Vincent Leo Werling

On December 5, 1925, Vincent Leo "Vince" Werling was born in Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana. His mother, Marian, was 20 years old, and his father, Vincent, was 22. His parents returned to Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, when he was nine.

Following in the footsteps of his older brother Richard, Vince played football for Calvert High School. He wore his brother's number, #15, on his jersey.  Vince enlisted in the military after high school and served as a Corporal in the US Marines. During World War II, he was stationed in Guam and was honorably discharged. Vince learned the linoleum trade through the GI Bill and became a skilled craftsman at his work. Those that worked with Vince said his ability to do inlaid work was exceptional.

At a Bellevue football game, Vince and Marie first met. During the war, they became pen friends, and after Vince returned to the United States, they were soon engaged. On May 8, 1948, in Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio, he wed Marie Therese Freitas [1927-2023]. Marie was born on July 16, 1927, in Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio. Vince and Marie relocated to Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, where they raised their four children (Kathleen, Michael, MaryBeth and David) in Columbus, Franklin, Ohio. 

At church he became known as the ‘Mr. Lifesaver Man’ because he always passed out lifesavers to the children at his church. He would always remind them of how Jesus is our lifesaver. Vince was a laid-back individual who always kept his word. Vince (known as “Vinnie” to Marie) was well known for his “Vinnie Burgers” – many a late night snack to family and friends.

Vince passed away at the age of 66 on March 19, 1992, in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. He was buried in Sunset Cemetery (Galloway, Ohio). On April 10, 2023, Marie passed away and was laid to rest in Sunset Cemetery with her spouse. 

Maria (Schwemberger) Ritzenthaler

Maria [Gutman] Schwemberger Ritzenthaler was born on 8 August 1839, in Hartheim am Rhein, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.  Her father, Conrad Gutman, was 24, and her mother, Maria Pfrengle, was 25. By the year 1845, Maria's mother had divorced Maria's father and married Ferdinand Schwemberger.

The New York passenger manifest shows the Schwemberger family (Ferdinand, Maria, Maria, Martina and Erastus) arrived in America on 16 September 1854 on the ship named Southampton. The manifest also shows that each family member carried one box with all their belongings with them to make a new home in America. Maria took her step-father's surname on the immigration log and did so the remainder of her life.

At the age of seventeen years old, Maria married Franz Joseph Ritzenthaler on 26 May 1857, in Sandusky, Erie, Ohio. They had eight children (seven boys, one girl). Franz died two months before his youngest son, Albert, was born.

Granddaughter, Madeline (Ritzenthaler) Freitas spoke fondly of her grandmother, remembering a time when she stayed with her while her sister, Esther, had diphtheria. Madeline described her as a great cook and "a dear one, a Saint!"

Maria was seventy-one years old when she died of a stroke on 16 October 1910, in Sandusky, Erie, Ohio, and was buried at St. Mary's cemetery.

Emma Elizabeth (Knight) Freitas

When Emma Elizabeth Knight was born on 16 October 1869, in Buffalo, Erie, New York, her father, John, was 36, and her mother, Bridget (nee Brennan), was 21. She was the third oldest among six children. Her father, John, was born in England and her mother, Bridget, born in Ireland which made her generation the first to be American born.

Emma's father died in 1887 when Emma was just seventeen years old. This led to her seeking work to help her mother and younger siblings. Emma became the house maid for John and Mary Ann (nee Lattimer) Freitas family on the 'island' known as the seawall strip. According to daughter-in-law, Madeline (Ritzenthaler) Freitas, Captain George gave Emma a diamond ring which she wore on a chain around her neck. One day the chain fell out of her dress where it was made known of their engagement.

At the age of twenty years old, Emma married Captain George Francis Freitas on 17 March 1890, in her hometown. A devout Catholic, they married at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Their first child was born later that year. They had six children within 15 years. 

Captain George moved their family from Buffalo, Erie, New York to Sandusky, Erie, Ohio in 1903. Emma was an active worker of St. Brigid's parish. She was an avid gardener and could be seen walking through her yard taking care of each of her flower beds. Emma loved playing cards and would often enjoy an afternoon with the ladies in the "Five Hundred Club." Emma had a kind heart and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. 

Emma died on 28 February 1924, in Sandusky, Erie, Ohio, at the age of 54, and was buried at the Oakland Cemetery.  Emma's death certificate stated her cause of death as "organic head disease" which typically meant having a form of dementia.