Miss Luise Gretchen Kink-Heilmann

Who was Luise Gretchen Kink-Heilmann?

Luise Gretchen Kink-Heilmann was a young Titanic survivor who embarked on the ill-fated voyage at just 4 (four) years old. Born on April 8, 1908, in Zürich, Switzerland, she was one of the youngest passengers to survive the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Family Background

Luise was born to Anton Kink and Luise Heilmann, who married four weeks after her birth. Her Swiss nationality and young age made her a notable passenger among the third-class travelers on the Titanic.

A Family Affair on the Titanic

The Kink-Heilmann family boarded the Titanic together at Southampton, embarking on what they hoped would be a journey to a new life. Luise was accompanied by:

Her father, Anton Kink
Her mother, Luise Kink-Heilmann
Her aunt, Maria Kink

The Titanic Journey

What were the details of Luise’s Titanic voyage?

Class: 3rd Class
Ticket Number: 315153
Fare: £22 6s
Cabin: Located at the stern, shared with her mother, aunt, and three other women

The family’s decision to travel on the Titanic was likely motivated by the promise of a better life in America, a common dream for many third-class passengers of the time.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, young Luise experienced a terrifying ordeal that would shape the rest of her life.

“On the night of the sinking she and her parents were rescued in lifeboat 2.”

This simple statement belies the chaos and fear that must have surrounded the young child as she was ushered into one of the last lifeboats to leave the sinking ship.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic experience impact Luise’s life?

The impact of surviving such a monumental disaster at such a young age cannot be overstated. Luise’s life after the Titanic was marked by both hardship and resilience.

Grew up on her parents’ rented farm outside Milwaukee
Stayed with her mother after her parents’ divorce
Left school at a young age to earn money

Personal Life and Family

In 1932, at the age of 24, Luise married Harold Pope. Their life together included:

Four children (three girls, one boy)
Later divorce
A subsequent relationship with “Al” Kenyon

Career and Health Struggles

Luise Kink-Pope was known for her strong work ethic, continuing to work well into her eighties. Throughout her life, she faced numerous health challenges:

Tuberculosis
Arthritis
Breast cancer

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Luise Gretchen Kink-Heilmann passed away on August 25, 1992, at the age of 84 (eighty-four). Her legacy lives on through:

4 children
17 grandchildren
14 great-grandchildren

She was laid to rest beside her mother at Sunnyside-cemetery in Milwaukee, a final testament to the bond between mother and daughter that survived the Titanic disaster and the challenges of life thereafter.

Connections to Other Titanic Passengers

Luise’s Titanic experience connected her to several other passengers, including:

These connections highlight the intertwined fates of many Titanic passengers, particularly those traveling in third class.

Reflections on a Life Shaped by History

Luise Gretchen Kink-Heilmann’s life story is a remarkable testament to human resilience. From surviving one of the most famous maritime disasters in history at a tender age to overcoming personal and health challenges throughout her life, Luise embodied the spirit of perseverance. Her journey from a young Titanic survivor to a matriarch of a large family serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of historical events on individual lives.