Katherine (Helzer) Schnell Family
Both of Katherine (Helzer) Schnell's parents were born in Norka, Russia. Her father, George Conrad Helzer was born on the 20th of October in 1885. George married Elizabeth Weidenkeller who was born September 5, 1883 in Norka. George and Elizabeth were married in Norka on February 14, 1906 and Katherine Helzer was born in the colony on June 12, 1912. She was five years old during the Russian Revolution. The Helzer family immigrated to Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada in 1925.
Katherine married Emmanuel Schnell on December 24, 1933 in Calgary, Canada. Emmanuel Schnell's family also descends from Norka. His parents are John Schnell, born July 15, 1891 in Norka and Amelia Stertz, born September 10, 1892 in Norka. The Schnell's immigrated to Stony Plain, Canada in 1911 and Emmanuel was born in this town on May 11, 1912.
Photograph and information provided by Michelle Monson. Michelle's great-grandfather, George Conrad Helzer, can be see with the open doorway directly behind him, his head is framed between two other men.
More information on this family can be seen on Michelle Monson's family heritage website.