Canary Islands (in Spain), Tuscany and Sicily (in Italy), Denmark, Texas, and Mauritius, Africa. She was instrumental in sending letters to Brian Kaess in 1989 to help reunite the family. Brian Kaess' half-Aunt.

K.4.3.4. or G.1.2. Ursula Karoline Berta (Kaess) Bruttel, aka ‘Ursula Kaess’ or ’Uschi Bruttel,’ b. Aug 8 1965 in Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg , Germany; Baptized Lutheran on Sep 5 1965 in Heutingsheim, Germany. 1st m. Achim Vogel. 1st Daughter Nadja Sina Vogel b. 1988. Ursula was a Model in her youth. A very beautiful woman. She grew fat in middle age. 2nd m. to Marco Bärschneider on Jan 20 1998 in Las Vegas, Clark Co, Nevada. 2nd Daughter Xenia Bärschneider. 3rd marriage to Markus Bruttel (b.abt Sep 11 1967?). Markus works for Audi and has taken business trips to Mexico. Markus has a new job in St. Georgen, Black Forest. Ursula enjoys taking trips to Tuscany, Italy. Resident of Stuttgart, Germany, and Olnhausen, Germany. They have dogs named ‘Paul’ and ‘Berta’. Brian Kaess' half-Aunt. K.4.3.4.1. or G.1.2.1. Nadja Sina Vogel , aka ‘Nadja’, b. August 1 1988 in Ludwigsburg, Baden- Wuerttemberg, Germany. Daughter of Ursula Kaess and Achim Vogel. Student at Universität Bamberg. Works as an Office Clerk in Germany. Has an Italian boyfriend named Francesco (b. abt 1975 in Italy). Brian Kaess' 1st half-Cousin. K.4.3.4.2. or G.1.2.2. Xenia Bärschneider b. May 19 1998 in Ludwigsburg?, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Daughter of Ursula Kaess and Marco Barschneider. Graduated Hauptschule abt 2014. Study for auto mechanic as an Intern for Audi. Has a Russian-German boyfriend named Walter (b. abt 1997). Lives in Olnhausen, Germany. Brian Kaess' 1st half-Cousin.

K.4.4. Lina Elsa Käss or Kaess, aka ‘Elsa Kaess', b. Aug 25 1923 in Germany, d. Dec 13 1928 in Germany, died young from diphtheria. Elsa F (Kulhanek) Barmus says she was named after ‘Elsa Kaess.’ Her rufname or ‘preferred name’ may have been ‘Elsa Kaess.’ Brian Kaess Grandaunt.

K.? Dieter Kaess (or Käss),m. to Ilse Kaess. Both are residents of Benningen am Neckar, Germany. Dieter Kaess is believed to be a distant Cousin to Brian Paul Kaess. Ilse Kaess, his wife, is the SPD rep. in Benningen and perhaps also a Benningen town council woman. She had correspondence with Brian Kaess in 2014. They live at ‘In Den Hofackern 5/1,’ not far from where Paul Ernst Kaess used to live. Ilse Kaess she has a photo book she would like to send the family in Mexico.

“Peace loves the Feast, and Victory with soft song, bursts with fresh Flowers.”- Pindar

Brian Paul Kaess’ Vacation to Europe in 1990 From Apr 18, 1990 until abt Jun 5 1990, Brian Paul Kaess took a family vacation to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. On this trip, which lasted several weeks, he met Paul Ernst Kaess, Emil Kaess, Arnhild Kaess, Ulf Lehmann, Ursula Kaess, Nadja Vogel, Achim Vogel, Hannelore Kaess, Anke Theilacker, Stefan Theilacker, Tatjana Christmann, Boris Christmann, Inge Dorschke, Eduard Dorschke, Hildegard Golz, Sven Urbatschek, and others. Brian was shown detailed genealogical records which indicated that the Kaess Family had been a prominent family in Benningen am Neckar sometime in 1750 or before. Paul Ernst Kaess also mentioned that the Kaess’were related to German nobility in Swabia from the middle ages but this relationship was slightly obscure. What was clear was that the family came from a long line of Kaess’who had lived in the Neckar Valley and Benningen for centuries. On this trip, Brian visited Benningen am Neckar, Heutingsheim, Stuttgart, Asperg, Ludwigsburg, Tubingen, Mainau am Bodensee, Calw in the Black Forest, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, the Rhine Valley, Munich, Obertsdorf, Lake Constance, The Allgauer Alps, Innsbruck, a spa in the Swabisch Alps, and Neuschwanstein Castle near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Brian also enjoyed going rowing on the Neckar River and dancing at the Backwein Disco in Stuttgart. He visited the main palace at Ludwigsburg. His Grandfather allowed him to drink German wine bottles from the family cellar and urged him to pump water from the well near the family vineyard. He felt the ‘OldWorld’ charm of Benningen. He also went on a ferry trip of the Rhine Valley and Lorelei where he, Paul Ernst Kaess, Hildegard Golz (Paul's 2nd Wife), Emil Kaess, and Zilli Kaess all attended. There was some slight friction between himself and Hildegard Golz. Brian was also brought to a WWII gathering by German War veterans with his Grandfather Paul Ernst Kaess. He remembers sitting by his Grandfather’s side and listening to toasts made to chivalry. Brian was shown detailed genealogical records dating the Kaess Family in Benningen as his direct ancestors. Names included Andreas Kaess, Johann Jacob Kaess, and Jacob Kaess that Brian remembers seeing. In 1990, Brian Kaess traveled with Arnhild Kaess and Ursula Kaess by car through Bodensee (by Ferry) and Western Austria and they put their toe in Switzerland for a few hours. Back in the states, at various times, Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess had met German American family members from the Kulhanek family including Roland Kulhanek, Willi Paul Kulhanek, Elsa Kulhanek Barmus, Anita Szymczak, Daria Meyer, Manfred Meyer, Greg Kulhanek, Kimberly (Kulhanek) Kohs, Ron Kohs, Jeffrey Eugene Kulhanek, and Richard Paul Kulhanek as well as their wives.They attended the wedding party of Kimberly Kulhanek to Ron Kohs in Aug 2000 in South SuburbanChicago. On subsequent trips, Brian Kaess visited Paris, Berlin, Stuttgart, Baden Baden, Benningen am Neckar, Ludwigsburg, and Esslingen am Neckar in 1993. He used Euro Rail Passes and youth hostels and pensions to travel cheaply. In 1996, he visited Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Benningen am Neckar, Salzburg, Vienna, Berlin, Magdeburg, Darmstadt, and Esslingen am Neckar. In 1996, people he met included Isolde Kohn (from Magdeburg), Marys Desauliniers (his penpal from Cap- De-La-Madeleine, Quebec), Stephanie Kramer (from Berlin), a Czech girl named Lucia, Khris Kaplinski (from New Hampshire) and Mario (from Mexico). He liked Berlin, Salzburg, and 16

Untersberg Peak alot. In Berlin, he went to a disco and also checked out Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, and the neighborhoods Kreuzburg and Prenzlauer Burg. He did pull a ‘mauerbeiter’ and check out remnants of the Berlin Wall. His Aunt Arnhild Kaess now lives in Mitte, Berlin, not far from the old Checkpoint Charlie.

The Dorschke’s of Silesia Silesia, in the mid 19th Century, was known as ‘the poor house’ of Prussia. Upper Silesia contained both Poles and Germans. Polish speakers lived in the countryside and German speakers tended to live In the cities. Throughout the centuries, the Slavs who lived in Upper Silesia were deeply influenced by the existing German Culture. The Dorschke’s6 were German-speaking Poles who embraced the German Empire of the 1920’s-40’s. They were treated as ’Volksdeutsche’ by the Germans. Their last name hints at a Polish or Slavic origin. Melanie Dorschke states that the Dorschke family name is of Polish origin. Marie Dorschke, 1st wife to Victor Dorschke, was born in Adamowitz, Kreis Ratibor, Upper Silesia. Melanie Dorschke also states that Victor Dorschke and Marie Dorschke were Catholic. Marie (Kokot) Dorschke(1897-1948) should not be mistaken with her daughter Maria Dorschke (1919-1984), later Maria Kaesser. The Dorschke ’heimat’ appears to have been Brzezie (Hohenbirken), Ratibor, Upper Silesia, along the Odra (Oder) River. Hohenbirken was roughly half German, half Polish, during the early 20th century. The County of Ratibor was a part of Prussia from 1816-1945. Before 1927, Hohenbirken was an estate/rural district of the County of Ratibor. After 1927, Hohenbirken merged with the city of Ratibor. The Dorschkes were displaced persons from the East after WWII and were forced to relocate to West Germany. The Kaess Familyand the Dorschke Family are connected to each other by the marriage of Paul Ernst Kaess to Dorothea ‘Doris’ Dorschke on Mar 14 1944 in Ratibor, Upper Silesia. Research on the family was aided by the acquisition of Dorothea Dorschke’s birth certificate from the Polish state archives in Raciborz (formerly Ratibor) in early 2013. This document was written in German and included the names of the parents of Dorothea Dorschke: Victor and Marie. Research was also aided by the testimony of Tatjana (Christmann) Polsler, Heike (Schottke) Dorschke, and Melanie Dorschke. The descendants of Eduard Dorschke and Rudi Dorschke Sr. live in Germany as of 2015. The descendants of Dorothea Dorschke live in North America. The descendants of Maria Dorschke may live in Germany.

6 EWZ-52(Einwandererzentralstelle) files for Poland may exist for the Dorschke family which may contain ‘Antrage’ (Application) info and ’Stamblatt’ (Family Tree) info. These records may be found at the FHL in Salt Lake City, National Archives in College Park, Maryland, and Bundes Archiv in Berlin. These are basically immigration application files that many people in Upper Silesia filled out when they were being vetted for loyalty by German authorities. They are written and typed in German. EWZ 57 and EWZ 58 files may also be available for the Dorschke surname at NARA II, Reading Room, College Park, Maryland. 17

DO.Victor Dorschke, b. Dec 1 1889 in Hohenbirken, Ratibor, Silesia, d. Jul 1 1969 in Muhldorf am Inn, Bavaria, Germany, res. aft 1945 in Waldkraiburg, Bavaria, Germany, 1st m. to Marie Kokot, aka ‘Maria’, (b. Jan 31, 1897 in Adamowitz, Landkreis Ratibor, Upper Silesia, d. Mar 4 1948, place unknown) in Ratibor?, Silesia bef 1916, six kids, they were both Catholic, 2nd wife is ‘Toni.’Possibility that ‘Toni’and Victor Dorschke were never married, just living together. Marie Kokot Dorschke, wife to Victor Dorschke, did not survive long after WWII. Marie Kokot’s birthdate/place and death date were supplied by Paul Hansel of Kirchlicher Suchdienst in Stuttgart, a Catholic tracing agency. Victor Dorschke worked as a Railroad worker, prob. In Germany or the East, perhaps for the DB (Duetschebahn) or OB (Ostbahn). The address for Marie Dorschke and Victor Dorschke during WWII was Memel str. 13 in Ratibor (from 1939-1945). Displaced person after WWII. His address in Waldkraiburg was at Munchener Platz 17. Heidrun Schmitz of Waldkraiburg, Germany, says Victor Dorschke had an ‘Influx’on Feb 1, 1965 in Ludwigsburg, Germany, on Uhland Str. 24. Birth date/place supplied by Heidrun Schmitz. Isolde Rapp says Victor Dorschke was registered in Ludwigsburg, Germany, from Sersheim, Germany, on Feb 1 1950. He came without his wife Marie Dorschke. In a letter from Inge Dorschke, she says his ’Heimat’ was Ratibor. A Dorschke family photo from the 1960's shows Victor Dorschke seated next to his 2nd wife Toni (aka ‘Aunt Toni’) as well as other Dorschke family members, such as Inge, Christa, Eduard and Uwe Dorschke. This photo ‘confirms’ the existence of Victor Dorschke. He appears to be of an advanced age (60’sor 70's) in the photo. Uwe Dorschke says Victor Dorschke spoke German fluently and probably knew a few words of Polish. Melanie Dorschke says Victor Dorschke died in 1966 or 1967 but this appears not to be true. Regina Witzmann of Ludwigsburg, Germany, says Victor Dorschke was a German Citizen. Melanie Dorschke says Victor Dorschke and perhaps Angelika Dorschke and ‘Toni’were all buried in Waldkraiburg, Bavaria, Germany. Brian Kaess’Great Grandparents

DO.1. Eduard Dorschke, b. Mar 31 1916 in Ratibor, Silesia, d. Oct 10 2003 in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, m. to Anna (b. Feb 8 1922, d. Dec 23 2012), aka ‘Anni.’Catholic. Served in German ‘Luftwaffe’ in WW2 as an enlisted flak gunner. Survived war. Came to Germany from Upper Silesia between 1958 and 1962. He was the last of the Dorschke siblings to emigrate. Worked in a factory after the war. Alive in 1990, res. of Bietigheim-Bissingen,Germany. Lived in Bietigheim. Met Brian Kaess in 1990. Anna Dorschke had a sister named Agnes who was married twice (2nd m. to Bernhard) and Agnes had two daughters in 1st m.; Anna Dorschke also had two brothers, one of whom lived in Munich. Arnhild Kaess says the Dorschke’s spoke German with a Polish accent. There was some confusion that Victor Dorschke was Eduard Dorschke, but Arnhild Kaess insists that Brian P Kaess met Eduard Dorschke in 1990 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Also, Tatjana Christmann also insists that Brian P Kaess met Eduard Dorschke in 1990 in SW Germany. This makes sense. Eduard Dorschke was alive and present in that area at the time. Eduard Dorschke is Brian Kaess’ Granduncle DO.1.1. Ingeborg Dorschke, aka ‘Inge’, b. Mar 3 1944, m. on May 17 1968 (divorce Apr 1975) to Rene Christmann, b. Sep 5 1948, two children. Hairdresser, res. of Ludwigsburg, Germany. She met Brian Kaess in 1990 and 1996. 1st Cousin to Gerd Kaess DO.1.1.1. Boris Christmann, b. Jul 28 1968 in Germany,m. to Christine on Oct 1995, truck driver, 18

Works in high end Pet food Sales, res. of Ludwigsburg, Germany. Two children. He and Brian Kaess ate pizza in Ludwigsburg in 1990. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Cousin DO.1.1.1.1. Lisa Christmann, b. Dec 9 1995 in Germany DO.1.1.1.2. Kevin Christmann, b. Mar 20 1997 in Germany DO.1.1.2. Tatjana Christmann , b. Sep 26 1969 in Germany, m. Sven Poelsler (aka Polsler) in 1997, Sculptor, Web Programmer, res. of Ludwigsburg, Germany. She and Brian Kaess took a boat near Schloss Monrepos in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Visited London in 2014. No children. She had surgery in June 2015. She may have cáncer. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Cousin DO.1.2. Christine Dorschke, aka ‘Christa’, b. Oct 23 1948 in Germany, m. Essman

DO.2. Maria Dorschke, aka ‘Maria Kaesser’, b. Jun 1 1919 in Hohenbirken, Ratibor, Upper Silesia, d. Jan 12 1984 in Guendelbach, Germany, m. to Eugen Kaesser (b. Nov 13 1910 in Steinach/Waiblingen, Germany, d. Jul 12 1994 in Guendelbach, Germany) on Jul 7 1951 in Bietigheim-Bissingen,Baden-Wuerttemburg, Germany. One son, named Erich Kaesser. Catholic. Res. of Bietigheim, Germany, they moved in Feb 1972 to Guendelbach, Germany, which is a part of Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany today. Their address in Guendelbach was Im Steinfeld 5. Inge Dorschke says she married in Wuerttemberg, Germany, after arrival. Her and Angelika Dorschke helped raise Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess after his mother's death. Heike (Schottke) Dorschke says Maria Dorschke was alive at the time of the wedding between Heike Schottke and Rudi Dorschke Jr. in Aug 1983; However, Maria Dorschke did not attend because of illness. Uwe Dorschke last saw Maria Dorschke and Eugen Kaesser in abt 1981. Godmother to Arnhild Kaess. Arnhild Kaess describes her as a ‘very kind person.’ Both Maria Dorschke and Eugen Kaesser are buried in Guendelbach, Germany. DO.2.1. Erich Kaesser, b. aft Jul 1951 in Germany

DO.3. Angelika ‘Angela’ Dorschke, aka ‘Aunt Gela,’ b. Jul 11 1920 in Hohenbirken, Ratibor, Upper Silesia, d. Mar 12 1996 in Friedenweiler, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Catholic. Angelika Dorschke came to West Germany from Upper Silesia after 1945. Res. of Schwabisch Gmund, Germany , (from Apr 1973 to Dec 1980) and Waldstetten, Germany, a nearby village (from Dec 1980 to Mar 1992). She also lived in Lenzkirch,Germany and Friedenweiler, Germany, after Mar 1992. Melanie Dorschke says Angelika Dorschke lived in Bavaria after the war. Lived alone and worked as a maid for a doctor, per Melanie Dorschke. She would often visit Rudi Dorschke Sr. with her pet Doberman dog named Maro. Melanie Dorschke was quite small when she would visit. No husband upon arrival in Germany, ‘stayed alone’ per Inge Dorschke. In same letter, however, Inge Dorschke mentions her ‘two aunts married in Wurttemburg.’ This would include Angelika Dorschke. Arnhild Kaess says she wasn't married and had no kids. Uwe Dorschke says she was the 3rd oldest of the siblings. Apparently, the parents, Maria, Angelika, Doris, and Rudi Dorschke, arrived together in Germany after the war, then split up. This is per Inge Dorschke. Melanie Dorschke says her parents remember seeing Angelika Dorschke in Aug 1983 at the wedding of Rudi Dorschke Jr. and Heike Schottke. Death date and burial info supplied by Patrick Booz of Friedenweiler, Germany. Angelika Dorschke was buried on Apr 2 1996 in Friedenweiler, Germany, in the Black Forest. 19

Dorothea Dorschke - Brian Kaess‘Paternal Grandmother DO.4. Dorothea (aka ‘Doris’) Dorschke, aka ‘Doris Käss,’ b. Jan 30 1922 in Ratibor, Upper Silesia, d. Dec 23 1951 in Marbach am Neckar, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, baptized Catholic in Oct 1922 in Ratibor, m. Paul Ernst Kaess on Mar 14 1944 in the ‘Pfarrkirche St. Johannes’ or St. Johannes Parish Church in Ratibor, Upper Silesia, Germany. This church still stands. Two children: Elke Angelika Kaess and Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess. Catholic. Displaced person from the East after WW2. Dorothea Dorschke was a resident of Heutingsheim, Germany sometime in the 1950's. Housewife. A family photo from WWII shows Dorothea Dorschke and Paul Ernst Kaess on their wedding day. Paul Ernst Kaess is wearing a uniform of the German Army in this photo, definitely placing their marriage during wartime. Ursula Kaess says they married in 1944. It is known Dorothea Dorschke died from Leukemia. Inge Dorschke says Dorothea Dorschke died in Ratibor (or Raciborz, Poland), but this appears to be false- Dorothea Dorschke had already emigrated to West Germany before her own death. She did not fill out a resident card while living in Heutingsheim, so town authorities have no idea when she arrived from the East. Death date/place and initial burial info supplied by Elke Schimke of Freiberg am Neckar, Germany. Initially buried in Heutingsheim, Germany, than marker was moved to town cemetery in Benningen am Neckar, Germany. She is no longer buried in this cemetery- her marker was removed sometime after 1990. Brian Kaess placed flowers on her grave in Benningen in 1990. Brian Kaess’ Paternal Grandmother. DO.4.1. or K.4.3.1. Elke Angelika Kaess DO.4.2. or K.4.3.2. Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess DO.4.2.1. or K.4.3.2.1. Brian Paul Kaess DO.4.2.1.1. or K.4.3.2.1.1. Paul Jesus Kaess DO.4.2.2. or K.4.3.2.2. Garret Thomas Kaess DO.4.2.2.1. or K.4.3.2.2.1. Nicholas Todd Kaess DO.4.2.2.2. or K.4.3.2.2.2. Julie Leann Kaess

DO.5. Rudolf (Rudi) Dorschke Sr., b. Sep 23 1923 in Brzezie (Hohenbirken), Ratibor , Upper Silesia, d. Feb 17 1995 in Hamm, Germany, m. to Kathe Irma Wöge (b. Mar 24 1923 in Magdeburg, Germany, d. Apr 4 1999 in Hamm, Germany) on May 8 1946 in Magdeburg-Neustadt, Germany.; Had two sons, one named Rudi Jr., one named Uwe; Catholic. Rudi Dorschke Sr. (1923-1995) Served in German Navy in WWII. Came to Magdeburg, Germany from Upper Silesia in 1946. Worked as a Coal Miner after the war in a company/place called Radbod in Bockum-Hovel, Hamm, West Germany. Lived in Dortmund area, Germany. Spoke fluent German and some Polish. Kathe Irma (Wöge) Dorschke was a good friend of Hildegard (Golz) Kaess and Godmother to Ursula Kaess (b. 1965). Rudi Dorschke Sr. was buried in the Central Cemetery, in Hamm-Bockum-Hovel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. DO.5.1. Uwe Dorschke, b. Sep 18 1951 in Hamm-Bockum-Hovel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, m. to Birgit Mitsching (b. Mar 17 1960 in Hamm, Germany) on Nov 23 1979 in Hamm, Germany. One daughter. Protestant-Evangelical Lutheran. Works as a Coal Miner in Hamm, Germany. He used to own an apartment in Los Alcazares, Spain. Lives in a house in Hamm, Germany. 20

DO.5.1.1. Melanie Dorschke, b. May 21 1980 in Hamm-Bockum-Hovel, North Rhine- Westphalia, Germany. Baptized Oct 19 1980 at Holy Christ Church in Hamm, Germany. 1st m. to Sven Will on Oct 15 2004 in Lünen, Germany. Divorced on Jul 7 2011 in Hamm, Germany. Divorce finalized on Oct 8 2011. They were separated on Jan 2010. She was sad not to wear a ‘white dress’ at her wedding. No children. Protestant-Evangelical Lutheran. Talschule (an elementary school), Sophie Scholl Gesamtschule (completed a secondary school certificate). Works as a shop assistant in a Bakery in Hamm, Germany. Lives in an apt. in Hamm, Germany. Has visited Spain often with her parents. She has visited Majorca, Malagra, and the Canary Islands. Last trip was Summer 2009. She also likes to take trips to Langeoog, Germany (along the North Sea), and Scharbeutz , Germany (near the Baltic Coast). She has sent Christmas Cards to Garret Kaess and Brian Kaess. 2nd Cousin to Brian Kaess. DO.5.2. Rudolf (Rudi) Dorschke Jr., b. Jul 10 1958 in Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, m. to Heike Schottke on Dec 17, 1982 in Hamm, Germany. They also married in Holy Cross Church on Aug 6 1983 in Hamm, Germany; Protestant- Evangelical Lutheran. Res. of Hamm-Bockum- Hovel, North Rhine- Westphalia, Germany. Worked as a Coal Miner in Hamm, Germany. Served in German Army in Lüneburg. No children of their own.

DO.6. Arnold Dorschke, b. Mar 11 1925 in Hohenbirken, Ratibor, Upper Silesia, d. Apr 25 1945 in Hultschin, Ratibor, Upper Silesia. German soldier in WWII-KIA, died in war at age of 20. His rank was ’Jaeger.’ Arnold Dorschke served in Kompanie 3, 223 Grenadier-Regiment, 16th Volks- Grenadier Division of the German Army. His last letter home to the German Red Cross was in March 1945. Uwe Dorschke says Arnold Dorschke was the youngest of the Dorschke siblings. buried in German War Cemetery, Valasske Mezirici , Czech Republic. Brian Kaess’Granduncle

The Kulhanek’s The Kulhanek’s are a branch of the Kaess Family,originally from Germany. They emigrated first to Venezuela for six years and then settled in America before 1970. Their descendants from Berta Freida Kaess live mainly in Illinois and Ohio.

K.4.2. Berta Freida Kaess, b. Mar 6 1915 in Benningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, d. Feb 10 1992 in St. Petersburg, Florida, 1st m. to Willy Assenheimer (b. Nov 27 1912 in Asperg, Germany, d. Sep 25 1944 in La Charme, France), three kids , 2nd m. to Kulhanek (b. abt 1915 in Czech Republic?, d. bef Feb 10 1992)-no children. Three children with Willy Assenheimer renamed after adoptive father Kulhanek: Willy Paul, Roland, Elsa. She came with her children and her 2nd husband Kulhanek to Venezuela and then America in abt 1955. Willy Assenheimer was killed on the Western Front while fighting for the German Army in WW2. His rank was Lance Corporal. He is buried in Andilly War Cemetery, France. Family lived in Venezuela for six years before emigrating to USA. Buried in Fairview Cemetery, Illinois. Berta Freida Kaess took on the name (of her 1st husband) Berta Freida Assenheimer after she divorced her 2nd husband Kulhanek in abt 1975. She shows up on the SSDI as Berta F Assenheimer. Brian Kaess’ Grandaunt

K.4.2.1.Willy Paul Kulhanek, b. Jan 24 1935 in Germany, m. to Sandra Kulhanek (b. Jan 19 1940). Lived in Venezuela for six years. Emigrated to America, naturalized USA citizen, res. of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. K.4.2.1.1.Jeffrey Eugene Kulhanek, b. Mar 26 1970 in USA,m.to Lori/Lauri Stevenson, res. of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Elsa Kulhanek Barmus has said of Jeffrey, ‘Jeffrey’s got no kids.’ K.4.2.1.2. Richard Paul Kulhanek, b. Jan 14 1972 in USA,m. to Lisa. Res. of North Canton, OH, and Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Richard P Kulhanek has studied for a Bachelor's degree in Automated Manufactoring Engineering Technology at the University of Akron. He has also studied Drafting and Computer Drafting. He has worked as a Project Manager for Tower Industries Inc. ; Brian Kaess’ 2nd Cousin K.4.2.1.2.1. Magdalena Kulhanek, b. abt 2010. K.4.2.1.2.2. Unk Kulhanek male, b. abt 2012.

K.4.2.2. Roland W Kulhanek, b. Aug 1936 in Germany, m. to Shirley, b. Sep 29 1936, R.N., Roland is in the Construction Business, res. of Oak Lawn, Illinois and Orland Park, Illinois. Lived in Venezuela for six years. Emigrated to America bef 1970. Shirley Kulhanek is from Mississippi. K.4.2.2.1. Greg Kulhanek, b. May 22 1970, m. to Lisa Renee Guajardo (b. Jul 9 1969), two children, Brother Rice high school, B.A.Loyola University Chicago, advertising, also worked at Keller Williams realty in Chicago area. He has worked at Ice Mountain Inc. and Nestle Inc. as a Key Account Development Manager. His wife Lisa may have studied at Chicago State University. Greg was an All-State Soccer forward in high school at Brother Rice. He was also a pick for Midwest All American his Senior Year. In addition, he was selected to a Top 50 group of Chicago-area high school soccer players. He was on a soccer scholarship at Loyola U.Chicago. Residents of Orland Park, Illinois. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Cousin K.4.2.2.1.1. Reyna Kulhanek, b. abt 2000 22

K.4.2.2.1.2. Lauren Kulhanek, b. abt 2004 K.4.2.2.2. Kimberly Kulhanek, aka ‘Kim Kohs,’ b. July 10 1974 in USA,m. to Ronald J Kohs (b. Jul 4 1973) in Aug 2000 in IL. Two children, Residents of Orland Park, Illinois. Court Reporter, Mother McAuley high school, A.A.S.MacCormac College. Ron works at Wal Mart in suburban Chicago. Ron finished high school. K.4.2.2.2.1. Sarah Kohs, b. abt 2002 K.4.2.2.2.2. Daniel Kohs, b. abt 2006

K.4.2.3. Elsa F Kulhanek, born ‘Elsa F Assenheimer,’aka ‘Elsa F Barmus,’ b. Oct 17 1937 in Germany, m. in 1954 in Venezuela to Romualdas Barmus (b. Feb 18 1933 in New York-d. May 17 1999), aka Ron Burmas, Ron is buried in Fairmount Cemetery in Willow Springs, Illinois. Elsa Barmus is a res. of Oak Lawn, Illinois. Lived in Venezuela for six years. Emigrated to America with her husband Ron Barmus in the 1950’s or so. She worked at Bell Labs in the Chicago area. Elsa kept a picture of her Father Willy Assenheimer (in his WWII German Army uniform) on the wall in the basement of her home in Oak Lawn, IL. Elsa Kulhanek Barmus has said she sees her Grandchildrren every Sunday (perhaps at Church). Brian Kaess’ 1st Cousin once removed K.4.2.3.1. Daria H Barmus or Burmas, b. abt 1955, m. to Manfred A Meyer (b. Jan 18 1955) K.4.2.3.1.1. Matthew Meyer, B.A.Northwestern Univeristy K.4.2.3.1.2. Marcus Meyer, b. Aug 20 1981 in Palos, Illinois, just got married, Fenwick H.S., class of '99, Swim Team, B.A. Illinois Wesleyan University , Sales Representative for Renaissance Construction Fasteners. K.4.2.3.1.3. Morgan Meyer K.4.2.3.2. Anita I Barmus or Burmas, b. Aug 19 1957, m. to Bruce Szymczak (b. Nov 24 1956, d. Jul 17 2009). Divorced. Bruce is buried in Catholic Resurrection Cemetery in Illinois. Bruce Szymczak’s 2nd wife is Amy Royals. Three daughters. K.4.2.3.2.1. Stephanie Szymczak- Luther,b. abt 1983, m. to Tim Luther, B.S., M.S. Southern Illinois University. Physical Therapist. Res. of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Darien, Illinois. K.4.2.3.2.2. Laura Szymczak, b. abt 1987, res. of Darien, Illinois. K.4.2.3.2.3.? Jessica R.Szymczak. Elsa Kulhanek has said she has five Grandchildrren and does not have a Granddaughter named Jessica Szymczak. Perhaps Jessica Szymczak is Amy Royals daughter.

The Urbina’s of Mexico The Urbina’s7 are a Spanish-speaking Mexican middle class family located mostly in the Mexican state of Durango, in the towns of San Jose de Ramos,San Carlos, General Galeana, and Durango City. They are connected to the Kaess Family via the marriage of Mayte Urbina Pereda to Brian Paul Kaess in Jul 2000. The Urbina’s are also related to Thomas Urbina (d.1915), who was a brigade commander under Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). The Citadel in Ramos today still shows evidence of fighting from that time period when Villa'sforces overran the town. Also represented here is the Pereda Family.The Urbina’s are connected to the Pereda family by the marriage of Braulio Urbina Monarrez to Maria Luisa Pereda Gilleon in Feb 1967.

U. Adolfo Hernandez Urbina Sr., b. Nov 28 1913 in Mexico, d. Dec 9 1981 in Mexico, m. to Leonila Barra Monarrez (b. Jan 17 1915 in San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico, d. Nov 20 2009 in Durango, Dgo., Mexico). Many children and grandchildren. He may have worked at Loyola U. Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, as a low-level employee. Both are buried in town cemetery of San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico. P. Luis Pereda Terrazaz, b. Aug 15 1917 in Tepehuan, Dgo., Mexico, d. abt 2006 in Mexico, m. to Gaudalupe Gilleon Diaz, b. Nov 14 1919 in Tepehuan, Dgo., Mexico, d Nov 20 2009 in Gen. Galeana, Dgo., Mexico. Both are buried in town cemetery in General Galeana, Dgo., Mexico. Parents of Maria Luisa Pereda. Many children and grandchildren.

U.1. Braulio Urbina Monarrez, b. Mar 26 1941 in Mexico, m. on Feb 6 1967 in Gen. Galeana, Dgo., Mexico to Maria Luisa Pereda Gilleon, b. Jul 7 1945 in Mexico. B.A. UJED. He was Town Manager in Ramos, Mexico. Cattle Rancher. It is rumored that Braulio hired a substitute for himself to serve in the Mexican Army. Six children. Many Grandchildren. He had the family homestead built in ’Lomas’, a nice neighborhood in Durango City. Res. of San Jose de Ramos, Mexico, and Durango, Mexico. He is purported to own the most cattle in the family and is a ‘rich’ man in Ramos. He bought Land for his daughter Mayte U Kaess in Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada and also bought half of the family homestead at Juan E Garcia # 407 to be used by his daughter Mayte U Kaess as needed. Brian Kaess’ Father in Law

U.1.1. Cesar Urbina Pereda, b. Mar 16 1968 in El Oro, Dgo., Mexico, res. of Chicago, works as a Spray painter on the SW side. Single. Has lived as an ‘illegal’in Chicago for many years. He and his roomate David had a quarrel and David moved out after David’s girlfriend reputedley stole $5,000 from Cesar’s room. Cesar had a chance to marry a ‘white girl’ but decided to stay single.

7 San Jose de Ramos has been raided three times (2007, 2010, 2011) by the Mexican Army in search of marijuana growers. Brian Kaess witnessed Mexican Army soldiers burning bushels of marijuana in the streets of Ramos in abt Spring 2007. Paul Jesus Kaess and his Mexican Cousin Regina Lara were both present in Ramos in 2011 when a huge raid was undertaken in the whereabouts of Ramos and nearby Martinez. They saw Mexican Army soldiers walking through the streets. This raid made national news in Mexico. In 2014, Braulio Urbina was approached by marijuana growers, who wanted to grow on his land. He refused and now the family has decided to spend less time in Ramos. Brian Kaess has been to Ramos at least 5-6 times and is unsure when he will return. 24

U.1.2. David Urbina Pereda Sr, b. Sept 12 1969 in El Paso, Texas., m. to Racquel Hernandez, have since divorced. Racquel works at Disney World Florida. Two children: David Urbina and Jonathan Urbina. 3rd child named Abigai Urbina with girlfriend in L.A.; David Urbina Sr. works construction in Arizona. He also may live in San Diego área from time to time. U.1.2.1 David Urbina Jr., Ocoee H.S, Valencia Community College. He works as spray painters in Chicago on occasion. U.1.2.2. Jonathan Urbina U.1.2.3. Abigai Urbina

U.1.3. Angelica Maria Urbina Pereda, b. Aug 28 1970 in El Oro, Dgo., Mexico, m. to Amado Lara, res. of San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico. Her sister in Law Bertha Lara came up missing at the border near Laredo, Texas, in Spring 2014. Two children. Angelica has lived in El Paso and Chicago when she was single. Knows some English. U.1.3.1. Regina Lara, b. abt 2006 in Mexico, she is a very pretty girl, Paul Jesus Kaess’ 1st Cousin U.1.3.2. Valente Lara, b. abt Aug 2010 in Durango, Mexico

Mayte Urbina Pereda- Brian Kaess’ 2nd Wife U.1.4. Mayte Urbina Pereda, aka ‘Mayte Urbina Kaess,’ b. Jan 4 1972 in San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico; Raised in San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico, 1st m. to Brian Paul Kaess on Jul 27 2000 in Chicago. It was her 1st marriage, his 2nd marriage. B.A. UJED, study at UANL in Monterrey area. A.A. St. Augustine College (Chicago), Teacher's Aide in Chicago, Pre School Teacher in Mexico, Res. of Chicago, Illinois and Durango, Mexico. She lived in Chicago from abt 1996 to Dec 2006. Mayte Kaess has said that she crossed illegally to the USA in abt Jan 1997 near Laredo, Texas. She crossed with a ‘coyote’ party. She had to swim across the Rio Grande (Rio Bravo) to get to the USA. Naturalized U.S.Citizen. Moved back to Durango, Mexico on Dec 9 2006. She is involved in real estate and cattle ranching for the family in Mexico. She bought land in/near Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Dgo., Mexico, to develop a house there. Her Father also bought ½ the family homestead at Juan E Garcia #407 in Durango, Mexico for her to use as needed. She currently lives at Privada de Bravo #222 in Durango, Mexico in the Barrio Tierra Blanca. She and her family have lived there from 2011-2015. She and her husband Brian Kaess like to attend parties at the ‘Lomas’ homestead at Calle Fray Diego de La Cadena #515 in Fracc. Lomas Del Gaudiana, Durango City, Dgo., Mexico. The Urbina Family likes to listen to Mariachi bands during holidays or celebrations. She is close to her siblings. SSN 337-98-9250.One child: Paul Jesus Kaess. Dual USA/Mexican Citizen. Brian Kaess’ 2nd Wife. U.1.4.1. or D.5.8.5.3.4.1.1.1. or K.4.3.2.1.1. Paul Jesus Kaess, aka ‘Paul Jesus Kaess Urbina’ in Mexico , b. Dec 11 2001 in Chicago, Illinois. Son of Brian Paul Kaess and Mayte Urbina Pereda. Baptized Roman Catholic at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago, Illinois, on Jul 26 2003. American School Durango (ASD)for grade school. Colegio Rex for middle school, Spelling Bee Winner at ASD. Twice a Winner of ’Concurso de Ortografia’ at ASD. Enjoys playing soccer. He visited Disneyland California in Anaheim in Summer 2012 with his Mexican Aunt Judy Urbina and Mexican Cousins Jonathan and David Urbina. He also visited Six Flags Mexico and Teotihuacan in Apr 2014 on a 25

school trip with ASD. His Mexican Family ’dodles’ on him and the rest of the Grandchildren. Brian Kaess’ Son

U.1.5. Marisol Urbina Pereda, b. Sep 25 1974 in El Oro, Dgo., Mexico, involved in Real Estate and Law in Durango, Mexico. She has a boyfriend and may get married.

U.1.6. Judy Urbina Pereda, b. Jul 20 1980 in El Oro, Dgo., Mexico.B.A. UAD,involved in Urbina Real Estate Group, likes to travel. Engaged to ‘Willi’,longtime boyfriend. In Spring 2014, Judy took photos of the ’Miramar’ hotel where’Chapo’ Guzman was captured in 2013. It became sort of a tourist attraction in Mazatlan. Judy held a nice birthday celebration in Summer 2015 at a private party hall in a Hacienda in El Pueblito, Dgo., Mexico. Delicious steak tacos with guacamole were served up to all present.

U.2. Chole Urbina, m. to Dr. Juan Martinez Rodriguez, res. of Durango, Mexico U.2.1. Dra. Azucena Martinez Urbina, Veterinarian, res. of Durango, Mexico; Brian Kaess and Mayte U Kaess attended her Graduation party from UJED. It was held at Club Campestre in Durango, Mexico. U.2.1.1. Juanito, Paul Jesus Kaess’ 2nd Cousin U.2.2. Macrena, m. to Jaime Serrano U.2.2.1. Paola Serrano U.2.2.2. Natalie U.2.2.3. Najeli U.2.3. Osiris, he may have one or two kids U.2.4. Diego

U.3. Dr. Juan Urbina U.3.1. Juan Urbina II,m. to Irma Romero Ramirez, one son. Juan works construction. Irma is a Clerk at the Hospital General in Durango City. U.3.1.1. Juan Urbina III U.3.2. Dra. Maribel Urbina, Dentist, res. of Durango, Mexico. U.3.3. Jorge Urbina U.3.4. Ozvaldo Urbina, R.N. , two children

U.4. Maria Urbina (d. abt Nov 2007 in Dgo., Mexico), m. to Sanchez. She owned a house at Juan E Garcia #407 in Durango, Dgo., Mexico. This house was passed down in the family. She also owned real estate in Hidalgo Parral, Mexico. Her married name is Maria Magdelana Sanchez. A picture of her and her husband hung in the Family homestead at Juan E Garcia #407 at least until her death. Upon her death, she was buried in the town cemetery in San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico, and many family members came to Ramos to pay homage. She had a large wake and funeral in Ramos.

U.5. Adolfo Urbina Monarrez Sr., 2nd m. to Areceli, res. of Durango, dgo., Mexico. He has four children, two from a prior marriage. The children are: Jesus, Alliciia (aka Martha), Adolfo Jr., Alonzo; Adolfo Sr. is a Civil Engineer by trade, grad of UJED. U.5.1. Aliiciia Urbina Salazar, aka ‘Martha’, b. abt 1992 in Latin America, Her Father is Adolfo Urbina Monarrez- an engineer, her stepmother is Arecelia, she was raised in Durango, Mexico. Res. of Durango, Mexico and Mexico City. She may live in the ‘Polanco’ neighborhood of Mexico City. Student of Psychology at UJED, student of Tai Kwon Do. She likes to play guitar and make amateur music videos for you tube. She is reputedly a member of a secret society that likes to perform incantations, wear black clothes, read from books, and wear pendants, etc.; Her Mother and Sister were killed in a car crash when she was young. ‘Martha’ may have family of origin in El Salvador, on her Mother's side. She may have half siblings Adolfo Jr. and Alonzo. U.5.2. Jesus Manuel Urbina Salazar, b. abt 1990, brother to ‘Martha’, he was raised in Durango, Mexico. Res. of Durango, Mexico. Works construction for the Urbina Real Estate Group, helps them build houses. He is also purportedly a member of a secret society with Martha and Brother Adolfo Jr.; He is engaged to Maraleina. He likes to visit Mazatlan and is a Cousin and Friend to Judy Urbina. He has one son with a Mexican woman who won't marry him. Well-liked in the family. He just became an architecht. U.5.3. Adolfo Jr. U.5.4. Alonzo

Urbina Cousins Urbina Cousins are all blood relatives to Mayte Urbina Pereda (b. 1972) but their exact relationship is unknown.

U.? Erlin, b. abt 1972 in Mexico, raised in San Jose de Ramos, Mexico. Trained as a Dentist in Mexico. She moved North of the border to work as a Currency Exchange Cashier in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Res. of Chicago and Boca Raton, Florida. She left Chicago because of cold winters. Married to Alan, former SIU student and Currency Exchange Manager in Florida. Erlin may have one Mexican son nicknamed Junior from a prior relationship. U.? Brenda Hernandez, b. abt 1974 in Mexico. Raised in San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico, per Mayte. Res. of Chicago and Skokie. She is married to Carlos Fernandez, a UIC Grad and Admissions Officer.They have three children together. Brenda's side of the family is closer to the Monarrez line, per Mayte. Her sister Chris is married and living in Boston. She works for Baxter Abbott in Boston. U.? Guadalupe Monarrez, aka ‘Lupe’ or ‘Moti’, b. abt 1975 or later, res. of San Jose de Ramos, Dgo., Mexico, she has lived in Kansas illegally. In Ramos, she has worked as a Sheriff, school teacher, and owns a small dry goods store of her own. She recently had a baby out of wedlock named Rafael Monarrez named after her Brother who helps provide for him. The Father of the baby is reputedly a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Pereda’s The Pereda’s are a Mexican Family living mostly in the Mexican state of Durango, and El Paso, Texas, and Chicago. They are connected to the Urbina Family via the marriage of Braulio Urbina Monarrez and Maria Luisa Pereda in 1967. Information on the Pereda family was supplied by Angelica Urbina Lara.

P. Luiz Pereda Terrazaz, b. Aug 15 1917 in Tepehuan, Dgo., Mexico, d. abt 2006 in Mexico, m. to Gaudalupe Gilleon Diaz, b. Nov 14 1919 in Tepehuan, Dgo., Mexico, d. Nov 20 2009 in Gen. Galeana, Dgo. Mexico. His Father is Plutarco Pereda, b. 1885. His Mother is Maria de Jesus Terrazaz. Luis Pereda Terrazaz and Guadalupe Gilleon Diaz are buried in the town cemetery in General Galeana, Dgo., Mexico. Ten children and many Grandchildren. Parents of Maria Luisa Pereda. P.1. Maria Luisa Pereda Gilleon (b. 1945), m. to Braulio Urbina Monarrez, Mexican in-Laws to Brian Paul Kaess P.1.4. or U.1.4. Mayte Urbina Pereda, m. to Brian Paul Kaess P.1.4.1. or U.1.4.1. or K.4.3.2.1.1. Paul Jesus Kaess, aka ‘Paul Jesus Kaess Urbina’ P.2. Amalia Pereda, res. of San Carlos, Dgo., Mexico, Amalia Pereda and Josefina Pereda are said to own a lot of real estate in San Carlos, Dgo., Mexico. Many Children and Grandchildren. P.3. Josefina Pereda, res. of San Carlos, Dgo., Mexico. Owns a supermarket in San Carlos. She and her husband are considered wealthy based on their business activities in San Carlos, Mexico. Brian Kaess met the Pereda Family in San Carlos in 2007. Many Children and Grandchildren. P.4. Vitalina Pereda, res. of El Paso, Texas, m. to Enrique Avitia, they have a son and daughter. Their daughter is an R.N. in New Mexico. P.5. Carmen Pereda, res. of El Paso, Texas. P.6. Erminda Pereda, res. of General Galeana, Dgo. Mexico. P.7. Rafael Pereda, res. of General Galeana, Dgo. Mexico.Brian Kaess met the Pereda Family in Gen. Galeana, Dgo., Mexico in 2012. He encouraged his son Paul Jesus Kaess to mix with his younger Pereda Cousins. P.8. Miguel Pereda, res. of Chicago P.9. Nicholas Pereda, res. of Chicago P.10. Hildo Pereda, res. of Chicago

The Golz’s The Golz’s are the Ancestors of Hildegard Golz (1924-2004), 2nd Wife to Paul Ernst Kaess (1921• 2002). They are connected to the family via that relationship. Their children and descendants are ‘blood’ relatives of Brian Paul Kaess, but those with a surname Golz are not. Also, Hildegard Golz was a Step Mother to Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (1947-1972).

G. Max Christian Golz, b. Aug 12 1896, d. May 25 1945 in I Lager Bokowo, Ukraine, m. to Caroline Kniffka?. Hometown: Gardienen, East Prussia. Served in German National Militia in WW2. It is known he was sent to the concentration camps for aiding Jews in the Underground. At least one daughter, Hildegard Golz. G.1. Hildegard Golz, b. Nov 10 1924 near Ludwigsdorf, East Prussia, d. abt Apr 2004 in SW Germany, her 1st m. to Paul Ernst Kaess on Dec 22 1953 in Kamp-Lintfort, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Mother to Arnhild Kaess and Ursula Kaess. Hildegard Golz worked as a Maid and a Seamstress and also worked at a Salamader shoe factory in Ludwigsburg, Germany. She was coarse/rude to Brian Kaess during his visit in 1990 and was also known to be mean to Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess. One can only surmise that she was guarding her side of the ‘nest. ‘ Arnhild Kaess apologized for Hildegard’s behavior. Step Mother to Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess K.4.3.2. or G.1.1. Arnhild Käß -Tiefenbach,b. Aug 4 1957 in Stuttgart, Germany. Baptized Lutheran abt Sep 15 1957. Realschule. 1" m. to Ulf Lehmann (b. Jul 28 1959) on May 1990 in Waldenbuch, Germany. Divorced in Oct 1995 in Böblingen, Germany. 2nd m. to Georg Tiefenbach on Sep 12 2008 in Berlin, Germany. No children. Commercial Artist. Resident Berlin, Germany. Brian Kaess’ Half-Aunt. K.4.3.3. or G.1.2. Ursula Karoline Berta (Kaess) Bruttel, aka ’Uschi Bruttel,’ b. Aug 8 1965 in Stuttgart, Germany, 1st m. Achim Vogel. 1st Daughter Nadja Vogel, b. 1988. Ursula Kaess was a Model in youth, especially her teen years. 2nd m. to Marco Bärschneider on Jan 20 1998 in Las Vegas, Clark Co, Nevada. 2nd Daughter Xenia Bärschneider. 3rd marriage to Markus Bruttel. Markus works for Audi and has taken business trips to Mexico. He just got a new job at Sankt Georgen im Schwarzwald, Germany. Ursula enjoys taking trips to Tuscany, Italy. Resident Olnhausen, Germany. In 1990, Brian Kaess traveled with Arnhild Kaess and Ursula Kaess by car through Bodensee (by Ferry) and Western Austria and put their toe in Switzerland for a few hours. Brian Kaess’ Half-Aunt. K.4.3.3.1. or G.1.2.1. Nadja Sina Vogel , b. August 1 1988 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Daughter of Ursula Kaess and Achim Vogel. Student at Universitat Bamberg. Works as an Office Clerk in Germany. Has an Italian boyfriend named Francesco. Brian Kaess' 1st Half-Cousin. K.4.3.3.2. or G.1.2.2. Xenia Bärschneider, b. May 19 1998 in Ludwigsburg?, Germany. Daughter of Ursula Kaess and Marco Bärschneider. Lives in Olnhausen, Germany. Has a Russian-German boyfriend named Walter. Brian Kaess'1st Half-Cousin.

A Census-Style Approach for Brian Kaess 1970- Brian Kaess, Garret Kaess, Marie E Kaess and their dad Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (aka Gert Kaess in America) are living on the North side of Chicago, perhaps at an Apt. on Loyola Ave. 1975- Brian Kaess, Garret Kaess, and their mom Marie E Kaess are living on the North Side of Chicago, perhaps at an Apt. on Birchwood Ave. in Rogers Park. They are struggling and poor. They atended the wake of their dad, perhaps in Hillside, Illinois, in Oct 1972. But they no longer have any contact with Kulhanek relatives in Oak Lawn, Illinois, or Kaess relatives in Germany. They are isolated socially except for their Grandmother Margeret J Swartz, who they visit on occasion. Marie E Kaess takes public aid to support her family. In 1976, they are living on Argyle Ave. in Uptown. Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess remember seeing Fireworks over Lake Michigan during celebrations for the Bicentennial of the USA. Brian also remembers they had an apt. on Sheridan Ave. , but doesn’t remember exactly the time frame. In Summer 1977, Illinois DCFS agents take temporary custody of Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess. They have been suffering from neglect and physical abuse. What tipped off investigators was that the Twins were taken out of school. They did not attend 3rd or 4th grade. They did graduate from Walt Disney Magnet for Kindergarten and attend public school up to the beginning of 3rd Grade. They used comic books to help them learn how to read in the interim. While taking custody, a CPD woman is punched by Marie Ellen Kaess at the hospital. Marie E Kaess is put in jail, apparently briefly. The Twins are placed in Uhlich Children’s Home on the North side of Chicago. They witness children being coerced to fight each other, kids who have a gripe with each other. They are basically well-behaved at Uhlich. After that, they are placed with a Foster home family (the Larson’s) in Des Plaines, Illinois. In late Summer 1977, the Twins are placed as ‘Wards of the State of Illinois’ in the custody of their Maternal Grandmother Margaret Jane Swartz (1914-1997). The Twins remain with their Grandmother until they become adults. 1980- Brian Kaess, Garret Kaess, their Grandmother Margaret J (Swartz) Langley and their Step Grandfather Norman A Langley are living in the Edgewater nighborhood on the North Side of Chicago. The address is 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. in Chicago. They have been here since Fall 1977. They also have many cats (calico and maltese) and dogs (poodles). Their favorite dogs are ‘Ginger’ and ‘Fuzzy’. Their favorite cats are ‘Tiger’ and ‘Reddy’. Garret Kaess has a favorite ‘calico’ cat that ‘kisses’ him and paws his chest. Norman Langley has a heart attack at home this year on May 22 1980, and both Step Grandsons are witness to the event. He dies later that night in the ICU of Edgewater Medical Center. His last words are, “Margaret, I think I’m going to die tonight!” Paramedics and a neighbor named Dr. Maynulet are called but can do little to save Norman Langley. In high school, in 1984, Brian Works at odd Jobs including as a dishwasher for a Lebanese restaurant on Clark Str. in Edgewater. This job only pays $10 for six hours work but he likes it for the dinner they serve up the help. Buttered rice with shish kabob! In 1984, Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess both take Jobs as ‘pageboys’ at Edgewater Medical Center. They help their friends get Jobs their too. Garret Kaess Works at Edgewater until 1989, and Brian Kaess also works there as an adult as a Clerk in the E.R.; Garret Kaess also Works as a paper delivery boy and Brian helps him on Sundays to deliver newspapers to the Gold Coast high rise buildings. They also work with two black friends, Randy Bragg and Darren Bragg, from St. Gregory grade school, in delivering the papers. 30

Garret Kaess struggles with school and drops out of Lane tech, but he spends two weeks in his basement room and decides to change his life around- he wants to go to Medical School! 1985-Brian Kaess, Garret Kaess, and Margaret J Langley are all still living at 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. in Chicago. Brian Kaess joins the U.S. Army on Jul 23 1985, just weeks after high school graduation. He quits his job at Edgewater to do this. Garret Kaess and Margaret J. Langley continue to live at 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. in Chicago until Margaret J Langley sells the house in Summer 1988 to a Romanian family. From 1988-89, Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess are both living at 6128 N. Kenmore Ave. in Chicago and are both struggling to make ends meet while attending college. Brian Kaess, without knowing the German address, writes a letter to Ursula Kaess in Heitingsheim, Germany, and amazingly receives a reply from the Kaess family in Benningen. May 1989-Feb 1990, Brian Kaess lives with Ellen Elliott and her two kids (Stephen and Heather Ellsberry) in San Antonio, Texas. He attends UTSA during this time frame. In Feb 1990, he decides to seperate from Ellen for good. She told him she didn’t want to have his child and also Brian is homesick for Chicago. 1990- Brian Kaess moves from San Antonio, Texas, to Chicago, and moves in with a high school friend named Chris Aguda at 1301 W. Early Ave., near Senn H.S.; He stays with Chris Aguda and his family for 3 ½ years. Garret Kaess is living in a basement Apt. on the SW side (at 5325 W. 53rd Place) just off Archer Ave. Garret’s Polish American girlfriend Debbie helped Garret land the apt.; Garret stays at this apt. through Medical School. His Polish landlord Stanislaus kicks him out after Brian is caught trying to ‘break in’ because he forgot his key. Garret stays angry at Brian for a long time over this incident. Garret stays with his friend John Carl Toth and then moves out to Burbank with a fella named Mike. He finally decides to cut costs and moves in with Brian at 1625 W. Edgwater #714, in Chicago. They have fun heading to nightclubs in Chicago. It is during 1990 that Brian triuphantly visits Germany. He had been corresponding by mail with Arnhild Kaess. Garret Kaess and Brian Kaess also meet the Kulhaneks in Oak Lawn, Illinois. The world seems bigger. 1995- Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess are living in a studio Apt. in the Kadin bldg. of Edgewater Medical Center in Chicago at 1625 W. Edgewater Ave. #714.; Brian is an employee of the hospital and enjoys reduced rent. Brian Kaess enjoys visiting restaurants in the nearby Andersonville nighborhood such as ‘Reza’s Persian Cuisine’ and ‘Kopi Café’. Brian likes the combo plate of shish kabob and rice at Reza’s and the Mexican Hot Chocolate at Kopi’s. In Nov 1 1995, Brian Kaess is disqualified from joining the U.S Army after he purposefully had braces put on, knowing this might disqualify him. He had signed up to join Nov 1, 1995, but MEPS turned him away after figuring out the braces. Not discouraged, Brian Kaess decides to join the military in the future. He is already an Army Vet and has served briefly in the Illinois National Guard. After his trip to Europe in 1996, he signs an open contract with the U.S. Marines. They use his physical exam and test scores with the Army to qualify him. In 1996-1997, Brian Kaess teaches ESL in Pusan, South Korea. He keeps his Marine contract with him. After the death of his Grandmother Margaret J Swartz in March 1997, Brian Kaess returns to the USA (San Antonio, Texas to be precise) to handle the estate of his Grandmother. Garret Kaess and a pregnant Robin Brown also arrive in San Antonio, before Brian Kaess. Brian Kaess is picked to 31

‘handle’ the estate by loading everything in a UHAUL and drives it North to New Lenox, Illinois. Brian takes furniture, dolls, paintings and antiques from the estate and gives them to Garret Kaess. They wer both named Co-Executors of the estate. One beautiful piece that Garret is given is a mahogany study dresser that is very refined. Brian Kaess is proud that he made the successful journey in the UHAUL and now decides to join the U.S. Marines. He joins the U.S. Marines on Mar 24 1997 at age 29. 2000- Brian Kaess is living at 6001 N. Kenmore Ave. #206 in Chicago and has just married Mayte Urbina Pereda on Jul 27 2000. The wedding (or civil ceremony near Daley Plaza)) is nice with many of Mayte’s family members in attendance- including Erlin, Racquel Hernandez, Angelica, and Brenda and Chris. They eat at a Mexican restaurant in downtown Chicago to celebrate the wedding. Mayte Kaess and Brian Kaess remain living apart until Dec 2000 , when she moves in to his Kenmore studio apt.; In Jan 2002 or so, Brian Kaess and Mayte Kaess move to her brother Cesar Urbina’s apt. at 5358 S. Fairfield Ave. 2nd Flr., in Gage Park/Brighton Park. Their baby Paul Jesus Kaess (b. 2001) is also there. Brian Kaess’ final day of work is at Daley College in Sept. 2003. They live in Brighton Park/Gage Park until Dec 9 2006, when Brian Kaess, Mayte Kaess and Paul J Kaess move to Durango, Mexico. Cesar Urbina remains in Chicago. He has been living as an illegal immigrant and has been working as a spray painter. 2005- Brian Kaess, Mayte Kaess, Paul J Kaess, and Cesar Urbina are living in an apt. in Chicago at 5358 S. Fairfield Ave. on the SW Side. 2010- Brian Kaess, Mayte Kaess, and Paul J Kaess are living in Durango, Mexico, at Privada de Lerdo #113 in the Barrio de Analco. They are renting a three bedroom house. In 2008, they adopt Tommy, a cute Blond Labrador Puppy. Tommy, a black Labrador named Niño or ‘Pero’and another friendly Brown dog are taken for walks to the neighborhood tienda and fed hotdogs. Brian Kaess becomes a dog lover. Brian also takes Tommy for night time walks and they cover from 2-10 blocks at a time. Tommy becomes friendlier after being let in during thunderclap rainstorms. Brian also tries to feed him well. Brian calls Tommy his ‘furry friend’. 2015- Brian Kaess, Mayte U Kaess, and Paul J Kaess are living in Durango, Mexico, in the Barrio Tierra Blanca, at a home at Privada de Bravo #222. They are staying in a three bedroom house with a computer room. Tommy is there too. Mayte Kaess is working as a Pre School teacher at this time and Brian Kaess uses social security disability and VA disability pensions to support his family. In June 2015, Brian Kaess is diagnosed with Diabetes type II and Mayte is also diagnosed with Diabetes type II soon after. In 2015, Mayte Kaess purchases land in Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada (or nearby). She wants to build a house there for the three of them. Mayte has been talking about returning to Chicago to work to save money for the house, but this idea is indefinite. Because of his illness, Brian Kaess does not know where he may be living in 2020, but the plan is to stay in the Durango, Mexico, área. They want to settle down in Durango.

A Slice of Brian Kaess’ Social Life In July 2000, Brian Kaess marries Mayte Urbina Pereda. They take a brief honeymoon to Valparaiso, Indiana. They also visit the Indianapolis Zoo. While dating, and during the first year of their marriage, Brian Kaess and Mayte Kaess enjoy seeing much of Chicago. This includes going to Water Tower for coffee and pizza, seeing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in concert at Orchestra Hall, going to the Adler Plantarium and Shedd Aqaurium, and seeing the International Latino Film Festival at Facet’s Multi Media. They also visit the Pickwick Theatre, Lincoln Park Zoo, Film Center of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Botanical Garden. Films they see together include the ‘Ninth Gate’ and ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.’ During the 1990’s Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess enjoy heading to nightclubs in Chicago. This includes the Dome Room, Excalibur, Smart Bar at the Cabaret Metro, Neo, Exit, Trax, Cro-Bar, Club 910, Berlin (nightclub), Spy Bar, Bamboo Bernies and so on. In Mazatlan, Brian Kaess likes ‘Bora Bora’, and in Durango, ‘Zona Cero’ nightclub. Brian Kaess fondly remembers dancing at a night club in Lincoln Park (Chicago) with Mayte Urbina Pereda. He also remembers dancing at the Cabaret Metro with his girlfriend Azra Bojic. Brian Kaess attends his high school prom with Jennifer Mundt (later Leimberer). This was in 1985. They date for six months. She is upset with him for joining the Army and they break up. Girlfriends Brian Kaess date include: 1) Azra Bojic, a Bosnian American girl in Chicago, at NEIU. They date for 2 ½ years, 2) Zlata Boras, a Croatian gal, 3) Mary Alex, a Greek gal in Chicago, 4) Katherine Davis, another Greek gal from Chicago. 5) Cindy Bradley, from Davenport, Iowa. 6) Ruby Khan, a gal from Bangladesh, 7) Vicki Valencia, a Mexican gal from Chicago. 8) Melissa, a CNA from Edgewater, 9) Isolde Kohn, a German gal he met in Chicago, 10) Beth, a Jewish gal, 11) Kim Ryung, a Korean gal in Pusan, 12) Susanne Dagroot, a married gal at NEIU. There are several girls Brian Kaess has a crush on but, alas, these are two beautiful to obtain. They include 13) Victoria Brown, a Ukrainian ESL student, 14) Nicole, a Greek girl in Chicago, 15) and Darlene, a Polish girl from his high school class. He managed to dance with Darlene at the Lane Tech class of 1985 20th year reunión held in Rosemont, Illinois, in 2005. He took Victoria Brown ice skating in Chicago. He visits Isolde Kohn in Darmstadt, Germany in 1996. Girlfriends Garret Kaess date include: Marlene Sesannos, Claire, Renee Dombrowski, Lena, Mona, Robin Brown, a female Sheriff from Skokie, and a girl from Nebraska. Brian Kaess has a penpal named Marys Desauliniers, a French-Canadien college student and Au Pair in Switzerland. He meets her in the pub of the youth hostel in Salzburg and they travel to Vienna together. They then correspond via mail and Brian Kaess visits her in Cap De La Madeliene, Quebec, and Montreal in 1997 and 1999. It is during this time (Sep 1997) that he visits Niagara Falls, on the Canadien side.

Brian Kaess in the U.S. Army Brian Kaess signed up for the DEP program for the U.S. Army in Oct 1984, three days after his 17th birthday. His Grandmother had to sign as well. He joined the U.S. Army on July 23 1985 and shipped out to Ft. Jackson S.C.; at Ft. Jackson, he was the ‘pushups’ champion for his basic training company (E-5-1), earning a Superior Performance Certificate and shaking hands with an Army 2-Star General at Graduation. His drill instructors were SSG Swift and SSG Robertson. Brian then atended Combat Medic training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. After completion of AIT, Brian was given leave and orders for Jump School and Ranger Training. He graduated from U.S. Army Airborne School on about Jan 24 1986. He attended Ranger Training but dropped out after a week and a half of training. He was scared of heights! Brian was shipped to the 438th Medical Detachment at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, a field ambulance unit. He met Ellen Byrd Elliott of the 15th Evac Hospital at Ft. Beloir. They married in 1986. Brian served at Ft. Belvoir from 1986-87. Brian’s friends in the Army included Niles Arrington (from Markham, Illinois), Black ( a White soldier who liked Confederate heritage), black soldiers to include Moton, Riddick, Bey (all from Chicago), Mills, and Tim Walker (from Virginia Beach). Mills and Walker had served in Germany and encouraged Brian Kaess to look for his German family. Brian Kaess vowed that he would look for them one day after he left the Army. While at Ft. Belvoir, Brian Kaess took courses on base leading to an Associates Degree at Northern Virginia Community College. He passed many CLEP exams. While at Belvoir, Brian Kaess visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veteran’s memorial with Mills. He also visited the front of the White House and the Mall in Washington D.C. with Niles Arrington. In Texas, Brian Kaess and Niles Arrington and their wives visited Corpus Christi (South Padre island). Brian Kaess suffered burn injuries at Ft. Belvoir (1986) when a vehicle he was working on exploded in flames. His friend Mills put him out. Seperately, he was almost killed during a demolitions exercise when a log was placed on a charge and flew over the saftey berm almost striking Brian Kaess. The log damaged his M1010 truck ambulance, taking out a headlight. Brian was involved with the Air Assault School at Davis Army Airfield and would take jogs with the students and cadre. He visited Manassas National Battlefield Park, Fort Meade, Quantico, Ft. A.P. Hill, and Walter Reed Army Hospital. His friend Mills dared him once to walk across a high beam with no protection. He and Mills and an onlooking 2nd Lt. all did. Years later, Brian Kaess wondered why he had been so foolish. Brian Kaess transferred to the Pediatric Ward of Brooke Army Medical Center in about Sep 1987. He worked there nine months until his discharge. He received an AAM for helping kids on the Ward. Upon his Honorable discharge on Apr 25 1988, he signed up for the Illinois National Guard and went home to Chicago. He only served in the Guard from Apr 1988 until Jan 1989. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Illinois National Guard, but rarely or almost never atended.

Brian Kaess in the U.S. Marines Brian Kaess joined the U.S. Marines on Mar 24 1997. After swearing in at MEPS, he took a flight to San Diego and put his footsprints on the yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego. He was with Mike Company, an all Infantry group. His drill Instructors were Sgt. Oxner, Sgt. Lidl, Sgt. Collins, Sgt. Gonzalez, and so on. His Mexican-American friend Galaz helped him through the Crucible to finish Boot Camp. He was proud to wear jump wings at Marine Boot Camp Graduation. Brian Kaess trained at SOI West (School of Infantry) to be a Mortarman. He injured his finger and leg during training. He was able to make the 20 miler to earn the Infantry MOS. He was stunned when he got orders for Cuba. His friends in the Marines were Galaz, Westover, Lamb, LaCount, Sherman, and so on. He read the Bible alot in the service. One incident occured when Brian Kaess and a Black Marine named Bennett (a Former NG Green Beret) were ‘stationed’ at MOP (Marine observation post) 13 along the border with Cuba. Bennett was using his ‘down time’ to fish at the bottom of the MOP next to a river leading into Camaneira City. Brian Kaess was at the top of the MOP holding a weapon and noticed a bright streak of Green approach the fishing line Bennett was holding onto. It grabbed the line, causing Bennett to struggle for a second or two before it ‘snapped’ the line, getting away. Bennett thought it was a shark and screamed ‘It’s a shark! a Shark!” We thought afterwards that maybe it was a nurse shark. What a fish story! Brian Kaess was Honorably discharged early on Oct 31 1998 and went straight to looking for work. He saved roughly $10k to $12k since joining the Marines.

Brian Kaess and the Alley Boys Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess both belonged to a Chicago greaser gang called the Alley Boys, based on the North Side near Ashland and Olive during the 1980’s. The hard core members were Brian Kaess, Garret Kaess, Rafael Cabañin and Mike Sutton. Associate members or friends of the gang were Chris Aguda, Rodney Catayoung, Bob Gillis, John-O, John Carl Toth, Chris Korell, and Noel Quintana. The gang was involved in battery, vandalism, light drugs, brawling, and so on. It was basically a self defense group that prided itself on being Chicagoan. An entry for the Alley Boys at Stone Greasers Chicago website reads:

“During the 1980's and 1990's, there was a small street gang called the Alley Boys, that centered around Ashland and Olive on the North Side. The gang was White and Hispanic and involved in battery, petty shop lifting, assault, theft, burglary, self defense, damage to property, trespassing and minor drugs. One time, Brian K. fought a Latin King in an alley with 'Kings' perched on garage tops just watching. Hence, the gang name. The Alley Boys were almost ambushed a couple of times by the Latin Kings on Halloween. Nonetheless, Rafael C. focused the gang on remaining 'people.' TJO's weren't considered a threat to the gang as many TJO's were respected brawlers. The Alley Boys 'stung' suburbanites who ventured into the city to start fights. Other members included Mike Sutton, G K, John Toth, Noel Quintana, John-O, Chris Aguda, Bobby. Honorary Members included Chris K, Rodney C, etc. Victor was shot dead by the Latin Kings so we made him an Honorary Member too.”

In 1984, Brian Kaess and Mike Sutton were sent to Juvenile Court in Chicago for beating up a Jew named Ardyle. Brian regretted this incident as avoidable. Brian Kaess received nine months probation and a $500 fine. Mike Sutton received nine months supervisión and a $500 fine. Brian Kaess has calculated that he has been in fights with Hispanic Gangs in Chicago at least four times, one almost costing him his life.

Some incidents by Garret Kaess: 1) One time, while Garret Kaess was playing basketball on the SW side, he got into a fight with some White dudes and availed himself so well that onlookers dubbed him ‘God’s Child.’ 2) Once, during the early 1990’s, in Marquette Park (in Chicago), Garret Kaess was chased by a White supremacist who shouted ‘I’ll Kill You!’ ; Garret turned back and said sarcastically, s/&/ my a&%! Brian and Garret laughed about that one for years. 3) In abt 1983, Garret Kaess was caught, along with Rafael Cabañin, shoplifting at Marshall Fields by Chicago Police. It took 10 people to subdue Garret. The pólice pulled a gun on Rafael to make him freeze. They weren’t charged because they were 15 years old! Rafael Cabañin jokingly nicknamed Garret Kaess as ‘Bronto’ because of his strong back muscles during this incident. The Police said, ‘Look at the muscles on this guy!’ Garret Kaess had been weightlifting during this time period. 4) One famous incident is when John Toth put Garret Kaess up to throwing a brick threw Louie’s front window. Louie was a co-employee of John Carl Toth who John was mad at. When the time came, Garret Kaess approached the house while Brian Kaess, John Toth, and Noel Quitana waited in Brian Kaess’ 69’ Chevy Camaro as the getaway. They waited a ½ block away. Garret threw the brick, but threw it threw the wrong house’s front window! Ha! Garret Kaess ran like lightning down the Street and got in the Camaro with the door hanging open. They drove off,headed for Dempster Ave., and never did this again! They found out later that a Polish couple had been the unfortunate victim of the Brick attack. Louie lived next door. He approached John the next day at work and told him what happened. John acted mystified. 5) As a teenager, Garret Kaess got into a fight with an Assyrian Eagle named Sammie. They became friends afterwards and Sammie nicknamed Garret ‘Smiley.’

As the years passed by, the Alley Boys went to college, joined the military, found work, started families, took up the Bible, and basically became productive citizens.

Brian Kaess and his ’69 Chevy Camaro In Summer 1988, Brian Kaess used the $4,000 USD which his Grandmother Margaret J Swartz gave him (from the sale of their house in Chicago) and bought a Night blue’69 Chevy Camaro in Texas. The car was designed for drag racing. It had a 350 V8 small block engine with Mallory ignition and nitroglicerin exhaust. At the flip of a switch, the nitro would come on, and when the blue light came on, that’s when one would press the Nitro. Flames would spit out the rear exhaust pipes. It was like the Bat mobile! Brian Kaess, in 1989, took Garret Kaess and their friend Robert Gillis on a drag race on a rural Indiana highway. The car jumped from 90 mph to 110-120 mph after pressing the Nitro. The world just went by. Brian Kaess brought this car to Chicago in Fall 1988. He gave the car to Garret Kaess in Spring 1992. It was held until Fall 1993 when Garret Kaess, tired of paying maintenance costs, abandoned it.

Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess- Schools and Churches “But Solomon calls thee Compassion, and that is the most beautiful of all your names” - Victor Hugo

Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess graduated from Walt Disney Magnet for Kindergarten, sometime around 1972-1973. They both attended Chicago Public Schools together for 1st and 2nd grade, maybe at Gale or Goudy or even a third school in Uptown. Brian remembers a black female school teacher teaching him how to read. This was maybe in 2nd grade. Neither Twin attended 3rd or 4th Grade but excited their curiosity by Reading comic books. They liked Avengers alot. In 5th grade, their Grandmother put them in North Shore School, a private school in Roger’s Park. They stayed one year there before transferring to St. Gregory Elementary school in Edgewater. They attended St. Gregory’s until they graduated from 8th Grade. Brian and Garret were both accepted to Lane Tech and St. Benedict’s for High School. Brian atended Lane from 1981-1985, graduating in ’85. Garret studied at Lane Tech from 1981 until 1984, when he dropped out. He had trouble with teachers named Koentinski and Jaraczak. Garret turned himself around and studied at Cosmopolitan Prep School, a private alternative school for dropouts from other programs. For higher education, see the individual entries for Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess. As far as church, Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess were affiliated with First Evangelical Free Church near Andersonville, Chicago, during their teen years. They played basketball for the church team. Brian ‘started’ on the team and helped them win a league championship. Brian was influenced by Steve Swanson and Blair,a youth Coach. When Garret was at Truman College, he got involved with UBF (University Bible Fellowship) Chicago . He took a trip with them to a retreat at St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada but his faith waned as he needed more study time. Brian Kaess joined UBF while at NEIU, and was able to hook up with some of their missionaries in Pusan, South Korea. He attended UBF Christmas (at Northwestern U.), Spring Break celebrations (in Wisconsin) and even a Bible Conference at Michigan State U. His friends at UBF were Dr. Augustine Sohn Sr. and Theresa Sohn. After the Marines, he broke with UBF and stayed Christian in outlook and friendly towards churches. He celebrates holidays now with his Mexican Catholic Family.

The Will of Margaret Jane Swartz In the mid 1990’s, Margaret Jane Swartz Langley (1914-1997) made out a Will for her estate. In this Will & Last Testament, she made Brian Kaess Executor and Garret Kaess Co-Executor of the Will. They were both to share the estate equally upon her death. Copies of the Will were given to both Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess. In March 12, 1997, when Margaret Jane Swartz died, Garret Kaess received a call from the nurses in San Antonio (regarding her death) and he called Brian Kaess at his teaching job in South Korea to inform him that Grandma was dead. Brian Kaess agreed to return to the USA which he did, by flying back to San Antonio, Texas. Garret Kaess and Robin Kaess, meanwhile, had already arrived in San Antonio at the Apt. of Margaret J. Swartz at the Spanish Trace apartments on Blanco Rd. ; Brian Kaess arrived within a day or two. After surveying what had to be done, they agreed that Brian Kaess would stock up all the valuables he could find and drive them back (via UHAUL) to Robin Kaess’ home in New Lenox, Illinois. The estate consisted of dolls, antiques, furniture, and paintings. Brian sold some to the neighbors and gave Garret Kaess the checks for deposit. The rest he put in a UHAUL and drove from San Antonio to New Lenox, Illinois, in a span of a couple of days. Garret Kaess was given a prized study/mahogany dresser that was very handsome. This is still in his home today in Noblesville, Indiana. The rest was handed over to Garret Kaess to determine the value for a later sale, etc. ; While in San Antonio, Brian Kaess also auctioned a couple pieces of furniture at a local auction but the check was never mailed for the ítems. Brian felt jipped on that one. With the estate handled, Garret Kaess and Robin Kaess dispersed the ashes of Margaret Jane Swartz in their backyard in their family home at 270 Sycamore Lane in New Lenox, Illinois. While in San Antonio, The three had also had contact with Mary Swartz, widow of Francis Aubrey Swartz (1924-1996), Margaret’s brother. She had mailed the ashes of Margaret Jane Swartz to New Lenox, Illinois, when Brian Kaess failed to take them via UHAUL back to Illinois.

Research Notes Information on the Kaess Family was obtained from family sources, as well as Ursula Reip, a Lutheran Parish Secretary at Kirchstrasse 5 in Benningen am Neckar, Germany. Claudia Blumhardt, a Lutheran Parish Secretary in Heutingsheim, Germany, also provided emigration info on Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess, and info in general. Paul Ernst Kaess handed over genealogical records and photos in 1990, as well as a town lineage book. They portray the Kaess Family as one of the ‘older’ families in Benningen and related to Swabian nobility. The Lutheran Church Archives (Landeskirchliches Archiv Stuttgart) in Stuttgart should also contain info on the 19th century Kaess Family and before, in both Benningen and Heutingsheim (for Falkenecker too).Also helpful was Tobias Walter-Katajew of the civil registry office (Standesamt) in Benningen at Studionstrasse 10. Arnhild Kaess-Tiefenbach and Ursula ’Uschi’Kaess Bruttell, both half Aunts to Brian Paul Kaess, provided valuable information too. As of 2015, Brian Kaess has submitted a request to the Deutsche Dienstelle Berlin for a copy of Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) military record. Any info received will be updated to rootsweb world connect. Brian Kaess has also contacted VFWKWB (Verein für Familien- und Wappenkunde in Württemberg und Baden e. V.) in Stuttgart to do research on the Falkenecker line. Brian Paul Kaess is also considering joining the Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA) in Summer 2016 when he takes a vacation to Chicago during that time period.

Nomenclature K. Main Kaess/Kannemann/Kulhanek/Kohs line D. Ochiltree/Swartz/Kaess line DW. Dawson SW. Swartz DO. Dorschke LA. Langley G. Golz U. Urbina U.? Urbina Cousins P. Pereda

Works Cited/References Benningen am Neckar. 779-1979. Geshichte der Gemeinde, the Author is Karlheinz Eckardt, pub. 1979 in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. This is the town lineage book for Benningen. The Kaess famly is mentioned as one of the ‘old’ families of Benningen in this book. Written in German, This book is currently not found at FHL, but is available online through booksellers. 1000 Jahre Heutingsheim, jetzt Gemeinde Freiberg am Neckar: 972-1972. Author is Heinz Erich Walter, written in German, call number 9434.47/H6 H2 at FHL. This is the Ortsbuch or ‘Village book’ for Heutingsheim, Germany. Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History. The Author is Brian Paul Kaess. Pub. 2015. Haller/Gibboney/Baldwin Family. Author is Brian Paul Kaess. Pub. 2015. History of the House of Ochiltree of Ayrshire, Scotland, with the Genealogy of those who came to America and of some of the AIIied FamiIies 1124-1916. Published 1916, The Author is Clementine Brown Railey. ‘Stone Greasers Chicago’ webpage at http://www.stonegreasers.com/greaser/chicago_gangs.html The 88th Division in the World War of 1914-1918. Pub. By Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford Company, 1919. This book has a roster with the name of Talmage E Dawson on it. "Ancestral File,"database, Family Search (http://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.2.1/MWQV-J6Y: accessed 2014-12-07), entry for Johanna Caroline LANG. Silesian Digital Library or ’Slaska Biblioteka Cyrfrowa’at http://www.sbc.org.pl/dlibra ‘Germany, Births and Baptisms, 1558-1898’ data base at familysearch.org ’Kaess Family’ Database at rootsweb worldconnect Kaess/Golz Family Book in the Standesamt (Heike Wolszczyniak) in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. This book was purportedly placed there by Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002). Graebersuche online

Corrections for Notes on the Kaess Family (Revised 2016) by Brian Paul Kaess

1) Page 10, entry for Friedrich Emil Kaess. It should read, “Emil Friedrich Kaess may have been a rufname or preferred name for Friedrich Emil Kaess.”

2) Page 28, there are several family numbering mistakes for the K. line. a) For Arnhild Kaess-Tiefenbach, it should be K.4.3.3. not K.4.3.2. b) For Ursula Karoline Berta (Kaess) Bruttel , it should be K.4.3.4., not K.4.3.3. c) For Nadja Sina Vogel, it should read K.4.3.4.1., not K.4.3.3.1. d) For Xenia Baerschneider, it should read K.4.3.4.2., not K.4.3.3.2. In the section entitled ‘Kaess Family from the Neckar Valley’, the numbering appears accurate as intended.

3) Page 10. There is a Friedrich Emil Kaes (b. Jan 26 1888, d. Mar 28 1888) who was an infant brother of Friedrich Emil Kaess (1889-1968). This former Friedrich Emil Kaes never lived past infancy. He was never given a family number/entry in previous works about the Kaess Family, including the present volume. His number/entry should be: K.5. Friedrich Emil Kaes (b. Jan 26 1888, d. Mar 28 1888), res. of Benningen, Wuerttemberg, Germany. Died in Infancy. His family number is not strictly chronological, but represents the order in which he was dealt with by the Author.

4) Page 16, in the entry for ‘Brian Kaess’ Vacation to Europe in 1990.’ There is additional info.In 1993, Brian Kaess also visited Alexanderplatz in Berlin. He enjoyed walking down Unter den Linden towards Alexanderplatz in Berin. He enjoyed seeing the remnants of socialist architecture that were present in the early 90’s. He also enjoyed eating Hungarian Gulash that was available at one of the cafeterías encircling Alexanderplatz.

5) Page 3, Introduction. Should read, ‘WWII American Heritage is not covered in this volume.’

6) In 1995, Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess visited Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin, Indiana State Dunes, and Newport State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. They enjoyed outdoor camping in Nicolet. In abt 1981, they visited Smoky Mountain National Park. Garret Kaess and his family visited Rocky Mountian National Park in abt 2002. His wife and kids came along for this.

7) Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (1947-1972) grew up in a home at Bahnhofstrasse 33 in Heutingsheim, Germany, during the 1950’s. This house was along the train tracks.

8) Hildrud Schmidt of the civil registry office (Standesamt) in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany, says there is no Kaess/Golz Family book in his office, but rather just a marriage license for Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) and Hildegard Golz (1924-2004) from Dec 22 1953.

9) Page 4, entry for Talmage E Dawson (1894-1974). Talmage E Dawson may have fought in Russia in 1919-1920. Margaret Jane Swartz, his wife, stated as such. No records have been found authenticating this. He may have fought in support of the White Guards.

10) Page 4, entry for Margaret Jane Swartz. Margaret Jane Swartz owned up to 35 cats/dogs (at one time) in the early 1980’s. She was obviously a pet lover. It was hard for her to turn away a stray. Garret Kaess had fun throwing steaks to the cats in the middle of the kitchen floor. They would share food with the family. These events took place at the family home at 1629 W. Hollywood Ave. in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess were living in the home during this time frame.

11) Page 8, entry for Garret Thomas Kaess. Garret Thomas Kaess was the 2nd born identical Twin of Marie Ellen Dawson (1945-2012) and Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (1947-1972). Brian Paul Kaess was the 1st born identical Twin of this couple. Garret Thomas Kaess attended U.S. Army Medical Corps OBC (Officer’s Basic Course) at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, in Summer 1991. This was after his 1st year of Medical School. He completed the six week course. His Rank during the time period was 2nd Lt.

12) Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess formed their own baseball Team (a Little league team of sorts) called the ‘Hollywood Bombers’, based on the 1600 block of Hollywood Ave. in Chicago. Besides Brian and Garret, team members included Rafael Cabañin, Rodney Catayoug, Anthony Almazon, Kyle McCaro, Mike Sutton, Frankie Sullivan, Tom Connelly, Mike Connelly and so on. They played a team called the ‘Outlaws’, led by Pat Flanagan.

13) Brian Paul Kaess was a friend to future Congressman Michael Patrick Flanagan (R-IL). Their friendship soured after ‘Micky’ made inappropriate comments to Brian. Brian Kaess took a road trip to New Mexico in 1984 with Pat Flanagan to visit New Mexico Military Institute. Brian Kaess was accepted to NMMI in 1985, but declined to attend because of finances.

14) Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess played football in elementary school but not high school. Garret Kaess caught a touchdown pass thrown by Mike Quinn of St. Greg’s in 7th Grade. The crowd went wild when Garret, after the catch, outran the Defender to the endzone. Garret Kaess and Brian Kaess also played for the High Ridge Chargers football team (Pop Warner) in 8th Grade. They took a trip to Savanah, Georgia, with the John Hillman Family in abt 1981 to play and win a National Championship (Pop Warner).

15) Brian Paul Kaess took a trip to Rolla, Missouri, with his friend Chris Aguda and family in abt 1983.

16) Brian Paul Kaess, Garret Thomas Kaess, and Margaret Jane Swartz all took a trip together to Dallas, Texas, in Fall 1977 to visit Francis Aubrey Swartz (1924-1996), Margaret’s brother. Francis took the Twin son a tour of a Dallas airfield and recalled the days when he was a fighter Pilot in the Korea War. The trip was the 1st time the Twins had flown. Also, during this trip, the Twins were taken to a safari style park in Texas, and saw many wild animals, including Lions, giraffes and rhinos. Francis was probably living in Ft. Worth or Dallas at this time.

17) In early 1992, Brian Paul Kaess got into a scuffle at the Dome Room Club in Chicago with an Asian American. Brian’s friend Bill (from NEIU Veteran’s Affairs Office) was there with friends and knew the bouncers in the club. The incident started when Brian was dancing near a group of people and the Asian American fella came around shoving and pushing people, not expecting much response. Brian was shoved as well. Brian waited for him to come around in the dance circle and moved in and shoved him back hard, causing the fella to start grabbing Brian. A shoving and pushing match ensued with both grappling each other. Brian’s friend Bill called the bouncers and they immediately shoved the Asian American out of the club. Get your hands off me Pal! Ha!

18) Garret Thomas Kaess was involved with Amateur Boxing during his teens. He claimed to have fought on TV in an Amatuer match covered by NBC, but who knows? He even fought Pat Flanagan in a practice boxing match and claimed to have ‘licked’ him. Garret liked juggling too.

19) Brian Paul Kaess traveled to Fukuoka, Japan, in Oct 1996 to get his ESL teaching visa stamped by the Korean Consulate in Fukuoka, Japan. He stayed at a luxury Hotel in Fukuoka with a Jewish American fella named Mike, who was also there to get his visa stamped. They were both succesful. They liked the luxury hotel and the Japanese city of Fukuoka. Brian Paul Kaess traveled to Instanbul, Turkey for a teaching job in Oct 2002. This bid proved unsuccessful when the person from the language school (English Time) arrived at the wrong flight from Chicago. The pickup never happened and Brian went home to Chicago three days later. Brian liked the Turkish women he met.

20) Brian Paul Kaess visited Mazatlan, Mexico three times , in 2004, abt 2009, and 2013. The second time was with his Mexican Family via the ‘Devil’s Backbone’ highway from Durango to Mazatlan. In this 2nd trip, he visited Mazatlan with Mayte Urbina Pereda, Angelica Urbina, Regina Lara, and Paul Jesus Kaess. They stayed at the El Paraiso Hotel in Mazatlan. In 2004, Brian stayed at the El Cid Castilla Beach resort Hotel. He met a Mexican gal named Cecil (aka Stacy). Brian Paul Kaess visited Sea World San Diego in abt July 1997 with a friend named Bill (he was a friend of Isolde Kohn- not to be confused with Bill from NEIU). His friend Bill was working at Pier One Imports in San Diego and had attended UIC German program in Chicago.

21) Brian Paul Kaess was Vice-President of NEIU Philosophy Club from 1991-1992. The President was David Arens and Secretary/Treasurer was Susanne Dagroot.

22) Brian Paul Kaess visited Pulgoksa (aka Bulguksa) Temple in Gyeongju City, South Korea in Fall 1996. The magnificent temple was indeed a spiritual inspiration for all the visitors. The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the Golden Age of Buddhist Art in the Silla Kingdom. Brian enjoyed the neon lights, cafes, and restaurants of South Korea. He liked a classy Jazz café he visited in Pusan. He saw the films Romeo and Juliet (1996) and The Rock (1996) with his friend Kim Ryung in Pusan. He liked the May Bar in Ulsan. He visited Mt. Gaji National Park (near Ulsan) in 2002. He liked to go mountain trekking near Pusan in 1996-1997. He particulary remembers coming across a beautiful Golden Buddhist statue in Fall 1996 near Pusan. This statue was located in the wilderness and was serene and secluded. Brian visited the Red Light District of Ulsan, South Korea in 2002. He was taken in by the amors of the South Korean women, especially the ones working in the massage sex parlors. When he was trying to get a haircut, two South Korean gals dragged him into the back of their establishment and had sex with him.

23) In the 1990’s, North Side Chicago Pubs that Garret Thomas Kaess and Brian Paul Kaess liked to frequent included Hamilton’s Bar (near Loyola U. Chicago) and PC’s (or the’Pumping Company’) on N. Broadway Ave. in Chicago. They also liked to rarely visit the Fireside Café and Restaurant.

24) In 2015, Paul Brown of the National Archives II at College Park said the following might have the Dorschke surname: 1) Microfilm Publications A3342, EWZ 52, Roll A110; and 2) Microfilm Publications A3342, EWZ 57, roll J133.

25) Brian Paul Kaess visited his friend Bob Gillis in 1994 in Washington D.C. and Bloomington, Indiana. In Washington, they visited Arlington National Cemetery and saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Bob Gillis was a DOD Civil Servant and was trained as a Rocket Scientist.

26) Garret Thomas Kaess visited a suburb of Florence, Italy, in abt Dec 2007 to conduct research on Insulin for Eli Lilly, Inc. This was his first trip to Europe. He enjoyed the cafes and old world charm of Florence. Addendum For Notes on the Kaess Family (Revised 2016) By Brian Paul Kaess

“Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die;” - 2 Nephi 28:7

Nicole Russ (of the civil registry office in Pleidelsheim, Germany) said Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) died at 8:50 AM in the morning on March 25 2002 in Pleidelsheim, Germany.

Foods Arnhild Kaess said, "You asked about the favorite Food of my father, your grandpa [i.e. Paul Ernst Kaess]. He enjoy swabian Food, especially "Rostbraten mit gerösteten Zwiebeln, Soße und Spaetzle" it means: Rumpsteak with rosted Onions, Sauce and swabian Pasta. I enjoy Rumpsteak also, but only with crunchy pommes frites. I enjoy also Italien Food with a lot of vegetables and some french (Cassoulet, Bouillabaisse) and Austrian (Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarren) Food."

The Kaess Family Vinyard Anke Theilacker says about the Kaess family vinyard in Benningen, "I do not know how long the vinyard was owned, but it appears to have been owned by Paul's parents, my mother knows more accurately, it appears that after Paul's death the vinyard was sold because no one wanted to or could work the vinyard."

Arnhild Kaess says, "The wineyard belongs to our Family longer then one Generation. Maybe more then two. I don't know how Long, but it began long before WWII started and the ownership ends with the Generation of my father [Paul Ernst Kaess] and his Brother Emil [Kaess]. Our family produced own wine (Trollinger and Lemberger) for private use and the rest of the harvest for an wine cooperative. But this was NOT their Main income. My father [Paul Ernst Kaess] prefer his own wine, i like to drink German Spaetburgunder or italian chianti or french Burgunder ..."

Brian Paul Kaess recalls visiting the vineyard in Spring 1990. In the basement of Paul Ernst Kaess’ house (at ‘In den Hofackern 5’ in Benningen am Neckar, Germany) was a small wine cellar, where Paul would keep local favorites (Wuerttemburg Wine) and other German Wine. Beer that Paul Ernst Kaess liked included Stuttgarter Hofbrau.

Urbina Heritage Mayte Urbina Kaess said that the Urbina family name is of Portuguese origin, but she doesn’t know the exact connection to the Old World. The Urbina’s appear to have been in Mexico for a longtime. The Family has been speaking Spanish as long as they can remember.

Foods-Brian Kaess and Garret Kaess Garret Thomas Kaess enjoyed steak with buttered rice prepared by his Grandmother Margaret Jane Swartz (1914-1997). He also enjoys roastbeef with gravy, and ‘long john’ custard-filled donuts. Garret Thomas Kaess enjoys traditional Thanksgiving dinner as well. Brian Paul Kaess enjoys all of these things as well as Chocolate Napoleons from Swedish Bakery Chicago in the Andersonville neighborhood as well as Pizza from Calo’s (also in Andersonville, Chicago). Brian Paul Kaess also enjoyed eating at Don Chuy’s restaurant in El Peublito, Dgo., Mexico, in the SW Suburbs of Durango City, Mexico. His favorite was ‘carnitas’ or meat slices on tortillas with a red sauce and also bisteck gorditas and Ciel Aqua Mineral to drink. He loved the fresh air and open space of Don Chuy’s.

As far as alcohol, Garret Thomas Kaess and Brian Paul Kaess enjoy beer such as Old Style, Old Milwaukee, Tecate, Miller Lite, Coors Lite, Heineken, Lowenbrau and non alcoholic beverages such as ‘Heake Becke’. They also enjoy wine coolers. Brian Paul Kaess likes drinks such as Malibu rum with pineapple, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Brian Paul Kaess remembers drinking Bailey’s on his flight on St. Patrick’s Day, 1993, to Amsterdam. Smooth! Brian Paul Kaess turned away from drinking in his late 20’s and drank very little after that for the next 15 years. He had champaign at his wedding to Mayte. He was influenced to turn away from alcohol by injuries/illnesses he observed while working in the E.R. at Edgewater Medical Center in Chicago. Norman Allen Langley (1905-1980) kept hidden bottles of scotch and whiskey in the cabinet in the dining room. He would sip them from time to time even though he was forbidden too by Margaret Jane Swartz. He was admired by his step grandsons for this. Judy Urbina Pereda (b. 1980) enjoys Tecate and Corona Light and Buchanan’s Whiskey, besides other beverages. She loves to ‘hit the clubs’ at New Year’s Eve with friends.

South Korea Brian Paul Kaess (b. 1967) taught English Conversation at E.T.S. Foreign Language Center in Pusan, South Korea, from about Sep 13 1996 until March 13 1997.; E.T.S. was located not far from Pusan National University of Education (PNUE). Also nearby was a girl’s Christian school. Brian Paul Kaess remembers preparing lessons in his office at E.T.S. and hearing the light sound of the female chorus singing nearby at the Christian school. It made him believe that he had made the right decision to come to South Korea. E.T.S. paid Brian Paul Kaess about 1.7 million Korean won per month. Brian Paul Kaess’ salary moved to about 1.8 or 1.9. million Korean won per month after a few month s teaching. Brian worked lots of overtime at E.T.S. and was a valued teacher. His fellow American teachers in 1996-1997 were Carl Moore (from Maine) and Tom (from Long Island, New York). Brian and Tom enjoyed having a rice cooker in their shared apt. from which they cooked delicious rice. At E.T.S., there were Mr. Cho (the owner), Mrs. Cho (his wife), Johnny ( a colorful sort of character, half enforcer, half asst. director), and Ogyoung ( a beautiful secretary). Near E.T.S., Brian would take walks and sip Chinese Lemon Tea in the afternoons before class at a nearby café. He developed a throat problem and was aided by a local pharmacy asst. named Kim Ryung who gave him a hot tea like mixture that solved the problem. Kim later became his girlfriend. She probably had socialist sympathies since she kept a Russian bear in her pharmacy. Brian Paul Kaess also made money by teaching ‘privates’. He taught an English Bible class to Pusan UBF Korean female missionaries as part of a secret agreement with Pusan UBF. This class was held on Saturday’s (in 1996-1997) in a private apt. in Pusan. On Sunday’s (in 1996-1997), Brian delivered an English Message at the Bible House of Pusan UBF located near the campus of Pusan National University in Pusam, South Korea. His contacts at Pusan UBF were Kim Daniel and Mary, a female Korean Missionary. On weekends (1996-1997), Brian Paul Kaess would enjoy going mountain trekking in the moutains near Pusan, South Korea. He would grab a couple of oranges at the base of the mountains, eat them, and then head for the summit. The mountains near Pusan were reachable within a few hours climbing and generally very safe to climb. The view of the Pacific Ocean at sunset was spectacular. Brian Paul Kaess also visited the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Pusan in 1997 and again in 2002. In 2002, he traveled there from Ulsan with Ms. Jong and her sister. She was a secretary at Baejae.

Brian Paul Kaess taught English Conversation/ESL at Baejae Insititute in Ulsan, South Korea from about Mid May 2002 until early October 2002. Baejae Institute was located downtown not far from the Hotel Lotte in Ulsan, South Korea. Baejae paid Brian Paul Kaess about 2.1 million Korean won per month. His fellow Korean teacher at Baejae Institute was Karen. Brian Paul Kaess had a private apt. his 2nd time in South Korea.

Brian Paul Kaess was involved with University Bible Fellowship ( a church originating from South Korea) from about 1990 until 1998. His contacts at Chicago UBF were Dr. Augustine Sohn Sr., and his wife Theresa Sohn. Brian was also befriended by Isaac, a UBF member from South Korea. Brian was introduced to some of the leaders of Chicago UBF including Dr. Samuel Lee, and Missionary Sarah Barry as well as Ron Ward. As part of his preparation for Missionary Work, Brian memorized the ‘Ten Commandments’ in the Old Testament and the Divine Beatitudes in the New Testament. Brian Paul Kaess worked as a part-time Christian Missionary for UBF in Pusan, South Korea, from 1996-1997. Brian Paul Kaess enjoyed reading the NIV Bible.

Paris Brian Paul Kaess visited Paris in 1993 on a trip to Europe. He visited the Eiffel Tower (during a rainstorm), the Louvre, Arc de Triumphe, Latin Quarter and the Sorbonne. He met Mario, a tourist from Mexico.

Azra Bojic Brian Paul Kaess dated Azra Bojic (b. Nov 13 1965) for 2 ½ years in Chicago from 1993-95. She was Bosnian-American and Muslim. She worked as a Philosophy Dept. Tutor at Northeastern Illinois University. Azra mentioned that her Father Osman Bojic (1921-2008) had been a member of the Foreign SS during WWII. Since he was Bosniak, it is likely he served in the 13th SS Mountain division, a Bosniak unit. Azra also mentioned that her Father Osman had served at Auschwitz as a camp guard, but Brian is unsure of the veracity of this claim. Azra Bojic was active in protesting in favor of the Bosnian side during the 1990’s Balkan conflict. She preached against Genocide. Brian Kaess accompanied her on one of her presentations at St. Viator High School in suburban Chicago in 1995. Both Brian Paul Kaess and Azra Bojic held Democratic beliefs and rejected the fascism of their forefathers.

Joe Mikan Joe Mikan (b. 1966) was a Croatian-American friend of the Kaess Twins. He was related to George Mikan, a Depaul sports legend from the 50’s. Joe’s parents and sister Anna Mikan were known for their hospitality. Joe Mikan is a longtime resident of Chicago.

John Hillman John Hillman grew up on the 1600 block of West Hollywood Ave. in Chicago and was a friend of the Kaess Twins in their youth. John Hillman’s dad took John Hillman, Brian Kaess & Garret Kaess, to a fishing outing on Lake Michigan in the early 1980’s. They took a sort of cabin cruiser to fish for Salmon and Trout. They caught a number of Trout which they cooked at home and ate. John Hillman, a grad of Gordon Tech H.S., is currently a Chicago Police Dept. (CPD) homicide detective.

Chicago Cubs Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess (as kids) loved to go to Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Their favorite seats were in the Bleachers and Upper Deck at Wrigley. At one game, while they were sitting in the Bleachers, Larry Bittner (a Cubs outfielder) was throwing practice balls up into the Bleachers as souvenirs. On one toss, the ball went through a maze of hands and landed right in Brian Kaess’ lap. Both Garret Kaess and Rafael Cabañin were grabbing for the ball (in Brian’s lap), but one bystander said ‘Let him have it!’ That day Brian Kaess took home a souvenir from the ballpark! They wore that ball out within weeks, playing pickup baseball.

Chicago Bulls Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess were avid Bull’s fans. Brian Paul Kaess took his stepson Stephen Ray Ellsberry to a Bulls/Spurs game in San Antonio, Texas, during the 1989-1990 year. Jordan scored 40 pts. in a losing effort. Garret Kaess would often imitate Bull’s announcers, saying for instance, “He showed it to him!” in reference to Jordan’s handling of the ball before a dunk.

Tommy Brian Paul Kaess and Mayte Urbina Kaess adopted Tommy (2008-aft 2015), a cute blond Labrador, when he was just a puppy in Sept 2008 in Mexico. He has lived with them (except for vacations) during their time in Durango, Mexico. Tommy likes to snuggle on the couch or lay happy and lazy next to the sofa, especially in the afternoons and at night. Tommy was allowed out at least once a day to play on the street and knows his way home by himself. Tommy is small-to- medium sized with a white furry chest and blond coat. Tommy is special to Brian Paul Kaess and will always be his favorite dog.

Ghost Story One time, Garret Thomas Kaess and his friend John Carl Toth went wandering and exploring in Rosehill Cemetery on Chicago’s North Side. It was dark at night. While they were looking around, John noticed something behind one of the tombstones. All of a sudden, he recounted later, an eerie creature stuck its head up just above the tombstone. John said, “I saw something! I saw something!” ; “What is it?” Garret said. “It looks like a Gremlin! Let’s get out of here!” So they left the cemetery like bats out of hell. Later they thought it may have been a squarrel or a prangster, but one thing was sure, they were spooked! Mayte Urbina Kaess, 2nd wife to Brian Paul Kaess, is fond of ghost stories and enjoys scary films.

Swartz Family Dirty Laundry This information pertains to individuals in the Kaess/Ochiltree/Swartz Family History (2015) by Brian Paul Kaess. Brian Francis Swartz told Brian Paul Kaess a number of not-so-pleasant stories about the Swartz Family of Rockbridge County, Virginia. He said Newell T K Swartz (1881-1946) was known to get angry and beat all the children, from the youngest to the oldest, with a belt. He said Newell T K Swartz may have had his wife killed in 1935 by a fake car accident. He said Francis Aubrey Swartz (1924-1996) may have had his 3rd wife Elaine Kernan killed off. Finally, he said, Francis Aubrey Swartz was involved as a AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Counselor in his middle age.

Genealogy Wise Brian Paul Kaess uses Genealogy Wise website to store data on the Kaess Family and others.

In early 2015, Marie Hausler? was thought to be the 1st wife of Victor Dorschke (1889-1969). However, this may have been false because Inge Dorscke may have misread a document and mistook Hausler for the last name. It appears now that Marie Kokot (Jan 31 1897-March 4 1948) is the maiden name for Victor Dorschke’s 1st wife. She was born in Adamowitz, Kreis Ratibor, Upper Silesia, Prussia, and died in whereabouts unknown. This data was handed in by a reliable source: Paul Hansel of Kirchlicher Suchdienst, a Catholic European tracing agency.

Notes on the Kaess Family (Revised 2016) was handed in to Libraries in America (USA) on about Sept 1 2015. The Corrections pages were handed in about late Sept. 2015. The Addendum is being handed in on abt late October 2015.

In the Corrections pages, in correction (8), a Hildrud Schmidt is mentioned. This is a mistake. His name is actually Hiltrud Fischer of the standesamt (civil registry office) in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany.

In early Sept. (after Sept. 1), 2015, Brian Paul Kaess received a copy (about 2-3 pages) of a marriage license from 1953 of Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) and Hildegard Golz (1924-2004) from Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. This copy verified the Father of Paul Ernst Kaess as Friedrich Emil Kaess, b. Oct 15 1889 in Benningen, Germany. It placed the marriage of Paul’s parents (Friedrich Emil Kaess and Anna Berta Falkenecker) in Benningen, Wuerttemberg, Germany, on March 29 1913. No family book (with the name Kaess/Golz) was sent, only a copy of a marriage license. Brian Paul Kaess is no longer pursuing a Kaess/Golz Family book in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. This copy of a marriage license also contained information on the Golz Family, which is mentioned below.

The Golz’ of East Prussia Max Christian Golz was born Aug 12 1896 in Gardinen, Kreis Neidenburg, East Prussia. He died on May 25 1945 in I Lager Bokow, Ukraine. It was known Max was sent to the concentration camps for aiding Jews in the Underground. Max Christian Golz was a Farmer and a member of the German National Militia. Max Christian Golz married Karoline Kniffka on Feb 26 1920 in Tannenberg, Kreis Osterode, East Prussia. Karoline Kniffka was born on Jan 28 1894 in Dortmund, Germany. Max Christian Golz (1896-1945) and Karoline Kniffka are the Parents of Hildegard Louise Golz and the Grandparents of Arnhild Kaess (b. 1957) and Ursula Kaess (b. 1965). Hildegard Louise Golz (1924-2004) had three siblings: an older sister (Anna), a younger sister (Ruth), and a younger brother (Gerd). Hildegard's brother Gerd was a different person than her step son Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess. The sibling info is per Arnhild Kaess. In a family letter to Brian Paul Kaess, Arnhild Kaess refers to her Grandparents as ‘Max and Karoline.’ Hildegard Louise Golz was born Nov 10 1924 in Ludwigsdorf, Kreis Osterode, East Prussia. She died in abt Apr 2004 in SW Germany?; On Dec 22 1953, Hildegard Louise Golz married Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) in Kamp-Lintfort, North Rhine- Westphalia, Germany. Her address at the time was Krusestrasse 8 in Kamp-Lintfort. Hildegard was Paul’s 2nd wife. His 1st wife was Dorothea Dorschke (1922-1951). Paul Ernst Kaess and Hildegard Louise Golz had two daughters: Arnhild Kaess and Ursula Kaess. From about 1945 to 1971, Paul and family lived at Bahnhofstrasse 33 in Heutingsheim, Germany. This is where Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (1947-1972) grew up, in a house along the traintracks in Heutingeheim. Gerd was a half sibling to Arnhild Kaess and Ursula Kaess, and not a blood relative to Hildegard Louise Golz, his stepmother. After 1971, Paul Ernst Kaess and Family lived at ‘In den Hofackern 5’ in Benningen am Neckar, Germany. The family (Paul and Hildegard) was still living there in abt 1996. Ursula Kaess had two daughters (from seperate Fathers) named Nadja Vogel (b. 1988) and Xenia Baerschneider (b. 1998). They live in Olnhausen, Germany. Nadja and Xenia are the Granddaughters of Hildegard Golz. Any descendant of Hildegard Golz is a blood relative to Brian Paul Kaess (b. 1967), but those ancestors (including Hildegard) with the surname Golz are not.

Elsa Kulhanek Barmus Elsa Kulhanek Barmus came to visit Garret Kaess at his basement apt. on 5325 W. 53rd place on Chicago’s SW side in early 1990, before Brian Kaess departed for his trip Germany. This was the 1st direct contact the Kaess Family (in Chicago) had had with German relatives for 16-17 years. Elsa Kulhanek Barmus had visited Benningen am Neckar, Germany, and Paul Ernst Kaess on her own trip to Germany in 1989. Photos show her with Paul in the vineyard in Benningen am Neckar.

Dr. Anke Theilacker Anke Theilacker visited Chicago in August 1990 with her husband Stefan Theilacker. They stayed at the house of the Kulhanek relatives in Oak Lawn, Illinois. They visited the Aguda household (at 1301 W. Early Ave., Chicago, IL, 60660) and went to dinner in ‘China town’ with Brian Paul Kaess and Julian Aguda during that trip.

The Kaess/Gerrard Connection Below is the line leading from Brian Paul Kaess (b.1967) to Rev. John Gerrard (1720-1787): Brian Paul Kaess’ Mother is Marie Ellen Dawson (1945-2012). Brian Paul Kaess’ Maternal Grandfather is Talmage E Dawson (1894-1974). Talmage E Dawson’s parents were David Bennett Dawson and Alvira Elizabeth Mansfield (1855-1932). The parents of David Bennett Dawson were Daniel Harrison Dawson (1820- bef 1871) and Phoebe Jane Bennett. The parents of Phoebe Jane Bennett were David Bennett and Mary ‘Polly’ Woodruff (abt 1808-1867). The parents of Mary ‘Polly’ Woodruff were Hezekiah Woodruff (1792-1832) and Elizabeth Gerrard (1792-1855). The parents of Elizabeth Gerrard were Jonathon Gerrard (1763-1837) and Leah Hays (1763-1850). The parents of Jonathon Gerrard (1763-1837) were Rev. John Gerrard (abt 1720-1787) and Mehetable Haugn. Rev. John Gerrard (1720-1787) was the namesake of Gerrardstown, West Virginia. He was the first Pastor of Mill Creek Baptist Church. It is believed that the Gerrard Family is of French Huguenot Ancestry, descended from the De La Garde Family who emigrated to America ater the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in France in 1572. If this is true, this would mean that Brian Paul Kaess and his son Paul Jesus Kaess (b. 2001) are both of French Ancestry and descended from French Huguenots.

Dorschke Family of Ratibor, Upper Silesia, Prussia Victor Dorschke (1889-1969) was the head of the Dorschke Family in Ratibor, Upper Silesia. Victor (or Viktor) Dorschke was born Dec 1 1889 in Hohenbirken, Ratibor, Silesia. He died Jul 1 1969 in Muhldorf am Inn, Bavaria, Germany. Victor Dorschke was a displaced person from the East after WWII. Victor Dorschke was married to Marie Kokot (1897-1948) and they had six children toegther: Eduard, Maria, Angelika, Dorothea, Rudi, and Arnold. Marie Kokot, aka by her married name Marie Dorschke, was born Jan 31 1897 in Adamowitz, Landkreis Ratibor, Upper Silesia. Upper Silesia was a province of Prussia at this time. Marie Kokot died on Mar 4, 1948. It is unknown where she died. She was the 1st wife of Victor Dorschke. His 2nd wife may have been ‘Toni’, although she may have just been a girlfriend. The Heimat of the Dorschke Family was Ratibor. Melanie Dorschke says that the Dorschke name is of Polish origin and that the Dorschke’s of Ratibor were Catholic. It is known the Dorschke’s spoke German with a Polish accent. Victor Dorschke was a displaced person in Bavaria after WWII and seems to have registered in Ludwigsburg, Germany as well. The six children of Victor Dorschke were Eduard Dorschke (1916-2003), Maria Dorschke (1919- 1984), Angelika Dorschke (1920-1996), Dorothea Dorschke (1922-1951), Rudi Dorschke Sr. (1923- 1995), and Arnold Dorschke (1925-1945). Dorothea ‘Doris’ Dorschke, daughter of Victor Dorschke, was a Paternal Grandmother to Brian Paul Kaess (b. 1967). She married Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) on Mar 14 1944 in the St. Johannes Pfarrkirche of Ratibor, a Catholic church that still stands. They had two children: Elke Angelika Kaess (1945), and Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (1947-1972). Gerd had two twin sons in Chicago named Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess. Brian Paul Kaess had one son named Paul Jesus Kaess (b. 2001), born in Chicago, living in Durango, Mexico. Garret Thomas Kaess had two children named Nicholas Todd Kaess (b. 1997) and Julie Leann Kaess (b. 1998), born in IL, living in Noblesville, Indiana. Rudi Dorschke Sr. had two sons: Rudi Jr., and Uwe, and one Granddaughter named Melanie Dorschke. Maria Dorschke (1919-1984) married Eugen Kaesser and may have had a son named Erich Kaesser. Eduard Dorschke (1916-2003) had two daughters: Inge and Christine. Inge Dorschke had two children: Tatiana (Christmann) Poelsler and Boris Christmann, both of Ludwigsburg, Germany. Boris had two children: Lisa Christmann and Kevin Christmann, although the names have not been confirmed. Victor Dorschke has descendants living in Germany, the USA, and Mexico.

Sgt. Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002)- German Army in WWII Hello, My Paternal Grandfather Sgt. Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) saw extensive combat in WWII as a Panzer soldier in the German Army from at least 1940 until 1944. He saw action or service, per family accounts, in France, Yugoslavia, Greece, Rumania, Russia, Lithuania, and perhaps Poland. It is likely he fought in Belgium as well, since many armored divisions passed through that country during the Battle for France (1940). Paul E Kaess was wounded in late 1944 in Vilnius, Lithuania, when a Russian soldier threw a grenade into his tank, causing a shrapnel wound to the back of my Grandfather's skull. My Grandfather recovered from this wound and survived the war, likely in Germany. He stated also that he fought at the Battle of Kursk and that he rode in a Mk IV Tank. He saw fighting in Yugoslavia versus partisans. He was a member of the Hitler Youth during the 1930's and applied for but was rejected from the SS Waffen. His American Grandson Brian Paul Kaess (b. 1967) believes he may have fought in the 5th Panzer Division but is not sure. Paul married Dorothea Dorschke (1922-1951) on Mar 14 1944 in a Catholic Church in Ratibor, Upper Silesia. His wedding photo shows him wearing a German Army uniform of the time period and sporting what appears to be an EK2 (Iron Cross 2nd Class). His Brother Emil Kaess also fought in WWII for the Germans and was a POW in Russia but returned home. He needed a cane to get around because of his wartime experiences. Paul had a good friend in the German Army named Chef. Chef was killed during the war. One wartime photo shows Chef holding a pipe and smiling. Chef may have been a generic name for commander, but this was how Paul referred to him. Another photo shows Paul holding a pistol surrounded by comrades. There is no evidence from the family that Paul committed any pogroms. He was a Panzer soldier and that's what he talked about. Brian Paul Kaess met his Grandfather Paul Ernst Kaess in 1990 in Benningen am Neckar, Germany, the 'heimat' of the Kaess Family. Paul E Kaess attended a gathering of German WWII Veterans in Benningen in 1990 and brought along his American Grandson Brian Paul Kaess to sit by his side. Paul gave a speech at this event. Toasts were made to chivalry. After WWII, Paul Ernst Kaess lived in Heutingsheim and Benningen am Neckar, Germany. He worked as a carpenter, first in Freiberg am Neckar and then later in Stuttgart. He received an award for Crafstmanship from Manfred Rommell, then Mayor of Stuttgart, and son to Field Marshall Erwin Rommel. He had two wives, four children, four Grandchildren, and three Great Grandchildren before he died. His descendants live in Germany, the USA, and Mexico. Paul was Lutheran (His 1st wife was Catholic) and owned a small vinyard in Benningen which he tended to after the war. I believe he enjoyed the Old World charm of Benningen and became a better man after the war. Sincerely, LCpl. Brian 'Chaos' Paul Kaess (Ret.)

(This letter was published at World War Two forum (www.ww2f.com ) online in July, 2015.)

Kaess (Käß or Käss) Family from Benningen am Neckar, Germany My Father Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess (1947-1972) was born in Heutingsheim, Germany, and came to America in 1965. His Kaess Family Ancestors hailed from a long line of Kaess’ from nearby Benningen am Neckar, Germany (in Wuerttemberg). They were Swabisch and spoke German with a Swabisch accent. Gerd also had Kulhanek Cousins who arrived in America roughly about the same time and settled in South Suburban Chicago and Ohio. Berta Freida Kaess (1915-1992), brother to Paul Ernst Kaess, was married to a Mr. Kulhanek (presumably from the Czech Republic) and they also lived in Venezuela for six years before arriving in America before 1970. She brought along three of her children from a prior marriage with Willy Assenheimer. They were named Willy, Roland, and Elsa. They were given the surname of their adoptive Father. For Instance, Elsa Kulhanek. It is not clear whether they came directly from Venezuela to America or came from Germany instead. When Mr. Kulhanek died, Berta renamed herself after her 1st husband as Berta F Assenheimer. She died with that name. Elsa Kulhanek Barmus kept a picture of her father Willy Assenheimer on the wall of her basement in her home in Oak Lawn, Illinois. When Gerd Edwin Paul Kaess died in 1972, his wake was held in Suburban Chicago, perhaps Hillside. Many of the Kulhanek’s attended, as well as Brian Paul Kaess, Garret Thomas Kaess, and Marie Ellen (Dawson) Kaess. After Gerd died, the Kaess Family in Chicago lost contact with the Kulhanek’s and Kaess Family in Germany for 17 years. In 1989, armed only with the knowledge that he had an Aunt named Ursula Kaess and that his Father’s birthplace was Heutingsheim, Brian Paul Kaess sent a letter to Heutingsheim, Germany, hoping for an answer from the Kaess’ there. Miraculously, he received a reply from the Kaess Family in Benningen and was made aware of his Grandfather, Aunts, and Cousins in that área. Brian Paul Kaess triumphantly visited his Kaess relatives in Germany in 1990. Gerd’s parents were Paul Ernst Kaess (1921-2002) and Dorothea Dorschke (1922-1951). Gerd had three sisters: Elke A. Kaess, Ursula Kaess, and Arnhild Kaess. The latter two were half sisters. Gerd married Marie Ellen Dawson (1945-2012) in Chicago in abt 1967 and had two twin Sons: Brian Paul Kaess and Garret Thomas Kaess. He had three Grandchildren: Nicholas Todd Kaess, Julie Leanne Kaess, and Paul Jesus Kaess. His descendants now live in Indiana and Mexico. In America, he was known as Gert Kaess. Surnames I am researching in association with the Kaess name include Dorschke, Falkenecker, Kokot, Lang, etc.; Other Family names I am looking at are Eschenfelter, Swartz, Dawson, Gerrard, Haller, Gibboney, Baldwin, Urbina, Pereda, Kurtz, and Goering. I would love to hear from anyone with information on the Kaess Family in Benningen am Neckar, Germany, or elsewhere. Sincerely, Brian Paul Kaess

(this email was published at Genealogy Wise website (www.genealogywise.com) in August, 2015)