Antje Lena Margaret de Vries

Antje Lena Margaret de Vries was the daughter of Boelke de Vries and Lena Klover. She was born July 28, 1919 or 1918 and married Gerd Keiser (or Kaiser).

They had two children: Gerhard and Lena..

Antje Lena passed away very young at the age of 39 from cancer. On the day of her funeral, her young daughter (age 2-3), passed away.

Gerd remarried.

Funeral letter:
Firrel, June 4 1958
Today in the early hours of the morning, after a long, difficult suffering endured with great patience, my dear wife, our loyal mother, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and niece, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in the Westerstede district hospital.
Antje Keiser born de Vries
in the 39th year of life.There was no doctor, no help for you, until Jesus said, I heal you.
In silent mourning:
Gerd Keiser and children Gerhard and Lena as father in law Gerhard Keiser and all relatives
The funeral will take place on Saturday, June 7, 1958, at 1:30 p.m. from the funeral home.
Willi de Vries. Antje, Lena, Anni, Ewert Martens, Leni, Grete Martens, Hermann, Bolke, Bernhard

Antje is second from the right in this photo. For all names and dates in this photo, see Boelke’s page.

Here is a letter from, I believe, a good friend of Lena Bethke, who knew the friend who owned a flower shop. Lena would send money from America to the friend in Germany who owned a flower shop so flowers could be sent to Lena’s family. It is dated May 15, 1964.

Dear Lena,

She [flower shop owner] thanks her [Lena] for her precious letter from USA. Very glad to get it. Thanks her for the letter and money too. Everything arrived alright, good shape. And right away fulfilled her wish on a modest day. I went there in person to town to see Eward Martens in Stallbrugerfeld. Kaiser Ferrel. For your dear sister Annie she got a small wreath, carnation, magnolia leaves, a pretty silk band, written on a card. Remembrance from America. Her brother-in-law Ewerd and the boy were very much astonished they couldn’t find any words and always said ‘how beautiful’. Ewaldin was not home but I should send regards and will get mail soon from her . By Kaiser in Firrel they just finished eating and wanted to go to cemetery afterwards and take the flowers along. Also surprised and sent greeting from all of them and thanked them for it. Your sister Kaiser I knew her very well, too and in 1958 I was with her in the hospital and her and her terrible pains she was trying to comfort her. But unfortunately there wasn’t any help for the poor soul.

And afterwards the terrible accident with the little girl I could hardly believe it and sad and it was hardly believable that they had to die so young. Again, in the last year Annie and Willie died. She bought them beautiful wreaths, Remembrance from America. Lena and Herman and Heintz thought it was nice. She didn’t have any connection with them. As soon as she’ll be able to do it then she’ll catch up. I am not so well physically, was 1963 was over 4 months in hospital and in Feb til March I had very heavy rheumatism in joints with cancer. And i have to take good care of myself, that’s why I had to give up my good business at the beginning of April. I fulfilled your wish and if you wish for something again just write. I do what’s in my powers what I can for you. I still have the most material, I can get flowers anytime. Just write and let me know. It is very seldom that I get a letter from USA. Her boys like to get the stamps. Thanks for the good letter. Greetings, wishes, good health.

Hirtar Stalle