Johanna Maria Rehr was born in Landkirchen, Isle of Fehmarn, Germany, February 18, 1845, and died in Manning, Iowa, September 19, 1915, Age 70 years and 7 months. She was married to Jacob Kortum December 12, 1867, in Landkirchen. They came to America, and settled at Walnut, Iowa, May 9, 1881. Moved to a farm near Manning in 1886. They have made their home in Manning since March 1912.

To them were born 13 children, four of whom died while very young. The living are as follows: Jacob F. Kortum, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Fritz, wife of Jack Fritz, of Manning; Peter Kortum, of Worthington, Minnesota; Mrs. Meta Shafenberg, wife of Charles.