Mrs Luise Kink-Heilmann

Who was Luise Kink-Heilmann?

Luise Kink-Heilmann was a 26 (twenty-six) year-old third-class passenger on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on March 21, 1886, in Germany, she survived the tragic sinking and lived a long life, passing away at the age of 93 (ninety-three) on October 16, 1979. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and the lasting impact of the Titanic disaster on its survivors.

Early Life and Background

German Roots and Marriage

Luise Heilmann was born in Germany, holding both German and Swiss nationality. On May 5, 1908, at the age of 22 (twenty-two), she married Anton Kink, who was also 22 at the time and hailed from Mahrensdorf, Austria. The couple welcomed their daughter, Luise Gretchen Kink-Heilmann, on April 8, 1908, just four weeks before their wedding.

Life in Zürich

After their marriage, the Kink family settled in Zürich, Switzerland. They resided at 66 Hornbachstrasse until March 31, 1912, shortly before embarking on their fateful journey to America.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Kink family board the Titanic?

Like many passengers, the Kink family was likely seeking new opportunities in America. They boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers, along with Anton’s siblings, Maria Kink and Vinzenz Kink.

Cabin Arrangements

Luise and her young daughter shared cabin R190 with several other passengers:

• Aloisia Haas
• Josefine Arnold-Franchi
• Maria Kink (Luise’s sister-in-law)

Ticket and Fare Details

• Ticket Number: 315153
• Fare: £22 6s

The Night of the Disaster

How did Luise and her family survive the sinking?

On the night of April 14, 1912, Anton Kink woke Luise after the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg. The women quickly dressed, and the family managed to reach the Boat Deck. In the chaos, Anton’s brother and sister were tragically lost.

Luise and her daughter were fortunate enough to secure places in lifeboat 2. Initially, Anton had to stay behind, but as the boat was being lowered, he made a daring jump into it, reuniting the family.

Life After the Titanic

Settlement in Milwaukee

After their rescue by the Carpathia, the Kink family traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Anton leased a farm outside the city, where they attempted to build a new life.

Personal Struggles and Second Marriage

“Why do you want to know that?”

Luise’s life after the Titanic was marked by personal challenges:

• She divorced Anton in 1919
• Never learned to speak English well
• Became increasingly reclusive
• Later married a Mr. Kroepfl

Luise rarely spoke about her Titanic experience, often responding to questions with tears and the above quote.

A Rare Reflection

In 1974, at the age of 88 (eighty-eight), Luise made a rare statement about her Titanic experience:

“Being in the lifeboat, waiting for the Carpathia, never had I thought, I would live to grow as old as I’m now.”

Legacy and Final Years

Luise Kink-Heilmann’s life spanned nearly a century, from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. Her daughter, Luise, cared for her in her final years until her death on October 9, 1979, at the age of 93 (ninety-three).

Luise was laid to rest at Sunnyside Cemetery in Milwaukee, carrying with her a unique piece of history as one of the last survivors of the Titanic disaster.

Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the long-lasting impact of that fateful night on their lives. Luise Kink-Heilmann’s journey from a young mother on the Titanic to a long-lived survivor offers a poignant glimpse into the human stories behind one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.