1911 - 2008

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• Birth	03 Jan 1911	Alva, Woods, Oklahoma
  Gender	Female
  Died	16 Sep 2008	Grants, New Mexico
  Person ID	I0280	Kletke-Durham
  Last Modified	23 Jul 2009
  Father	Edward Gustav Kletke,   b. 26 Oct 1873, Alexen, East Prussia, Germany ,   d. 28 Sep 1947, Alva, Woods, Oklahoma
  Mother	Ida Louisa Augustin,   b. 18 Jan 1880,   d. 31 Oct 1934, Alva, Woods, Oklahoma
  Married	29 May 1898	Germany
  Family ID	F017	Group Sheet
  Family 1	Walter H. Otte
  Family ID	F118	Group Sheet
  Family 2	Robert Clarence Tecklenburg,   b. 16 May 1912, Sawyer, New Mexico ,   d. 6 Dec 2001, Gallup, New Mexico
  Married	14 May 1943
  Notes	I am Martha Kletke Tecklenburg, the youngest of the E.G. Kletke family. I was born on our farm on January 3, 1911. I was baptized on March 16, 1911 and confirmed by Rev. Walter Meyer in 1932. My education began in Oklahoma but changed when we moved to New Mexico in 1918. I graduated from Las Vegas, New Mexico High School in 1929. After attending classes at Normal University that summer, I received a temporary teaching certificate. In the fall of 1929, I had my first teaching position. After three years, I continued my education in Alva, receiving my Bachelors Degree. My next school was in Hope, New Mexico where I taught math and science. Three years later I moved to Gallop, New Mexico where I taught Junior High math and science and girls PE. Going to school every summer and taking correspondence classes, I received my Masters Degree in 1961. I then changed to the position of teaching math in high school until I retired. I met Robert Clarence Tecklenburg, son of Herman and Florence Tecklenburg, during my first year in Gallop, NM. We were married on May 14, 1943. Bob was baptized in December of 1943 by Rev. Dale Schmidt of Albuquerque. After 42 years of teaching I retired and did child care service which I really enjoyed since we were no blessed by having children. We are both retired enjoying life serving others and our community when we can.
  Family ID	F119	Group Sheet

• Photos	Robert & Martha Tecklenburg
  	Robert & Martha Tecklenburg
  	Harold Kletke Family Back Row: Elisha Randall, Louis Engelken, Bob Tecklenburg, Martha Tecklenburg, Theresa Kletke Front Row: Erna Randall, Ella Engelken, Hilda Kletke, Edward Kletke, Harold Kletke
  	Kletke Family Martha Tecklenburg, Harold Kletke, Ella Engelken, Hilda Kirmse & Erna Randall
  Headstones	Robert & Martha (Kletke) Tecklenburg Headstone for Robert & Martha (Kletke) Tecklenburg

• Notes

  I was born out at our farm in Alva Oklahoma. It must have been near the midnight hour because mother said I was born January 2, but when dad and I got my birth certificate it said January 3. So I am a day younger than I thought I was or am. When I was 8 years old we moved to Optimo, New Mexico, so my life is mostly New Mexico. In 1924, we moved to Aqua Fria, New Mexico, on the Moreno Valley. A beautiful place, but cold. We had lots of snow and cold weather. During the winter much of our going from her to there was by bob sled with a covered top and straw to sit on. We kids thought it was great. On we would go by a one seat sled on horse back. Snow drifts were high, the fences were covered. We had a 27 foot drift between the house and our small 2 hole shanty we visited often. When my brother Harold and I were ready for high school we went to Las Vegas, New Mexico. After I finished high school, I attended New Mexico Highlands University for 6 weeks to get a provisional Teachers Certificate to teach. I was given a job at Costilla, New Mexico right on the Colorado-New Mexico border line. All the children spoke Spanish. I taught there for 3 years. My salary was $52.00 per month. I paid $16 for room and board and saved enough to attend summer school. In 1934 we moved to Oklahoma and there I continued my education and received my Bachelors Degree in 1938. After receiving my degree, I taught at Gate, Oklahoma, where I had six children: 3 eighth graders, one sixth , one third and one beginner. I was all in control. I was A.) Superintendent, B.) Principal, C.) Teacher, D.) Nurse, and E.) Custodian. I tried my best. By the time I was ready for a change, I sent out applications for a job. Next, I got a job at Hope, New Mexico, not too far from where my sister Hildegard was teaching. I taught Math, Social Studies, and girls P.E. As the girls P.E. teacher I was responsible for the gymnastics and cheer leaders. It was hard but lots of fun too. Three years later I landed in Gallup, New Mexico, teaching math, science, and P.E. at the Gallup Jr. High. This was a most enjoyable year, and new experiences. By the time school came to a close, I didn't go home but got married. A new chapter began. Since I got married, I couldn't teach. Married women weren't allowed to teach in Gallup. So I worked in a jewelry store until I was asked to teaclva, Hilda threw a party and meldren. A real challenge but very rewarding. And then we got my brother's 4 year old twins, Joyce and Jason, to care for. How wonderful since we had no children of our own. By this time, my husband Bob quit the railroad and we moved to Taos, New Mexico. While there my brother took the twins back with him and I got a job teaching at the Taos Pueblo School. After 3 years we were ready for another change. Bob got a job at Kelsey Indian Trading Co. and I got a job at the Zuni Day School at Zuni. A couple of years later, the Indian Schools consolidated with Gallup McKinley Schools and that gave Bob a job at the schools as head maintenance and I taught math and P.E. at the New Zuni High School. After living at Zuni 8 years we decided to transfer to Gallup, New Mexico, and buy our home. At first I taught at the Junior High School, but in a couple of years I transferred to the Gallup High School where I spent the rest of my teaching career. During my teaching career in Gallup, I was honored by the Future Teachers of America as "Teacher of the Year". I was then asked to join the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers Sorority and be their first President. Finally, and to my surprise, I was admitted into the New Mexico Teacher's Association Hall of Fame. After retirement, I substituted in the math department in both Junior and Senior High Schools. I didn't enjoy that as much as I though I would so I soon quit that. Now what would I do? I decided to do child care. My first on was a tiny one, a boy. Then I got another one and additions came fast until I had 7. What a wonderful family I had. Now they range from lawyers, to doctors, nurses, teachers, and the last one is now in the 5th grade. What a great life. Now I do my housework, struggle with reading and sewing. My husband has a nice shop where he spends most of his time. Together, we enjoy our church, square dancing once a week, and drives out in the country sides taking in the spectacular sights. Martha Tecklenburg; September, 1996 ______________________________________________ Silver hair, black sweater/pants with silver-turquoise necklace - - - Sharp!!! 95 Standing in doorway, trim, straight, smiling, greeting guests (most by name) - - - Impressive!!! 95 Bones intact, walking straight, positive attitude, 'healthy and fit' doctors declare - - - Incredible!!! 95 Living alone, maintaining her house, finances, arranging activities at senior center - - - Unbelievable!!! 95 God willing, our Great Aunt Martha may have a chance for 100 A Centenarian Now wouldn't that be something. Dale 1/8/2006