Ub Iwerks parents: Meet Laura May Iwwerks & Eert Ubbe Iwwerks

Ub Iwerks’ Roots: Unveiling the Lives of Laura May Iwwerks & Eert Ubbe Iwwerks

Ub Iwerks, the pioneering animator and creative genius behind some of Disney’s most iconic characters, had a humble beginning rooted in the heartland of America. To understand the man behind the magic, let’s delve into the lives of Ub Iwerks’ parents—Laura May Iwwerks and Eert Ubbe Iwwerks.

A Daughter of Harlem, Missouri

Laura May Wagner, born on July 24, 1874, in Harlem, Missouri, was the elder of two daughters born to Alexander and Louisa Wagner. Growing up in the heartland, Laura May was witness to the changing landscapes of the late 19th century.

Her journey would take an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with Eert Ubbe Iwwerks.

Eert Ubbe Iwwerks

Eert Ubbe Iwwerks, a skilled barber, was the man who won Laura May’s heart.

The couple exchanged vows around 1895, laying the foundation for a family that would eventually include a son who would make an indelible mark on animation history—Ubbe Ert Iwerks, known to the world as Ub Iwerks.

Ub Iwerks’ Early Years

Ub Iwerks was born Ubbe Ert Iwwerks on March 24, 1901, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The son of a barber and a homemaker, Ub inherited both his father’s creative spirit and his mother’s resilience. However, life took a challenging turn for the Iwerks family.

Family Challenges and Ub’s Responsibilities

According to Ub Iwerks’ great-granddaughter, Eert Iwwerks left his family when Ub was still a young teenager, forcing him to drop out of school to support his mother, Laura May.

In the absence of his father, Ub became the man of the house, shouldering responsibilities that would shape his character and determination.

The Passing of Laura May and Eert

Laura May Iwwerks, a woman who endured challenges and upheavals, passed away in 1945. Her resilience and sacrifices undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Ub Iwerks’ character. Eert Ubbe Iwwerks, the father who left his family, passed away in 1971.

The complexities of family dynamics and the challenges faced by Ub Iwerks in his formative years became an integral part of his journey toward becoming an animation pioneer.