Welcome!

This blog is dedicated to my parents, brothers, sister, and cousins who are descendants of Johannes (John) Gutke and Johanna Mork Gutke (pictured above). I am in the process of posting everything I have, so that I can back up documents/photos and also access the info from any location. There are likely to be mistakes, so check back often and feel free to comment if you have corrections!

Sincerely,

Deniane Gutke Kartchner

Denianek@gmail.com


El Paso Herald article about Thelma

El Paso Herald, June 29, 1920
Suit Rejected, Salesman Kills Girl and Self

Douglas Ariz, June 29.--Following a rejection of marriage, William F. Smith, employed in the men's furnishings department of a local store, late last night shot and killed Miss Thelma Gutke, 17 year old girl, also employed as a cashier in the same store. As the girl fell, Smith turned the weapon on himself. A bullet entered his heart and he fell dead on the pavement beside his companion.

Smith is said to have proposed to several girls during the past few months. His home is in West Virginia. A companion of the dead girl said Miss Gutke was "going with" Smith because he was the only man her father would permit her to keep company with.

Mrs. Carl Gutke, mother of the dead girl, left for Salt Lake City several days ago to visit relatives there. Miss Gutke was to follow next month.

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88084272/1920-06-29/ed-1/seq-12/

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