Colfax Co. - Looking Back (Jul-Dec 1948) NEGenWeb Project
Looking Back At The World (July - December 1948)
By The Leigh World
Colfax County, Nebraska


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 2, 1948 - republished January 2, 2002
In an all white double ring ceremony performed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ruth Bergfelder, daughter of Pastor and Mrs. Otto Bergfelder, was united in marriage to Paul G. Hansen, son of Pastor and Mrs. E.C. Hansen, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Pastor O. Bergfelder, father of the bride, read the marriage lines assisted by Pastor E.C. Hansen, father of the bridegroom, in the presence of many guests. The altar was decorated with white gladioli. Mr. Leonard Blinde of Lincoln, cousin of the bridegroom, sang "O Perfect Love" and the "Lord's Prayer" accompanied by Arlene Schlegel of Maynard, cousin of the bride.

Miss Elsie Stepan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Stepan of Clarkson, was married to Lloyd Budin, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Budin, at Seward.

Miss Julia Nelson received a letter from Mrs. Anna Kibler of Fremont saying that she heard that George Kibler of California, son of the late G.W. Kobler, formerly of Leigh, died last week.

Mr. and Mrs. John Hogendorn, Jr. are the parents of a son, born June 25 at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. He tipped the scales at 7 lbs. 12 1/2 ounces.

The large of amount of rain, which fell here caused the north and east basement walls of the new home of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin E. Breunig, to collapse.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stevens entertained at a birthday party for their daughter, Judy. Games were played and refreshments were served.

Mrs. Paul Wireman, the former Charlotte Eby, left by plane from Omaha to go to live with her husband in Panama on June 11 and arrived there June 12. If she would have taken a boat, it would take about three weeks to get there. She had a wonderful trip with no trouble at all.

Ted Mohr is now employed at the Farmers Union Oil Station.

The late rains tore the bridge across the creek at the farm place of Mrs. Bertha Wahl. A new bridge is being built larger.


July 9, 1948 - republished January 9, 2002
Cars driven last week by John Ward and Jos. M. Houfek, collided on highway 91, three and a half miles west of Clarkson. Mr. Houfek was coming home from Leigh with a group of Junior American Legion ball players and Mr. Ward and his family were driving west. Riding in the Ward car was also Mrs. Anton Stepan, Sr., mother of Mrs. Ward, who received bodily injury in the collision and was taken after the accident to a Columbus hospital for medical attention. None of the other occupants suffered serious injury.

Frank Zdenek was awarded a merit card presented to him by the railroad company for his twenty eight years of loyal and faithful services as section boss. During the 28 year period of service, which terminated last December, Mr. Zdenek has had no reportable or lost time injury occurring to him or any employee under his supervision.
    He started his section work in Clarkson and was on the job there for 17 years, then being transferred to Leigh, where he finished his 16th year.

Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Langhoff of Valley are the parents of a daughter, born July 5th.

Sunday afternoon at the William King home in Valley, Miss Darlene King and Daryll Jones were united in marriage. Rev. Ralph Ritzen of Pilger officiated.


July 16, 1948 - republished January 16, 2002
Nicholas Detelf Claussen was born June 3, 1868, in Holstein, Germany, and departed this life July 11, 1948. He was a son of Hans Fredrick Claussen. As a young man he came to America and did farm work at Millard, Nebraska.
    March 30, 1892, he was united in wedlock to Mathilde Rathmann and they settled on a farm in Stanton County, near Leigh. In 1927 they retired and moved to Grand Island, Nebraska.
    Mr. Claussen was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. A charter member, helped to organize St. John's Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council as Chairman. In 1901, he helped organize and was Secretary of Leigh German Farmers Insurance Co., for over 25 years. He also helped organize and served as Director of the Farmers Coop Mer. Co., here in Leigh. At Grand Island, Mr. and Mrs. Claussen belonged to the Messiah Lutheran Church.
    Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Peter Claussen of Leigh, J.C. Claussen of Denver, and Hans C. Claussen of Winlock, Nebraska; four daughters, Ann Boldt of Grand Island, Frieda Hamann of Grand Island, Tillie Claussen of San Francisco, and Mrs. R.C. Carr of Klamath Fall, Oregon. Also one sister, Mrs. Hans Sieh of Naper, Nebraska; two brothers, William Claussen of Leigh; and Peter Claussen of Bloomfield, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
    Services were conducted at St. John's Lutheran Church. Pastor Karl Gigstad officiated. Mrs. Hobel sang two hymns.
    Active pallbearers were Otto Hamann, George Watchorn, Ed Ehlers, Elmer Busse, George Neuhaus and Lad Kabes.
    Honorary pallbearers were John Ehlers, Sr., Claus Ehlers, Frank Muhle, Carl Weise, Henry Dasenbrock, Henry Littelman, and Louie Loseke.
    Flower ladies were Mesdames Ollie Claussen, Anna Golber and Alva Dykes.
    A brief service was held at the Holmes Funeral Home.
    Interment was in the Leigh Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kurpgeweit entertained at dinner in honor of dale on his second birthday anniversary.

Eugene Heitz entertained six little cousins on his eighth birthday anniversary.
    Games were played after which lunch was served. The table was centered with a decorated birthday cake with 8 candles. Favors were various colored candy animals.

Miss Elzada Bauman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bauman, became the bride of Harold Gernstein, son of Mrs. Louise Gernstein at St. John's Lutheran Church, July 8, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Karl Gigstad officiated with the double ring ceremony. The bride wore a pink street length suit with which she combined her accessories. Her corsage was of white carnations. In carrying out the tradition, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, the bride wore an old ring belonging to her mother, which was given to her by the bride's father, something borrowed was a lace handkerchief from Mrs. Gilbert Asche, one she wore on her wedding day 11 years ago, and she wore a blue ribbon tied to her shoe.

Leigh citizens paused in their usual round of daily affaris to pay their last respects to Pvt. Norman R. Olson, whose body was returned home for burial from foreign shores, where he died in the service of his country in World War II.
    At 2:30 in the home of Mrs. Ella Olson, services were conducted by Rev. E.C. Werner. The male chorus of Zion Lutheran Church furnished appropriate numbers consisting of "Rock of Ages," "Thou Art the Way" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
    Active pallbearers were Oliver Olson, Lawrence Olson, Elmer Olson, Victor Olson, Herbert Olson, and Neils Olson, the same pallbearers who served his father, George, who preceded him in death in February, 1930.
    Honorary pallbearers wre LaVern Wurdeman, Dale Grotelueschen, Gordon Hillen, Bob Iverson, Bob Schaad, and Russell McMullin.
    After services in the home, the funeral train made its way to the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, where the remains were laid to rest in the family lot. The committal services being ended, the American Legion preceded with its appropriate ceremony. Mrs. Lawrence Gernstein sang "Taps." Attending the body as the military escort was Sgt. Bill DeLong of Providence Rhode Island. He went back Sunday evening.
    Norman Ralph Olson, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Olson was born July 24, 1925, in Dodge County, Nebraska. He was baptized in the Lutheran Children's Home in Fremont, Nebraska, by the Rev. Brueggeman, and was received by adoption into the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Olson when he was six weeks old.
    On May 14, 1939, he was confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church by the Rev. J.C. Werner. He entered the Leigh High school and graduated with the class of 1943. After teaching school for one year in School District 78 in Platte County, he was called upon to serve his country. He entered service July 19, 1944 and received his basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas. From there he was sent to Fort Ord, California, where he remained only a short time before being sent to the Pacific theatre of war. He arrived on the Philippines Islands on February 19, 1945, on March 31, on Luzon, he paid the supreme sacrifice.
    He leaves to mourn, his mother, Ella Olson, of Leigh and one brother, Alfred, of Pilger.
    His last letter to his mother was written under the date of March 21 and reached her on Wednesday, April 18, 1945. At the time of his death, Norman was 19 years, 7 months and 7 days old.
    Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Nerie of Atwood, Kansas were here for the funeral. Mr. Nerie was Norman's buddy in the war.


July 23, 1948 - republished January 23, 2002
A surprise dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Vlach on her birthday anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Milan Loseke are the parents of a son, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces, born on Thursday, July 15. They named the baby Milan David.

A surprise watermelon feast was given for Lorinda Van Heufeln at the printing office this week. The occasion was Lorinda's 17th birthday anniversary.
    Those present were: "Pop", Jim, Helen, Helen Faith Evans, Marlene Held and Shirley Loseke.
    The feast ended with a watermelon fight.


July 30, 1948 - republished January 23, 2002
July 20, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cerv became the parents of a son, born at St. Mary's Hospital, in Columbus. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.

Dr. C.D. Eby passed away in Omaha. Funeral services were held at the Congregational Churhc.

Mr. and Mrs. Esty Sadler and sons, who have been on vacation in California the past three weeks, have been called to Mitchell, South Dakota where Mr. Sadler's father had suffered a stroke.
    Word was received here that Mr. Sadler's father died.

Mary Ann Pieper, who started a modern beauty shop in creston four months ago, on completing a course in cosmetology in Omaha, moved from her present location. Unable to find another location in Creston, she is disposing of her eqiupment.

Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Hake are the parents of a son, born July 24 at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

Mrs. Bertha M. Hekrdle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sayers, and Robert L. Mastny, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Mastny, were united in marriage in a quiet double ring ceremony at the Presbyterian Church in Schuyler.


August 6, 1948 - republished January 30, 2002
Mrs. Frances Musil, pioneer woman, formerly of Clarkson, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Hinrichs, at Columbus. She died at 8:40 a.m. at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 2 days, after a lingering illness of 2 years and 4 months.
    Her husband preceded her in death October 1, 1934 in Clarkson.
    She leaves to mourn: two daughters, Mrs. George Hinrichs of Columbus and Mrs. James Novotny of Omaha; three sons, John of Clarkson, Emil of Fremont, and Frank, his home unknown. Also two sisters, Mrs. Josie Wolf of Clarkson and Mrs. Mary Johnson of Norfolk.
    Also preceding her in death are her parents and sister and one brother, Jos. Kastanek.
    The funeral in charge of Chas. J. Novotny was held from the Presbyterian Church. Rev. B.A. Filipi, conducted the services.
    Burial was made in the Bohemian National Cemetery. Pallbearers were Emil Musil, Fremont; Wm. Musil, Leigh; Clarence Musil, Clarkson; Rudolph Nemec, Clarkson Emil Hamernik, Omaha and Robert Novotny of Omaha.

Samuel J. Sadler passed away July 28th at the age of 75 years at Mitchell, South Dakota. He is the father of E.J. Sadler of Leigh and a daughter, Ruby, who made her home with her father at Mitchell. Services were held at Mitchell and burial was at Wagener South Dakota. Mrs. Sadler preceded him in death two years ago.
    The Esty Sadler family were vacationing in California where Mrs. Sadler's parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Scott, live in Long Beach. Mrs. Scott celebrated her 81st birthday, but because of the wire that Mr. Sadler suffered a second stroke, the Sadler's left and arrived in Mitchell. The Sadlers had visited the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California, and came back by way of Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota. They stated that the crops look no better anywhere in their travels than here in Nebrsaka.

The Derby Station, owned by Murry House, was purchased by Carl Drahota and Jim Hanel in partnership.
    The same employees, that Murry had, will continue their work for Jim and Carl.
    The new Station will be called the D & H.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Ray Evans of Snyder were guests of honor at a picnic dinner at the West Point park. The occasion was their 46th wedding anniversary.

Miss Laurel Anne McMullen, daughter of Mrs. Genevieve Clark, head of the YWCA office, is recuperating in the Orthopedic Hospital in Lincoln, from a spinal operation. She will be confined to the hospital for three months. Mrs. Clark, who has been with her daughter, returned last night.


August 6, 1948 - republished February 6, 2002
Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church for Dr. Charles Eby. His body laid in state in the church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A short prayer service was held at his home preceding the service, Rev. Thomas B. Dixon officiated.
    With Mrs. John Wullschleger at the piano, the church choir sang, "Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go" and "Old Rugged Cross."
    Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Abe Greensberg, Dr. E.F. Filip, W.S. Woodward, Albert Iverson, Roy Olson, Fred Marty, Charles Botsch, and Frank Reichmuth.
    Active pallbearers were Adolph Hobel, M.C. Phillips, John Glandt, Jake Schmidt and Oliver Knight.
    Interment was made in the Leigh Cemetery with the Signet Masonic Lodge No. 193 in charge. Those in charge of the flowers were Misses Greta Lea Kumpf, Marilyn Hauk, Verna Korte, Jeanette Hobel, Bardeene Trofholz, and Robert Hobel, Alvin Reichmuth, John Glandt, Jr., Robert Marty and Willis Deichmann.
    Charles Daniel Eby was born on March 7, 1870 to John Wesley and Elvira Eby and grew to young manhood on a farm near Hendley. He came from a family of six children.
    At the turn of the twentieth century, he entered the University of Nebraska School of Medicine, graduating with the class of 1904. After first starting his practice in Virginia, Dr. Eby came to Leigh in April, 1906.
    During his medical practice, he was always ready to serve those suffering, and with out regard for his health, made country calls regardless of weather or road conditions. He had a very wide practice and while in Leigh, he assisted 1495 babies into this world.
    He was united in marriage with Marie Bowers in Wahoo, Nebraska, on the 11th of February, 1909. Of this union, three children were born, Charles Morris, who preceded him in death in 1926, Olive Dell and Charlotte Maxine. He also saw in his heart to take Robert B. and Stuart B. Hendry into his home and raise both to manhood.
    Dr. Eby was Thirty-Second Degree Mason and was awarded the Jordan Medal in 1946 as the oldest Mason in length of service in Signet Lodge No. 193.
    He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Olive and Charlotte, and two grandsons, Charles and Michael Myers. One sister, Mrs. Minnie Ball of Portland, Oregon, and one brother, D.M. Eby of Salem, Oregon.

Large baskets of snapdragons and gladiolus decorated the altar of the St. Peters Lutheran Church for the wedding of Mildred Bachman and Clinton VonSeggern. Rev. Norman Schroeder of Lodge Pole officiated at the double ring ceremony. He was assisted by Rev. Otto Spehr.


August 13, 1948 - republished February 6, 2002
In a simple, but impressive ceremony, Miss Bardeene Trofholz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Trofholz, St., became the bride of John Glandt, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John Glandt, Sr.

Due to wet grounds at the Clarkson Ballroom, the wedding dance of Howard Brown and Miss Elaine Faltys, which was to have taken place at the ballroom, was postponed to next Sunday, August 15. It will be the same band, and the same place.

In a beautiful candlelight ceremony, Lois Brauner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Brauner of Creston, and Donald Raymond of Columbus, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Raymond of Columbus and Joe Raymond of Omaha, were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Sunday evening, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. Rev. J.A. Bahnsen performed the double ring ceremony before an altar banked with gladioli.

Miss Elaine Faltys, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Faltys, Sr. of Clarkson, became the bride of Howard Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Brown at a beautiful early fall wedding at St. John's Lutheran Church on Tuesday, August 10, at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Karl Gigstad officiated with the double ring ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kramer, son of Clara Kramer, formerly of Leigh, returned from Germany. They left Munich July 15 and arrived in Omaha, August 1st. They came home from Bremerhafen on the ship General Muir. They were met in Omaha by his mother and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kramer.

Hail, rain, and wind has done quite a bit of damage here. Wind broke windows in the following places of business: Motycka Meat Market, Wm. Hespe and Son, and Hobel and Lipsman Chicken Plant. It also has done quite a bit of damage to the corn crop. It has rained here every night this week and was accompanied by high wind and some hail. Many tree branches were broken and small buildings overturned.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thalken are the parents of a son born August 5th at the Columbus Hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Dasenbrock celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary by picnicking with relatives and friends in the park.

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hillen are the parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.


August 20, 1948 - republished February 13, 2002
Before a company of about 80 relatives and close friends, Leona Rae Nelson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Chris Nelson, was united in marriage to James Thompson Sharp, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Sharp of Omaha.

Relatives and friends assembled at the F.J. Miller and Son Funeral Home in Clarkson, to pay their last respects to Joseph Mazuch, esteemed farmer living north of Leigh, who died suddenly of a heart attack. Mr. Mazuch was in Clarkson on business that afternoon and not long after his arrival home he passed away unexpectedly.
    Services were conducted at the funeral home be Rev. C.C. Kubesh and burial took place in the Catholic Cemetery west of Clarkson. Active pallbearers were Rudy Plisek, Frank Charipar, Frank Buresh, John Elhers, Wm. Udlinek, and Louis J. Tomes.
    He came to America when he was 23 years of age, and first located in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was employed at Burlington Railroad.
    On May 15, 1911, he was married to Antonia Musil. In 1918 they left Omaha and moved to a farm in Stanton County, north of Clarkson. He was preceded in death by his wife, who died September, 1944.
    Included among the survivors are Miss Marie Mazuch, Joe Mazuch, and Rudolph Mazuch, all at home, Wm. Mazuch, south of Clarkson and Emma, Mrs. Richard Udlinek, of Nyassa, Oregon. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Frantiska Dolinova, who resides in Bzova, Bohemia, and by two grandchildren.
    At the time of his death his age was 64 years, 5 months and 26 days.

Funeral services for a former Iroquois grain dealer, Fred Moeller, were held.
    Services were held at 2:00 p.m. at the home in Iroquois, South Dakota, and at 3:00 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church, at Huron, with the Rev. Sander Tollefson officiating. Burial was made in the family lot in Riverside Cemetery.
    J.O. Moeller of Leigh went to be present at the last rites with Edward Asche and his Mother, Mrs. Alvina Asche, and Mrs. Anna Backhus.
    Mr. Moeller, who died at the Huron Hospital, was born April 4, 1869, in Borstel, Schlewig-Holstein, Germany. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1883 and immigrated to the United States that same year and settled in Sarpy County Nebraska. He moved to Colfax County in 1894, settling on a farm near Leigh. He was in business in Leigh from 1898 to 1916, in the implement and then the real estate business.
    When in Leigh he served on the Town Board and also on the School Board.
    He married Emillie Louise Wurdeman in 1897 and they moved to South Dakota in 1916, where they made their home at Iroquois. Mr. Moeller was active in the business life of the community until 1942 when failing health forced him to retire. For 18 years he was in the grain business.
    Surviving in addition to the widow are three sons: Julius, Leigh, Nebraska; Otto, Lincoln, Nebraska; Fred, Brookings, South Dakota; one daughter, Mrs. Anne Knight, Omaha, Nebraska. Two sons preceded him in death. Also surviving: two sisters, Anna Schadendorf of Long Beach, California, and Mary Brock of Omaha, Nebraska; one brother, John of Columbus, Nebraska; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. John Ehlers, Sr., observed their golden wedding anniversary, Wednesday, August 18, 1948.

Before the flower banked altar of the Lutheran Church, Delores King became the bride of Norman Bartak, with Rev. Otto Spehr officiating at the double ring ceremony.

Dick Helmberger had one foot painfully burned at the park when he pulled a cup of hot coffee off the table at the lunch stand. He is the 10 month son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Helmberger.

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bachman are the parents of a girl, born at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. She weighed 7 1/2 pounds and has been named Sharon Kay.

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kmoch are the parents of a daughter, born at the Columbus Hospital. She has been named Betty Ann.

Mr. and Mrs. Walt Hillen are the parents of a son, Merle Keith.

The battered body of Mrs. Harold A. Moulton, 44, daughter of Wm. Spidle of Schuyler, was found in a pool of blood in her apartment in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Moulton is held by authorities without charge.
    Minneapolis police repored that Moulton called a neighboring tenant about 5 o'clock in the morning telling him "you better look after Ethyl." The tenant, Ambrose E. Keating, stated he found the lady dying, her body battered and cut. He called the police.
    Mr. Spidle has not received any particulars relative to his daughter's death. Survivors include the father, a daughter, Lorraine, who resides in Idaho, and three sisters, Cecil, Mrs. Louis Wilch of Richland, Bertha, Mrs. Otto Myers of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Pearl, Mrs. R.V. Wilson of Meade.
    Funeral services and burial took place in Minneapolis.
    Mr. and Mrs. Moulton spent a week in Schuyler with relatives, departed for Minneapolis a week ago Friday.


August 27, 1948 - republished February 20, 2002
The body of the late T/5 Jake T. Hekrdle being returned from Europe aboard the U.S. Army Transport Lawrence Victory, which was scheduled to reach New York on or about August 19, will be forwarded at a later date through the American graves Registration Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, to Leigh, the final destination requested by next of kin.
    Next of kin, Bertha S. Hekrdle, Clarkson, has been notified in advance of the return of the body to the United States, and will receive further notice concerning forwarding to the final destination.

Bob Herink and his orchestra will again broadcast over Station WJAG at Norfolk on Sunday, August 29th at 12:00 noon.
    The band has several new members and a good program is being arranged.

Mr. and Mrs. John Beitz, Norfolk, who will observe their golden wedding day December 26, celebrated the anniversary at a family reunion as their children will be unable to attend the winter event.

Joseph Stodola, Sr., an esteemed early settler of Clarkson, passed away at his home in the northwest part of Clarkson, August 18, at 3:00 p.m., at the age of 71 years, 11 months, and 24 days, following an illness of many years. His condition had been serious since May and hope for his recovery had been abandoned for some time.
    Funeral services were conducted under the direction of F.J. Miller & Son from the family home. Services were conducted by Rev. Clement C. Kubesh at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church. Burial was in the parish cemetery, west of Clarkson. Pallbearers were of the Catholic Workman Lodge of which Mr. Stodola was a member for 36 years.
    He was born in Borova, Kraj Chrudium, Posta, Polcka, Czechoslovakia, on August 21, 1876. In 1885 he came to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stodola, who settled directly in Colfax County and settled in the vicinity of Heun. He was married on February 17, 1903, to Anna Drahota.
    He is survived by his wife, Anna, five daughters and six sons. Preceding him in death was his son Adolph, who was killed in an accident on June 19, 1938.

Funeral services for Anton J. Pimpara were conducted with a prayer service at home and the 10:00 a.m., Requiem Mass at St. Mary's Chruch at Leigh was sung by Rev. Daniel F. Brick and the St. Mary's Choir was in charge of the music. Honorary pallbearers were Frank Kafka, Sr., Peter Hogendorn, Jos. Herink, Hy Bahns, Sr., John Herink, John P. Hyland, A.H. Bruening and Frank Trojan.
    Flower bearers were Mesdames Elmer Hake, Melvin Asche, Ed DeKeere, Anton Prokop, and Misses Angeline Koch and Margaret Coleman.
    Active pall bearers were LeRoy Wurdeman, Edward Ehlers, Maurice Dasenbrock, Arnold Wendt, Ed Mackenstadt and Art Mackenstadt.
    Anton J. Pimpara, older son of Joseph and Anna Pimpara, was born south of Clarkson in Colfax County on June 13, 1889 and passed away at home at Leigh on August 20, 1948 at the age of 59 years, 2 months, and 7 days. Death was caused by Coronary Thrombosis.
    He grew to manhood in the community south of Leigh, where he resided most of his life. He received the first Sacraments at St. Mary's Church at Wilson. His father passed away when Anton was three years of age so his education was limited. He assisted his mother, who operated the farm after her husband's death. The trials and hardships of early life developed and strengthened his character to a man of unbound limitations in his civic and business abilities.
    On April 6, 1910, he was united in marriage to Clara Barrett at St. Mary's Catholic Chruch at Leigh by Rev. John H. Pieper. To this union were born five children.
    He was trustee of St. Mary's Church for several years, road overseer and assessor for 12 years, was Director of the Board of Education of Wilson Junior High and served as County commissioner of the AAA program.
    Surviving are his wife, Clara; one son, Lester, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, four daughters, Mrs. Margaret Kafka and Mrs. Mercina Gernstein of Leigh; Mrs. Avis Koch, Creston; Mrs. Velda Prokop, Superior; and nine grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Julia Dalyrumple of Tacoma, Washington; Mrs. Kate Mitchell, St. Paul, Nebraska, and Mrs. Mary Bruhn of Leigh.
    Preceding him in death were his parents, sister, Mrs. Agnes Cole, brother, Joseph, half sisters, Mrs. Frances Sinkula, Mrs. Anna Kasal, and Mrs. Mary Mastny.


August 27, 1948 - republished February 27, 2002
Friends and relatives gathered at the home of Wm. Osterthun to celebrate the 13th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Boning and to see Mr. and Mrs. Otto Erdmann and son, Charles, of Pipestone, Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Daniels are the parents of a daughter, Janice Joyce, who arrived August 15. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. John Rosendahl.

Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Heitz were called to Howels on account of the illness of Mrs. Heitz's grandmother, Mrs. Karel.


September 3, 1948 - republished February 27, 2002
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Held, who was born at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus August 30, died at 10:15 Wednesday. The baby was named Theresa Lee.

Miss Lena Busch, passed away suddenly following a heart attack at the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. John Morfeld, north of Leigh.
    Miss Busch was about 73 years of age and is survived by several brothers and other relatives. She spent several years with her father, Henry Busch, in Howells, and shortly after his death, she moved to make her home with her niece, Mrs. John Morfeld and family, now living north of Leigh. The deceased made her home with the Morfeld family the past 30 years.
    Funeral rites were held from the Morfeld home, with services at St. Mary's Church in Leigh. Burial was made in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery beside the remains of her parents.

Baskets of pink gladiola and blue delphiniums decorated the candle lighted chancel of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Englewood, Colorado, for the August 20th wedding of Miss Mary Ann Langevin, daughter of Mrs. E.W. Young of Englewood, to Lavern Franzen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Franzen of Leigh, Nebraska. The Rev. A.H. Schmid of Englewood, performed the ceremony at 8 o'clock in the presence of 200 guests.

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bures are the parents of a son, born at the St. Mary's Hospital, August 26.
    The baby weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz., and was given the name of Robert Louis.


September 10, 1948 - republished February 27, 2002
Funeral services for Lena Busch, who passed away at the home of her niece and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. John Morfeld, Sr., north of Leigh, were held from St. Mary's Catholic Church at Leigh. A Requiem High Mass was celebrated by Father Daniel Brick. Burial was in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery at Howells with Rev. Joseph Bernauer officiating.
    Pallbearers were great nephews: James Kucera, John Morfeld of Leigh, Leonard Morfeld of Omaha, Joe Baumert of Columbus, Norman Shanle of Lindsay, and Ben Wieneke of Wisner.

Elva Hunteman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hunteman of Leigh, was a member of the graduating class, who graduated from the Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing.

Funeral services for Teresa Lea Held, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Held, who was born at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus, August 31, 1948, and died September 1, 1948, were held from the home.
    Pastor Karl Gigstad, of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiated at the service. Pallbearers were Misses Darlene Jenny, Nadine Smejkal, Marlene Bahn and Shirley Hamann. Burial was in the Leigh Cemetery.

Four generations were represented when relatives gathered at the home of F. Otto Nelson to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Nelson's mother, Mrs. M.E. Reynish.

Funeral services for Herman Schluter, who passed away, will be held at 1:30 pm. at St. Mathews Church at Meadow Grove. The body will be brought to Leigh for burial.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Paper, Jr. are the proud parents of a son, born at the Lutheran Hospital Columbus. The little man tipped the scales at 10 pounds 6 ounces. He was named Tommy Henry.


September 10, 1948 - republished March 6, 2002
Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the Holy Family Church, Miss Mary Helen O'Connor of Council Bluffs, became the bride of Alvin Schluter of Omaha. The Rev. William Conghlan officiated at the double ring ceremony.

August 30th, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Bauman became the parents of a baby girl born to them at the Columbus hospital. The little lady tipped the scales at 7 lbs. and was named Dianna Laura.

The remains of Mrs. Julia Jilek, were interned in the Zion Cemetery southeast of Clarkson.

Anton Valish, 72 year old Schuyler farmer, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harold Malloy, following a several years illness.

Funeral services for Henry Koci of Ogden, Utah were held at Schuyler. Mr. Koci was time keeper for the Department of Internal Revenue at the Utah Quarter Masters Depot.

On Sunday afternoon, at three o'clock in the St. John's Lutheran Church, Carol Graham and Myron Rosendahl were united in marriage in a double ring ceremony.

J.W. Larson's car was badly damaged when it ran off the road and overturned after the driver, Harold Larson, lost control.
    The accident occurred early in the evening as the boys were traveling west on the road past Ted Rosendahl farm home.
    Riding in the car with Harold were Mark Hollatz and Stanley Holatz [sic?]. The three boys were taken to the doctor, when the injuries of Harold and Mark were found to be painful bruises and minor cuts. Stanley Settje, besides bruises, had a deep cut on one leg which required several stitches.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Dicke at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus.


September 17, 1948 - republished March 6, 2002
Word was received of the death of Herman Schleueter, of Meadow Grove, who was a former Leigh resident.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Wendt were pleasantly surprised on their 8th wedding anniversary. Relatives appeared with well filled lunch baskets.

The marriage of Miss Anna Dworak of Clarkson and Walter Longacre of Leigh, took place at the SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Clarkson before Father Kubesh.

Funeral services were held at St. Peter's church, for Mrs. Sibilla Bachman, who passed away in the Fremont Hospital. Mrs. Bachman, whose health had been poor the past year, recently fell and broke her hip and had been hospitalized since the accident.
    Born July 13, 1867, she was 81 years of age at the time of her death. She was born in Hallowville, Illinois, which remained her home until her marriage to S.K. Bachman. Mr. and Mrs. Bachman came to Nebraska and their first home was near Platte Center. Later they moved near Columbus and in 1909 to a farm north of Creston, where they lived until they retired from farming 24 years ago. They moved to Columbus from the farm.
    After her husband's death, Mrs. Bachman purchased a home in Creston to be near her children. About a year ago she went to Columbus, [to] follow two of her daughters who had moved there.
    She was a member of St. Peter's Church, but took little part in affairs outside her home. A devout mother and homemaker, caring for her home and family filled her day. Her hobby was flowers. Her flower garden was beautiful from spring until frost and in winter, her windows were filled with the plants she loved. She was preceded in daeth by her husband and one son, Edward, who died in infancy. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. John Langhoff of Creston, Mrs. Hilmer Peterson and Mrs. Emil Settje of Fremont, three sons, William of Shelby, Carl and Jake of Creston.
    Other survivors include two brothers, Henry of Shelby and George of Princeton, Illinois, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Services were held in Fremont after which the body was brought to the Langhoff home in Creston to lie in state until the time of the service.
    Rev. Otto Spehr officiated at the service. Music was furnished by the church choir.


September 24, 1948 - republished March 13, 2002
Henry Carl Gustave Ragotzke was born March 28, 1865, to August Ragotzke and Wihelmine nee Boese in Labes County of Reienwalde, Pommern, Germany. He was baptized in infancy and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the age of 14 in the same place.
    While in Germany he was learning to be a shoemaker. But at the age of 17, in 1882, he came to the United States and came to the Schuyler community. Later he farmed near the Welch store. In 1891, on December 16, he was married to Anna Petersdorf of Neu Shoenwalde, Pommern, Germany by the Rev. John Gutleben. To this union six children were born: Bertha, Martha, Herman, Henry, Clara, and William. He was preceded in death by William, who died at the age of 19.
    In 1911, they purchased the farm known as the John Schurr place, 3 miles west of Leigh, which remained his home until his death.
    The deceased was a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Leigh.
    December 16, 1944, Mr. and Mrs. Ragotzke celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary with their children, friends, relatives and neighbors being present.
    Mr. Ragotzke has always been in good health, until about 1 year ago, when his health began to fail.
    He passed away Monday evening at 10:00 o'clock September 20, 1948 at the age of 83 years, 5 months, and 24 days. He leaves to mourn his wife, five children, Bertha, Martha, Heman, Henry, and Clara, now Mrs. Otto Schwanke, three grandchildren, Nancy, Carolee and Linda Schwanke and many relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Thursday, with a short prayer service at the home at 1:30 and at the church at 2:00. Rev. Bahnsen conducted the German services and Rev. Gigstad had services in the English language.
    Pallbearers were Otto Bruns, R.W. Korte, Lawrence Olson, Jacob Schmidt, Adam Fuhr, and August Claussen. Interment was made in the Leigh Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Korte celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. A diner was served cafeteria style.

As we go to press, we are informed that John Fitzpatrick, brother of the late Rev. Wm. X. Fitzpatrick, died of a heart attack.
    More details next week in the Leigh World.


October 1, 1948 - republished March 13, 2002
At a surprise dinner Rev. and Mrs. Bahnsen were honored by St. Paul's congregation, which served to all. Many from Rev. Bahnsen's confirmation class members thru the years, came from a distance to be present at the occasion as well as former members and friends. In the afternoon a very pleasant social time was had by all. The congregation preseted their pastor and wife with a very costly beautiful floor lamp and the Luther League with a pressure cooker, and the Ladies' Aid had presented to them a beautiful lace table cloth. Other members gave tokens of love and esteem in money and other gifts and letters which were very much appreciated. Rev. and Mrs. Bahnsen spoke words of thanks and gratitude to all. It was a very lovely day, which concluded with the lunch. But, still a greater surprise was in store at the end of the perfect day, when Mr. Walter Wendt handed the pastor a check for $500.00 as a memorial to his late brother, Francis, out of his Estate by the Went family. $200.00 will be sent to the Tabitha Home for a memorial wreath to furnish a room in the new building of which the corner stone was laid that day. And $300.00 was used as a memorial to Francis for two new Altar chairs, and the balance, if any, for the church fund. We are grateful to the Wendt family for this wonderful gift. May God bless you richly and daily. Following the lunch at the church the pastor and wife called at the John Ehlers, Sr. home and the Mrs. Wilma Deichmann home, Mrs. Deichmann is recuperating from a recent operation.

Miss Donna Mae Andreason, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Andreason of St. Edward, became the bride of Leo W. Grotelueschen, son of Mrs. Frieda Grotelueschen of Leigh in a double ring ceremony performed at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 24 at the home of the bride's parents. Rev. Vagn Duus officiated the ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Evans attended the funeral services for her grandfather, John Cuba, Sr., 86, who died at his farm home, 9 miles southwest of Genoa last Thursday. Funeral services were held Saturday in SS Peter's and Paul's Catholic church in Krakow.


October 1, 1948 - republished March 20, 2002
A daughter, Sandra Jane, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Huismann, September 28 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk. The little lady weighed 8 lbs. Mother and baby are doing fine.

Rev. Bahnsen preached his farewell sermon to a capacity house on Sunday morning.

John I. Fitzpatrick, an employee of the Tidewater Oil Company plant of Bayonne, New Jersey for 30 years, died of a heart attack at the age of 64.
    He was the brother of the late Rev. William X. Fitzpatrick of Leigh, and the Rev. Michael F. Fitzpatrick S.J. of New York.
    He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Tressa Grape Fitzpatrick, a daughter, Mrs. Edmund Roche of Roselle, a sister, Miss Rose Fitzpatrick of Cranford, three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Miss Josephine Kasik, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kasik, and Joseph Dieter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dieter of Omaha, were married at St. Mary's Church in Leigh with Rev. Daniel Brick officiating at the double ring ceremony.

Nola Keinbaum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bentz, Jr., has been diagnosed as a case of polio. Hers is a light case diagnosed only by her mild weakness in one limb. Laboratory studies in the last several days reveal no acute infection. Her physicians feel that she is in the recovery stage.

In a beautiful candlelight service at St. John's Church, Loretta Theilen became the bride of Carol Sander, Rev. R.L. Ochs officiated at the double ring ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Dietz are the parents of an 8 pound son, born September 22 at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.


October 8, 1948 - republished March 20, 2002
Honoring Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hermes on their first wedding anniversary, a party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Novak, Sr. The evening was spent socially after which lunch was served to the guests.

A group of friends surprised Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Gernstein, the occasion being their first wedding anniversary. Cards were played and lunch was served. A wedding cake, topped with a miniature bride and groom, decorated the serving table.

Funeral services were held at Madison for Norman Markham.

The remains of T5 Jake Hekrdle, formerly of Leigh, Nebraska arrived in Stanton, Nebraska.
    T5 Hekrdle was a member of the Third Armored Division and died August 8, 1948, from wounds received in action during the advance through France. Rosary was recited at the Shultz Mortuary, Stanton, Nebraska. The funeral services were held Thursday, October 7, 1948, from the Mortuary at 8:30 a.m. to St. Peter's Catholic Chruch at 9:00 a.m. Interment was made in the Erychleb Cemetery, Stanton County, Nebraska.
    Stanton Post Number 88, The American Legion provided the military escort and pallbearers.
    T5 Hekrdle was born May 21, 1914, and was a lifelong resident of Stanton County. He is survived by his widow Bertha Mastny of Schuyler, Nebraska; daughter, Betty Marie Hekrdle, age 4, of Schuyler, Nebraska; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hekrdle of Leigh, Nebraska; brothers, Joseph and William Hekrdle of Leigh, Nebraska; sisters, Mrs. Frank Houdek of Stanton, Nebraska, and Mrs. Laddie Houdek, Mrs. Earl Fuhr, Mrs. William Fuhr and Mrs. Melvin Hollman, all of Leigh, Nebraska.

Mr. and Mrs. John Witt, 2110 17th Street will observe their Golden Wedding anniversary on October 17th at the Eagles Hall in Columbus. Open house will be held in the afternoon with a program at 3:00 p.m.

A birthday party for Louis Reininger was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Reininger, Jr.

Mrs. Emma Lueschen entertained a group of friends, the occasion being her birthday.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Kratochvil are the parents of a son, born at the hospital in Norfolk.

T.F. Plageman went to LeRoy, Kansas. He was called there by the death of his brother, Fred Plageman.


October 15, 1948 - republished March 27, 2002
Mr. and Mrs. George Botsch were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Botsch were married in 1898 at the home of his parents, Pete and Barbara Botsch in Schuyler by the Rev. Karpenstine. Will Ballard and Emma Botsch Zehner were their attendants. They lived on the farm near Schuyler for 11 years where three daughters were born, Helen Loretta, deceased, Verna Marie Deichmann of Central City and Gladys Lucille Hahn deceased. They then moved to the Carl Metzger farm near Leigh, where they made their home for 33 years. To them here Donald George and Glenn Peter Eldon were born. The past six years they have enjoyed each others companionship in their lovely home in Leigh.

Chauncey Fred Johns, son of the late Herman and Mary Johns, died October 10, 1948. He was born on a farm northeast of Schuyler, January 7, 1895. Death was due to heart attack. He had lived at his present home all his life.
    Mr. Johns was baptized in infancy by the Pastor Otto Klatt, and confirmed May 20, 1910, in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schuyler, of which church he is a member.
    Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother Herman. Surviving him is one sister, Mrs. Adolph Hobel of Leigh, and many friends and relatives.
    Funeral services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schuyler. Mrs. A.I. Rolton was organist and Mrs. George Novotny sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Good-night Here."
    Pallbearers were George Vetter, Harry Chronister, Kermit Wagner, Clarence Pickett, Thad Payzant, and John Steinke.
    Burial was made in the Schuyler Cemetery.
    Due to the illness of Pastor Grant Van Boening, Rev. Karl Gigstad of Leigh officiated at the services.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Neemeyer of Columbus are the parents of an 8 lb. son born September 30th. He was given the name of Dennis Harold.
    Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rosenberry of Shelby are parents of an 8 lb. 10 oz. son, born October 9th. He has been named David Lynn. Both mothers are daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lake.

Philip H. Dietz, 84, of Columbus, passed away at his home. He has been seriously ill.
    Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. A.H. Guettler, pastor, officiating. Burial was made in the Columbus Cemetery.
    Mr. Dietz was born Jan. 19, 1864, in Germany. At the age of five years he came to America with his mother. They lived at Mendota, Illinois, for approximately 16 years before coming to Columbus. He resided there ever since.
    On December 7, 1885, he married Augusta Vollmer of West Point. He was employed at the Haeggi Milling Co. for a number of years.
    Mr. Dietz was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
    He is survived by two daughters, Linda Dietz of Grand Island, and Mrs. Mildred Korte of Columbus, three sons, Werner, of Columbus, Elmer of Los Angeles, California, and Erwin of Creston; three grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by his wife, who died in 1944, one brother, P. Dietz, and two children who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hoesly celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Harold Moulton, 50, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who murdered his wife, Ethel, daughter of William Spidle, of Schuyler on August 12, was sentenced to 15 years in the penitentiary at Stillwater, Minnesota, the latter part of August by Judge Earl J. Lyons.
    Ambrose Keating who found Mrs. Moulton's body and notified police visited Mr. Spidle and gave him details of the murder case.
    Moulton was originally charged with first degree manslaughter. Mr. Moulton then pleaded guilty. He stated that he was intoxicated when he committed the crime. He was a railroad employee.

The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Knapp, who was born on Thursday, October 7, 1948, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.


October 22, 1948 - republished April 3, 2002
A fire of unknown origin did considerable damage to the Robert Lake residence. The fire started behind the refrigerator and made its way to the roof. The local firemen gave quick response to the call. Approximately $1,000 damage was reported.

Henry Louis Frank was born on August 17, 1877, and died October 17, 1848, at 12:00 noon at the Broken Bow hospital at the age of 71 years. He has bee ailing since Decoration Day and was confined to the Broken Bow Hospital for a short time. He resided at the home of his daughter Mrs. W.K. Nagel of Ansley, Nebraska, the past three years.
    Funeral services were conducted at 10:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Arcadia, Rev. Beihler conducting.
    He was the husband of Barbara Vlach of Leigh, who preceded him in death, January 11, 1912.
    Burial services were at the Leigh Cemetery at 4:00 p.m.

Miss Loretta Herink, daugher of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Herink of Madison, underwent an emergency appendectomy at the Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk. Her condition this writing is improved.
    Her sister, Marcella is taking her place as clerk at the Council Oak store in Humphrey.

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Nitz, Darlene, Arden and Eldon visited with Mr. and Mrs. Everett Loseke and family at Schuyler. Their grandson, Dennis, received a broken leg, while playing in the football game with the Schuyler Reserves.

Following is an article taken from the Sunday, San Diego Union, sent by Mrs. Belle Hobel of Chula Vista, California.
    White satin fashioned was the gathered bertha, long sleeves and chapel train were worn by Miss Romona Hobel, daughter of Mrs. Belle Hobel, of Chula Vista, and the late Gerald Hobel, when she exchanged vows on October 17, 1948, at 2:30 p.m. with Robert Rinkleib, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wlater F. Rinkleib, of Chula Vista. Rev. Willston read the ceremony in Little Chapel of the Roses.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pieper are the parents of a son. Mr. and Mrs. Pieper live in Mississippi.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Claussen of Washington, D.C. October 11, 1948. Peter Henry J. weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces.

Robert Hobel, son of Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Hobel, is confined to his home with scarlet fever.


October 29, 1948 - republished April 10, 2002
Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Engelbart celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on Ocober 24.

Mr. and Mrs. John Moeller of Omaha are the parents of a son, born October 16. He weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces. The little man was named John Michael.

Miss Fern Korte, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Korte of Leigh, became the bride of Mr. Robert Hoskinson of Leigh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hoskinson of Madison, on Sunday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. in Zion Lutheran Church in Leigh.

Mr. and Mrs. Deforest Jansen are parents of a 7 1/2 pound son, born at the Lady of Lourdes hospital in Norfolk.


November 5, 1948 - republished April 10, 2002
Friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Watchorn to help Mrs. Watchorn celebrate her birthday anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Womacque of Omaha are the parents of a daughter, born Friday, October 29. She weighed eight pounds and nine ounces.
    Mrs. Womacque is the former Phyllis Mohr.

Mr. and Mrs. John Severin entertained at a party at their home in honor of their 12th wedding anniversary. The evening was spent playing pinochle after which a lunch was served.

Leonard Asche has purchased dairy and refrigeration equipment and has announced the opening of a new milk route in Leigh. He will make daily morning deliveries of milk and cream to your house.

Work is progressing satisfactorily on a building being erected just south of the H & L Filling Station.
    The cement block building is 32 feet by 50 feet and is 13 feet high to the roof. It is being constructed of fireproof material throughout the two doors, one for trucks and one for cars are on the west side. The present office at the filling station is being enlarged and will connect with the new building.
    An oil furnace, thermostatically heat controlled, will keep office and garage at a comfortable temperature.
    The greasing unit, hoist and tire repair unit will be in the new building.

Ernest Gigax and Fred Gigax drove to Madison. Fred Gigax suffered injury to his eyes, while welding. The burns were treated by Dr. Garner at Madison.

Jackie Nichols, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Nichols, fell from a wagon and struck the front wheel. She suffered a deep gash under her chin, which required stitches.


November 12, 1948 - republished April 17, 2002
Ed H. Vrana, former Colfax County surveyor, and resident representative for the architect on the Colfax County Courthouse, died at Omaha. Funeral services were held at Crete.
    Mr. Vrana moved to Omaha several years ago and for the past 16 years was employed as sewer engineer there. He is survived by his wife, Arline, and sons, Vernon of East Aurora, New York, and Keith C. of Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad took guests to Norfolk for a steak supper in observance of their wedding aniversary.

Mrs. Hugh Mortimer had an urgent call to Omaha when her son, Charles Wentz, 22, had the misfortune of losing an eye. Charles was installing a back up light on his car with an electric drill, when the bit broke, going through the bridge of his nose and putting out his right eye.
    He is now in St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha. Hugh Mortimer went to Omaha to see Charles and bring Mrs. Mortimer home.

Mr. and Mrs. Jos. M. Svoboda had dinner guests for the occasion of the birthday anniversaries of Mr. Jos. M. Svoboda on his 71st and Miss Beverly Svoboda on her 8th.

Mrs. Howard Brown, teacher in District 45 located 4 1/2 miles southeast of Leigh, was taken ill at the close of school Wednesday afternoon. On the advice of her physician, she was taken to the Douglas County Hospital the following day and her illness was diagnosed as polio.
    The school was closed until another teacher was engaged. Hospital attendants report that Mrs. Brown is getting along satisfactorily. She and her husband make their home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Brown.
    Mr. and Mrs. Guy Brown's daughter, Miss Ruby Brown, teaches in District 20 and their children attend school in District 57, where Miss Bernice Thalken is the teacher.

Jim Stepan of Clarkson purchased the improved 90-acre farm owned by Joe F. Volse, 9 miles northwest of Leigh. The price paid was $11,125.00.
    Mr. Volse will hold a public farm sale on November 22 and on March 1st, he and his wife will move to Clarkson, having purchased a property there a short time ago.

Alroy Muhle lost his little finger and the tip of the third finger in a cornpicker. He has his hand in a sling.

Alan Dustako, of Clarkson, sold his Piper Cruiser J-5 to Lumir Podany, also of Clarkson. Mr. Podany is the first studet trained at the Clarkson airport to buy a plane of his own. Mr. Dustako is planning to buy a larger plane.

Mr. and Mrs. James Kramer of Schuyler are the parents of a daughter, born at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces.

Wealtha Ardaway Best was born at Silver City, Iowa, on March 8, 1879 to Levi Best and Emma Swartz Best and passed away at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha on Sunday, November 7, 1948 after a short illness.
    She was united in marriage to Joel F. Bridges on March 10, 1897, and they established their home on a farm south of Leigh, where they lived for many years and later moved to Leigh, where they lived until the death of Mr. Bridges in 1941. Three sons, and six daughters were born to this union. A daughter, Pearl Marion, died in infancy.
    Mrs. Bridges has been making her home with her son, Joel, of Omaha. She leaves to mourn her departure Joel of Omaha, Francis of Fremont, Glen of Leigh, Leona, Mrs. Harry Satchell of Swingle, Iowa, Dorothy, Mrs. Ralph Kreitman of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, Marie, Mrs. Enno Groteluschen of Creston, Verna, Mrs. Henry Peterson of Omaha, Deloris, Mrs. Clifford McGee of Cerrto, California. She leaves 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Mary Jean Satchell of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, George Best, of St. Francies, Kansas, and a sister, Mrs. David Bridge, of Leigh, and many relatives and a host of friends.
    Mrs. Bridges was baptized on the 11th day of May in 1941 in the presence of fellow members of the Congregational Church in Leigh. Rev. Frederick Leavitt, pastor officiated.
    Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church and at the Funeral Home. Burial was made in the Leigh Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Sander are the parents of twins, a boy and a girl.


November 19, 1948 - republished April 24, 2002
    A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thalken at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
    The little man weighed 8 pounds.

    Leo Strehle met with a close accident, while working with a cornpicker. His jacket was caught into the machine, part of the shirt sleeve and jacekt, choking the picker. This allowed Mr. Strehle to escape without injury.

    Sarah Eliza Parks was born July 6, 1867, at Malvern, Iowa, and passed away November 10, 1948, at the home of her daughter near Creston at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 4 days.
    She spent her girlhood days in Iowa, later coming to Nebraska and locating with her mother on a farm near Creston.
    On March 17, 1896, she was united in marriage to Tilton W. Postle. With the exception of six years, Mr. and Mrs. Postle spent all their married life in Platte County.
    She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Louis Eggleston of Leigh; Mrs. Roy Lake of Columbus; Mrs. Don Eggleston of Detroit, Michigan; and Mrs. Bert Flangagan, Ellensburg, Washington; one brother, Henry Park of Paige, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
    Services were held at 1:30 at the Holmes Funeral Home in Leigh, and at the Presbyterian Church in Creston at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Hal Schench, officiated.
    Mrs. W.J. Ritter, Mrs. Willard Ditter, Arthur Anson and Elwin Anson sang her favorite hymns, "The Old Rugged Cross," "In the Garden" and "Wonderful Words of Life."
    Pallbearers were Everett Lake, Robert Lake, Leonard Hollman, John Reisdorf, Harold Neemeyer, Earl Rosenberry. Flower ladies were Mrs. Everett Lake and Mrs. Robert Lake. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.

    Bud Ogan suffered seriou injury to the thumb of his left hand when it caught in the power lift of the tractor. For several days the doctor hoped to save the thumb, but found it necessary to amputate part of it.


November 26, 1948 - republished April 24, 2002
    Miss Delores A. Sayers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sayers of Clarkson, became the bride of Frank S. Toman, Jr., son of Frank J. Toman, Sr., of Clarkson, Tuesday, November 16 at 2:30 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Leigh. Rev. Karl Gigstad officiated at the double ring ceremony. Mrs. Harold Mohnsen played the wedding marches and accompanied Rev. Gigstad who sang "O Lord Most Holy."

    Leigh and Colfax County have been digging out of the first snow which fell last Thursday and all day Friday. The mail bus was unable to come to Leigh for three days, roads being so drifted. No deaths or serious accidents were reported in this area due to the storm that took eight lives over the state.

    Mrs. Gerd Korfhage celebrated her 85th birthday anniversary with a dinner in her honor.

    Creston residents had a taste of pioneer life-no phones, no electric lights, no mail, no newspapers, no radios-over the weekend following the blizzard and no one seems to like it.
    The storm started late Thursday afternoon. Persons having cars on the streets that evening found it impossible to travel and many cars were stalled on the town's streets until late Saturday.
    Shortly after 11:00 p.m. the electric current failed and the town was without lights or power for 40 hours. The storage batteries kept phone service in town alive until Saturday morning.
    Families with Stokers were unable to keep the houses warm. At least two families moved in with neighbors. Several families, who had no cooking facilities other than electric stoves, had cold meals.
    Highways were blocked in all directions by the snow and wind which continued all day Friday. Business was at a stand-still Friday, some businessmen went up town only long enough to build fires.
    The road to Columbus was opened Saturday afternoon, the road to Leigh was opened Sunday evening and by Monday afternoon a rotary plow had opened the highway to Humphrey. Local phone service was resumed Saturday evening but long distance service will still out Wednesday. Many roads along the mail routes were still blocked a week after the storm.
    A road two miles south of Creston was opened to Humphrey Saturday because of the illness of Hans Twistmeyer. Mr. Twistmeyer was taken to Omaha to a hospital. Another road was opened to the Ewald Hake farm Monday because of the illness of Mrs. Hake. Eldon Kapels suffered a broken leg when a horse he was riding fell.


December 24, 1948 - republished May 15, 2002
    The infant twins, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Sander, were baptized at their home by Rev. E.C. Werner, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church.
    The girl was baptized as Jean Darlene. Her sponsors were Miss Eliza Hunteman and Elmer Wurdeman.
    The boy was given the name Dean Darrell, and his sponsors were Miss Elna Sander and Walter Wurdeman.

    In court: December 20 - Robert Held fined $5.00 and cost for speeding on the streets of Leigh.
    December 21 - Henry Hefti, Jr., fined $6.00 and costs for reckless driving and failing to stop when signaled to stop by the Village Marshal.

    The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hoessel, who was born December 3, was named Dorothy Ann.


December 31, 1948 - republished May 15, 2002
    Death came suddenly at 11:25 p.m. Christmas Eve to John William Ehlers, Sr. at his home in Schuyler, Nebraska. Mr. Ehlers, who had been retired and moved to Schuyler December 1, 1948.
    Born at Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, March 1, 1876, he passed away, December 24, 1948, at the age of 72 years, 9 months, and 23 days.
    He came to this country with his parents when he was seven years old and located in Douglas County at Millard, Nebraska. In 1893 they moved to a farm in Colfax County five miles south of Leigh, which has been his home until December 1 of this year.
    On August 18, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Grotelueschen. To this union were born four daughters and three sons. They celebrated their golden wedding at the farm home August 18.
    Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters, a son and a grandson.
    He was confirmed and received into membership at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of which he remained a member throughout his life.
    Active in the church and civic organizations, he served on the St. Paul's Church Council for 10 years and director of School District No. 45 for 20 years. President of the Leigh German Fire Insurance Co. for over 25 years and for 28 of his 30 years of service was chairman of the Board of Directors of the Farmer's CoOperative Mercantile Company.
    Pallbearers were Maurice Dasenbrock, Arnold Wendt, Lester Pimpara, George Reininger, Marvin Weber, and Frank Smejkal. Honorary pallbearers included O.C. Weber, Hy. Dasenbrock, Louis Burger, Emil Wurdeman, Emil Grotelueschen and M.C. Phillips.
    Flower ladies were Mesdames O.C. Weber, Frank Smejkal, Gerald Vasek, ELmer Dasenbrock, Joe Herink, and George Reininger.
    Survivors include his wife, four daughters, Lena, Mrs. Emil Bruns; Ann, Mrs. Walter Oltmer, both of Schuyler; Margaret, Mrs. Henry Seebrasse of Bay City Michigan; Cecilia, Mrs. Roy Armstrong of Tekamah; and two sons, John and Edward of Leigh; a brother Claus, of Leigh; 13 grandchildren and a host of friends.

    A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Littelman at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus, December 30. The little lady weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz.

    Christmas Day, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Neuhaus became the parents of a daughter bron at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.

    A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mortimer, December 29 in an Omaha hospital.

    Mr. and Mrs. Myron Rosendahl of Creston are the parents of a 7 1/2 lb. son born on Christmas Day in the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.

    At a beautiful ceremony at the home of the bride's parents at Syracuse, Miss Katherine France and Donald Conyers were united in marriage with Rev. J.C. Lowson officiating. THe wedding was Sunday afternoon, December 19, at 2:00 p.m. That date was the wedding anniversary of the bride's grandparents.

    Miss Delores E. Korfhage, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Korfhage and Donald L. Henke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Henke, were united in marriage by Rev. E.C. Werner at the home of the bride's parents on December 29, 1948, at 3:00 p.m.


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