LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
November 26, 1912

KEHRBERG-DONLIN WEDDING
Ceremony Performed at Methodist Parsonage in Merrill

Merrill Record: Herbert E. Kehrberg and Miss Nellie I. Donlin, both of this
place, were married last evening in the Methodist parsonage, Rev. A. J.
Barkley officiating. The ceremony was witnessed by relatives of the
contracting parties.

Immediately after the ceremony, the bridal party went to the beautiful and
commodious country residence of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kehrberg, where a
splendid wedding reception was given the newly wedded young people. Upwards
of seventy-five people were present to offer their congratulations and
compliments.

The bride is the eldest daughter of Mrs. Joseph Donlin. For the past three
or four years, she has been one of Plymouth county’s most successful school
teachers and is a young lady of grace and refinement. Herbert E. Kehrberg is
a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kehrberg, prominent citizens of this community.
He is a splendid young man, industrious and of the strictest integrity. The
newly wedded young people will go to farming on the Kehrberg farm in the
spring.

Herbert E. Kehrberg Family 

Herbert E. Kehrberg was born and raised on a farm southeast of Merrill which his father had purchased in 1875.  He began his own farming career in 1912 after his marriage to Nellie Donlin.  He retired from the farm in 1951 when his son, Bud, started farming.  During that time he was an active participant in many of the Merrill community affairs and projects.  He was the “Negro Mammie” in the famous “Woman-less Wedding” presented at the high school auditorium back in the 1920s.  He served on the first committee to organize the Merrill Community Fire Truck Association.  He was active in the Merrill “Ag Days.”  Many will remember his entries in the Ag Days parades—“Old Babe” and all her colts. Herb was proud of his string of horses.

Herb served for 18 years as a School Director.  He worked tirelessly to help bring the R E A into this area.  He found time to manage the Plymouth Township Farm Bureau baseball team in the late 20s and early 30s.  He served many years on the Plymouth Township A.S.C. Committee.

He was a member of the K. P. and “Odd Fellows” lodges, which were active in the community at one time and also active member of the Masons.  On top of his long list of activities was his church; he served for many years on the board and as an usher of the Methodist church.

His family was never neglected because they were beside him to give him moral support and also to serve their community and church in their own right.  Mrs. Kehrberg was active in the Ladies Aid and later W.S.C.S. of the Methodist church, holding numerous offices.  She, too, served on the church board and also taught Sunday School and was a Sunday School Superintendent.  Now in 1972, she is still a member of the Merrill Tuesday Club and the Merrill Chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America.  She was a member of the Plymouth County Board of Education for 18 years.

Their three daughters, Ethel, Irene and Darlene all were Sunday School teachers.  Irene and Darlene along with their brother Bud sang in the church choir and were all active in “Epworth League.”  Darlene also played in the Merrill town band. 

~Source: Merrill Centennial 1872-1972, pp. 159-160