FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY
Mary Ann Clemens
1st of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon
Born: Oct 29, 1899, Cascade Township, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: May 7, 1994 (age 94), Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: May 10, 1994, Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Ran farm w/husband, housekeeper for priests of St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Married: Sep 9, 1924, Frank Peter Wallerich, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich, Mary Lou Wallerich, Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich, Francis Carl “Frank” Wallerich, Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich
Frank Peter Wallerich
6th of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
Born: Oct 26, 1890, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: May 30, 1953 (aged 62), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; lung cancer
Buried: Jun 2, 1953, Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: Sep 9, 1924, Mary Ann Clemens, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer, Farm Assessor
Five children: Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich, Mary Lou Wallerich, Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich, Francis Carl “Frank” Wallerich, Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich
1. Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich
1st of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens
Born: Mar 1, 1926, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 31, 2018 (age 92), Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Apr 22, 1950, Mary Catherine Evers, Conception (a small town near Kellogg), Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Margery Ann Wallerich, Jon Joseph Wallerich, Joyce Marie Wallerich, Marla Jean Wallerich, Jean Marie Wallerich, Jerry Matthew Wallerich, Mark Allen Wallerich
2. Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Wallerich
2nd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens
Born: May 30, 1928, Reads Landing, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 30, 2024 (aged 95), Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Apr 5, 2024, Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Lake City, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: Oct 28, 1950, Leon Edward Rutz, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Five children: Janet Lee Rutz, Judith Rutz, Jolyne Ann Rutz, James Leon Rutz, John Francis Rutz
3. Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich
3rd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens
Born: Sep 5, 1930, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Feb 24, 2022 (aged 91) Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Feb 28, 2022, Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Military: U.S. Army, Corporal
Occupation: Farmer; employed by DiAcro and IBP
Married: Oct 27, 1956, Orlene Janice Van Houten, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Two children: David Lee Wallerich, Susan Kay Wallerich
4. Francis Carl “Frank” Wallerich
4th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens
Born: Sep 21, 1934, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Oct 9, 2017 (aged 83), Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Oct 14, 2017, Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer, American Motors in Kenosha, Wis., worked the Hugh and Helen Welp farm on Pepin Hill, Gould Manufacturing in Lake City
Married: Sep 12, 1959, Mary Patricia “Mary Pat” Tentis, Kellogg, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Six children: Mary Frances Wallerich, Linda Marie Wallerich, Lori Ann Wallerich, Alan John Wallerich, Patrick Carl Wallerich, Lee Alan Wallerich
5. Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich
5th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens
Born: Apr 19, 1938, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Tool maker
Married (1): Mar 3, 1962: Janice Marie Smith, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Divorced: Dec 23, 1976, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Two children: Peter Alan Wallerich, Paul Thomas Wallerich
Married (2): Oct 1, 1983: Colleen Agnes Anding, Byron, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
No children
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Timeline and Records
Spellings and information in the census and other records
are retained as in the original documents.
(italicized clarifications or corrections are in parentheses)
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Eleven named children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon:

00. (stillborn twins, female and male)
1898–1898
1. Mary Ann Clemens
1899–1994
2. Elizabeth Barbara Clemens
1900–1996
3. Amelia Rose Clemens
1902–1972
4. Dorothy Helen Clemens
1903–1903 (died at 4 months)
5. Aloysius Michael Clemens
1904–1929
6. Carl John Clemens
1905–1986
7. Cecelia Helen Clemens (Sister Ann Clemens)
1908–2003
8. Agnes Catherine Clemens
1909–2005
9. Anna Frances Clemens
1911–1995
10. Lawrence Matthew Clemens
1912–1978
11. Joseph William Clemens
1914–2010
Eleven of 13 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt:

1. John Martin Wallerich
1879–1961
2. Louisa Mary Wallerich
1881–1912
3. Helen “Lena” Wallerich (Sr. Mary Leoba)
1882–1974
4. Francisca “Frances” Wallerich (Sr. Mary Walburga)
1885–1929
5. Mary Wallerich
1887–1887
6. Frank Peter Wallerich
1890–1953
7. Michael Wallerich
1891–1891
8. Nicholas Wallerich
1891–1891
9. Barbara Mary Wallerich
1894–1894
10. Michael Anthony Wallerich
1895–1963
11. Albert William Wallerich
1899–1951
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Nov 27, 1878: Marriage of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt, the parents of Frank Peter Wallerich

Oct 26, 1890: Birth of Frank Peter Wallerich, 6th of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt, and future husband of Mary Ann Clemens (Frank is the young man standing at far right)
Oct 26, 1890: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Frank Wallerich (Frank Peter Wallerich)
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 26 Oct 1890
Birth Place Pepin, Wabasha, Minnesota
Father Michael Wallerich
Mother Anna B (note: Mary Barbara Schmidt)
FHL Film Number 1320190
Apr 19, 1898: Marriage of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, the parents of Mary Ann Clemens, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Eleven children: Mary Ann Clemens, Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, Amelia Rose Clemens, Dorothy Helen Clemens, Aloysius Michael Clemens, Carl John Clemens, Cecelia Helen “Sister Ann” Clemens, Agnes Catherine Clemens, Anna Frances Clemens, Lawrence Matthew Clemens, Joseph William Clemens
In the spring of 1898, Mathew Sylvester Clemens, Jr., (the youngest of ten in his family) and Barbara Nigon (the oldest of thirteen in hers and whose family farm lay just a mile away) were married in St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. Blessed with ten living children (they had stillborn twins in 1898 and Dorothy died at four months in 1903), they raised their crops and their kids for the next forty-some years on this farm.
St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

1898: Stillborn female and male twins of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, on the family farm in Cascade Township just outside Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Oct 29, 1899: Birth of Mary Ann Clemens, 1st of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, on the family farm in Cascade Township just outside Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jun 2, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Mathew Clemons (Mathew Sylvester Clemens)
[Mathew Clemens]
Age 26
Birth Date Mar 1874
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1900 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Barbara Clemons
Marriage Year 1898
Years Married 2
Father’s Name Mathew Clemons
Father’s Birthplace Belgium
Mother’s Name Anna Mary Clemons
Mother’s Birthplace Belgium
Occupation Farmer
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mathew Clemons Age 26, Head, born Mar 1874, married 2 years, born Minnesota, father born Belgium (Luxembourg), mother born Belgium (Luxembourg, farmer (Mathew Sylvester Clemens)
Barbara Clemons Age 27, Wife, born Mar 1873, married 2 years, 1 child born, 1 child living, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Barbara (Nigon) Clemens)
Mary Clemons Age 7/12, Daughter, born Oct 1899, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany (Mary Ann Clemens)
Mathew Clemons Age 64, Father, born Mar 1836, married 27 years, born Belgium (Luxembourg), father born Belgium (Luxembourg), mother born Belgium (Luxembourg), immigrated 1854 at age 46, boarder (Mathew Clemens)
Anna Mary Clemons Age 67, Mother, born Mar 1832, married 27 years, 8 children born, 6 living, born Belgium (Luxembourg), immigrated 1857 at age 43, boarder (Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens)
Note: The Clemens’ are living next door to Barbara (Nigon) Clemens’ parents and family (see following census)
Matthew Clemens & Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens, grandparents of Mary Clemens:

1902: Clemens sisters: Mary, Amelia, and Elizabeth:

1902: Clemens sisters: Mary, Amelia (seated in middle), Elizabeth

abt 1903: Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen family (daughter Barbara (Nigon) Clemens is seated, second from left)


abt 1903: Family of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt:
Standing: John Martin Wallerich, Helen “Lena” Wallerich (Sister Mary Leoba), Francisca “Frances” Wallerich (Sister Mary Walburga), Frank Peter Wallerich
Mid seated: Michael A. Wallerich (father), Louisa Mary Wallerich, Mary Barbara Schmidt (mother)
Front row: Michael Anthony Wallerich, Albert William Wallerich

Sep 10, 1905: Death of Michael Wallerich (age 60), the father of Frank Peter Wallerich, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; stomach cancer

Prayer Card:

Sep 12, 1905: Burial of Michael Wallerich at Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota


Sep. 14, 1905: Wabasha County Herald, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
After an illness of more than a year from cancer of the stomach, Michael Walrich [Wallerich] passed peacefully away at the family residence, in Pepin Township, at 7:30 o’clock Sunday morning.
His funeral occurred from St. Felix Church, Tuesday. A requiem high mass, with Father Wurst, as celebrant, Father Koegel, as deacon, and Father Reinhart, as subdeacon, was celebrated. The funeral was largely attended.
Deceased was born on July 29, 1845, at Feiten, near Trevca, in Rhenish Prussia. He came to America in 1855, the family settling near Dubuque. In 1860 he came to Wabasha County, where he has lived continuously, ever since. At Victoria, Carver County, on November 27, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schmidt, who, with their six children survive him. His two daughters, Frances and Lena, are members of the Notre Dame sisterhood, the former at Milwaukee, the later at Caledonia. His sons are John, Frank, Michael, and Albert. Deceased was a thoroughly good man, a loyal citizen and a generous supporter of his church. He was, throughout his whole life, an earnest Christian, and he died as he lived. The afflicted ones have the sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.
MN death certificate 1905-42-2009
Mother’s maiden name MAXIN
Apr 27, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Mathew Clemmons (Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens)
[Mathew Clemens]
Age in 1910 36
Birth Date 1874
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Native Tongue English
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farm
Employer, Employee or Other Employer
Home Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Farm or House Farm
Naturalization Status Naturalized
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Years Married 12
Enumerated Year 1910
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mathew Clemmons Age 36, Head, Married 1, 12 years, born Germany (Minnesota), father born Germany, mother born Germany (Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens)
Barbara Clemmons Age 36, Wife, Married 1, 12 years, born Minnesota (Germany), father born Minnesota (Germany), mother born Germany (Barbara (Nigon) Clemens)
Mary Clemmons Age 10, Daughter, born Minnesota (Germany), father born Germany, mother born Germany (Mary Clemens)
Elizabeth Clemmons Age 9, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
Amelia Clemmons Age 8, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Amelia Rose Clemens)
Alvinia Clemmons Age 6, Daughter (Son), born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Aloysius Michael Clemens)
Charles J Clemmons Age 4, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Carl John Clemens)
Celia H Clemmons Age 2, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Cecelia Helen Clemens)
Agness C Clemmons Age 0, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Agnes Catherine Clemens)
Sebastian Bosneyk Age 26, Hired Man, born Austria, father born Austria, mother born Austria, farmer laborer on general farm
Jul 28, 1912: Birth of Lawrence Matthew Clemens, 10th of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, on the family farm in Cascade Township, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Fall of 1912: Clemens’ farm in Cascade Township, Minnesota:


Amelia, Aunt Anne Nigon (Grandma’s younger sister)
Aloysius, Carl
Matt S. Clemens (Father), Elizabeth, Mary
Mathew Clemens, Sr. (GrandDad), (no Joe), Agnes, Cecelia, Anna,
baby Lawrence, Barbara Clemens (Mother), Mary (Reiland) Clemens (Grandmother)
(Note: Joe, incorrectly named, was not yet born)
abt 1915: Three oldest Clemens sisters with cousin Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon:
standing: Mary Clemens, Amelia Clemens
seated: Elizabeth Clemens, Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon (cousin)

Clemens sisters: Mary, Anna, Agnes, and Amelia:

Jan 12, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Mathew S Clemens (Mathew Sylvester Clemens)
Age 45
Birth Year abt 1875
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
House Number Farm
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Barbara Clemens
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farming
Employment Field Own Account
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mathew S Clemens Age 45, Head, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer on general farm
Barbara Clemens Age 46, Wife, Immigrated 1881, Naturalized 1890, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Mary A Clemens Age 20, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Elizabeth Z Clemens Age 19, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, Chamber at Mayo Clinic (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
Amelia R Clemens Age 18, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Aloysius M Clemens Age 15, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Charles J Clemens Age 14, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Carl John Clemens)
Celia H Clemens Age 12, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Agnes C Clemens Age 10, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Anna F Clemens Age 9, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Laurence M Clemens Age 7, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Lawrence Michael Clemens)
Joseph W Clemens Age 5, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
1923: Mathew & Barbara Clemens family: Amelia, Lawrence, Barbara (mother), Mary, Agnes, Aloysius, Cecelia, Joe (young boy in front), Mathew (father), Elizabeth, Anna, and Carl


1923: Clemens and Nigon cousins on the family farm outside of Rochester:

Slightly different photo with all present identified:


Note: #37 (infant Clair Nigon) is in the arms of #1 (Mary (Clemens) Wallerich)
Sep 9, 1924: Marriage of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, 1st of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich, Mary Lou Wallerich, Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich, Francis Carl “Frank” Wallerich, Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich

Sep 9, 1924: U.S. Marriage Index:
Frank Peter Wallerick (Frank Peter Wallerich)
Marriage Date 9 Sep 1924
Marriage Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Spouse Mary Ann Clemens
Certificate Number U577 (B06181aa.aqb)
URL https://moms.mn.gov/
Sep 9, 1924: Wedding photo: standing: Agnes Cassidy and Michael Wallerich
seated: bride & groom Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich & Frank Wallerich:

Michael Wallerich, Frank Wallerich, Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich, Agnes Cassidy:

Sep 9, 1924: Newlyweds Frank Wallerich, Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich


AS I WAS TOLD: Mary, the oldest child of the Clemens clan, was the first to wed. At the time, all the eligible neighboring farm boys were already spoken for, so at twenty-two, she didn’t know anyone to marry. Her mother had been in Wabasha and found out about a nice fellow there who needed a wife. Frank was a fourth cousin of the Nigons on Grandma’s father’s side of the family. They too lived off the land, selling their cream and the pigs they raised. Mary grew medicinal herbs in her garden, was up early in the morning to milk the cows, then back in the kitchen to make breakfast, continuing the cycle of a Minnesota farm wife. They settled and farmed in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota, until Frank died in 1953.
Told to Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau by her uncle, Joseph William “Joe” Clemens (11th of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon)
Plat Map, Pepin Township (their land is where the #10 is on lower left quadrant of map):

The original nearly 500-acre Wallerich farm bordering the Mississippi River:

“Mary sold the acreage to her son Joe Wallerich, who built a home and barn about a quarter mile away. Two of her grandsons still farm Joe’s farm. They sold the dairy cows and now raise a cash crop, as well as beef cattle. Mary’s farmhouse and a few acres were sold to private parties over the years.” ~ John Rutz
Mar 1, 1926: Birth of Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich, 1st of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Wabasha Co., Minnesota


Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Joseph Mathews Wallerich (Joseph Mathew/Matthew Wallerich)
Birth Date 1 Mar 1926
Birth Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Clemens
Certificate Number 1926-33225
URL https://www.mnhs.org/search/people
1926: Mary (Clemens) & Frank Wallerich with their first child, Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich:

May 30, 1928: Birth of Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Wallerich, 2nd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Reads Landing, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Joe and his sister, Mary Lou Wallerich:

May 30, 1928: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Mary Louise Wallerich
Birth Date 30 May 1928
Birth Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Clemens
Certificate Number 1928-31837
May 31, 1928: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 16):

Mary Louise Wallerich
Apr 4 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Name Frank P Wallerich
Birth Year abt 1892
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 38
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Pepin, Wabasha, Minnesota
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Radio Set Yes
Lives on Farm Yes
Age at First Marriage 33
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Canada German
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry Gen Farm
Class of Worker Employer
Employment Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Frank P Wallerich Age 38, Head, age at 1st marriage 33, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Canada German, farmer on General Farm
Mary A Wallerich Age 30, Wife, age at 1st marriage 24, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany
Joseph M Wallerich Age 4 and 1/12, Son, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Mary L Wallerich Age 1 and 11/12, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Joseph Tonsashek Age 15, Boarder, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farm labor on General Farm
Sep 5, 1930: Birth of Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich, 3rd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Sep 5, 1930: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Robert Michael Wallerich
Birth Date 5 Sep 1930
Birth Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Clemens
Certificate Number 1930-30222
URL https://www.mnhs.org/search/people
1931: Wallerich and Conway cousins:
back row: Joe Wallerich, Pat Conway II (husband of Amelia Clemens), Pat Conway III, Frank Wallerich, Sr (husband of Mary Clemens)
front row: Mary Lou, Bob, and baby Robert Michael Wallerich
Note: the photo ID states the baby is Francis Wallerich, but he was not born until 1934.

1933: Bob, Joe, and Mary Lou Wallerich, the first three children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens:

1934: Frank & Mary Wallerich w/1st three children, Bob, Mary Lou, and Joe:

Sep 21, 1934: Birth of Francis Carl “Frank” Wallerich, 4th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota


Sep 21, 1934: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Francis Carl Wallerich
Birth Date 21 Sep 1934
Birth Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Clemens
Certificate Number 1934-30272
URL https://www.mnhs.org/search/people
Sep 22, 1934: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 5):

Francis Carl Wallerich
1937: Wallerich siblings: Joseph “Joe” (standing), Mary Lou, Francis “Frank”, Robert “Bob” (seated):

Nov 8, 1937: Death of Barbara (Nigon) Clemens (age 64), the wife of Mathew Sylvester Clemens and the mother of Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich. She had a stroke in the middle of the night and died within two hours. She was visiting her daughter, Mary, at the time of her death.

Nov 8, 1937: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 5):

Nov 1937: Burial of Barbara (Nigon) Clemens, at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; CC 30 13

abt 1937: Clemens sisters: Agnes Catherine (Clemens) Hauser, Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, Anna Frances (Clemens) Walsh, Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich, Sister Ann Clemens, Amelia Rose “Mele” (Clemens) Conway

Apr 19, 1938: Birth of Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich, 5th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich, in Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Apr 19, 1938: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Norbert John Wallerich
Birth Date 19 Apr 1938
Birth Place Wabasha, Minnesota,
Birth Registration Date 1938
Father Frank Peter Wallerich
Mother Mary Wallerich
File Number 1938-Mn-036171
Summer of 1941: Clemens kin, Minnesota:


1. Frank Peter Wallerich 1890–1953
2. Margaret Nigon (cousin) 1892–1992
(was caring for her sister’s children, Don & Betty Kleist)
3. Annie Schabo? 1869–1962
4. Joseph William “Joe” Clemens 1914–2010
5. William Francis “Bill” Hauser 1913–1996
6. Amelia Rose (Clemens) Conway 1902–1972
7. Betty Rose 1906–1994
(lifelong friend of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
8. Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich 1926–2018
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
9. Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich 1930–2022
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
10. Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich 1899–1994
(married to Frank Peter Wallerich)
11. Sister Ann Clemens 1908–2003
12. Donald F. Kleist 1928–2007
(cousin, son of Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist)
13. Mathew “Matt” Clemens 1874–1947
(father of the clan)
14. Agnes Catherine (Clemens) Hauser 1909–2005
(married to William Francis “Bill” Hauser)
15. Elizabeth Barbara Clemens 1900–1996
16. Norbert John Wallerich 1930–living
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
17. Barbara Ann Hauser 1939–1986
(daughter of Agnes & Bill Hauser)
18. Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist 1930–1962
(cousin, daughter of Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist)
19. Francis Carl Wallerich 1934–2017
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
20. Richard Francis “Dick” Hauser 1932–2024
(son of Agnes & Bill Hauser)
Apr 6 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Name Frank Walrich [Frank Wallerich]
Respondent Yes
Age 49
Estimated Birth Year abt 1891
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Pepin, Wabasha, Minnesota
Farm Yes
Residence in 1935 Pepin
Occupation Farmer
House Owned or Rented Owned
Value of Home 5000
Highest Grade Completed Elementary school, 8th grade
Class of Worker Working on own account
Weeks Worked in 1939 52
Income 0
Income Other Sources Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Frank Walrich Age 49, Head, born Minnesota, Farmer on farm
Mary Walrich Age 40, Wife, born Minnesota
Joseph Walrich Age 14, Son, born Minnesota
Mary T Walrich Age 11, Daughter, born Minnesota
Robert Walrich Age 9, Son, born Minnesota
Francis Walrich Age 5, Son, born Minnesota
Norbert Walrich Age 1, Son, born Minnesota
Mar 1, 1944: WWII Draft Card for Joseph Matthew Wallerich, son of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens:
Name Joseph Matthew Wallerich
Gender Male
Race White
Age 18
Relationship to Draftee Self (Head)
Birth Date 1 Mar 1926
Birth Place Reads, Minnesota
Residence Place Reads, Wabasha, Minnesota
Registration Date 1 Mar 1944
Registration Place Reads, Wabasha, Minnesota
Employer Frank P Wallerich
Height 5 10
Weight 160
Complexion Light
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Blue
Next of Kin Frank P Wallerich (father)
1946: Mary Lou Wallerich, St. Felix Catholic High School graduation, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

1946: Mary Lou Wallerich on the family farm on her graduation day:

Mar 1947: Death of Mathew Sylvester Clemens (age 73), the widower of Barbara (Nigon) Clemens and the father of Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich. He passed at about the age when most farmers wore out. He’d been suffering for some time, and died after having surgery for lip and throat cancer from smoking cigars and pipes his whole life.

Mar 31, 1947: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
MATTHEW S. CLEMENS, 73, SUCCUMBS HERE
Matthew S. Clemens, who has lived in Rochester all but the first year of his life, died in the Colonial hospital last night after an illness of two weeks. He was 73 years old. Born in Mazeppa on March 1, 1874, he was brought to Rochester as an infant. On April 19, 1897 at St. John’s church in Rochester, he married the former Barbara Nigon, who died about 10 years ago. Mr. Clemens was a farmer. Surviving him are nine children, a brother, and two sisters. In January of this year, Mr. Clemens received a gold certificate for being a member of the St. Joseph Society for 50 years, an award that he treasured highly.
Apr 2, 1947: Burial of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; CC 30 14

AS I WAS TOLD: As Mathew left no will, his estate wasn’t settled easily or harmoniously. Quite a fight ensued as to what was going to happen to the farm. Hands were raised against one another, along with screaming, hollering, and cussing one another out. Elizabeth slapped Amelia, or was it Amelia who slapped Elizabeth? Elizabeth was involved in taking care of her father’s finances and the sisters were in great disagreement; it didn’t matter that it was Sunday. Bill Hauser spoke up as he and his father-in-law were good friends. Shaking his head, he said Pa and Ma would not want to witness this. When he announced that he and Agnes didn’t want anything, things settled down. Carl, who’d come from California, suggested to his brothers and sisters that Bill and Agnes get an acre of land for taking care of their parents, for which they were forever grateful. When the disbursement issues were worked out, the farm took on a different landscape. Joe, along with Amelia and Pat Conway, purchased a portion of the land, Elizabeth owned an acre, Agnes and Bill Hauser had their gifted acre, the golf club purchased four, and Mr. Vincent Lilly purchased five acres and all the buildings. The kids received equal proceeds from the sale. ~ Told to Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau by her uncle, Joseph William “Joe” Clemens (11th of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon)
However, apparently unknown at the time, Mathew S. Clemens did in fact have a will, dated June 26, 1945, filed April 10, 1947:
Mathew left all of his personal property to his daughter, Agnes (Clemens) Hauser, bequeathed to the Catholic Church in Rochester $200 for masses for the repose of their souls of both him and his wife, Barbara (Nigon) Clemens, who died in 1937, and the balance of his estate to be handled as prescribed by law. He named Margaret Mary Nigon, his wife’s younger sister (a bookkeeper by profession), as Executrix of his estate.

Apr 10, 1947: Last Will and Testament of Mathew S. Clemens (3 pages):



Jun 1947: The Terrace Room at the Oaks, overlooking the Mississippi River in Winona, Winona Co., Minnesota:
Back row: Joe Clemens, Bill & Agnes Hauser, Betty Rose, Pearl & Lawrence Clemens, Amelia & Pat Conway, II, Frank & Mary Wallerich, Elizabeth Clemens
Front row: Betty Clemens, Mary Lou Wallerich, Pat Conway, III, Noreen & Carl Clemens, Joe Wallerich

May 1, 1947: Death of Mary Barbara (Schmidt) Wallerich (age 90), the mother of Frank Peter Wallerich, in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Prayer Card:

May 1947: Burial of Mary Barbara (Schmidt) Wallerich at Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota


Apr 22, 1950: Marriage of Mary Catherine Evers & Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich, the 1st of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Conception (a small town near Kellogg), Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Margery Ann Wallerich, Jon Joseph Wallerich, Joyce Marie Wallerich, Marla Jean Wallerich, Jean Marie Wallerich, Jerry Matthew Wallerich, Mark Allen Wallerich

Wedding party: Mary Lou Rutz, Dorothy Klees, Mary Evers & Joe Wallerich, Bob Wallerich, Ted Evers

Apr 22, 1950: Marriages from the Minnesota Official Marriage System:
Name Joseph M Wallerich
Marriage Date 22 Apr 1950
Marriage Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Spouse Mary C Evers
Certificate Number Mw 498
URL https://moms.mn.gov/
May 18, 1950: U.S. Federal Census, Pepin, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Name Frank Wallerick [Frank Wallerich]
Age 59
Birth Date abt 1891
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Pepin, Wabasha, Minnesota
Street Name Going East on Country Road #27
House Number 2 Mile
Apartment Number On Left
Dwelling Number 45
Farm Yes
Occupation Farmer Assesssor
Industry Farm County Wk
Occupation Category Wk
Hours Worked 96
Worker Class Own Business
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Frank Wallerick Age 59, Head, born Minnesota, Farm Assessor, Farm County work
Mary A Wallerick Age 50, Wife, born Minnesota, Farm Helper, Farm
Robert M Wallerick Age 19, Son, born Minnesota, Farm Helper, Farm
Francis C Wallerick Age 15, Son, born Minnesota, Farm Helper, Farm
Norbert J Wallerick Age 12, Son, born Minnesota
Oct 28, 1950: Marriage of Leon Edward Rutz & Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Wallerich, the 2nd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Five children: Janet Lee Rutz, Judith Rutz, Jolyne Ann Rutz, James Leon Rutz, John Francis Rutz

Wedding party: Muriel Jacoby (friend), Inez (Rutz) Partington (Leon’s sister), Mary Lou Wallerich & Leon Edward Rutz, Robert “Bob” Wallerich (Mary Lou’s brother), Lyle Rutz (Leon’s brother):

Oct 28, 1950: Minnesota Official Marriage System:
Name Mary Lou Wallerich
Marriage Date 28 Oct 1950
Marriage Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Spouse Leon E Rutz
Certificate Number Mw 622
Leon Edward Rutz: Aviation student, 1943:

Leon Edward Rutz: U.S. Army Air Forces, World War II (Jul 9, 1943–Nov 12, 1945):

1952-1954: Military service, United States Army, Robert Michael Wallerich, the 3rd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens

May 30, 1953: Death of Frank Peter Wallerich (aged 62), 6th of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt, and the husband of Mary Ann Clemens, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; lung cancer
Jun 2, 1953: Burial of Frank Peter Wallerich at Saint Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Jun 3 or 4, 1953: Obituary for Frank Peter Wallerich:
Last Rites For
Frank Wallerich Held
On Tuesday
Frank P. Wallerich, 62, lifelong Wabasha resident, died at St. Mary’s hospital, Rochester, at nine o’clock Saturday evening, May 30th, following a month’s illness. Following his death, an autopsy revealed that carcinoma of the lung was the cause of death. He had been hospitalized at Rochester for two weeks.
Deceased was born on a farm on Pepin Hill, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wallerich, pioneers of this county. He attended rural school and St. Felix, and followed the occupation of farming.
On September 9, 1924, he married Miss Mary Clemens at Rochester, who with four sons and a daughter, survive. They are: Joseph, Francis and Norbert, at home; Mrs. Leon Rutz (Mary Lou) of Lake City; and Pvt. Robert Wallerich of Ft. Monroe, Virginia. He also leaves two brothers and a sister, John of Excelsior; and Mike of St. Paul, and Sister M. Leoba of Chicago, of the Notre Dame Order.
Funeral services with a requiem High Mass by Monsignor J. N. Bartholome was solemnized at St. Felix church at nine o’clock Tuesday morning, June 2. Pall bearers were: Frank Biever, Bell Dreese, William Goertz, Joe Passe, Clarence Majerus and Alvin Johnson. Burial was in St. Felix cemetery.
The body was at the Wise Funeral Home until the time of burial Tuesday morning. Mr. Wallerich was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Wabasha Council No. 881.
Jul 1954: Mary Catherine (Evers) Wallerich w/1st child Margery, Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, Joe Wallerich:

Oct 27, 1956: Marriage of Orlene Janice Van Houten & Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich, the 3rd of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Two children: David Lee Wallerich, Susan Kay Wallerich

Wedding party: Robert & Janice 2nd and 3rd from left, with Van Houton attendants:

Oct 27, 1956: Minnesota Official Marriage System:
Name Robert Michael Wallerich
Marriage Date 27 Oct 1956
Marriage Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Spouse Orlene Janice Vanhouten
Certificate Number My 123
URL https://moms.mn.gov/
Sep 12, 1959: Marriage of Mary Patricia “Mary Pat” Tentis & Francis Carl Wallerich, the 4th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Kellogg, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Six children: Mary Frances Wallerich, Linda Marie Wallerich, Lori Ann Wallerich, Alan John Wallerich, Patrick Carl Wallerich, Lee Alan Wallerich


Sep 12, 1959: Minnesota Official Marriage System:
Name Francis Carl Wallerich
Marriage Date 12 Sep 1959
Marriage Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Spouse Mary Patricia Tentis
Certificate Number My 466
URL https://moms.mn.gov/
1960: Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich, while visiting from Minnesota; with her brother, Carl John Clemens, in front of the dime store he managed at 1644 Haight Street in San Francisco, California:

Mar 3, 1962: Marriage of Janice Marie Smith & Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich, the 5th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; his 1st marriage
Two children: Peter Alan “Pete” Wallerich, Paul Thomas Wallerich

Mar 3, 1962: Minnesota Official Marriage System:
Name Norbert John Wallerich
Marriage Date 3 Mar 1962
Marriage Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Spouse Janice Marie Smith
Certificate Number Mz 219
URL https://moms.mn.gov/

Dec 23, 1976: Minnesota Divorce Index:
Name Norbert J Wallerich
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1938
Age 38
Spouse Name Janice M Wallerich
Spouse Gender Female
Spouse Estimated Birth Year abt 1942
Spouse Age 34
Divorce Date 23 Dec 1976
Divorce County Wabasha
1976: Clemens siblings reunion, Rochester, Minnesota:
Elizabeth Clemens, Carl Clemens, Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, Sister Ann Clemens, Lawrence Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh, Joe Clemens

And this is how they did photos then… Poloraid cameras:
Sister Ann, Elizabeth, Lawrence, Marie (Carl’s wife), Mary, Carl, and Joe:
Siblings Carl Clemens and Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, at their maternal grandfather’s headstone, Jacob “James” Leinen, Sr. (1826–1895), at St. Felix Cemetery in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Jun 1980: Mary (Clemens) Wallerich:

Jun 28, 1980: Clemens reunion for Sister Ann’s Jubilee, Rochester, Minnesota:
Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, Carl Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh, Sister Ann Clemens, Joseph Clemens, Elizabeth Clemens, Agnes (Clemens) Hauser:

1980: Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich w/children: Joseph, Mary Lou, Norbert, Francis, Robert; Mary is seated at right:

Oct 1, 1983: Marriage of Colleen Agnes Anding & Norbert John “Norb” Wallerich, the 5th of 5 children of Frank Peter Wallerich & Mary Ann Clemens, in Byron, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; his 2nd marriage
No children
Oct 1, 1983: Minnesota Official Marriage System:
Name Norbert John Wallerich
Marriage Date 1 Oct 1983
Marriage Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Spouse Colleen Agnes Anding
Certificate Number Mff 293
URL https://moms.mn.gov//
Oct 29, 1989: Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich’s 90th Birthday
l-r: Patrick, Norbert, mother, Mary Wallerich, Mary Lou, Robert, Joseph

May 7, 1994: Death of Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich (age 94), 1st of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, and the wife of Frank Peter Wallerich, in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 7, 1994: Social Security Applications and Claims Index:
Name Mary A Wallerich
[Mary Ann Clemens]
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 29 Oct 1899
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Death Date 7 May 1994
Claim Date 13 Oct 1961
Father Mathew S Clemens
Mother Barbara Nigon
Citizenship or Alien Status U.S. Citizen.
Type of Claim Duplicate Request; Evidence of Identity Only Submitted.
Notes 25 Aug 1982: Name Listed As Mary A Wallerich
May 09, 1994: Post Bulletin.com
Mary A. Wallerich, 94, dies in Wabasha
WABASHA — Mary A. Wallerich, 94, of Wabasha, a former area farm homemaker and retired Lake City housekeeper, died Saturday (May 7, 1994) at St. Elizabeth’s Healthcare Center in Wabasha.
Mary A. Clemens was born Oct. 29, 1899, in Rochester. On Sept. 9, 1924, she married Frank Wallerich in Rochester and they farmed in Pepin Township, Wabasha County, until her husband’s death in 1953. Mrs. Wallerich moved to Lake City in 1957 and was housekeeper for the priests of St. Mary’s Catholic Church until 1975. She lived at Lake City Apartments before entering the St. Elizabeth’s in 1991. She was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church.























Michael A. Wallerich
Mary Barbara Schmidt
1. John Martin Wallerich
1st of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
1st of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
1st of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
5. Mary Wallerich
6th of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
7. Michael Wallerich (twin)
8. Nicholas Wallerich (twin)
10th of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
11th of 11 children of Michael A. Wallerich & Mary Barbara Schmidt
Gordon Clemens says
In the 1910 and 1920 censuses, Dad is listed as Charles J. Clemens. I asked when he lived in Santa Rosa about being called Charles, and he stated, “I was never called Charles, and I have no idea why I was listed as Charles in any census.” I do not know of any other time or record when Dad was referred to as Charles or Charlie. Interestingly, we had two other Catholic nuns among our relatives. LOTS of “new” pictures – great job.
Marian Clemens says
Hi Catherine, you did a marvelous job on this. It is so great to have so many photos. Love reading the stories and seeing the faces that we remember. Bravo!
Catherine Sevenau says
Thank you. John Rutz provided many of the photos. He’s generous with his time and contributions, and wanted to know who’s up next. Aunt Elizabeth is on deck!
Michael Clemens says
Jul 1980: Clemens siblings reunion, Rochester, Minnesota: Lawrence died in 1978 so that is Joseph Clemens
Catherine Sevenau says
Thank you Michael. I corrected the post. Appreciate having your eyes on this. Sometimes I guess, other times the photo is mislabeled, and occasionally I have no clue.