The Leigh World publishes a weekly column entitled Looking Back at the World, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Leigh World files. A special thank you to the Leigh World for allowing me to reprint those articles. The following are selections from that column:
July 4, 1947 - republished March 21, 2001
Miss Georgia Ann Busse became the bride of John Larson, of Creston in a late June ceremony read by the Rev. Karl Gigstad at St. John’s Lutheran Church at three o’clock. Bouquets of early summer flowers were the altar decorations.On June 28th in the District Court Room in Columbus with District Judge Louis Lightner and R.A. Robinson presiding, memorial services were held in honor of the late Joseph J. Jiranek, prominent Columbus attorney, who died on February 21, 1947.
Mrs. Lydia Wilder Armstrong died at the home of her daughter, Maud, Mrs. Frank Tedford of DeKalb, Illinois, following a lingering illness of several years which confined her to her bed for 22 months. Funeral rites were held from the Holmes Funeral Home at Leigh where Rev. A.R. Hyatt conducted the service. Two favorite hymns, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” and “Will There by Any Stars in My Crown,” sung by Mrs. Leonard Hobel and accompaniment by Mrs. John Wullschleger.
Pallbearers were Julius Moeller, Henry Folken, Ben Wolken, Louis Sedlacek and Ray Olson.
Mrs. Lydia Wilder Armstrong was born in Tennessee, September 21, 1869 and died in DeKalb, Illinois, on June 29, 1947, at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 8 days.
She was married to Emmett Armstrong, in Lincoln in June 14, 1888. From Lincoln they moved to Missouri Valley, then to Leigh in 1910, which remained their home till 1938, when they went to make their home with their son, Dale and his wife. On June 14, 1938, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and soon after, Mr. Armstrong became ill and passed away, March 5, 1939.
Mrs. Armstrong has since made her home with Dale and of late with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Tedford in DeKalb, Illinois. Mrs. Armstrong had six brothers John, Jim, Will, Joe, George and Hardy, one sister, Laura, all of who preceded her in death.
Mrs. Armstrong was a home loving Christian woman and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at DeKalb.
She is survived by 11 of her 12 children: Maud, Mrs. Frank Tedford of DeKalb, Illinois; Pear, Mrs. Bert Ammons of Leigh; Clarence of DeKalb, Illinois; Elmer of Omaha; Goldie, Mrs. Henry Siebrasse of DeKalb, Illinois; Florence, Mrs. Dennis Alles of Yoder, Wyoming; Josephine, Mrs. I.F. Hoffman of Norfolk; Lester of Howells; Roy of Tekamah; Dora, Mrs. Eric Sump of Powell, Wyoming; and Dale of Howells
One son Chester, died in infancy. There are 47 grand children and 33 great grand children.
July 11, 1947 - republished March 28, 2001
Miss Luella Hockemeier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hockemeier of Fort Dodge, Iowa, became the bride of Ernest Wendland, son of Mrs. Fred Wendland of Richars, Iowa, in a double ring ceremony, solemnized on June 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rockwell City, Iowa, with Rev. Schaefer officiating.Dr. and Mrs. Glen C. Fonda announce the marriage of their daughter, Margaret Elaine to Mr. Merlin C. Moran on July 3, in Grand Island.
Dr. H.D. Kuper reports a boy born to Mr. and Mrs. James Kmoch at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
Fred Gigax received a broken ankle and a cut nose when a car in which he was riding collided with a truck near Valley. Charley Paul of Millard, owner and driver of the car, Mr. Gigax and Charley Marx had been to Millard to the ball game and were on their way home when the collision occurred. Mr. Paul had two broken ribs and bruises. Mr. Marx, who was riding in the back seat, was uninjured.
Both car and truck were badly damaged.
July 18, 1947 - republished March 28, 2001
Miss Florence Fowler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Weslep Fowler, became the bride of Richard Lee Hill of Lincoln at a double ring, formal ceremony at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lincoln, at 6:00 p.m.W.B. Kemper trucked 39 head of choice white faced heifers to Omaha. They averaged 818 lbs. and were sold by John Clay and Co. for $29.00 per cwt, topping the market, which was the highest price paid for heifers since January.
Mr. and Mrs. Arlo Ahrens of Milwaukee are the parents of a six lb. nine oz. baby girl named Linda Lee, born July 12.
Mrs. Ahrens was formerly, Leona Feye.Mrs. Ernest Held and family were surprised when her son, Dennis, came home with his bride, formerly Martha Fuhr. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Held were married the day before at the Presbyterian Parsonage at Red Wood Falls, Minnesota.
Eugene, son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Heitz, celebrated his 7th birthday at the Club house, when his guests were: Robert Hauk, Kenneth Barjenbruch, David Stepan, Leon, Gaylia Rae and Jean Marie Severin, David Kuper, Dester DeeKes, Jerry and Larry Dickie, Beverly, Jacky, Dale, and Deane, Virginia, and Roger Wurdeman, Saundra Jean, Gerold and Donald Wurdeman, Bobby Callies, Mrs. Walter Wurdeman, Mrs. Archie Severin, Mrs. Mildred Kafka, Miss Rosebud Heitz and Mrs. Edwin Wurdeman.
Mrs. John Odenreider of Scribner, undersent a head operation at the Methodist Hospital.
Mrs. Odenreider is a sister of Mrs. Edith Callies and Mrs. Ben Walken.Dr. H.D. Kuper reports a baby girl born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hellbusch of Humphrey, at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus. Mrs. Hellbusch is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Grotelueschen.
Friends have received word of the severe illness of Mrs. Joe Avery, formerly Romaine Staab, who underwent a major operation at the Immanuel Hospital in Omaha on July 5th.
July 25, 1947 - republished March 28, 2001
Rose Marie Grotelueschen was among the class of student nurses who were awarded their caps at the capping exercises held July 6, in the chapel of Fort Wayne (Ind.) Lutheran Hospital.A son, weighing 7 lbs. and 6 oz. was born to Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby, July 13.
William Hespe, 73, is believed to have the longest busines record of any Leigh business men.
Hespe and Sons Hardware has been doing business at its present location for 36 years. Prior to that time, Mr. Hespe worked in the carpenter trade for 20 years.
Leaving Oldnbeugh [sic], Germany with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hespe, at the age of 6, he has spent his life in this community.
"My boy, Arnold, celebrated the Fourth of July by having a sandwich and a cup of coffee in the house where I was born," Mr. Hespe said and his eyes shone as he told that Arnold is now stationed in the English Zone at Frankfurt and Maine and is employed in the Main office of American Headquarters. Mr. Hespe had four sons in the service, Paul, Arnold, Loren and Harold. He has two other sons, Arthur and Edward and two daughters, Alice and Mrs. Elmer Wurdeman.
Arthur and Loren are in the hardware business with their father.Baskets of white lilacs, spirea, peonies, and snowballs, with lighted tapers in candelabra, decorated the Congregational Church at Valley City, on June 22, for a two o'clock wedding of Caryl Ernestine Nelson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Nelson, Valley City, and Merle Calvin Knutson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Knutson, Brant, South Dakota.
A 7 lb. boy, named Gregory Leigh, was born July 15 to Mr. and Mrs. John Stanley of Big Springs, Nebraska.
Allen Sander, youngest son of Mrs. Fred Sander, now has his offices in London, England.
Allen graduated from Creston High and then attended Midland College, majoring in Mathematics. He enlisted in the Army and was sent to the Massachusetts College of Technology, where he studied meteorology. He served during the remainder of the war as a meteorologist, charting airplane routes across the Atlantic.
Last year, he was sent to Denmark as meteorologist for the American Trans-Atlantic Airways. He recently was appointed district supervisor and transferred to London. Mr. Sander flew to Chicago from Denmark in May to spend Mother's Day with his mother.Arthur Gersib, son of Rev. and Mrs. Bahnsen, was stricken when he entered his car to go to work at Levine Store, when his left lung collapsed. He is at his home at Columbus under a physicians care.
August 1, 1947 - republished April 4, 2001
A group of girls surprised Beverly Kafka on her thirteen birthday anniversary with a wiener roast at Sandy Banks. The girls met at the home of Bonnie Callies. Others present were Katherine Rosicky, Georgeianna Bruhn, Shirley Sumption, Nadine Mrstny, Carolyn Miler and Jackie Kafka.Miss Ramona Reichmuth entertained at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. Reichmuth, the occasion being her 11th birthday.
Guests were Karen Boning, Janice Prang, Janice Muhl, Karen Sander of Stanton, Shirley Hamann, Irma Suchan, Theresa and Marjorie Reichmuth, Mrs. Ed Smykal and daughter, Alice of Omaha, and Marjorie Hamann.A dwelling in south Leigh, owned by Mrs. Anna Wullschleger, was purchased last week by Harry Watchorn for a consideration of $3,000.00. Julius Skoda made the deal.
Dr. and Mrs. W.J. Ritter, Bob, Dick, Carolyn, and Maryjean, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kratochvil and Willard Ditter of Monroe enjoyed a picnic supper at Pawnee Park and then went to the show to celebrate Dr. and Mrs. Ritter’s twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Ogan are the parents of a son born at the hospital in Norfolk.
August 8, 1947 - republished April 4, 2001
Urban Imholte and family left for a month’s vacation trip which will take them into several states. Their first stop will be with a cousin of Mrs. Imholte, Will Damman of Newton, Iowa. Mrs. Imholte’s mother, Mrs. Anna Wullschleger, will accompany them as far as Newton, Iowa, for a visit in the Damman home.
St. Cloud, Minnesota, where Urban was born and raised, will be the Imholte’s next stop. He has not seen the old home town since he was back at the death of his father twenty years ago. Visits will be made in the homes of sisters, Mrs. Robert Myers of Bozeman, Montana, and Mrs. Joseph Locathowe of Portland, Oregon.
John and Eugene Herink will take care of the Imholte farm while the family are away.Mrs. E.J. Sadler and son, James, returned from a three weeks visit with relatives in California. Mrs. Sadler’s mother, Mrs. B.C. Scott, celebrated her 80th birthday, July 25, with three of their eleven children participating. The temperature at Long Beach was very pleasant. “We had to sleep under blankets at night,” Mrs. Sadler related.
They made the return trip by bus and were surprised upon their arrival to find Mr. Sadler had purchased a 1947 Buick Roadmaster and had given the café a new coat of paint.Keith, 4 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. DeForest Jensen, received a green stick fracture of his left arm while at play. It was tended in Dr. Eby’s office.
Prompt response by the Volunteer Fire Department and good water pressure can be credited with keeping a blaze which destroyed a wash house at the Rickerts home, confined to one building.
The building, in the back of the Rickerts house, is occupied by Meyers Rickert. He had a fire in the wash house and thought it was out when he went to the front porch and went to sleep.
Mrs. Kenneth Loseke was awakened by smoke which filled their house and discovered the blaze. Mr. Loseke turned in the alarm and within minutes water was pouring on the flames.
The large shed is a total loss, but neighbors feel fortunate. The wind was blowing a gale and the Loseke house is less than 30 feet from the shed which burned; the garage was even closer. A blaze started on the roof of the Loseke house at one time but was quickly extinguished.Ivona Pieper had two stitches taken in her lower lip following an accident at the pool. She was standing outside the rail after a swim in the pool and someone pushed her over the rail from behind, expecting her to go into the water. Instead, her head went under the rail and she struck her mouth against the cement wall. Her front teeth went entirely through her lip.
Larry Leach struck his leg with pitchfork while stacking hay. He was unable to work for several days.
August 15, 1947 - republished April 11, 2001
William Richard, five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Dasenbrock, of Richmond, California, met death in an automobile near Wasatch, Wyoming, August 8, 1947. Announcement of the little boy’s death, which occurred about 3:30, conveyed in a telephone message from Mr. Dasenbrock to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dasenbrock of Leigh, the same evening.
Accompanying the Dasenbrocks were their small daughter, Patricia Marie, and Mrs. Dasenbrock’s mother and sister, Mrs. Harry Geiger and Jackie of Odgen, Utah. They were enroute home after a week’s visit at Leigh with relatives, the Dasenbrock families and Mrs. Geiger’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Asche.
The accident occurred when a rear tire on the Dasenbrock car blew out. Eye witnesses said the car turned over twice into a ditch. Examination after the accident revealed a front tire also had blown out. The little boy, sitting on the front seat with his parents, was next to a window which was open, crushed beneath the car when it overturned. He lived only a few minutes after being taken from the wreckage. The occupants escaped with minor bruises. The remaines were taken to a funeral home in nearby Evanston, Wyoming, and were sent to Columbus. They were brought to the Holmes Funeral home. They were accompanied by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dasenbrock, and her father, Harry Geiger, of Ogden. Mrs. Geiger and Jackie went on to Ogden, 75 miles distant, following the accident, taking with them the baby daughter of the Dasenbrocks.
“Billy Dick,” as he was affectionately known, was born at Leigh, October 10, 1941, and had reached the age of 5 years, 9 months and 28 days. When he was two years old his parents moved to California. Funeral rites were conducted by Rev. Karl Gigstad, from the home of the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dasenbrock, at 1:30 o’clock. Two hymns “Jesus Loves Me” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” were sung by Norma Neuhaus, Jeanette Hobel, and Marlene Held, with accompaniment by Mrs. Theodore Mrstny.
Flower bearers were Linda Ann Luchsinger, Jean Dasenbrock and Mesdames Edw. Ehlers, Marvin Weber. W.C. Deichman and Marjorie Mackenstadt. Pallbearers were four uncles, Herbert Dasenbrock, of Creston, Maurice and Elmer Dasenbrock of Leigh and Walter Geiger of Schuyler. Honorary bearers were cousins, Wilbur and Richard Dasenbrock of Creston, Dean Houfek of Leigh and John Luchsinger of Richland. Burial was in the Leigh cemetery.
Survivors are the parents and the baby sister, Patricia Marie.Funeral services were conducted at Clarkson for Jos. Belohrad, Sr.
Mr. Belohrad had submitted to an operation the previous week.
Mr. Belohrad was born in Presovice, Moravia, and next February 6th would have reached the age of 79 years. He spent his boyhood in the land of his birth and at the age of 18 years came to America. He came directly to Colfax County and soon after his arrival here took up a job as a farm hand at the Nieman ranch near Schuyler.
Forty-eight years ago Mr. Belohrad was united in marriage to Miss Mary Richtig. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Belohrad established a home on a farm southwest of Clarkson which remained their home until they retired and moved to Clarkson.
Besides his wife, Mr. Belohrad leaves three sons, Joseph of Omaha, Adolph of Leigh, and Valentine of Clarkson, and one daughter, Cylvia at home.Announcement of the death of Mrs. Maggie Bridges which occurred in the Methodist hospital in Omaha was a shock to family and friends. Mrs. Bridges was ill only a short time and had been placed in the hospital on the preceding day. In recent months she had spent considerable time at Columbus helping to care for a sister-in-law, Mrs. Henry Mackenstadt. She had returned to the home of her son, Earl Bridges, a few days ago.
The remains were brought to the Holmes Funeral Home, and funeral services were conducted from the farm home at 1:45 o’clock, to St. John’s Church at 2:30 o’clock. Rev. Gigstad chose for his text Psalms 147-3: He health the borken in heart and bindith up their wounds. Favorite hymns, “Rock of Ages” and “Abide With Me” were sung by a quartet, Mrs. Herman Neuhaus, R.H. Olson, Norma Neuhaus, and J.B. Jenny.
Six nephews served as pall bearers: Otto, Edward and Arthur Mackenstadt, Donadl Maw, Elmer Oeltjen, and Glen Bridges. Floral pieces were carried by neighbors, Mrs. Maurice Dasenbrock, Mrs. Edward Ehlers, Mrs. Arnold Wendt, and Edna Grotelueschen. Interment was in the Leigh Cemetery.
Margaret Mackenstadt was a representative of one of the pioneer families of this community. The youngest daughter of Fred and Helena Mackenstadt, she was born southwest of Leigh in Platte County on April 24, 1882. She died in an Omaha hospital, August 8, 1947, at the age of 65 years, 3 months and 15 days. She was confirmed in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was married to Louis Bridges, October 17, 1916.
They established their home on the Bridges farm 6 miles south of Leigh where Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bridges now reside. That has remained her home with the exception of brief visits among relatives in the Leigh and Columbus communities. Devoted to her home and to her family, Mrs. Bridges will be remembered as a good neighbor and loyal friend.
She is survived by one daughter, Ruth, now Mrs. Edgar Wurdeman, and one son, Earl. There are two grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Mrs. Anna Asche, of Cordova, Maryland, and two brothers Henry and Ben Mackenstadt, of Columbus. One sister, Anna and one brother, William preceded her in death.Miss Phyllis Mohr, former Leigh girl now living in Omaha, became the bride of Robert L. Womacque in a ceremony read by Rev. Lawrence Acker at First Lutheran Church in Omaha, on August 2nd. The ceremony was read at five o’clock p.m., after which a wedding dinner was served at the Blacksone. Places were laid for 15 guests.
Gordon Barrett of Noroc, Oregon was seriously burned while at work remodeling a store building. He works for the Tin and Metal Works Company. While he was up on the building about 15 feet off the ground, a blow torch, he was using with his soldering iron, exploded throwing flaming gasoline over him. His hands were badly burned in his efforts to beat out the flames. He was taken to a local doctor for first aid and later to the hospital. He has second and third dgree burns on his arms, hands, thighs and legs.
Gordon is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Barrett of Creston.
August 22, 1947 - republished April 18, 2001
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Neuhaus are the parents of a boy, born August 8. The baby weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.The Viergutz Lumber and Coal Company Elevator in Creston, Nebraska, burned to the ground when a fire, believed to have originated from faulty wiring, broke out and spread throughout the grain building according to manager, Harry Helmberger.
The blaze was believed to have first originated from the faulty wiring of a motor located in the top of the building, and that a conveyor belt from the motor had burned through and dropped, starting the fire in the base. The elevator had apparently been burning for several minutes before it was discovered by Stanley Bachman and Harold Wardenburg, both of Creston, who turned in the alarm at 1:00 a.m. Exactly three minutes later the Creston Department was at the scene of the blaze. The Leigh and Humphrey firemen were called, arriving in fifteen minutes.
...Elmer Briard had a fortunate hunch two weeks ago. An enormous cottonwood tree in their front yard had died during the past year. The tree was only a few feet from the house and measured about 4 1/2 feet in diameter. Mr. Briard, looking at it a week before, figured that if we had a storm from the west or south and the tree fell it would hit the house, So he put a cable half way up the tree and anchored it south to guide the fall, if it came in that direction.
During the wind last Monday afternoon, the tree fell to the south with a crash heard all over the north side of town. Mr. Briard's driveway will be blocked for some time.
August 29, 1947 - republished April 18, 2001
In a late summer ceremony read by Rev. Karl Gigstad at St. John's Lutheran Church, Miss Esther Charipar became the bride of Gerald C. Bahns. The marches, Lohengrin's, for the processional and Mendelssohn's Wedding March for the recessional, were played by Mrs. Theodore Mrstny.
...Mr. and Mrs. N.L. Westcott drove to Norfolk where they met Mr. and Mrs. Myron Westcott of Omaha and all went to Madison South Dakota, to help Mr. and Mrs. Ray Weuk celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
In a double ceremony at the parsonage of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion, South Dakota, August 23rd, Miss Patricia Ann Engelbart and Mary Lou Engelbart, twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Engelbart of Creston, were united in marriage to Elmer Leffers and Elwin Leffers, sons of Mr. and Mrs. August Leffers, Columbus.
September 5, 1947 - republished April 18, 2001
Miss Rose Ann Bahns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Bahns, became the bride of Dean C. Vlach, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Vlach at an early fall wedding read by Rev. Karl Gigstad at the St. John's Lutheran Church. Mrs. Theodore Mrstny played the marches and accompanied Mrs. Adolph Hobel, who sang "O Promise Me" proceeding the ceremony and "O Perfect Love'< after the ceremony. Basket bouquets decorated the altar.A daughter was born August 19 to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Owen of Carthage, Missouri. She has been named Linda Mae. Mrs. Owen was formerly Shirley Houston. The Owens also have a son, Edward Martin, Jr.
September 12, 1947 - republished April 25, 2001
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Hake are proud parents of a girl born at the Lutheran hospital, Columbus. The baby weighed 8 lbs. Mrs. Hake was formerly Lillian Daniels.Miss Nadine Brauner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brauner of Columbus, became the bride of Dale Bachman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bachman of Creston at an early fall wedding read by Rev. Spehr at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus. Miss Mary Mackenstadt accompanied Miss Mercina Pimpara who sang Wedding March.
Henry Littelman was honored on his 72nd birthday at a picnic supper which was held at his home. Those present for the occasion were Mr. and Mrs. William Littleman, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Littleman of Creston, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Littleman, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Littelman and family and Mrs. Walter Littleman and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dohmen of Madison are the parents of a boy. The baby weighted 7 lbs. and 2 oz. at the St. Mary's Hospital. Mrs. Dohmen was formerly Ruth Steiner.
September 19, 1947 - republished April 25, 2001
The marriage of Miss Dorothy Woslager, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.A. Woslager of Leigh, and Stanley J. Sedlacek, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Sedlacek of David City, was solemnized at St. Mary's Church. Rev. WIlliam Fitzpatrick officiated the double ring ceremony.On August 31st at Gora Pulawski, Poland, John Henry Dasenbrock was married to Miss Esther Williams of Detroit, Michigan. Both contracting parties were relief workers for the American Friends Service Committee.
A boy weighing 7 lbs., 8 1/2 oz., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Mohnsen at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Becher are the parents of a son.
September 26, 1947 - republished April 25, 2001
Miss Blanche Benes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Benes, Sr. and Reinold Hake, son of Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried Hake, was married September 23, at the Lutheran parsonage at 1:30 p.m.Mr. and Mrs. Julius Littelman, Norman and Roger and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hubenka were at Schuyler to attend the funeral of Joseph A. Jonas. Mr. Jonas was an uncle of Mr. Littelman and Mrs. Hubenka.
George Mortimer has sold his half section of land eight miles northeast of Leigh to Waldo Podany of Clarkson. The consideration was $125.00 per acre. The place has been farmed by Anton Novak since Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer retired. One quarter contained buildings and was known as the home place.
LeRoy Folken has purchased the Mrs. Anna Deichmann 80-acre farm southeast of Leigh. The land has been farmed by Glenn Botsch for several years. The price paid was $174.00.Miss Elsie Harder, an early milliner at Leigh, died at Bennington, according to funeral notices in the Daily Press. Funeral rites were held at Zion Lutheran Chruhc, in Bennington with burial in the German Cemetery at that place.
Miss Harder conducted a Millinery establishment at Leigh for many years in the building now owned by J.D. Wurdeman and occupied by his harness shop. She combined dress making with her millinery business. Throughout the years she resided at Leigh, she was an untiring worker in Zion Lutheran congregation and its auxiliary societies. She enjoyed a wide acquaintance and many friends.
Disposing of her business in 1912, she went to Bennington to make her home with relatives but made many trips back to Leigh to visit among friends.
September 26, 1947 - republished May 2, 2001
Funeral services were held for Edward Vitek, 50, at Clarkson whose remains were there from Chicago for burial.
Services were conducted at the New Zion Presbyterian Church by Rev. Rundon of Wahoo, in the absence of Rev. Filip, who had an out of town mission. Pallbearers were members of the American Legion Post.
Edward Viek was born in Clarkson, September 10, 1897. He was the son of the late Joseph and Anna Vitek. He grew to manhood in Clarkson and attended the public school there. In May 1917 he volunteered in the U.S. Army and served 19 months on the Hawaiian Island during World War I.
He was united in marriage to Miss Ida Krofta on June 18, 1925. They established their home in Creston where Mr. Vitek operated a meat market for several years, later moving to Chicago. He has been in failing health for the past few years and passed away September 19, 1947, at Hines Veterans Hospital in Maywood, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Ida; two sons, Kenneth and Larry; a sister, Mrs. Rudolph Novotny, Clarkson; three brothers, Joseph R. and Adolph E. of Clarkson and Frank J., of Buhl, Idaho.Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Larson of Salina, Kansas, are the parents of a daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Milinar are the parents of a daughter.
Cheryl Lee Sander, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Sander, passed away at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. Burial services were held at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery with Rev. Martin Borneman officiating.
Harry Settje of Columbus is in the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus where doctors are striving to save his right arm, which was nearly severed.
Young Settje was operating a large feed grinding machine at the farm of his employer, Ed Mohrman, near Schuyler.
His arm caught in the belt of the grinder, which operates about 1,500 revolutions per minute. The belt pulled him around the wheel by the arm and against the machine. Then threw him onto the ground with great force.
His hand was connected to his arm by only a small amount of flesh and both bones were broken off. His ear was seriously lacerated and he received painful chin and cheek bruises.
At the hospital, the arm bones were wired together, and the flesh sewed in place. Twenty stitches were required to close the ear injury. Harry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Settje and is 21 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Settje moved to Columbus from Creston last spring.Anton Novak, Sr. purchased the Rank Sery house for the consideration of $4,500. Julius Skoda negotiated the transaction.
October 3, 1947 - republished May 9, 2001
Miss Mercina Pimpara, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Pimpara, became the bride of Lawrence Gernstine, son of Mrs. Louis Gernstein of Leigh, at a fall wedding solemnized at Vermillion, South Dakota, Rev. L.A. Roseland officiated at the double ring ceremony.Dr. F.G. Johnson of Columbus opened his office in the house recently purchased by Gus Spanhake and the former Dr. H.D. Kuper office. Dr. Johnson will be in Leigh Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 6:00 and Saturday from 6:00 to 10:30.
Citizens of Leigh welcome Dr. F.G. Johnson, wishing and hoping he will remain with us permanently.Mr. and Mrs. Alroy Muhle have received the announcement of the birth of a son born to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Muhle of Rifle, Colorado. Mrs. Muhle was formerly Whilemia Meyer.
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Asche are the parents of a son born September 26 at St. Mary's Hospital at Columbus. The baby weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz.
It grieves us to write this article in regard to the death of our beloved grandson, John D. Carrig of Columbus, son of our oldest daughter, Mrs. Josephine Carrig of Platte Center.
His death occurred Monday night at 11:33 at Schuyler, Nebraska caused by a collision with his car and a west bound U.P. train.
Three other young men were in the car at the time. Leo F. Theilen, son of Mrs. Mary Theilen of Columbus, was also killed. Earl Geiser of Columbus was seriously injured. At least report was improving.
The fourth member of the party was Don Langan also of Columbus, escaped uninjured and ran away from the place and was later found asleep, in a dazed condition, in a car a short distance from where the accident occurred.
The car was a total wreck, pieces of same being carried approximately 200 feet up the track. The two boys that were killed were bruised, battered and lacerated, so badly that they were nearly beyond recognition by their relatives and the injured lad was also terribly bruised.
We all read of car-train accidents every day, but think little of it, becuase we are not directly interested, but when do we know when the same fate is going to happen to some of our loved ones.
While we were in Schuyler, we were told by several parties that there had been a number of people killed on the Union Pacific crossing on Colfax street. Why don't the residents of Schuyler get up in arms and demand automatic gates, an underground passage or better yet, a viaduct.
Military funeral services were held at St. Joseph's Church in Platte Center with Rev. Father O'Brien, pastor officiating. Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery.
October 3, 1947 - republished May 16, 2001
Mr. and Mrs. John Ehlers, Jr. entertained relatives in honor of their son, Arlen, on his fourteenth birthday anniversary.
Cards furnished the entertainment after which a lunch was served.At a beautiful candlelight service on September 21, in the Altoona Trinity utheran Church near Wayne, Frances Rouss became the bride of Marten Inselman. Rev. W. Brackensieck, pastor of the church, officiated.
On September 13, Dorothy Vraspir of Pilger and Warren Liedtke of Pilger were united in marriage at Yankton, South Dakota, the ceremony being performed by Rev. L. Wicks of the Lutheran Church.
Relatives received word of the death of Ross Nichols at a hospital in Hollywood, California, where he had been a patient since May.
Ross Nichols was born January 24, 1881, in Illinois. When a young lad, he came to Nebraska with his parents, who located near Madison, and where they resided a few years. Then they moved to the Creston community.
In 1906 he was united in marriage to Helene D. Steinhaus and they started housekeeping in Creston where Mr. Nichols engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for many years.
To them were born one daughter, Helen, and three sons, Robert, Edward, and Roger.
In 1922, Mr. Nichols retired from business and moved to Madison.
In 1940, on a trip to California, Mrs. Nichols became ill and died. He continued to live in Madison for two years after his wife's death. In 1942 he went to Hollywood to make his home.
He has been in poor health for several years and in the hospital over four months.
While in Creston he took an active part in Civic affairs and was a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge.
He passed away on September 28th, 1947.
Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. James Gansho of Burbank, California, and three sons, Bob and Burbank, California, Edward of Madison and Roger, now in Rome, Italy, where he is a pilot.
Services were held in Madsion with burial in the Madison Cemetery.
October 10, 1947 - republished May 16, 2001
In a beautiful fall ceremony performed by Father Kubesh at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church at 9:00, October 1st, Miss Mayme Mohnsen and James Severa, Jr. were united in the holy bonds of Matrimony.Mr. and Mrs. Ed Callies were pleasantly surprised when relatives gathered at their home to help them celebrate their sixteenth wedding anniversary.
The evenng was spent socially and at cards. A lunch, provided by the vistors, was served at midnight.A little daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Everett Lake, October 7th, at the Lutheran Hospital. She weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. She was born on the 2nd birthday of their son, Larry Gene.
October 10, 1947 - republished May 23, 2001
Friends and relatives surprsed Otto Muhle on his 53rd birthday. The evening was spent playing cards and visiting.Joe R. Dubsky, 73, former Leigh resident, died suddenly at his home in Schuyler.
Funeral services were held in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Schuyler with burial in the Schuyler cemetery.
Born in Moravia, he came to this country with his parents in early childhood. He lived in the Leigh-Clarkson vicinity. He was joined in marriage to Miss EMma Knapp at Wilson Catholic Church.
Mr. Dubsky was a grocer clerk at stores conducted by A.L. Scutt and Buhmon and Moeller. He left Leigh 35 years ago.
Survivors are his wife, four sons and eight daughters.John William Pilling, 58, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital. He had been ill since the latter part of June. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the Gass Chapel With Rev. Joseph H. Mayer, pastor of the Evangelical Protestant Church, officiating. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery and the Creston American Legion conducted the graveside services.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Pilling, he was born April 14, 1889, at Creston. He made his home there until 1936 when he moved to Columbus to make his home with his sister, Mrs. Mont Duncan. Mr. Pilling attended the Creston schools and also took a business course at the Grand Island Business College.
He followed the mason trade in Creston and, after coming to Columbus, was employed as a car repairman by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Mr. Pilling was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and the American Legion and was a fireman while living in Creston.
He was preceded in death by his father who died September 24, 1930, his mother, who passed away April 2, 1936, and two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by three sisters: Helen Pilling, Mrs. Bertha Bell, Columbus, and Mrs. Margaret Duncan, Columbus, and a niece, Anna M. Carter of Columbus.Mrs. Ted Engelbart entertained a group of friends in honor of her son Teddy's birthday. Games were played and a delicious lunch was served.
Teddy received many presents. Mrs. Edwin Leffers and Mrs. Elmer Leffers and Nancy Bryan were out of town guests.Friends helped Mrs. Emma Lueschen celebrate her birthday. Pinochle was played. Geo. Summers held high score and Otto Loseke low.
Mrs. Lueschen was presented a gift by the group. A lunch was served after the cards.A former Creston resident, Ross Lewaland Westcott, passed away in an Omaha hospital following a month's illness.
He was born near Creston, March 12, 1883 and resided in this community until 1925, with the exception of three years, when the family lived at Melford.
He was united in marriage to Mamie McCurdy on March 9, 1903. To them were born two sons, Newell and Myron. His wife passed away on May, 1910.
In October, 1914, Mr. Westcott was married to Marie Haller. Thirty-seven year ago, he started in business in Creston, as a barber, which trade he followed here and in Omaha until a short time ago.
He was an active member of the Creston Knights of Pejthias Lodge for many years. Always congenial, everyone was his friend.
In 1925, he and his wife moved to Omaha to make their home. He united with the Methodist Church in Omaha.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. To mourn his death are his wife Marie, two sons, Newell of Creston and Myron of Omaha, one grandson, Richard, of Creston and three sisters, Mrs. Bruce Webb and Mrs. Hugh Warriner, both of Long Beach, California, and Mrs. Maud Kemper, of New Castle, Nebraska.
Funeral services were held in Omaha at 2:30 at the Presbyterian Church in Creston, with Rev. Hal Schenck, officiating. Pallbearers were Will Claussen, Helmuth Loseke, C.A. Hines, Chet Ogan, Ernest Gigax and Harvey Sander.
Mrs. W.J. Ritter, Maryjean Ritter, Patsy Summers, Arthur Anson, and Elwin Anson, accompanied by Nadine Summers, sang during the funeral services.
Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.Mr. and Mrs. Harry Helmberger are parents of a son.
Frank Fleming suffered a severe heart attack recently while in Valentine, Nebraska, on business. He was taken to Lincoln to the General Hospital.
Donna Settje is recuperating from injuries received when a car in which was returning from a dance at Clarkson failed to negotiate the curve at the county line, south of her home. The car hit a high bank and was badly damaged. The three young people were thrown out of the car, and all were unconscious for some time. Finally one of the boys was able to go for help and the three were taken to Dr. Abts office in Humphrey for treatment.
Donna received a slight concussion, cuts, and bruises about the face, and badly bruised arm.
The boys, Arnold Janssen and Lawrence Hellbusch, received bruises and minor cuts.
October 17, 1947 - republished May 30, 2001
John J. (Jack) Gallagher, 59, a Fremont and Dodge county law officer for 24 years, was found dead in the family residence at 1812 N. Broad.
In his official report County Coroner Charles H. Yost stated that Mr. Gallagher took his own life with a revolver shortly before 11:00 p.m. The body was found in the bathroom of the house.
A local physician, who was called by a member of the family immediately after the shot was heard, reported that the veteran peace officer had been ill for several months.
Friends of the former sheriff reported that he had not appeared depressed as he handled business at his liquor store at 245 N. Main.
Before he was defeated for re-election last November, Mr. Gallagher had served as sheriff of Dodge County for 16 years.
He had gained wide prominence throughout the midwest for his success in apprehending criminals.
Shortly after he began his first term as sheriff in 1933, Mr. Gallagher and his deputies stemmed an attempted jail break over the roof of the courthouse by shooting a desperate suspect.
In 1937 he and a state patrolman captured a man wanted for holding up the State Bank of Colon, the Bank of Yutan and the Leshara Bank.
During the search, Mr. Gallagher spotted the suspect in a field near where the man had crossed the Platte River in an attempt to elude a police drag net following the Leshara robbery.
Prior to his election as sheriff, Mr. Gallagher had served as chief of police of Fremont for two years. He had been on the city police force for six years before his appointment as police chief.
Mr. Gallagher was born on August 1, 1888 near North Bend. He attended Dodge County schools and farmed in the North Bend area until moving to Fremont about 23 years ago.
Surviving are his widow, Ida; four daughters, Mrs. Evangeline Jensen, Mrs. Evelyn Kocour, Mrs. Elaine Pawley and Miss Helen Gallagher, all of Fremont; one son, John J. Gallagher, Jr., of Mesa, Arizona; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Moran and Mrs. Anna Betts, both of Fremont, and Mrs. Julia Margaurdt, Madison, Wisconsin; two brothers, Conrad of North Bend and I.J. Gallagher of Norfolk; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Fred Bader Funeral Home.
Mr. Gallagher was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Elks Lodge and local Eagles Lodge.Miss Norma Jean Loseke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Loseke of Columbus, became the bride of Lester Bruhn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bruhn of Leigh, in a double ring ceremony performed at 1:00 p.m. October 7, at St. John's Lutheran Chruch with the Rev. Wm. Goede performing the ceremony.
A former resident of Leigh, Mrs. Wilhelmine Bruening, wife of Henry C. Bruening, passed away at her home in Portland, Oregon, October 5, 1847. The cause of her death was a coronary occlusion.
She was born in Davenport, Iowa, on January 28, 1866, and had reached the age of 81 years, 8 months and 7 days.
Her girlhood was spent in Iowa, and on May 14, 1889, she was united in marriage to Henry C. Bruening in Omaha, residing there until 1907, when they moved to Leigh, where she and her husband engaged in the mercantile business. In 1908, the family moved to Portland, the home of the deceased until her death.
She was the mother of two daughters, one passed awy in infancy. Her husband and daughter, Ella Bruening, survive her.
Funeral services were held in the Little Chapel of the Chimes, with vault entombment at Riverview Abbey Mausoleum.
October 17, 1947 - republished June 6, 2001
John Wenck was born July 13, 1879 in Sherman Township, Platte County, Nebraska, to the late Theodore and Victoria Wenck.
John chose as his life profession farming. After his parents passed away, he and his brother, Ernest, farmed together until the later's death. His brother, Otto, and family moved in with him until the death of Mrs. Otto Wenck. For a while he made his home with the Otto Sander family, who rented his farm.
In 1846 [sic] the deceased purchased a home in Creston. On September 10th he suffered a stroke and was found by Melvin Sander on the floor of his home. He was taken to the Otto Sander home and cared for till September 13, when he was taken to the Lutheran Hospital Columbus, where he died Sunday, October 12, 7:45 p.m. at the age of 68 years and 3 months. A bloodclot was the cause of his death.
He leaves to mourn his departure, his two brothers, Carl and Otto of Creston, a brother-in-law, Joe Koch and their families. His parents, one brother, Ernest, and one sister, Mrs. Joe Koch, preceded him in death.
He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Funeral services were held at the home with a short service in German and at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by Rev. J.A. Bahnsen, who took as his text for the English sermon, John 11:25-27. Interment was in the parish cemetery, beside his brother Ernest.
Pallbearers were Emil Brauner, Henry, Robert, and Julius Lueschen, Henry Wurdeman, Helmuth Loseke and Otto Sander. Taking care of the flowers were Mrs. Emil Brauner, Mrs. Otto Sander, Mrs. Helmuth Loseke and Mrs. Henry Wurdeman.
The Memorial wreath to Tabitha Home for their life long member were given by Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Sander and family and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sander and son, Oscar.Harry Settje, who had an arm nearly severed in an accident on a farm near Schuyler several weeks ago, was able to leave the hospital. His arm has healed nicely but is still in a cast because of two broken bones.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hobel of Chula Vista, California, have announced the marriage of their son, Kenneth, to Miss Shirley June Hodge, which took place October 3rd at Yuma, Arizona. Mr. and Mrs. Hobel will reside in Chula Vista.
October 24, 1947 - republished June 6, 2001
Mr. and Mrs. Bohous Hobza of Dodge were pleasantly surprised at their home to assist them in celebrating their 12th anniversary. The evening was spent social and at cards. Lunch was provided by the guests.Friends surprised Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Wurdeman in honor of their 11th wedding anniversary. Cards furnished the entertainment and at midnight a lunch, brought by the guests was served.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Allan Moeller at Columbus Hospital October 16. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz.
Mrs. James Barrett received a deep cut on her forehead, which severed an artery, and a cut and bruised knee, and her father, Frank Belhnap, had a sprained neck in an accident which badly damaged their car. The accident occurred south of Creston when the car struck loose gravel and overturned. In the car besides Mrs. Barrett and Mr. Belhnap were Mr. Barrett and Lowell.
The injured were taken to Columbus for medical attention.
October 31, 1947 - republished June 13, 2001
Harold Mohnsen purchased 60 acres of land, adjoining his farm, from Herman Neuhaus. The price paid was $110. per acre. The ground formerly belonged to Jacob Held.Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Molle, a long time resident of the Leigh community, were conducted at the First Congregational Church at Stanton with Rev. J.E. Gebhardt in charge. Rev. Gebhardt used for his text Psalm: 23 and admonished his listeners to pattern their lives like that of Mrs. Molle; one of usefulness and kindness in the tender care she gave her patients and friends.
Mrs. Dorrett Wilverton accompanied the mixed quartet. Mrs. J.E. Gebhardt, Miss Joan Axen, Phil Pravitz and Henry Schultz sang, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "At the Cross." Mr. Schultz sang a favorite hymn, "Christian Good Night."
Pallbearers were grandsons, Don Molle and William Wittgow, Ervine Wittgow, Chas. Cherney, Emil Reichow, and Howard Hrabak. Interment was in the Snyder Cemetery at Snyder by the side of her husband, Mr. William Molle, who passed away at Leigh, Nebraska on October 26, 1936.
Mary Martha Wittgow was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wittgow and was born at Snyder on February 21, 1874 and passed away at Lodge Pole, Nebraska on October 19, 1947, at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 28 days.
On April 4, 1893, she was married to William J. Molle at Stanton. They farmed near Stanton until 1917, when they moved to Leigh, where the family home was established.
Three children were born to this union; one daughter, Erna, who died in infancy and two sons, Emil and Elmer, who survive their mother. Other survivors include three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two brothers, William Wittgow of Madison and Chas. Wittgow of Stanton. Proceeding her in death, besides her husband and daughter, were two sisters, Mrs. Anna Kersten of Stanton, Mrs. Minnie Luke of Mullen; and two brothers, Herman Wittgow of Stanton, and Chris Wittgow of Fremont.
Possessed with an outstanding personality, Mrs. Molle made many friends. When her husband's health failed, she followed her profession as a practical nurse, making many sick person's bed fast days pleasant. After Mr. Molle passed away in 1936, she cared for many persons until her health failed and she then moved to Madison in March of 1945 where she maintained the home of her widowed brother, William Wittgow. During the past winter, she was bedfast a short time and during the summer regained her strength and in September spent several days at Stanton at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Molle. Her last visit to Stanton was on Saturday before she left on October 11 to visit the family of her son, who is a minister of the Pilgrim Holiness church at Lodge Pole.
She suffered a stroke on Sunday morning and passed away about 12 hours later before Mr. and Mrs. Emil Molle could reach her bedside. Her acquaintance has richened the lives of all who knew her.The marriage of Ruth Hanak of Creston and Miles Hoffman of Clarkson was solemnized October 26, at 2:30 at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Creston. The Rev. Otto Spehr, pastor, officiating at the double ring ceremony in the presence of many relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Wardenburg are the parents of a son. Mr. and Mrs. Wardenburg live in Wayne, where he attends college.
Two auto accidents in the Columbus territory resulted in some property damage but no serious injuries, officers of the state highway patrol reported to The Telegram.
Cars driven by Lavern Went, creston, and Albert Goodwater of Madison, collided about 1:15 this morning one mile east and one mile north of Creston.
Patrolman John Meistrell, who investigated the accident, said Went was proceeding north and Goodwater failed to halt for a stop sign.
Goodwater's car was overturned. There were five persons in his auto and were only slightly injured, Meistrell said. Both autos were considerably damaged.
Jean Dasenbrock had a bruise on her forehead and a fractured bone in the right arm. She was riding in the Went car.Mr. and Mrs. Reinold Theilen are the parents of a son.
Herman Wardenburg suffered two broken ribs in a fall last week while working at the Hoesley farm.
November 7, 1947 - republished June 20, 2001
Mrs. Frank Eller suffered a serious heart attack. When her condition became worse her sons were called. They are Rev. and Mrs. Wm. Eller of Davenport, Iowa, Rev. and Mrs. Geo. Eller and Gordon of Beloit, Kansas, Alfred Eller of Sioux City, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Eller of Fremont.Baskets of yellow and white chrysanthemums banked the front of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Central City for the wedding of Miss Shirley Deichmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Deichmann of Central City, who became the bride of Dale Fenster, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Fenster of Marquette, November 2. Rev. M.C. Schabecker, Jr., performed the double ring ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Hogendorn were surprised by relatives and friends at a house warming party at their home.
The evening was spent playing bingo and bunco. At midnight lunch brought in by the vistors was served.Lambert Houfek has purchased the Kmoch Service Station at Clarkson for the sum of $8,000 plus invoice price of the stock and merchandise and equipment.
Possession will be given January 1, 1948.
Lambert is an employee of the Farmers Union Oil Co., Leigh.Otto Meyer T5, who re-enlisted in the Army left for Camp Ord, California.
George Meyer took his brother to Columbus to board the train.Friends received the announcement of the birth of a son born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Eller of Sioux City.
The Moran Estate sale was held Monday afternoon. The home place, 80 acres with some improvements, sold for $138.00 an acre to Baltz Jenny.
The unimproved 70 acres was purchased by Mrs. Ida Moran for $108.00 an acre.
Charley Paul purchased the town residence for $1200.The tolling of St. John's Church bell apprised residents of this locality of the death of Mrs. Frank Eller.
Funeral service will be held in the home at 1:30 o'clock and at the St. John's Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Karl Gigstad, pastor of the church, will officiate. Interment will be in the Leigh Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Jake Nitz, Otto K. Muhle, Emil Teply, Henry Dasenbrock, Herman Neuhaus and Walter Littelman.
Mrs. Eller's maiden name was Anna Rentschler and was born on October 4, 1880 on a farm about 9 miles south of Leigh to Frederick and Maria Rentschler.
As an infant, she was baptized into the Christian faith on May 11, 1881.
December 30, 1903, she was united in marriage to Frank Eller. To this union four sons were born, who with her husband and father survive. They are Rev. George Eller of Beloit, Kansas, Rev. William Eller of Davenport, Iowa, Harold Eller of Fremont and Alfred ELler of Sioux City, Iowa.
One brother, Geo. Rentschler, Cordova, Maryland, and 12 grandchildren are also survivors of the deceased.
Mrs. ELler spent her entire life as a resident of Colfax County. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church. In January 1935 Mr. and Mrs. Eller retired from their farm and moved to Leigh.We were informed of the deaths of Mrs. Gottfried Marty, Sr., and Mr. John Johannes, which both occurred early this morning.
Obituary will appear in the next week's issue of The World.The Leigh Firemen were called to the home of Mrs. Anna Wullschleger. The fire was in the rooms occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Pat Scott of Lincoln.
No serious damage was reported.LaVern Robert Sayers, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sayers, born March 11, 1929 at Clarkson, Nebraska, passed away on November 11, 1947 at the age of 18 years and 8 months. He has been confined to the Immanuel Lutheran Hospital for the past eight weeks, when he took suddenly ill with virus pneumonia.
He was baptized in the St. John's Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sayers and six sisters, Bertha Hekrdle, Wahoo; Deloris, Alvina, Velda, Veldine, and Dorothy, all at home, and one niece, Betty Hekrdle.
November 27 [sic], 1947 - republished June 27, 2001
John Frederick Johannes, 76 passed away at his home. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the home and 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Leigh. Burial was in the Christ Lutheran Cemetery.
Mr. Johannes was born in a lob cabin in Bismark Township in Platte County, September 30, 1871, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johannes. On October 16, 1902, he was united in marriage to Anna Wurdeman. They made their home on a farm three miles north of Christ Lutheran Church until 1910, when they moved to a farm in Creston Township, Platte County.
He was a life-long member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church of Leigh for many years.
Mr. Johannes was preceded in death by a brother, William, and two sisters, Mrs. H. Linderman and Mrs. C. Kumpf.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, Werner of Columbus and Clarence of Leigh, three daughters, Ellen, at home, Mrs. Rheao Timblin of Elmwood, and Mrs. Martin Richert of Columbus, six grandcihldren, one brother, Paul of Long Beach, California, and three sisters, Mrs. Carl Barjenbruch of Leigh and Josephine and Louise, both of Columbus.The marriage of Miss Elda Mae Muhle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto K. Muhle, and George Urban, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Urban of Clarkson, took place at the St. Paul's parsonage. The Rev. J.A. Bahnsen, pastor officiated.
Funeral services for LaVern Robert Sayers, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sayers, were held at the home at one o'clock and two o'clock at the St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Karl Gigstad officiating. Pallbearers were his cousins, Edward Sayers, Gordon Fuhr, Ralph Speiht, WIllis Sayers, Raymond Fuhr and Arnold Paulson.
Flower girls were Evelyn Vodvarka, Loretta Vrba, Vernetta Nitz, JoAnn and Monica Tschrantre.Mrs. Mary Marty passed away at her home in Leigh on Friday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the age of 77 years after a long illness.
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johann Brock, she was born November 14, 1870 on a farm 10 miles southwest of Leigh. She grew to womanhood at this community and on June 7, 1880 she was united in marriage to Gottfried Marty at Christ Lutheran Church.
Twelve children, six sons, and six daughters were born to this union, ten of whom survive. Gottfried and Walter of Columbus, Emil of Sioux City, Iowa, Arthur and Otto of Leigh, and Mrs. Clara Johannes, Columbus, Mrs. Marie Wilke, Richland, Mrs. Anna Buelow, Fresno, California, Mrs. Rose Ludwig and Miss Irma Marty of Leigh. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, Mathilda, who died in infancy and one son, Ernest, who passed away in February, 1943.
Mr. and Mrs. Marty engaged in farming southwest of Leigh until 1943 when they retired to Leigh.
On June 7, 1939, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
Funeral services for Mrs. Marty were conducted at 1:45 at the home and at 2:00 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. E.C. Werner, officiating.
Pallbearers were six grandsons, Kenneth, Roland and Clarence Marty, Paul Johannes, Arthur and Allen Wilke. Burial was at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery south of Leigh.Otto Wenck, prominent retired farmer, was found dead by relatives, who went in search of him when he failed to return home from hunting at dark.
Mr. Wenck had been in poor health recently and indications were that a heart attack had caused his death.
After the death of his wife in October, 1943, he retired from farming and since has made his home with his daughter on the West Coast or with relatives near Creston. At the time of his death he was living with Joe Koch and family southeast of Creston.
Otto Wenck was born August 26, 1882 and passed away November 17, 1947 at the age of 65 years, 2 months and 21 days. He was born south of Creston and spent most of his life in this community, with the exception of a few years, when he farmed near Genoa, and two winters he has spent with his daughters. Since retiring from the farm, he has engaged in carpenter work when able.
He was confirmed in St. Paul's Church. He was united in marriage to Augusta Brauner in Columbus on February 4, 1913 and to them two daughters, Laura and Thelma were born. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers, John and Ernest and one sister, Mrs. Joe Koch. Surviving are his daughters, Mrs. Kenneth Duff of Seattle, Mrs. Louis Hammer of Monroe, 2 grandchildren and one brother, Carl of Creston.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 at the Funeral Home in Leigh and at 2:00 at St. Paul's Church in Creston. It was in the Creston Cemetery Rev. Otto Spehr officiated.
Pallbearers were Ewald Sbong, Otto Kurpgeweit, Julius Lueschen, Gus Hoessel, Henry Robert, and Gerhart Kapel.Mr. and Mrs. Louis Severin are the parents of a daughter.
November 28, 1947 - republished July 4, 2001
Funeral services for Fred B. Reins were held at Zion Lutheran Church. Rev. Werner delivered the sermon.
Fred Reins was born December 15, 1873, and died November 18, 1947. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, and migrated to America with his parents at the age of eight years. He lived at Columbus for two years, after which he moved to a farm northwest of Leigh, which remained his home until 1922 when he and his familyi moved to Leigh.
Mr. Reins and Dorothea Mohr were married at Morris, Minnesota, on August 22, 1911.
The deceased is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Olson, and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by twins in 1913, his parents and three brothers.
Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased. Louis, Lawrence, Paul and Carl Reins, Harold Brandt and Robert Mohr.
Honorary pallbearers were F. Rabeler, Sr., Ray Olson, E. Tepley, F. Kafka, Sr., Wm. Asche and R.B. Jenny.William Henry Carl Reick, Sr. passed away at his home of a heart attack. He was born on May 2, 1872, in Garz Island Ruegen, Germany. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Reick. He was baptized on the 9th of June, 1872, and confirmed May 2, 1886.
He came from Germany at the age of 16 with his Uncle and Aunt and came to the Christ Lutheran community. On June 16, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Piontek at Zion Lutheran Church by the late Rev. Winters at Leigh, Nebraska.
They made their home in Leigh for 12 years then moved to a farm south of Leigh where they lived until 1943, then they moved to Leigh. He died at the age of 75 years, six months and 22 days. To this union were born six children. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, Mrs. Frieda Loseke, Mrs. Ella Wurdeman and Mrs. Anna Polenz of Papillon, three sons, Helmuth and Harold Reick of Leigh, Wm Jr. of Gretna, one sister, Mrs. Anna Peterson of Albion, a brother Albert, two half brothers, Robert Jark and Adolph Reick, 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mrs. Malta Fheel and one grandson, Donald Loseke.
Funeral services were held at 1:15 from the home and at 2:00 from Christ Lutheran Church.
Rev. Bornemann officiated.
Burial was at the Christ Lutheran Cemetrey.
December 5, 1947 - republished July 4, 2001
Miss Norma Mullenhoff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mullenhoff, Jr., of Leigh became the bride of Laurence Maliha of Leigh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maliha of Clarkson, in a pretty autumn candlelight ceremony performed December 2, at Zion Lutheran Church. Rev. E.C. Werner, pastor, performed the double ring ceremony.Dr. F.G. Johnson received his pilot's license at the Municipal Airport at Columbus. He is the first doctor in Platte County to receive a license, and intends to commute by plane to Leigh each week.
Miss Charlotte Eby, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C.D. Eby, flew to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 23 and was married to Paul Wireman in the Navel Chapel at 4 o'clock.
Mrs. Wireman will return to Lincoln and continue her studies at the University.At 4 p.m. November 24 at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lake, Miss Dee Ruby (Peggy) Lake became the bride of Earl Rosenberry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rosenberry, Sr. of Shelby.
Miss Edna Marty, daughter of G.J. Marty of Leigh, and Eugene Muth, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Muth, of Creston, were united in marriage at 5:30 o'clock November 26, at the parsonage of Christ Lutheran Church. Rev. Martin Bornemann, pastor, administered the nuptial vows.
December 12, 1947 - republished July 11, 2001
Lowell Feye had one of his feet broken while picking corn at the Julius Lueschen farm. Rudy Hobza, being close by, stopped the machine and prevented a more serious accident.The car driven by Leonard Bahns, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bahns, met with an accident when he failed to negotiate a turn south of the Arnold Barjenbruch farm. None of the occupants of the car were seriously injured.
On account of the icy roads, the car belonging to Howard Brown was considerably damaged when it upset by the Hyland corner.Relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Motycka to honor Mrs. Motycka on her birthday anniversary.
Cards furnished the entertainment after which a lunch was served by the guests.Fritz H. Miller, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Miller, was born in a log cabin in Platte County on October 15, 1876. He was baptized on February 7, 1877, by Rev. E.A. Frese and confirmed on March 30, 1890 by Rev. H. Fischer in Christ Lutheran Church.
On April 13, 1898, he was united in marriage to Auguste Moeller, by Rev. A.W. Frese in Christ Lutheran Church. They made their home in the vicinity of Leigh until 1943 when they moved into Leigh. He passed away at 9:00 p.m. on December 3, in the Lutheran Hospital in Omaha.
He is preceded in death by one daughter, Olga, who died in 1929, and his wife, who passed away on September 20, 1946. He is survived by two sons, J. Henry of Leigh, Capt. Edward of Berlin, Germany, two daughters, Mrs. Anna Arndt of Corvallis, Oregon and Mrs. Pauline Reins of Omaha and ten grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers were Otto Wurdeman, Otto Littelman, Fred Hollen, Charles Grotelueschen, Clarence Olson, and Paul Lsoeke. Active pallbearers were Henry Verrger, W.W. Rynbearson, Gus Marty, Art Marty, J.B. Jenny and Julius Moeller.
Flower ladies were Marie Mohr, Mrs. Irvin Bonner, Mrs. Arnold Barjenbruch, Ellen Johannes, Mrs. Raymond Meyers, Mrs. Barbara Moran and Nora Cox.Emil Hunteman sold his farm for $190.00 per acre to Emil Grotelueschen. George Kumpf negotiated the sale.
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kratochvil are the parents of a 5 1/2 pound daughter, born at the Humphrey hospital.
Harold Wardenburg received a back injury when a car, driven by Bob Ritter, went through a ditch and into a cornfield on a dead end road near Madison.
Harold was taken to the Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk by ambulance for X-rays of the injury, which disclosed a fractured right side of one vertebrae. He remained in the hospital until Sunday. He will be in bed at home for about ten days.
None of the other occupants of the car were injured and the car was not damaged.
December 18, 1947 - republished July 11, 2001
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rahtz, Sunday, December 14. He weighed 5 pounds 7 ounces.Clarence Barjenbruch received a compound fracture of his andle while changing a tire on a tractor.
The jack slipped from the tractor, and in trying to get out of the way, in such a manner, broke his ankle.Mr. and Mrs. Otto Barjenbruch are the parents of a daughter, born December 16. The baby weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces.
Following a contested hearing, County Judge Stone entered an order to probate the will of the late John Wenck of Creston, 68-year-old bachelor and retired farmer, who bequeathed his entire estate to a friend, Otto Sander, tenant on his farm.
Mr. Wenck died last October 12. His will, executed in 1943, named Sander as his sole devisee and as executor. Five relatives - Carl Wenck, of Creston, a brother, Ernest Koch of Humphrey, and Theodore Koch of Leigh, nephews, Angeline Koch of Leigh and Minnie Hadar of Howells, nieces - joined in contesting the will, on the grounds of mental disability and influence.
Estimated value of the estate is $15,000 real estate and $7,000 personal property. Mr. Sander, as proponent of the will, was represented by Attorneys Walker, Luckey and Hunter. The contestants were represented by Attorney Arthur Kummer. After Judge Stone announced his decision to admit the will to probate, Mr. Kummer announced that the contestants would appeal in district court.Services were held for Mrs. J.H. Coffman, former resident, at the Creston Cemetery with Rev. Otto Spehr officiating. Mrs. R.J. Ritter and Carolyn sang "The Old Rugged Cross." Phoebe Coupland was born March 26, 1874 in Alton, Illinois. Her parents passed away when she was only a few years of age. She went to Kansas City to live with her sister, Mrs. W.J. Ritter and family.
In 1905, she was united in marriage to Harvey Coffman and they came to Creston and located on a farm south of Creston. Later they moved to a farm near Newman Grove. In 1938, they moved to Omaha, which has since been their home. To them two sons were born. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Omaha and the Guild. She taught in the church Bible School. Mrs. Coffman had been in failing health the past year and had been a patient in St. Catherine Hospital in Omaha since October. She passed away December 12.
Services were held at the Hoffman Funeral Home with Rev. Jordon officiating.
She was preceded in death by one son who died in infancy. Her husband, one son, Charlie and three grandchildren survive.
Pallbearers at the Creston Cemetery were Wayne Parks, Eldon Freyermuth, Ordeen Sawyer, John Schmadeke, Winfield Ritter and George Ritter.
December 26, 1947 - republished July 18, 2001
Miss Lorraine Polenz was married to Wallce Borman December 14 at 8:00 p.m. at a candle light service in the First Lutheran Church in Papillion with Rev. H. Moellering officiating.The wedding of Emma D. Cramer of Omaha and Walter J. Deichmann, son of Mrs. Anna Deichmann, took place at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Omaha. The Rev. G.C. Becker performed the 5:00 ceremony.
Emil Hunteman purchased the Lambert Houfek house for the consideration of $6,250.
The Zion Lutheran house, occupied by Rev. Werner, was sold to Ed Hake. Amount paid was $5,550.Rev. William X. Fitzpatrick, pastor of St. Mary's Catohlic Church died of a heart attack.
The attack occurred during the 8:00 a.m. Mass, as Father Fitzpatrick was delivering Christmas announcements from the pulpit. Death was instantaneous.
He had been pastor at St. Mary's Church since 1945 after serving for some years in Tilden. His original home was in Camden, New Jersey, where he has a sister and other relatives. Father Fitzpatrick had been ordained into priesthood 28 years ago by Bishop Hardy of Omaha.
Father Fitzpatrick had also served at Primrose and Battle Creek.
The body was taken to the Miller Funeral Home in Clarkson.
The remains will be brought to Leigh to lie in state for parishioners to view, and prayers will be said.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Church, Leigh with burial in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Omaha.
The Altar Society will serve dinner to Clergy from a distance at the clubhouse.Ira Ellsworth Mead was born in Oto, Iowa, June 19, 1871. His boyhood days were spent at Valley and St. Edward, Nebraska. He came to Snyder in 1896. In 1898, he was united in marriage to Ella Molle. He lived in Snyder from the time he was married until his death except for two years in Norfolk.
He was one of the first editors in Snyder, worked in the William Wolsleger Hardware Store as a tinner for many years. He was one of the first firemen and has been an honorary fireman for the last 15 years.
He passed away at his home after a week of illness.
Besides his widow, the following children survive, Mrs. Pearl McGimsey of Omaha, Mrs. Irma Schultz of Scribner, Mrs. Ina Junghanel, Engelwood, Colorado, Mrs. Irene Pettijohn, North Platte, Nebraska, Mrs. Leafy Forney of Sioux City, Iowa, Mrs. Mary Jane Conn of Craig, Marvin Mead and Charles Mead of Denver, Colorado. He is survived by 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His son Chester was killed in action in 1942 while serving in the Navy.
Funeral services were held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. John A. Jacobs of Scribner, officiating. Burial was in the Snyder Cemetery.
Mrs. Walter Ellermann and H.J. Storjohann of Scribner accompanied by Mrs. Ed Dau, the organist, sang during the services.
Pallbearers were Leo Lennemann, Walter Bleyhl, Wm. Sass, Ira Hrabak, Ben Burger and Lawrence Kroenke.