Manitowoc County Genealogical Society

05/26/2026

Today is Memorial Day. This U.S. federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Consider how we can support and safeguard grieving families and loved ones who are left behind, as well as reflect on why we have the freedom that we enjoy today.

Learn more at Almanac.com/content/when-memorial-day

05/26/2026

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. As towns and villages throughout the country join together to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, constant reminders and memorials can be found throughout our area.

The Reedsville Area Veterans Memorial Park brings together the Reedsville AMVETS Post 1032 and the American Legion Gosz-Novak Post 199 to pay tribute to those who have served in the area. A main feature of the park is a T-33A United States Air Force military aircraft.

The plane itself dates to 1953, and has been on loan from the National Museum of the USAF since 1964. It arrived in Madison and was transported to Reedsville by the Legion, where it was proudly polished and put on display. There are 8 known Lockheed T-33 Shooting Stars on display in Wisconsin.

What makes Reedsville’s plane special is how it honors those who served. The American Legion Gosz-Novak Post 199 is named after two of Reedsville’s heroes, Joseph Gosz and Charles Novak.

Find more of the story on our Preserving the Past blog: https://www.manitowoccountyhistory.org/stories/2020/5/24/american-legion-gosz-novak-post-199

05/26/2026

05/15/2026

The S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry will make its return from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, officially kicking off the 2026 sailing season, on Friday, May 15 th . The public is invited to attend

05/15/2026

✨MCHS Members✨

We're happy to once again to be taking part in Member Swap Weekend from Thursday May 14th through Sunday May 17th!

We are overjoyed to be partnering with The Rahr West, Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum, Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum!

To visit, show your Manitowoc County Historical Society membership card for walk-up admission at the participating museums. Number admitted free depends on your membership level.

Learn more on our website and check the open hours for other participating museums: https://www.manitowoccountyhistory.org/programs/member-swap

05/15/2026

If you’ve got a library card in your wallet that you haven’t pulled out in a bit, you'll want to be sure to have it in hand for our upcoming Library Card Free Days on May 15 and 16!

Find details at https://www.manitowoccountyhistory.org/programs/library-free-day

05/15/2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12-3, Plymouth Historical Society and SCHRC together will celebrate the history found in your own back yard. Don't miss the Union Cemetery Walk and Gravestone Cleaning at this beautiful Plymouth cemetery.

Free and open to the public.

Fred Berrens
Birth
17 May 1882
Chilton, Calumet County, Wisconsin, USA
Death
23 Jun 1907 (aged 25)
Plymouth, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, USA
Burial
May 17, 2026 at Noon

May 17, 2026 at Noon
Union Cemetery
Plymouth, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

The Plymouth Review of Friday last contained the following account of an accident in which a Chilton young man was the victim:
Fred Berrens was seriously if not fatally injured Thursday afternoon at the factory of P. Wolf. He was working at a machine, when a board few and hit his right hand, tearing it so badly that it had to be sewed up. The board after hitting his hand struck him in the abdomen, penetrating the peritoneum, so that a larger incision had to be made to replace the intestines, after which the rent was sewed up. Drs. Nut and Deicher were called to attend the case.
A telegram was received in this city by the parents of the young man bringing the news of his death, which took place at ten o’clock on Sunday night.

Fred Berrens, who was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Berrens, was born in this city April 17, 1882. Some nine years ago he left here and secured employment at Plymouth, where he made his home until his death. Four years ago he was married to Minnie Borts, who survives him. He leaves his parents, five brothers and four sisters to mourn his sudden death.

All attended the funeral which took place on Wednesday afternoon. The N.F.L. and Hook and Ladder Company, of which Mr. Berrens was a member, attended the funeral.
Chilton Times - June 29, 1907