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 6, 1946 - reprinted January 26, 2000Miss Lauretta Urban, of Clarkson, and Arnold Neuhaus, of Leigh, were united in marriage by County Judge C.L. Stone at the Platte County Courthouse in Columbus. Witnesses were Miss Arlene Urban, sister, and George Urban, cousin of the bride. The couple left for a wedding trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota.
Miss Mildred Kafka became the bride of Elmer L. Hake in a ceremony performed by the Rev. Fr. Wm. Fitzpatrick at St. Mary's Church. Miss Ludmilla Kasik was at the organ and accompanied Miss Mercina Pimpara who sang "Ave Maria."
Mr. and Mrs. Hake are establishing their home on the former Hugh Mortimer farm six miles north of Leigh.Dr. H.D. Meyers and Mrs. Agnes Bogner, well known Howells people, surprised their friends when they were married at the Heun Parsonage, Rev. A.J. Paschang performed the ceremony.
Rev. Harry J. Mumm has tendered his resignation as pastor of St. John's Church at Leigh, the same to become effective about the middle of August. A congregational meeting to act upon the resignation has been called for Sunday, July 14.
Rev. Mumm is one of the young pastors on the U.L.C.A. synods who has been selected to receive a scholarship to enter eastern universities to work for a Master's degree in Sacred Theology. If his resignation is accepted, he will attend a Biblical seminary in New York City and will probably enter Princeton to earn his doctor's degree.
This opportunity to continue his theological studies on a scholarship is unusual and came to Rev. Mumm in recognition of his high scholastic record at Midland college and Western Theological Seminary, Fremont. The scholarship will not be adequate to cover his personal expenses for the entire two years, hence he plans to work part time.
Rev. Mumm has been happy in his service at St. John's and it is with regret that he is tendering his resignation.
July 6, 1946 - reprinted February 2, 2000Elmer Wurdeman was the successful bidder on the Zion Lutheran dining room on the fairgrounds when it was sold at auction. He gave $430.00 for the building and will move it off the fairgrounds to his home place for a truck garage.
A farewell dinner and a program honored Rev. R.L. Jobman and his mother at St. Peter's Church.
At the program which followed, representatives from the various organizations of the church gave short talks. Alfred Sander spoke for the Brotherhood, Mrs. Jake Bachman for the Missionary Society, Mrs. Ernest Gigax for the Frauen Verein. Reverend Jobman responded with a brief message of appreciation for the cooperation given him and for the purse presented as a parting gift.
Reverend Allendorf, of Platte Center, spoke briefly and the choir sang two numbers.
Mr. Jobman will take a two weeks vacation before going to his new charge in Havelock. His mother will return to Gothenburg.Funeral rites for William Oeltjen who died at his home north of Creston on June 25, were held fromt he home to St. Peter's Church. Rev. R.L. Jobman delivered the eulogy. Favorite hymns were sung by a quartet, Mrs. Elsie Luedtke, Mrs. Fred Walter, Elna Osterthun, and Mrs. P.M. Hoesly.
Active pall bearers were William Hill, Monroe; Ed Reins, Platte Center; Chas. Paul, Millard; Louis Boning, Helmuth Loseke and Henry Wurdeman of Creston. Honorary bearers were Robert Maw, George Michaelsen, J.O. Peck, and George Rambour, Columbus; E.A. Dietz, Ernest Gigax, and Otto Wendt, Creston. Burial was in the Creston cemetery.
Born in Oldenburg, Germany, October 20, 1880, Mr. Oeltjen died June 25, 1946, at the age of 65 years, eight months, and five days. With two brothers, Fred and August Oeltjen, he came to this countyr in 1899 when he was 29 years of age. He came directly to Platte County and this communiction has remained his home.
He was married to Miss Ida Brauner, October 11, 1906, and two daughters, Elsie, now Mrs. Oliver Olson of Fremont, and Edna, and one son, Elmer, were born. The wife and children survive. He also leaves five grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Otto Hardessen, Ogallala, two brothers, John of Madison; and Gerhard, of Scribner. Three brothers, Fred, Herman, and August preceded him in death.
Mr. Oeltjen was a member of St. Peter's Church and had served both as president and secretary of the church council. He was moderator of school district No. 78, Platte County, for 35 years. When he resigned this office, at the recent election, he terminated a public service career enjoyed by few people. This is believed to be the longest school board service rendered by any school board official in Platte County. After his resignation, voters of the district elected Mr. Oeltjen's son, Elmer, to the position but he also resigned. Determined to keep an "Oeltjen" on the board, they proceeded to elect Mrs. Elmer Oeltjen to the place-and she is carrying on.
Mr. Oeltjen was one of the organizers of the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile Association, of Creston, and had served continuously as president.
William Oeltjen was one of the well known farmers and stockmen of the Creston community. Civic minded, he was progressive and a tireless worker for constructive enterprises which came to his attention. He enjoyed a wide acquaintance and many friends. He will be kindly remembered.Mrs. Robert Lake was resigned her position as office girl for Dr. H.D. Kueper having held this post for seven years. Miss Ruth Stevens is her successor.
Capt. Bob Hendry arrived from California and visited at the home of Dr. and Mrs. C.D. Eby. He went ot Omaha where he is stationed at Fort Crook. A son, whom they named John Riley, was born to Capt. and Mrs. Hendry June 15. Mrs. Hendry and the baby are in Texas.
Twin sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schroeder, of near Howells. Mrs. Schroeder was formerly Miss Adella Novotny. She and the babies are being cared for at the home of her sister, Mrs. Henry Miller.
July 12, 1946 - reprinted February 2, 2000Miss Evelyn Grotelueschen became the bride of Paul W. Mueller, of Columbia, South Dakota, in a candelight ceremony performed at seven o'clock, June 30th at Christ Lutheran Church. Rev. Martin Bornemann performed the ceremony and Rev. Carl Mueller, of Columbia, South Dakota, father of the bridegroom delivered a sermonette.
Mr. and Mrs. Mueller left for a week's trip to the Black Hills after which they will visit his parents in Columbia, South Dakota. They will return to Leigh before going to Bagley, Minnesota, where he will serve as pastor of a Lutheran church. For her going away outfit Mrs. Mueller wore a black eyelet embroidery suit with a corsage of white glads.
July 12, 1946 - reprinted February 9, 2000Announcements of the wedding of Miss Lou Ann Schaefers, of Omaha to Gerald W. Johnson, Lieut. Colonel in the United States Army, were received here by friends.
A reception was held in the church parlors following the ceremony. The newlyweds are spending two weeks honeymoon at Excelsior Springs, Missouri. They will be "at home" after July 18 at Selfridge Field, Detroit, Michigan, where he is stationed.W.B. Kemper sold 34 head of cattle on the Omaha market for which he received the price of $19.50 per hundred.
This was one of the top sales of the day and netted Mr. Kemper a fine profit and the original price paid for the "beeves."
Mr. Kemper has been one of our feeders who has been successful in pulling down prices right up at the ceilings.The following obituary of Fred Molle, who formerly lived in Leigh, was written by his pastor of the Lutheran Church at Cedar Rapids, and read at the funeral services which were held there. By request, we are publishing it since there are many people at Leigh who knew the deceased when the Molle family lived here.
Fredrick August Conrad Molle, the son of J.H. Molle and his wife, Mary, nee Strube, was born at Snyder, In Dodge County, Nebraska, March 13, 1895, and departed this life July 5, 1946, at the Norfolk State Hospital. He suffered a heart attack from which he did not recover. He had reached the age of 51 years, three months and 22 days. Fred was baptized in infancy in the Lutheran Church. Early childhood was spent at Snyder where his parents lived until he was 16 years of age.
They moved to Leigh in 1911 and after five years to Cedar Rapids.
Afflicted with physical and mental weakness since infancy Fred was a constant care to his parents, but was able at times to realize that he was different from others and this caused him much grief. But God had given him a cheerful disposition and he had many true friends who loved him. Although unable to hear or speak well he attended church and loved the house of God. He seemed by a special gift to have learned much of his Lord and Savior and in many ways revealed his deep and abiding faith. He loved particularly the sign of the cross and understood what it meant. In his childlike faith he made many wooden crosses which he adorned their home. God has taken him to the land of glory where former things are passed away.
Survivors are his mother, Mrs. Mory Molle, Cedar Rapids; and one sister, Mrs. Helen Wiegert, of Long Beach, California. His father and two brothers preceded him in death.
July 12, 1946 - reprinted February 16, 2000Henry Detlef Paper died at his house following an illness which had extended over a long period of years. For the past few years he had been an invalid and unable to leave his room. His passing was not unexpected.
Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Harry Mumm at St. John's Church. He based his sermon on the text found in Hebrews 11:8-10. Favorite hymns were by a quartet, Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Mrs. Lambert Houfek, R.H. Olson, and Rev. Mumm, accommpanied by Mrs. Theodore Mrstny. Flower bearers were Mrs. Carl Wiechen, Mrs. Rikus Rosendahl, Mrs. J.B. Jenny, and Mrs. Emanuel Teply. Pallbearers were Karl Schroeder of Schuyler; Otto Bruns, Peter Hogendorn, John Herink, John and Fred Severin. Burial was in the Leigh cemetery.
Born in Kettlesbuettle Germany, June 6, 1869, Mr. Paper died at Leigh, Nebraska, July 9, 1946, at the age of 77 years, one month and three days. He received his education and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Germany and, at the age of 15 years, came to this country. After farming in Dodge County, this state, for several years, he came to Colfax County in 1894. In 1909, he made a trip back to Germany to visit his relatives and his native village.
He was married to Miss Alvina Herbst at Leigh, October 16, 1912. They lived on different farms in the locality before purchasing the farm two miles south of town which remained their home until three years ago when they retired and moved to Leigh. Mr. Paper was a member of St. John's Church and of the Sons of Herman Lodge.
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Paper, one died in infancy. Surviving are his wife, four daughters, Mrs. Etta Wurdeman, Mrs. Viola Sucha and Miss Gladys of Leigh; and Mrs. Lena Eller of Fremont; and one son, Henry Paper Jr., of Leigh. There are seven grandchildren. Mr. Paper also leaves one brother, Gus Paper, and one sister, Mrs. Peter Claussen, of Bloomfield.LaVern Wurdeman has returned home after two years of service in the Army and is with home folks, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Wurdeman. LaVern was in the Army two years and spent more than half of the period in Europe.
Chas. McMullen, who resided at Leigh several years ago, died suddenly in Chicago, Illinois, on July 3rd according to word received by Mrs. Julius Skoda from Mrs. Fred McMullen, a daughter-in-law, of Multnomah, Oregon. The deceased had been an invalid for ten years.
At a quiet home wedding, Miss Della Mae Summers and Merlin Preston of Wayne were united in marriage.
The young couple with reside with his parents near Wayne.
July 19, 1946 - reprinted February 16, 2000Walter F. Meyer, youngest of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Meyer, arrived home Thursday from 22 months of service in the Army. He spent 18 months overseas in France, Germany, and Austria, and received his discharge at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. He had earned the rating of private first class in the infantry.
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When he reached Columbus last week, he called his aunt, Mrs. Helen Cramer, asking that his parents drive over after him. Mrs. Cramer informed him that Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were in Columbus having taken his brother, Otto, there to entrain for Fort Lawton, Washington. Soon afterward he met Otto on the street and they had a brief visit before Otto left.
Walter notes many changes at Leigh during his two years absence.Allen Wilke, 19, Richland, fractured his neck while swimming in a lake near Richland when he struck bottom during a high dive.
Wilke, who was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus, was reported in fair condition.
July 19, 1946 - reprinted February 23, 2000Four suits totaling $41,900 were filed against Anton J. Janata of Howells in the District Court of Colfax County as an aftermath of an auto accident reported to have occurred two miles west of Dodge on June 10.
According to petitions filed, a car driven by John H. Benne collided with the Janata car. The vehicle was traveling on the north side of Highway 81 going east at a speed of between fifty and sixty miles an hour.
Maude Fickler of West Point asks $15,500 for face injuries and scars; Lumir Westoupal, West Point, asks $15,500; Ray Fickler asks $5,650 and John H. Benne asks $5,000 for injuries and $150 for doctor bills.Frank Vogltance, 75, well-known educator and former superintendent of schools in Colfax County, was in serious condition at the Columbus hospital after his automobile collided with an oil transport truck five miles east of Schuyler.
LaVerne Farmer, 23, driver of the transport was convicted in County Court on a charge of reckless driving and sentenced to 10 days in jail. Vogltance and Farmer were driving in the same directions on highway 30 when the collision occurred. Witnesses said Farmer attempted to pull ahead of the educator and cut in too sharply, wrecking Vogltance's small machine. Vogltance, who lost an arm many years ago suffered several broken ribs, and bruises on his head, body, and remaining arm. He was superintendent of Colfax county schools from 1916 to 1940.Emery Coleman, 60, of Omaha, met accidental death when he was struck by a Burlington bus five miles east of Schuyler on Highway 30. Coleman was walking west when a car driven by Harold Gaughen of North Bend stopped to give him a lift. A car behind Gaughen turned to pass just as the bus, driven by Glen Sanders, of Omaha, started to do the same thing. At the same time Sanders saw another car approaching from the opposite direction and to avoid it, turned into the ditch.
The bus struck Coleman and he was killed instantly. None of the bus passengers were injured. County Attorney and Coroner Lloyd Pospishil and County Sheriff Ed Patach found no evidence of criminal negligence and decided an inquest was unnecessary.
Coleman's body was at a Schuyler mortuary.Highway 30, two and one half miles east of Schuyler, was the scene of another accident when an Army car collided with an automobile driven by Thos. Pesek, of Dallas, South Dakota.
Five person riding in the Pesek car were cut, bruised and shaken. They were Mrs. Pesek and Mrs. James Cahoy, Dallas; Joe Choy, Gregory, South Dakota; Pvt. Jess Ridgeway, Grand Island, was the driver of the Army car.
The injured were taken to a Columbus hospital.The 160 acre farm northeast of Leigh, which belonged to Jos. Jindra, was sold to Jos. Steffensmeier for $162.50 per acre. Buildings on this place are modern.
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kurpgeweit are the parents of a son.
Harold Sucha was over from Scribner paying a visit to his grandfather, Jos. Sucha, and visiting among friends. Harold received his discharge from Army service at Fort Leavenworth early this month. He spent 22 months in service, most of the time in Germany. His plans for the future are indefinite.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Korte are the parents of a daughter born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. She has been named Kathleen Kay.
Rev. and Mrs. Arthur Freeburg of Bendena, Kansas, are the parents of a daughter born July 12. The baby has been named Margaret Gayle. Mrs. Freeburg is the former Gayle Brixius. Mrs. Freeburg writes that her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Brixius, have purchased a farm near Princeton, Missouri.
July 26, 1946 - reprinted February 23, 2000Miss Alyce M. Sucha became the bride of Pfc. Louis Bures, of Dodge, in a midsummer ceremony performed by the Rev. Fr. Wm. Fitzpatrick at St. Mary's Church. Miss Ludmilla Kasik was in charge of nuptial music and accompanied Robert Herink who sang "Ave Maria."
Mr. and Mrs. Bures are dividing their time between relatives at Dodge and Leigh until he leaves to report for duty in August.
July 26, 1946 - reprinted March 1, 2000Harold Mohnsen had nine cattle on the Omaha market that brought $23.00 per hundred. The steers averaged 961 pounds and were the light end of several truck loads sold in the past few weeks.
Peter H. Claussen had a load of nine head of Shorthorn and Hereford cattle which averaged 1,050 pounds on the Omaha markets for which he received $24.00 per hundred.
Mrs. Florence Ickler, of Three Forks, Mont., formerly Miss Florence Beneke of Leigh, died in Decones Hospital, Bozeman, Montana. Death was caused by complications which developed following an operation.
Funeral services were in the Federated Church at Three Forks with various ministers of the Helena Presbytery officiating. The remains were brought to Nebraska and buried in Creighton.
Born at Leigh on September 6, 1905, she was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beneke. She died at Bozeman, Montana, July 15, 1946, at the age of 40 years, 10 months and nine days. She attended the Leigh public school and in her girlhood her parents moved to Humphrey. She graduated from Humphrey High School and attended the State Teachers College at Wayne. She taught for eight years in rural schools in this state prior to her marriage and one year with her husband after their marriage.
She was married to W.S. Ickler at Humphrey August 16, 1936. After Mr. Ickler's entry into the ministry, they served churches at Randolph, Nebraska, and Chicago and McComb, Illinois, before locating in Montana in 1945 where Rev. Ickler is pastor of Three Forks Federated Church and of Willow Creek Methodist churhc.
Surviving are her husband, Rev. Ickler; her mother, Mrs. Tina Beneke; one brother, Charles Beneke, of Columbus; and two sisters, Mrs. Henry Eden of Humphrey; and Mrs. Kenneth Rockford of Columbus, all of who were present at the funeral and accompanied the remains to Nebraska for burial. She was preceded in death by her father Henry Beneke, and one brother, Harry Beneke.Herman Claussen, a former resident of the Leigh community, died at White River, Minnesota, July 7, according to word received by Guy Brown. The Claussen family moved to Minnesota about 12 years ago. Mr. Claussen came to Leigh from Fremont and worked on farms around Leigh. He was married to Miss Lavina Rosenberry. Before moving to Minnesota, the Claussen family lived on the Marsh Rosenberry farm.
Survivors are the wife and four sons. Eldest of the sons is in the armed service and stationed in Germany. One son died while the family lived in Leigh.Johannes Behrens, well known resident of the Christ Lutheran Church neighborhood for over 6- years, died at his home, death being attributed to a heart attack.
Funeral rites were conducted by the Rev. Martin Borneman at Christ Lutheran. Pallbearers were Emil Wilke, Adolf Grotelueschen, Adolf Wurdeman, Thees Janssen, Otto Korte and Ernest Korte. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Born at Grosenkneten, Oldenburg, Germany, on September 15, 1863, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Behrens, Mr. Behrens, died near Leigh Nebraska, July 17, 1946, at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and two days. In the late seventies he came to this country when he was 16 years old making the voyage with the late Carl Korte. They came directly to Nebraska and to Platte County and down through the years Mr. Behrens was engaged in farming. Making his contribution to the taming of the prairie wilderness, he had a part in transforming the plains country to the vast garden spot which it is today. Confirmed in the Lutheran faith before he left German, he was loyal to that church and was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran.
He was married to Miss Amalia Korte in the church on February 26, 1897, by the late Rev. A.W. Frese. They continued to make their home in that neighborhood.
Survivors include the wife, six daughters, Mrs. Carl Cattau, Mrs. Rudolph Cattau, Mrs. Oscar Harnapp, Mrs. Carl Schmidt, and Misses Martha and Anna, at home, and one son, Adolph Behrens, of Columbus. He also leaves 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren and hosts of friends and acquaintances.
July 26, 1946 - reprinted March 8, 2000Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Knight of Columbus are the parents of an 8 pound daughter.
Camden Moran, Jr., 60, manager at the Fullerton Lumber Company for three years, was killed at Valley when he and his wife, Ida, were struck by a switch engine. Mrs. Moran, about 55, had both legs cut off and her condition is reported as "grave."
Moran was struck when he reportedly dashed to the rescue of his wife who had stumbled on the tracks. He died a half hour later at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, where his wife is now confined.
Funeral services for Mr. Moran were held at Creston. The Rev. Hal Schenek had charge of the services and interment was made in the Creston Cemetery.
For a short time, Mr. Moran was the manager of the Farmers Store at Creston, but he had been manager of grain elevators throughout his life. In this capacity he had served as manager at Creston, Cedar Bluffs, Pawnee City and in 1935 the family moved to Shaler, Iowa, where he managed an elevator, later returning to Creston again.
The Morans moved to Valley in May, 1943, and during the three years residence there Mr. Moran was active in the Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Baptist-Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder. He was a member of the Nebraska Lumbermen's Association.
Camden J. Moran, son of Camden J. Moran and Fannie A. Jackson-Moran was born on the home farm southeast of Creston on April 23, 1886. He received his education at Creston and on May 10, 1910, was united in marriage to Ida May Clark. To this union three children were born, one daughter, Fern of Valley, two sons, Elton of Des Moines, Iowa, and Camden J. Moran, just released from the Army after serving in the South Pacific.
During his residence at Creston, Mr. Moran served on the town board, was a member of the K.P. Lodge and was active in church affairs.
He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Fern of Valley, two sons, Elton of Des Moines, and Camden J. Moran Jr.; one sister, Mrs. Harriet Luedtke of Minonk, Illinois, and five brothers, Clyde of St. Edward, Charles of Peru, Ernest of Minonk, Illinois; Roy of Pingree, North Dakota, and Robert of Omaha.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Ralph.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Fendrich at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
Mr. and Mrs. John Moeller are parents of a daughter born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Lueschen, of Creston vicinity, at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
Mr. and Mrs. Gus Mohnsen Jr. are parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
He weighed 10 pounds.A son, weighing eight pounds, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Laurin Hespe at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. He has been named Donald Laurin.
August 2, 1946 - reprinted March 8, 2000A 70-year-old man identified as Otto Smith, Grinnell, Iowa, was killed in a fall from a moving passenger train at Rogers, seven miles east of Schuyler.
Colfax County Sheriff Edward Patach said the man either fell or was pushed from a coach on train number eight headed for Omaha. The train conductor reported the incident to Schuyler railroad officials, Patach said, but neither the name of the conductor or the circumstances were revealed.
Identification was made through papers found on the body. Patach said the body was found on a side track about 131 feet from the main line at 7:25 p.m.
He said there may be an investigation.Mrs. Mary Flanagan, mother of Mrs. Thos. Coleman, died at her home in Santa Ana, California. She was 98 years of age. She was the widow of Peter J. Flanagan, a former contractor and supervisor of Dodge county, Nebraska. Mrs. Flanagan had visited at Leigh frequently and had many friends here.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, she made the drive to Nebraska by covered wagon with her family in 1856. In this state she lived at Nebraska City, Gretna, Omaha, Fremont, and near Scribner, She spoke over the radio from California on her 97th birthday and again on her 98th birthday, on January 19th.
Funeral rites were held in California and the remains were brought to Omaha, accompanied by her daughter, Miss Anne. They reached Omaha and were taken to Heafy and Heafy Mortuary where the rosary was said. Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Church with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
She leaves three sons, Bernard, Edward, and Frank, of Santa Ana; and four daughters, Mrs. P.J. McDonald, Gretna; Mrs. Coleman, Leigh; and Mrs. T.E. Rochford, Colorado; and Miss Anne, Santa Anna.
Mr. and Mrs. Coleman and Margaret Ann went to Omaha, to meet the remains and to be present at burial rites.
August 2, 1946 - reprinted March 15, 2000Capt. Arnold Hespe arrived here to spend a terminal leave with home folks, the Wm. Hespe family. ...
Arnold is spending time at Leigh, and will leave with his father and brother, Arthur, to visit Paul and Harold and Miss Alice Hespe, in Portland, Oregon. He and his brother, Harold have not met for eight years. He is the fourth of the Hespe sons to return home from military service. Laurin, the other brother, whose service in the ETO will have charge of the hardware business in his father's absence. Before entering the armed forces Arnold held a civil service position in Washington, D.C. His plans for the future are indefinite.
August 2, 1946 - reprinted March 22, 2000The dissolution of the partnership between Frank J. Smrz and Julius O. Moeller, effective the first of this month, takes from our town a figure long familiar, in the business and social life of Leigh. Coming to this country in young manhood from his native Czechoslovakia. Mr. Smrz planned to pay a visit to his sister, Mrs. Barbara Bos, at Clarkson. That was back in 1913.
However, friendships were soon made and the visit lengthened into months. Eventually, he found employment in Clarkson. Two years later he was offered a clerkship in the general store of Adolph Mrsny of Leigh. Believing he might learn the English language sooner at Leigh, he accepted--and Leigh has remained his home for thirty-one years. For twenty-three of those years, Mr. Smrz has been part owner with Mr. Moeller in a general merchandise store. Of their relationship Mr. Smrz said, upon retiring from the firm, "If every married couple got along as harmoniously in their home as Julius and I have in the store, there would be fewer divorcees in the world."
While he was attending high school in his native city of Bohemia, Frank Smrz did outstanding work in drawing and his teachers encouraged him to go in for art painting and printing. But his plans to take up that line of work after finishing school were changed when an opportunity to take a position as a clerk in a general store was offered. He worked three years, and then planned to see something of the world. Stories of the wonders of Prague, the capital city of Czechoslovakia, had come to him, so he set out for Prague. He next visited Vienna, capital city of Austria-Hungary. Ant it was during the sojourn in Vienna that he and a companion, Rudolph Sucahn, decided to journey across the Atlantic to America. Each of the young men had relatives in this section of Nebraska, a sister of Mr. Smrz, living at Clarkson and two brothers and one sister of Mr. Suchan being at Dodge and Clarkson.
Mr. Smrz worked for Mr. Mrsny for two years, until Mrsny sold the store to F.J. Suchan in 1917. He continued with the Suchans until 1920 when he entered upon a position in the First National Bank of Leigh, a post he held for three years. The personnel of the bank was Thos. Mortimer, president; F. Rabeler, vice president; J.H. Moeller, cashier, Ed Rozmarin, Gordon McNary and Frank Smrz, assistance cashiers.
The opportunity to form a partnership with Julius Moeller, formerly of Leigh but who was in business at Lindsay at the time, presented itself in 1923, and the two yung men bought the store from Mr. Suchan. By mutual agreement Mr. Smrz did the buying and supervised the dry goods department and Mr. Moeller had charge of the groceries. neither interfered with the others department insofar as buying and managing was concerned.
Along in 1928, Smrz & Moeller's store was reorganized as an IGA store, to facilitate buying on a larger scale, advertising, and for competition with chain stores which were expanding into the smaller towns about that time. Courteous service, rendered promptly as well as efficiently, in the handling of high grade merchandise, fairly priced, has been a contributing factor to the success which Messrs. Smrz and Moeller have enjoyed during the twenty-three years in which they have conducted in their store at Leigh.
During the first World War, Frank Smrz went to Omaha to enlist, making the trip with Jerry Hobel, Will Vlach, and George Aspinall. He was accepted in a band and spent one night at Ft. Crook. The next morning when he presented himself to be sworn in, he was told that the United States had declared war on Austria. Because he had not been able to complete naturalization papers he was still a citizen of Austria, and could not be accepted as an American soldier. Had he been sworn in on the preceding day, he would have been "in." For that reason he never fought in the Army of the land of his adoption. He did, however, complete naturalization papers as soon as the time limit elapsed.
In 1929, Mr. Smrz spent five months in Europe. While he had been away his father and brother had died. But his mother, sisters, and brothers found great satisfaction in his visit. He journeyed to the battle fields of the first World War, visited important cities in France, Austria, and Germany, spent some time in Italy, visited Naples, Florence, Venice, Monte Cassino, Pompeii, and was granted an audience with Poe Pius XI while in Rome. Since the close of the second World War, brothers and sisters of Mr. Smrz have advised him of his other's death in Czechoslovakia which occurred in 1942, when she was 89 years of age.
Mr. Smrz was united in marriage to Miss Libbie Jicha, of Milligan, a public school teacher at Clarkson, in 1935, and they established their home in the house in the west part of Leigh which they recently sold to Mr. and Mrs. John Oldigs. They have two children, Dickie and Dorothy, and it is in the interest of the former, who attends school in Omaha, that they have sold their property at Leigh to locate in Omaha.
Throughout the years he has lived at Leigh, Mr. Smrz has been a faithful member of St. Mary's Church and of the Leigh Commercial club. He has served on the Village board for several years and was a member of the Leigh Fire department.
During the thirty-one years Mr. Smrz has lived at Leigh, many changes have been made about town. He states that two important improvements have been the installation of the electric light system and of the sewer system. A total of fourteen new business buildings have been built on Main street in that period. By actual county, fifty new homes have been built.
Personnel of the business men has changed greatly, only about half a dozen men are running the business they operated when Frank Smrz came to Leigh in 1915. They are J.D. Wurdeman, Wm. Hespe, C.J. Thorpe, Dr. F.F. Jones, Chas. R. Kuhle, C.D. Eby, and L.J. Sedlak.
In their removal to Omaha within the next couple of weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Smrz and their children carry with them the well wishes of hosts of friends.
August 2, 1946 - reprinted March 29, 2000Funeral services for Cam Moran who passed away, July 1, following injuries suffered at a railroad crossing in valley, were held at the Presbyterian Church at Creston. Rev. Hal Schenck officiated.
A quartet, Carolyn Ritter, Mrs. W.J. Ritter, Arthur Anson and Edwin Anson sang "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "The City Four Square," and "In the Sweet By and By." Nadine Summers accompanied.
Pallbearers were four brothers, Charles, Robert, Roy and Clyde; brother-in-law, LaVern Clark, and nephew, John R. Moran. Burial was in the Creston cemetery.Mrs. Cam Moran is being given care n the Methodist hospital, Omaha, where she was taken following the accident at Valley in which she lost both legs and which cost her husband his life. She has been given several transfusions. Late advises from the hospital state that "she is holding her own."
Miss Phyllis Claussen became the bride of Roland Rinz of San Antonio, Texas, in a service by candle light, performed at nine o'clock Saturday evening, July 20, in a church in that city. Rev. Wm. Parrish performed the ceremony. They were unattended.
The bridegroom served in the Army for two and one half years, of which two years were spent overseas on the European Theatre of Operations. He received his honorable discharge in November, 1945. He is a jeweler and engraver and is manager of State Jewelry shop in San Antonio. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and he received his education at Austin, Texas. They will make their home in San Antonio.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hilmer Settje by Caesarean section at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
August 9, 1946 - reprinted March 29, 2000Joe Herink was the successful bidder for the house sold at auction by Mrs. Ceilia Burger. The price paid was $3,205.00. Immediate possession was given. The Burger household goods found ready buyers at good prices. A large crowd attended the sale.
Leonard J. Hanel has opened a new motor repair service in the building formerly occupied by R.V. Forehlich. Mr. Hanel's opening announcement appears in ths issue of the Leigh World.
The Froehlich building has been completely overhauled. A new cement floor has been put in and equipment has been installed to take care of three cars at one time. One corner has been made into an office and a lavatory has been installed.A candlelight ceremony read by Rev. Martin Borneman at Christ Lutheran Church united the lives of Miss Anna Grotelueschen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Grotelueschen, and Reinhold Bock, of Summer, Iowa. The altar was decked with candelabra holding white tapers and baskets of midsummer garden flowers. The candles were lighted by Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Loseke, the bride's cousin.
Mr. and Mrs. Bock left for a wedding trip to western Nebraska and will stop at Leigh before going to Summer to establish their home. Mrs. Bock's going away outfit was a two-piece suit of green which she wore a corsage of peach gladioli.A threshing party was enjoyed at the Fred Brunken home and was enjoyed by the families of the men in the neighborhood's threshing crew. At the first of the season the men decided that ice cream for the party should be furnished by the one whose grain averaged the highest yield per acre.
Jake Bachman furnished the ice cream. His oats average was 50 bushels. One field averaged 69 bushels per acre.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hayes at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. She weighed six pounds.
A son weighing seven pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Reichmuth of Lindsay at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
August 16, 1946 - reprinted April 5, 2000In a double ring ceremony read by Rev. Fred Ollendorf at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Prairie, near Platte Center, Miss Lorraine Janssen, of that place became the bride of Wilfred Hoessel of Leigh.
In the evening a wedding dance was given at Welch's hall.The second tragedy in three days struck the C.D. Jack home here. The Jacks were notified that their daughter, Mrs. Sherman Jones, of Hastings, died of polio at St. Joseph's Hospital, Omaha. Sunday they received word that their son-in-law, Orville Almstead, Macdeonia, Iowa, was drowned. Mrs. Jones, about 28, was expecting her third child next month. The Jacks had only two daughters.
S 1-c Bob Ritter left San Diego, California for St. Louis, Missouri, to receive his discharge from the navy.
Y 2-c Virginia Ritter will go to Great Lakes, Illinois, to receive her discharge from the Waves. Virginia and Bob enlisted in Omaha together a year ago, July 15, and will be discharged the same week.Opal Barrett Y1-c will go to Great Lakes, Illinois, August 22 for her discharge from the Waves.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Underwood, of Chula Vista, California, on July 27. Mrs. Underwood will be remembered as Miss Marjorie Vaught, formerly of Leigh.
August 28, 1946 - reprinted April 5, 2000Members and friends of Zion Lutheran congregation met in a special service during which Walter Buss was installed as teacher of Zion Lutheran Christian Day school. Rev. E.C. Werner delivered the sermon, on the text found in Deut. 6, 6-7, urging support and cooperation between members and the teacher, and pointing out to the children the need of honor and respect for their teacher.
The children's chorus sang a hymn under the direction of Rev. Werner. The church choir sang a number following the rite of installation. After the service a reception was held for Mr. and Mrs. Buss. They were tendered a grocery shower. A lunch ws served in the school basement.
The parochial school will open on Monday, September 2. The curriculum includes the first eight grades.
Mr. and Mrs. Buss came to Leigh from Vernon, Texas, where he had daughter school for several years. He is a former member of Christ Lutheran Church, and a graduate of Concordia College, Seward. Mrs. Buss is the former Violet Held, of Columbus.A wire received by Mr. and Mrs. John Wiegert, advised them of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Wiegert, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, that day. Mrs. Wiegert and the baby are in a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. The baby has been named John Wayne.
By terms of a deal closed this week by Julius Skoda, Alfred Jahrmarkt sold his 117-acre farm east of Leigh to Anton Kmoch for $12,500. Jahrmarkt, in turn purchased their old home place, a quarter section eight miles southeast of Dodge, for $175.00 per acre.
Allen Schroeder has advised home folks, Mr. and Mrs. Rikus Rosendahl, that he is now stationed in Bomberg, Germany. He made the trip across the pond on the Colby Victory ship, landing at Bremerhafen on August 8.
Allen is serving in the signal corps.Announcement of the death of Max Wahl, which occurred in the Methodist Hospital, Omaha, was a shock to family and friends. Mr. Wahl had spent six weeks in the hospital and undergone two major operations. An embolism which devloped following the last operation was the direct cause of death.
After the operation Mr. Wahl rallied and his condition indicated recovery. He was in unusually good spirit and visited with several callers. Mrs. Wahl has remained in Omaha with her husband and their children, Marie, Helen and Walter, drove to Omaha to spend the day with them. The drive to Omaha was the thirteenth made by the children during the six weeks of their father's illness. They returned home during the evening and after Mrs. Wahl had gone to her room near the hospital, she was called and advised of her husband's sudden death.
The remains were brought to Leigh and funeral rites were conducted by Rev. J.A. Bahnsen from the home at two o'clock. Rev. Bahnsen based his sermon on Gen. 24, 56. Hymns, "Abide with Me," and Have Thine Own Way, Lord," were by Mrs. Edw. Hassebrook of Platte Center, and Arthur Gersib with accompaniment by Miss Shirley Hoessel. FLowerbearers were Lorraine Grotelueschen, Mildred Michaelsen, Lois Hollmann and Dorothy Muhle.
Pallbearers were Henry Grotelueschen, Oscar Michaelson, Harold Reick, Herman Otte, Walter and Julius Hollmann. Honorary bearers, fellow members of the church council, were John Dicke, Alfred Brock, Otto K. Muhle, Alfred Ahrnes, Werner Sander, Otto D. Loseke. Burial was in the family plat in the parish cemetery.
Born on a farm in Platte County on April 13, 1888, Max Wahl was a son of August and Fredericka Hoth Wahl. He died in Omaha on August 18, 1946, at the age of 58 years, four months and five days. His boyhood, to the age of 14 years, was spent on the Wahl farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Everett Lake. At that time his parents bought the farm nine miles south of Leigh which remained his home for the rest of his life.
He married Miss Bertha Bade March 26, 1924, and three children were born, Marie, Helen and Walter. Throughout his life Mr. Wahl was a loyal member and supporter of St. Paul's church. He served on the church council for 12 years and was elevated to president of the council two years ago. When St. Paul's was re-dedicated after extensive improvements in 1945, Mr. Wahl officiated at the ceremonies.
Although his chief interests were in his family and home and church, he enjoyed a wide acquaintance and had hosts of friends. During the day he had enjoyed visiting with his wife and children, Otto K. Muhle, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Bade, of Lincoln, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hake, of Columbus.
Survivors are the wife, one son, and two daughters, one brother, Fred Wahl of Columbus and one sister, Mrs. Louise Schluntz, of Anaheim, California. His parents and two brothers, William and Walter, preceded him in death.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Tichota.
August 30, 1946 - reprinted April 12, 2000Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reichmuth, Richard, Ramona, and Ardath returned from a trip to Florissant, Missouri, where they spent three days with their sons, Roland Reichmuth S.J., Bro. Marion Reichmuth S.J. at St. Stanislaus Seminary.
Enroute a stop was made at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Burger, from which place they were accompanied by Walter Burger and Mrs. Rose Hampel of Chicago. Joining the party for one day during the visit was Sr. Mary Charlotte, of St. Louis, a cousin of Mrs. Hampel and Mrs. Reichmuth, who teaches in St. Louis high school for colored girls.
Brother Marion is chief baker at St. Stanislaus, a community of about 200 students. Roland will teach for the next three years at St. Louis University High School and will conduct three classes in English and one in Greek. The high school consists of about 800 students, all boys. A flash flood which visited the St. Louis and Florissant areas a few days before the arrival of the Reichmuth party [and] did considerable damage. Thirteen and one half inches of rain fell during a 30-hour period, the heaviest rainfall recorded in that area in 109 years.Rev. Otto Spehr Jr., Mrs. Spehr and 11-month-old daughter, Ruth Marie, and John Allen Addelman of Madison were injured when cars driven by Rev. Spehr and Melvin Moser of Madison collided at the corner east of Everett Craig's home.
Mrs. Spehr and baby were thrown clear of the car into the ditch. The car struck a bridge railing, sheared it off and turned over. Mrs. Spehr was cut and bruised, the baby was bruised and suffered a slight concussion. Rev. Spehr had one leg badly bruised.
John Addelman, ten year old son of Albert Addelman, received a broken leg and concussion. He is at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk where he is reported to be improving. Mrs. Ralph Craig and Miss Louis Craig hurried to the scene and Miss Craig took them to the office of Dr. Palmateer in Madiosn, and then on to Norfolk to the Lutheran Hospital. They stayed until the following evening for observation of the baby who is now getting laong alright.
Rev. Spehr, who with his family moved to Creston, was enroute to Madison driving north. Melvin Moser was driving east. The Spehr car was damaged.Pvt. Frank Morfeld has advised home folks, Mr. and Mrs. John Morfeld, that he has reenlisted in the army for another year. Frank is stationed on an island in the Pacific at the present time.
September 6, 1946 - reprinted April 12, 2000Miss Maxine Morlok, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Morlok residing nine miles south of Leigh, was killed in an autombile accident on highway 66 near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
District attorney's investigator, Henry Espinosa, said that her car overturned after sideswiping a truck as she attempted to pass another car, according to a news dispatch from Albuquerque.
Maxine, her mother, her brother, Allen, and her sister, Mary Etta, had been visiting with Mrs. Morlok's son, Wakterm [sic], and daughter, Miss Elsie, at Los Angeles, California, and were enroute to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where another son, Bob is stationed in the Army. There they intended picking up Bob's twin brother, Ray, who is working at Santa Fe.
Maxine would have been a senior in Kramer High in Columbus this year and during these summer months had been employed at a bakery in Columbus.
She is survived by her parents, and nine brothers and sisters, Miss Elsie and Walter, of Los Angeles; Edmund, of Madison; Allen of Columbus; Bob and Ray of Santa Fe; and Ruth, Helen, and Mary Etta, at home.
Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Martin Borneman at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. Interment was made in the cemetery at Christ Lutheran Church.Red Cross authorities are attempting to discover the whereabouts of Richard Morlok of Leigh in order to notify him of the death of his daughter, Maxine. Maxine was killed in an auto accident at Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the family has been unable to contact her father with the news.
Morlok left several weeks ago to visit friends in New York, and on his return trip planned to look for a farm in Illinois or Iowa. Columbus Red Cross officials wish to inform him of the death and funeral arrangements, and have contacted the Red Cross at Des Moines for assistance.
He is believed to be on his way back at the present time. Telegram was sent to the Des Moines Red Cross telling them of the situation and asking their aid and it has been broadcast over the radio station at Shenandoah, Iowa.
September 6, 1946 - reprinted April 19, 2000Rosemary Bohaty, a 2-year-old girl, was electrocuted when she came into contact with what apparently was an electrically-charged wire fence near the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bohaty, five miles southeast of Wahoo.
An attending physician, who reported that the girl was dead when brought to a Wahoo hospital, said the fence was near a water tank and indicated that the girl's feet may have been wet when contact was made. Wahoo firemen tried first aid treatment for about an hour in an unsuccessful attempt to resuscitate the child.Thomas R. Trojan, only son of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Trojan, of Leigh, was married to Miss Carol M. Thoreson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thoreson, of Jackson, Minnesota, at Seattle, Washington on August 24. The candlelight ceremony was solemnized at four o'clock p.m. in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, of Seattle, that being the church which was attended by the bride's grandparents and from which they were buried. Dr. H.A. Stub read the service.
Mr. and Mrs. Trojan left for a wedding trip to Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, and upon their arrival at Leigh will make their home on a farm near town.Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reichmuth entertained at dinner in honor of their daughter, Sr. Mary Jane, R.S.M. and cousin, Sr. Mary Theodore, R.S.M. of Omaha who arrived to spend the weekend at the Reichmuth home.
Present were Rev. Wm. Fitzpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Herink, and Norman, Mr. and Mrs. Edw. DeKeere; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Reichmuth and children of Lindsay; Mr. and Mrs. Milo Herink and children of Madison; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bahns and family, John Jr., Robert, Florence, Eugene and Jerome Herink, and Joe Froemmel of Humphrey. Sr. Mary Jane will teach her second year at St. John's School in Omaha. Sr. Mary Theodore is from St. Catherine's Hospital.
They returned to Omaha. The dinner at the Reichmuth home also marked their 26th wedding anniversary.The registrants listed below have been called for induction and will report at Ft. Crook, Nebraska:
Robert Vincent Herink, Leigh and Henry Hefti Jr., Leigh.A copy of the Leigh World published September 13, 1889, was sent to the World office last week by Mrs. Mabel Higgens, of Green City, Missouri. Mrs. Higgens is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Overstreet, deceased, and a niece of Mrs. Mary Overstreet. The paper published 57 years ago carried the birth announcement of Mrs. Higgens, and is in readable condition.
The Jas. Overstreets lived here during the eighties and owned the farm north of Leigh which is now the property of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Hyland. They sold the farm in 1893 and returned to Missouri. When Mr. Hyland purchased the farm of John Mitchell in 1908, he paid $100 per acre which was the highest price per acre for land here at the time. To the farm of 120 acres he later added 40 acres which he bought of Henry Heitman; 20 acres from Gerd Asche and 40 acres from John Mohnsen, making a total of 220 acres.
The Hylands have built a complete set of new buildings on the farm and made many other improvements. It is, today, one of the show places of the countryside and we doubt if it is for sale at any price.
Some of the advertisements carried by the Leigh merchants of 1889 are of interest G.C. Hull advertises: Calico, 5 cents, Corsets, 50 cents, Gingham, 6 cents, Babies Shoes, 10 cents, Men's Overalls, 50 cents, Men's Suspenders, 10 cents, German blue calico, 12 cents, Men's Suits of clothers, $4.00.
F.J. Smith, father of Mrs. Mary Overstreet, operated a store which he was pleased to call the "The Little Concern in the Weeds." His advertisement reads "Don't Come to See Me unless you happen to come that way-Monkey Wrenches-Jack knives, Custard Pies-Pigs in Clover, One cent each.
Other business men who carried ads were L.V. Graves, Insurance; Geo. Egan, Livery stable; G.A. Pitman, Barber shop; F.A. Crisman, Leigh hotel; F.H. Geer, Physician; Wm. J. Birken, No. Western hotel; W.E. Anderson-Boss Harness Man.
J.H. Chilson, Machinery, Wagons, Buggies; Ab Crisman, Meat Market; Geo. Allen, Druggist; G.W. Kibler, Livery-Feed Stable; C.A. Whiting, Banker; C.O. Kloppel, implement Wigwam; W.M. Walling, Attorney-Notary Public; S.C. Smith, Hardware; H.J. Smith, Elevator; G.W. Whiting, Grocery.
Some of the news items in the paper are Ab Crisman's meat market sports a new sign, the handiwork of A.W. Lanfear.
The Leigh Hotel furnished supper for fifty-two Odd Fellows.
The lecture on the Johnstown disaster given by Rev. Powers of Columbus at the M.E. Church was very interesting.
We would advise the people of Creston to call Sam'l Friedman, successor to E.T. Graham & Co., when in need of groceries and dry goods.
The bright little girl now cheers the home of Jas Overstreet and family. The little one arrived Monday. Mother and child are doing well.
The Winning Our Way society will give a dime social and silver medal elocutionary contest at the Congregational church.
The W.C.T.U. will meet with Mrs. A.M. Walling Friday at three o'clock sharp. If you have any pump work just call on C.I. Kloppel. He will do it well.
Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Conrad went to Lincoln to see the sights.
The Colfax County fair will be held at Schuyler September 18, 19, and 20.
As I am selling my goods at cost, I cannot go to the expense of delivering goods. L. Heitman.
August Kloppel and Scott Bowers made a trip to Schuyler.
Arthur Softley, of Fremont, will teach the McKee school this winter. He is a good teacher and no doubt will give satisfaction.
Judge Legro, of Dodge, brought his 3-year-old child to Dr. Cain to have removed from its nose a kernel of corn. The child did not complain of the presence of the corn; during the process of its removal, though chloroformed, she suffered excruciating pain.
Mrs. Thos. McCurdy and two children returned from a visit to relatives in Iowa.
A stock of velvets in all shades and prices at the Bargain store.
Fine new home made wash boilers on hand at J. Stabb and Bros.
September 6, 1946 - reprinted April 26, 2000William John Wurdeman, 62, died suddenly at 8 p.m. at his home about seven miles north of Columbus, having suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.
He was born June 15, 1894, in Bismark Township, Platte County, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Wurdeman.
On 29, 1914 [sic], he married Miss Bertha Bakenhus, and they have since resided in Platte County.
He was a member of the Christ Lutheran church and since January, 1945, had served as elder of the church. He had been treasurer of school district No. 36 and also treasurer of Bismark Township.
Mr. Wurdeman is survived by his wife, one daughter, Miss Ruth Wurdeman at home; thre sons, Raymond and Alfred Wurdeman, at home, and Edward Wurdeman, of Columbus; one grandson, James Wurdeman of Columbus; one brother Louis G. Wurdeman of Columbus; two half-brothers, Arnold Schaad of Columbus and Robert Schaad of Leigh; and one half sister, Miss Louisa Schaad of Columbus.
Funeral services were held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Martin Bornemann, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in Christ Lutheran parish cemetery.
September 13, 1946 - reprinted May 3, 2000Loren L. Frohlich, 25, brother-in-law of Mrs. E.F. Filip, met accidental death, when a tractor which he was driving into the farm yard at their home near Eagle, overturned and pinned him beneath. Escaping oil caught fire and attracted the attention of Mrs. Frohlich who rushed to her husband's aid and fought frantically to keep the flames from his face. Neighbors hurried to rescue and with the aid of another tractor, pulled the overturned machine off Frohlich's body. He was able to walk to a car and was taken to Bryan Memorial hospital in Lincoln but collapsed in his wife's arms on the way. Efforts to resuscitate him failed. Death was due to shock and burns.
Funeral services and burial were held at Eagle.
Loren Frohlich was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Frohlich of Eagle. He was a first lieutenant in the air corps during the war and had completed 304 missions. A pilot in the Pacific theatre he had flown 604 combat hours in his plane, "Sweet Adeline" spotting enemy positions. He was married to Miss Adeline Kozisek, a sister of Mrs. Filip, before entering the service and his first act on being assigned to his Piper Cub was to paint his wife's name on his ship.
Frohlich distinquished himself in January, 1945, by being the first liaison pilot in the 14th corps to fly over Lingayen beaches. On Mindanao he was given the mission of rescuing a fellow pilot who had crashed. Doughboys hacked out a 600-ft lane through kunia grass and Frohlich was able to set his plane down, completing half his mission. But it was impossible for him to take off so he and several doughboys carried "Sweet Adeline" a quarter of a mile to an old dirt road and he was able to make a get-away. He was given his discharge from the service last fall.
Dr. and Mrs. Filipi and Joan had driven to Linwood to the home of her parents. Shortly before the Filipis arrived Mr. and Mrs. Kozisek had received word of the accident. Together, they went to Eagle and to Lincoln. Dr. and Mrs. Filipi were there for the funeral rites.A.L. Cramer met accidental death at David City, when a gun at his side discharged and struck him in the leg. Profuse bleeding caused his death.
Mrs. Cramer, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Kumpf, left for David City at once. Further deatils are lacking as we go to press.While Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jenny were attending the state fair in Lincoln their car, left in a parking area, was broken into and several articles stolen.
Mr. Jenny reported the theft to the sheriff's office and listed the missing articles of clothing, blankets and a suit case. No trace of the stolen goods has been found.Mrs. Clarence Settje received lacerations on her face and one arm, when their car collided with a small truck. Mr. Settje was driving. The accident occurred at the corner south of the William Hellbusch farm. The Settjes were traveling south and the truck driving by Herman Brakenhaus was going west.
Mrs. Settje was thrown into the windshield, which broke, inflicting cuts which required 50 stitches to close. Mr. Settje received minor injuries. Mrs. Settje remained at the Columbus hospital several days.
The Settje twins stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Herman Settje while their mother was in the hospital. The boys remained at the James Barrett home.A son born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Mueller, at the Lutheran hospital, Columbus.
A daughter, weighing seven pounds, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Pospichal at St. Mary's hospital, Columbus.
September 20, 1946 - reprinted May 3, 2000Miss Beatrice (Betty) Henke became the bride of Harry E. Rosche in an early autum ceremony read by Rev. Martin Borneman at Christ Lutheran Church. Nuptial music was in charge of E.A. Buchholz and also accompanied Ernest Grotelueschen who sang "My Shepherd" and "Whither Thou Goest."
Upon their return Mr. and Mrs. Rosche will live on a farm north of Columbus.By terms of a deal closed last week, Harold Hassebrook bought the former Chas. Botsch house from George Bruhn, Jr., for the consideration of $4,500.00. Possession will be given as soon as the Bruhns can move the house in west Leigh which they moved over from Creston and have under repair.
Mr. Hassebrook will devote his entire time to the trucking business.John Herink was the successful bidder on the house and barn at the auction of buildings on the F.B. Reins farm. He gave $700.00 for the house and $890.00 for the barn. The house will be moved to the Herink farm south of Leigh. The barn will be taken down and the lumber hauled to the Herink place.
The east portion of the hog barn went to Herman Sohl for $150.00 and he also paid $285.00 for the wash house. West part of the hog barn was bought by Steve Novotny for $380.00.
Ed Kafka bought the garage for $250.00. The machine shed went to Walter Koch for $265.00. Several smaller buildings were sold.
A large crowd of people was on hand for the sale. Vasek & Son were the auctioneers. Edw. Korte was the clerk.
September 20, 1946 - reprinted May 10, 2000Miss Lorinda Kramer of Fremont was married to Harry Schultz, of Summer, in a double ring ceremony read by Rev. E.C. Werner at Zion Lutheran Church. Miss Leona Kramer, of Fremont, the bride's sister, and Leroy Schultz, the bridegroom's brother were attendants.
Mr. and Mrs. Schultz left for a wedding trip after which they will live at Summer.Miss Mildred Ann Jenny and William L. Metzger, former Leigh young people, were married at Trinity Lutheran Church, Longview, Washington. Rev. John L. Cauble read the double ring ceremony. The bride was given in marriage by their [sic] father, R.G. Jenny.
The newlyweds left for a week's wedding trip after which they will live in Seattle.Miss Ann Helvey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Helvey, of Lincoln and Duane Moeller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto H. Moeller, also of Lincoln were joined in marriage in an early autumn ceremony performed by Rev. R.R. Kreps at the Methodist Church in Havelock. Immediate relatives witnessed the double ring ceremony.
The body of A.L. Cramer, whose accidental death occurred on a highway south of David City, was brought to Leigh that night by the Holmes Funeral Home ambulance. C.C. Machurek, Butler County Sheriff who serves as coroner, gave out the opinion that Cramer apparently bled to death after his gun was discharged into his left leg. The wound was well above the knee.
Cramer, who was manager of the real estate department of Bankers Life Ins. Co., of Lincoln, spent the first of the week at Leigh going to David City. He left David City attending to business in a bank at Brainard. Enroute to Lincoln he took the main highway which was under repair instead of the 9-mile detour as directed. This accounts for the fact that help did not reach him sooner after he was wounded as most travelers took the detour.
Nathan Groosman, of York, was the first person who arrived at the scene of the accident. He discovered the injured man lying on the road by the side of his car bleeding profusely. Cramer had used his handkerchief and his shirt as a tourniquet in a futile effort to check the flow of blood. He tried to speak but Groosman cautioned him to save his strength.
Hurrying to a nearby farmhouse to summon help, Groosman was unable to locate a telephone so was obliged to drive to David City, a distance of 12 miles, for aid. Sheriff Machurck, Dr. Donald Burdick, and E.E. McVey, undertaker, drove to the scene but found that Mr. Cramer had expired. During Groosman's absence, John Hudson of David City, had passed that way and, coming upon the lifeless body, had covered it over with a blanket. Cramer usually carried a gun in his car and it is thought he got out the gun, a .410 pistol, to shoot at some game. In some never-to-be-explained manner, the gun was discharged. Blood stains inside the car indicate that he was in the car when the shot was discharged.
Alva LeRoy Cramer was born at Griswold, Iowa, September 16, 1895, and would have been 51 years old on Monday of this week. When he was four years old his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Cramer, moved to a farm near Emerson, Iowa. After graduating from the Emerson High School in 1913, he entered Boyles Business College in Omaha, graduating in 1917.
In that same year he entered upon a position with the Omaha Bond and Mortgage Company, a subsidiary of the Bankers Life. In April, 1917, he was married to Miss Edna Smith of Indianola, Iowa, and three children were born, Gayle Lorraine, William Alva and Don LeRoy.
He enlisted in World War One in July 1918, serving at the Omaha Balloon school until November when the war ended, after which he resumed his former work. In 1938 an office was established at Leigh were he conducted his business of farm supervision and real estate. He was married to Helen Fowler, July 2, 1938, and they established their home here. Mr. Cramer was transferred to the home office in Lincoln in 1941 and promoted to manager of the real estate department.
Survivors are his wife, two sons, William of Lincoln; and Don, of Omaha; one daughter, Mrs. W.B. Anderson, of Omaha; one step daughter, Miss Priscilla Fowler, of Leigh; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Cramer; one sister, Mrs. H.E. Greenwood, of Emerson, Iowa; one brother, Earl Cramer, of Griswold, Iowa, and two grandchildren, Patti and Nancy Anderson, of Omaha.
Fond of outdoor sports, Mr. Cramer enjoyed hunting and his hobby was aerial and scenic photography. He enjoyed opening their home to friends, informally, and was happy when playing host-chef to a group of guests. He was a past president of the Leigh Commercial Club and a member of Sucha post, American Legion. A man invaluable to his employers, his business contacts and built for him a wide acquaintance and many friends throughout this territory.
September 20, 1946 - reprinted May 17, 2000Christ Lutheran congregation in the Colfax-Platte County area, will observe the 75th Anniversary of its founding and 25th Anniversary of its present church building, Sunday, September 22. During the 75 years of its organization, Christ Lutheran has produced nine pastors, six of who were the sons of ministers, and three, sons of church members. In addition to nine pastors Christ Lutheran has sent out into the world 18 young people, sons and daughters, who are teaching in parish schools, at [sic] total of 27 Christian workers. The Anniversary service will be conducted by the sons of the congregation who have chosen to enter the ministerial profession. In 1870, the Rev. Kuegele came out from Omaha to Columbus to investigate the possibility of organizing a Lutheran congregation at Columbus. He conducted a service in either the District 2 school house near Shell Creek, or in one of the log cabin homes. On February 19, 1871, 60 persons affixed their signatures to a brief article of confession of the Lutheran faith. On August 20, 1871, Candidate C.W. Baumhoefener was ordained and installed as the first resident pastor.
The constitution was adopted in the year 1872 and in 1906 it was incorporated in the laws of the state. Since there was no parsonage or church building. Rev. Baumhoefener made his home with Henry Rickert until the parsonage, part of which served as a school room, was completed. The first services were conducted in the school rooms of Districts 2 and 15 and in the homes of the pioneer settlers.
On December 27, 1874, Pastor E. Frese was intalled as the second resident pastor. During his tenure the first church was built in 1877, to which an extension and steeple were later added. The pastor was given permission by his congregation to preach in other settlements at Columbus, Grand Prairie, Dry Creek, and Leigh. Consequently Immanuel Lutheran, Columbus; St. John's Lutheran, Columbus; Zion Congregation, Leigh, and Immanuel Lutheran, Schuyler, became daughter congregations of Christ Lutheran.
In August 1881, Pastor H. Fischer became the third pastor. During this year the second parsonage was built and in 1893 it became necessary to enlarge the church.
In July of 1894 A.W. Frese was called as pastor, and during his pastorate another school building was erected. He was succeeded by Pastor E. Denninger in April, 1906. Several years later, becaue of increased membership, it became necessary to plan a larger house of worship. The project, however, was postponed because of the nation's entry into World War I.
On August 18, 1918, Pastor J.P. Kuehnert was installed as pastor. World War I being over, the congregation proceeded to erect a new and larger church building. On July 4, 1920, the cornerstone was laid, and on September 18, 1921 the church building was dedicated. The overall size was 90 by 54 in transept, two towers, and a steeple of 90 feet in height. It was erected at the cost of $80,000 and erected as a memorial and thankoffering for the 50th Anniversary of the congregation.
In 1925 a dwelling for a teacher was built.
Because of ill health, Pastor J.P. Kuehnert was given a leave of absence and in his absence his son, Richard E. Kuehnert served the congregation for a year. Failing to recover his strength, Pastor J.P. Kuehnert resigned his duties, and the Rev. H.L. Bornemann was called as his successor. Upon his death November 19, 1939, his son, Pastor Martin Bornemann was called to the pastorate.
In 1946 a new parsonage was erected of brick veneer, it is modern throughout.
At present Christ congregation has 550 baptized members including 430 communicant members.
Christ Lutheran has a voter organization of 104 members; a young people's organization, the Walther League, organized October 3, 1920, has 105 members; a Ladies Aid organized in September 18, 1932, with 48 members; a Lutheran Women's Missionary League organized in 1945 with a membership of 45 members; a Lutheran Laymen's League, with membership of 32 members; and a choir of 50 members.
Names of those pioneer families who founded Christ Lutheran Church and whose descendants have joined their loyal support to that of their forebears were Asche, Ahrens, Barjenbruch, Bakenhus, Buss, Behrens, Borchers, Dicke, Dirks, Doersch, Engelbart, Geiter, Goedeken, Grotelueschen, Hake, Henke, Held, Heibel, Hellbusch, Hembd, Herchenhan, Hollmann, Hoth, Johannes, Karlin, Korte, Kreye, Krunland [sic], Kuennemann, Kumpf, Lindemann, Lueke, Luesche, Lueschen, Lutjeluesche, Marty, Michaelsen, Mueller, Nauenburg, Otte, Reinke, Pluegge, Renschler, Rickert, Robert, Rosche, Saalfeld, Schaad, Siefken, Schreiber, Stickel, Wetterer, Wilke, Wilken, Wurdeman.Produces 27 Christian Workers
Young men of Christ Lutheran who are serving as ministers today are Elmer T. Grotelueschen, Hilger Cattau, Raymond Cattau, Franz Frese, Richard Kuehnert, Rudolph Kuehnert, Theodore Bornemann, William Bornemann, and Martin Bornemann.
Those who have served or are serving as teachers are Evelyn and Edna Grotelueschen, Martin Bakenhus, Esther and Gertrude Kuehnert, Herman Otte, Vendetta Ahrens, Marie, Martha, and Dorothy Bornemann, Walter Korte, Walter Morlok, Walter Buss, Paul Grotelueschen, Edward and Emil Marty, and Rollin Cattau, the latter a student at Seward.
Christ Lutheran cemetery adjoining the church property, as [sic] a hallowed spot. The grounds are beautifully kept. Representatives of three generations in many families rest there in God's Acre. Many of the tomb stones record deaths in the seventies. Two of the earliest graves are those of Mrs. Krumland and of a young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Lueschen. Stones marking their graves are dated in 1874.Church Custodians
To Misses Martha and Anna Behrens goes the credit for card [sic] and cleaning of the church auditorium over a long period of years. Fred Kant has the credit for many years of service as fireman. More than 25 years ago, Carl Cattau volunteered to ring the bell for services and he is still the faithful bellman.Honor Roll
On Christ Lutheran's Honor Roll during World War Two were these names: Walter Johannes, Paul Korte, Carroll Kant, Elmer Henke, Raymond Wilke, Edward Wurdeman, Melvin Loseke, Paul Ahrens, Helmuth Cattau, Allan Moeller, Ora Bakenhus, Norris Asche, Alfred Wurdeman, Walter Marty, Clarence Hake, David Hollman, Roland Marty, Edgar Cattau, Allen Morlok, James Buchholz, Robert Morlok, Ewald Cattau, Mark Buchholz, Marvin Bakenhus, Leonard Wilke, Allen Korte, Milton Wilke, Lawrence Frese, Martin Dirks, Herman Otte, Frederick Buchholz, Martin Cattau, Duayne Muhle, Lloyd Frese, Victor Wilke, Charmis, Pose, Alvin Kant, Carroll Henke, Richard Rube.Chirst Lutheran School
From the time it was first founded Christ Lutheran congregation has maintained a parish school for the thorough Christian education of its youth. The founders realized the true meaning of the Bible maxim: "Train, up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." The parish school supplements the home; it assists the parents in the proper up-bringing of the children. The parish school not only prepares and equips the child for good citizenship here on earth, but above all, for citizenship in the world to come. It seeks to fortify the character of the child and equips the child with the "sword of the Spirit," so that it may withstand the temptations to evil.
In the early years of Christ Lutheran the pastors also served as pedagogues. They taught the three 'R's', and particularly, the fourth 'R', religion. In several instances, the daughter of pastors assisted in teaching the common branches while the pastor imparted the relgious instruction. However, as state requirements for public instruction became more exacting, the congretation met its obligation by calling fulltime male teacher, thus relieving the pastor of teaching so that he might devote his full time to pastoral duties.
In 1907, Walter Reese, graduate of Concordia Teachers College, was called to become the first state certificated teacher. In 1919, after Mr. Reese had accepted a position to another Lutheran school, Rudolf Kuehnert had charge of the school for one term.
In 1920, E.A. Buchholz, graduate of Concordia Teachers College, Seward, was called as principal of the school. He has functioned in this capacity for 26 years. He also serves as organist and choir director.
In 1928, the teaching staff was augmented. A woman teacher was called to teach the lower four grades. Thus every child of school age within the congregation was given an opportunity to attend this weekday parish school for the full eight years. While a one-room school, the enrollment varied from 35 to 60. With the strengthening of the teaching staff, the enrollment rose steadily reaching 104 at its peak. At present the enrollment stands at 67. All children of school age within the congregation, with the exception of a few, are enrolled.
To the standards and achievements of the school, aside from its principal purpose, that of building citizens for heaven, we let the records speak. Graduates of Christ Lutheran school have achieved high standards in the state eighth grade examinations, county and state spelling contests, and have done commendable work in the local public high schools. The school enjoys an audio-visual educational program. Religious and educational pictures are shown weekly. Serving on the board of education are Rev. Borneman, Mr. Buchholz, Adolf Behrens, Otto Korte and Julius Hollmann.
After the contemplated new school building has become a reality, the educational plant of Christ Lutheran will rank among the finest of its kind in the state. Lavern Franzen is the new teacher in charge of grades 1-4.
September 20, 1946 - reprinted May 24, 2000Louis Jelinek, 35, Pilger farmer, died in Sioux City hospital of injuries suffered when his car struck a bridge near Hartington and plunged down an embankment. Riding with Mr. Jelinek was his brother, Edwin of California, who escaped with minor injuries. Other survivors are the wife and one son. Services will be at Hartington, Mr. Jelinek's former home.
Mr. Jelinek is the fourth person to lose his life in an automobile accident in Cedar county within a month.
September 27, 1946 - reprinted May 24, 2000Ida Augusta Moeller was born October 22, 1881, in Holstein Germany. At the age of one year her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Moeller, came to this country and their first home in the new land was near Papillion, Douglas county, Nebraska. When she was five years old, the family moved to a farm in Colfax County five miles south of Leigh. This community remained her home. She was confirmed in St. Paul's Church, and on April 13, 1898, she was married to Fritz Miller. They farmed south of town until they bought the place three and one half miles west of Leigh which is known as the home farm and which is today occupied by Duane Loseke. That was the family home for 45 years.
Retiring from the farm in 1943, they have since made Leigh their home. Throughout her life Mrs. Miller was loyal to her faith in the Lutheran church.
For the past several weeks she had been in failing health and for the past two weeks she was hospitalized in Omaha. She died shortly before noon, Friday, September 20, 1946, at the age of 64 years, 10 months and 28 days.
The remains were taken to the Brailey and Dorrance Chapel in Omaha where a prayer service was held for the accommodation of many relatives who were unable to attend the funeral at Leigh. The service was conducted by Rev. Walter Wilkens, missionary pastor, of Omaha. Relatives present, in addition to the family, were Herman Vierregger, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Miller, R. McClimans, Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Krist, Mrs. Mabel Hill. members of her family accompanied the remains to Leigh.
Funeral rites were held from the home to Zion Lutheran Church. Rev. E.C. Werner delivered the sermon of 2nd Kings, 20-1: Set thine house in order for thou shalt die, and now live. Flower bearers were Mrs. Ed Korte, Mrs. Ewald Deichman, Mrs. Arnold Barjenbruch, Mrs. Walter Buss, Ellen Johannes, and Pauline Barjenbruch. Pallbearers were neighbors of long standing, Otto Wurdeman, Otto Littelman, Paul Loseke, Charles Grotelueschen, Fred Hillen, and Clarence Olson. Mrs. Lawrence Olson accompanied congregational singing.
Mrs. Millers chief interest were in her family and in her home and church. She had a wide acquaintance and she will be kindly remembered.
Survivors are her husband, two sons, J. Henry Miller, Leigh; Capt. Edw. O. Miller, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, who was unable to be present; and two daughters, Mrs. Pauline Reins, Omaha; and Mrs. Anna Arndt, Corvallis, Oregon. A daughter, Olga Rosine, preceded her in death in March, 1929. She also leaves two brothers, Fred Moeller, Iroquois, South Dakota; and John H. Moeller, Columbus; and three sisters, Mrs. Anna Schadendorf, Long Beach, California, Mrs. Dora Vierregger, Papillion, and Mrs. Mary Brock, Leigh. There are 10 grandchildren. One brother, Otto, and one sister, Margaret, died several years ago.Miss Lavonne Rosette Hanel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hanel of Schuyler, and Harold F. Sucha, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sucha of Scribner, both former Leigh people, were joined in marriage. The double ring ceremony was read by Rev. Victor E. Herman at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Schuyler.
Mr. and Mrs. Sucha will reside at Schuyler until March 1st when they will establish their home on a farm near Dodge.Miss Rita M. Heitz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Heitz, of Schuyler, and Donald F. Huismann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Huismann, of this community, were united in marriage at St. Augustine's Church, Schuyler, on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Rev. Clement J. Nacke administered the vows.
Mr. and Mrs. Huismann left for a week's trip to points in the east. Her going away costume was a two piece wool suit of American Beauty with black accessories.Ed Wurdeman died suddenly in Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to word received by his relatives here. He left home for his office in good spirits. At ten o'clock he returned home and spoke of not feeling well. Within half an hour he passed away.
Funeral services were held at Trinity First Lutheran Church with interment in Lakewood Cemetery.
Mr. Wurdeman was born April 6, 1875, in Sherman Township, Platte County, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Wurdeman, early settlers in the neighborhood southwest of Leigh. He had reached the age of 71 years. He was married to Marie Rbeler, February 28, 1898, and six children were born.
During the years they lived at Leigh, Mr. Wurdeman was cashier of the Maple valley State Bank. They left Leigh to locate in Minneapolis in 1921. Mr. Wurdeman's last visit to Leigh was in April of this year when he was accompanied by Mrs. Wurdeman and their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dubbe.
Survivors are his wife, two sons, Lt. Robert M. and Oswald, and two daughters, Mrs. Dubbe and Mrs. Loren Cahlander, all of Minneapolis. There are ten grandchildren and one great-grandson. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Alma Feye, Columbus, and two brothers, Charles, Columbus, and Frank, Creston, all of whom drove to Minneapolis for the funeral.Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Korte, Karen and Lowene, spent the weekend at Holdrege with Mr. and Mrs. Marcellus Larson. Mrs. Larson will be remembered as Miss Alberta Carson who made her home with the Kortes some years ago.
On their return trip, Mr. and Mrs. Korte came upon a car-train accident at Gibbon in which four young people, two boys and two girls, all 15-year-olds, lost their lives.Harry Watchorn presented the deed to his 120-acre farm to his nephew, Pfc. Roland Watchorn. The farm is located southeast of Leigh and is known as the Henry Bade place. Frank Knapp is the present tenant.
Mr. Watchorn retains the rental of the farm and the income during his life.Mrs. Christ Schwanke died at her home in Leigh following an illness extending over a period of several months. Her condition was serious for several weeks and her passing was not wholly unexpected.
Funeral services were held from the home to St. John's Church, Rev. J.A. Bahnsen officiating. He spoke from Prov. 31-28: Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also he praiseth her. Six granddaughters carried the flowers, Verna and LaVon Schwanke, Marcella and Vernice Menke, and Nadine and Velda Schwanke.
Pallbearers were neighbors on the farm, Wm. Hoessel, Henry Hoessel, Robert Iverson, Rudolph Hobza, Jr., Leo Wurdeman and Richard Marty. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Before her marriage Mrs. Schwanke was Marie Louis Albertina Metschke. Born in Brandenburg, Germany, December 16, 1869, she died at Leigh, Nebraska, September 20, 1946, having reached the age of 76 years, nine months and four days.
She came to America with her parents, the late Frederich and Marie Metschke, when she was three years old. They lived first on a farm eight miles from Scribner and she was confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church on Pebble Creek in 1884 by Pastor J. P. Mueller. Nine years later she was married to Christian F. Schwanke, on February 2, 1893, and 11 children were born.
They lived on a farm in Stanton County for 1- years before moving to a farm south of Leigh in 1903. In 1919 they moved to the farm five miles southwest of Leigh which remained their home until they retired and moved to Leigh in February of this year. Since moving to town Mrs. Schwanke's health was gradually failed. She was faithful to the Lutheran church. Although of a retiring disposition she enjoyed a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
On February 2, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Schwanke observed their golden wedding anniversary, which time all of their children and grandchildren were present.
Surviving are the husband, six sons, Herman, Fremont; Henry and Carl, Scribner; Otto, Madison; August, Harlan, Iowa; and Elmer, Leigh. And three daughters, Mrs. Ida Menke, Columbus; Mrs. Rosenberry, Ames; and Miss Emma, Leigh. She leaves 20 grandchildren.
Also surviving are four brothers and one sister who live at Scribner, Fred, Ernst, August and Herman Metschke, and Mrs. John Schnoor. She was preceded in death by two children, one brother, Otto, two sisters, Mrs. Anna Hoge and Mrs. Louise Stabener.
September 27, 1946 - reprinted May 31, 2000James B. Horak has resigned as a member of the selective service board of Colfax County. The two remaining members are Frank M. Cuba and Henry Kasal.
Miss Marilyn Ann Ahrens became the bride of Edwin J. Heimann of West Point in an early autumn ceremony at St. Mary's Church. Rev. Wm. Fitzpatrick celebrated the nuptial high mass and received the vows.
Mr. and Mrs. Heimann left for a motor trip to points in California. For traveling the bride wore a two-piece suit of grey gabardine with black accessories. Upon their return they will live on a farm in the Monterey neighborhood.Ed Busse has moved his livestock yards to his own property north of town. Yards are arranged to take care of cattle and hogs and a new office building has been erected.
Mr. Busse is expanding in the livestock business and will buy cattle as well as hogs.Announcement of the death of Ernest Held, 48, at his home, was a shock to family and friends. Mr. Held had been in failing health for a year and for the past few weeks had been unable to drive the road maintainer which he operated. Death was due to a heart attack.
Funeral services were from the home to St. John's Church and were conducted by his brother-in-law, Rev. George Eller, of Beloit, Kansas. A quartet, Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Mrs. Lambert Houfek, R.H. Olson, and J. Ben Jenny, sang two hymns, "Jesus Savior Pilot Me" and "Abide With Me," with accompaniment by Mrs. Theodore Mrstny.
Flower bearers were Mrs. Andrew Jenny, Mrs. Walter Littleman, Mrs. Louis Bruhn, Mrs. Henry Thalken, Mrs. Frank Nebola, and Mrs. Elmer Olson of Fremont. Pallbearers were Andrew Jenny, Walter Littleman, Louis Bruhn, Henry Thalken, Norman Herink and Elmer Olson of Fremont. Burial was in the Leigh cemetery.
Born on a farm southwest of Leigh, March 17, 1898, Ernest Jacob Held was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Held. his mother preceded him in death. He was confirmed at St. Paul's Church.
On September 29, 1920, he was married to Miss Flossie Kloppel. They farmed south of Leigh for several years before moving into town in 1941. Survivors are his wife, three sons and four daughters, Dennis of Hastings, Minnesota; Jerald of Leigh; Ardath of Fremont; Robert of Hastings, Minnesota; Marlene, Velda and Eunice at home. He also leaves his father and one sister, Mrs. Della Neuhaus.Frank Sery has sold the former Northwestern hotel building to A. W. Schultze of Columbus for $400.00. Schultze plans to wreck the building soon to put the lumber to other use.
Gustave H. Woeppel was born in Cuming County, Nebraska, April 6, 1877 and died at his home in Stanton County September 14, at the age of 69 years, 5 months and 3 days.
He moved to the old homestead in Stanton County with his parents when he was a very small boy. At the tender age of sixteen his father died and "Gus", as he was known to all of us, took over the responsibility of managing the affairs of the farm for his mother and helping her to care for the younger members of the family in which capacity he was a father to them all. He remained on this farm with his mother until 1908 when he was united in marriage to Myrtle Daniell of Stanton county. This union was blessed with four sons: Herbert, who is a member of the armed forces still serving his country in Germany, Robert of Kansas City, Missouri, Clifford on the farm southeast of Stanton with who his parents made their home and Edward who preceded him in death in 1922.
In the summer of 1942, a nephew, Jimmie Fisher, a boy of nine years came to the farm to help his uncle in a small way to lighten the burden brought about by the two older boys going into the service. Jimmie and his uncle became such pals that Jimmie continued to make his home with the family. He was a constant joy and pleasure to his uncle and is considered by the family one of them. He was a member of the Congregation church of Stanton. He leaves to mourn his death his devoted wife, three sons, four sisters: Mrs. Anna Fisher, Norfolk; Mrs. Jesse Murphy, Rapid City, South Dakota; Mrs. Lena Hopper, Lincoln; Mrs. Leland Bordner, Pilger; two brothers, Edward and Paul of Canada.
One sister, Mrs. L.C. Staab, of Leigh is deceased.Pvt. Milian Lueschen, still in Army service, wrote his parents stating that he is now in Manila, P.I.
A Ford car belonging to Connie King was damaged by fire. Mr. King had driven the car into the elevator driveway for repairs and used an electric light bulb and cord as a trouble shooter. As he worked the gas line broke and gasoline was sprayed on the hot bulb, breaking it and igniting the gasoline. Mr. King and Winton pushed the car out of the driveway and fought the flame with water while awaiting the arrival of the firemen with chemicals. The entire body of the car and one tire were destroyed. Lonnie, small son of the Kings, who was sitting in the car escaped without injury. Mr. King received several burns on his hands.
Mrs. Albert Pollard, who has been a patient in the Norfolk hospital for three months, died.
A son weighing nine pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Strehle at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus.
A daughter, whom they have named Patricia Marie, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Dasenbrock, in Richmond, California, according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dasenbrock.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cisler at St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus. She weighed 7 1/2 pounds.
October 4, 1946 - reprinted June 7, 2000Miss LaVaine Bahns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Bahns, became the bride of Gordon L. Fajman, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Fajman, in a double ring ceremony solemnized at St. John's Lutheran Church by Rev. J.A. Bahnsen, of St. Paul's. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Bouquets of autumn flowers were used on the altar.
Pfc. and Mrs. Roland Watchorn are the parents of a nine pound son born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
Miss Bessie Duffek and Henry Dietrich, of Schuyler, were married at St. Mary's church, Monday morning, Rev. Wm. Fitzpatrick performing the ceremony. Attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Anton Prokop.
J.E. McNally Company of Schuyler closed the sale of the Polacek 192 acre farm near Bruno to Mr. and Mrs. Burt Hoback of Nance County, consideration $17,000. They also report the sale of Dvorak 112 acre farm near Bruno to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Czapla also of Nance county, consideration $9,000.00, and the sale of the Huismann 190 acre farm near Leigh to Mr. and Mrs. Joe H. Tichota of Clarkson for a consideration of $16,000.00. The buyers all expect to move onto their newly acquired farms next March.
Mrs. John Brock received word of the death of her sister, Mrs. Dora Nierregger, in the Lutheran Hospital in Omaha. She had undergone an operation.
This is the second sister of Mrs. Brock to die within two weeks, the other being Mrs. Fritz Miller who died in the same Omaha hospital on September 20.Henry Oldigs received word Friday that his son, Pvt. Herman Oldigs, is dead in Germany. Further details were lacking.
The young man aged 23 years had re-enlisted in the U.S. army after receiving his discharge.Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Graham and Carole welcomed more than a hundred friends and relatives at their home the afternoon and evening of September 24, the occasion being the Grahams silver anniversary and Carole's birthday.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Osten at a Columbus hospital.
Funeral services for Delbert S. Westcott, 75, of Omaha, who passed away at his home there, were held at Creston. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.
Funeral services for Mrs. Albert Pollard were held at the O'Kay Church west of Platte center. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Dessie Palmateer was born November 20, 1902 on a farm near Creston. She graduated from Creston high school in 1918 and was an honor student. In 1932 she married Albert Pollard in Columbus. They resided for a time in Genoa and Blair.
Mr. Pollard later became a minister in the Church of God. He was pastor at Vici, Oklahoma, when Mrs. Pollard became seriously ill. She was brought to her father's home at Creston and soon after taken to the hospital at Norfolk where she has remained since June 26th. She died last Tuesday.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Albert Pollard, one son, Albert, of Sioux City, Iowa, two daughters, Virginia and Betty, her father, Arthur Palmateer, of Creston; three brothers, Harry of Creston, Homer of Madison and Russel of Ohio. She leaves two grandchildren.Mrs. Luella Westcott passed away September 25th at her home in Kearney. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery September 28.
As Luella Fulton she was born May 1, 1864, in Postville, Iowa. She moved with her family to Creston when a young girl.
In 1890 she was united in marriage to Alva Westcott, and Creston was their home for many years. Several years before Mr. Westcott's death in August 1927, he had retired from active business and they had moved to Kearney. Mrs. Westcott was a member of the Methodist Church. Funeral services were held in Kearney at the Methodist Church. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Travnicek at Norfolk hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Machacek are the parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. He has been named Ronald Lee.
October 11, 1946 - reprinted June 14, 2000Miss Lucille M. Vasek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Vasek, and Glenn H. Barr, son of Mrs. Frieda Barr, both former Leigh people, were joined in marriage in St. John's Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado, on September 28. The ceremony was read by Rev. Carl Giesler. Following the ceremony a reception for the bridal party and close friends was given by Mrs. E. Allmeyer with who the newlyweds are making their home.
Gordon Hillen returned from 18 months of army service. He was a sergeant in the signal corps and spent the past year in Germany.
Gordon is on terminal leave and expects his discharge papers to be completed the first of the month. He is at the home of his mother, Mrs. Lucia Hillen.Rev. Karl Gigstad, of Hampton, has notified officers of St. John's congregation that he is accepting the pastorate of the Leigh church, taking the place made vacant by the resignation of Rev. Harry J. Mumm. Rev. Gigstad filled the pulpit of the church several weeks ago.
He and his family will take their residence in Leigh about November 17.Fritz Otte, well known retired farmer of this community, died at the home of his son, Ernest Otte, south of Leigh. He had been in failing health for several months. Funeral rites were conducted by Rev. M. Borneman at Christ Lutheran Church. Pallbearers were life-long friends, Edward, Arnold, Otto K. and Louis Muhle, Walter Engelbart and Oscar Michaelson. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Born in Grosenkneten, Germany, January 4, 1858, Mr. Otte died in Colfax County Nebraska, October 4, 1946, at the age of 88 years and nine months. He came to this ocuntry in young manhood and into this community. He was married to Miss Ida Grotelueschen in May, 1891, and they settled on a farm south of Leigh which remained their home. Eight children were born, five daughters and three sons. He was predeceased by his wife and a daughter, Erna.
Down through the years Mr. Otte was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran congregation, serving officially in various capacities. He retired from active management of his farm in 1918 and has continued to make his home with the family of his son, Ernest.
Survivors are his children, Mrs. Oscar Bakenhus, Ernest Otte, Leigh; Adolph Otte and Mrs. Ernest Korte, Columbus, Mrs. Karl Otte, Wayne; Herman Otte, Leonia, New Jersey; and Mrs. Henry Littlejohn, Seattle, Washington. There are 25 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.Writing from Chula Vista, California, Mrs. Belle Hobel states that she and the children are well and busy. Frank, seriously ill with blood poisoning during the summer, is recovered and is at work in one of the markets. Harold, the second son, discharged from the Navy, is attending flight school in Long Beach and makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Loehding.
Gordon, the eldest of the boys, holds a position in a men's clothing store. Ramona is enrolled in Junior College in San Diego. Mrs. Hobel continues as manager of a high school cafeteria which serves 600 pupils daily.Mrs. John Spangler, 21, Stanton, shot and killed her 3-year-old son, John Oliver, in a bedroom in their home and then ended her own life by swallowing poison, Stanton County Sheriff Roy Whalen said.
After killing her son was a 12-gauge shot-gun, Mrs. Spangler went into the basement of the home, got the poison, and then returned to her own bedroom where she died, the sheriff said.
Spangler, who is an electrician, heard the shot just as he returned from a brief trip downtown. When he attempted to enter the house he found the doors locked and had to kick the door to gain entrance.
The Spangler ramily, which moved to Stanton from Wisner about six months ago, lived just northwest of the post office. Spangler has been engaged in doing electric wiring in homes.
Mrs. Spangler, whose relatives live in Kansas, had been in poor health for some time, Sheriff Whalen said he was informed. The boy was the Spanglers' only child.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hejtmanek of Clarkson at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
A son, whom they have named Verdel Dee, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Pont at the Lutheran Hospital Norfolk. Mrs. Pont was formerly Miss Della Hogendorn. The baby weighed six pounds.
October 18, 1946 - reprinted June 21, 2000Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Hahn, of Schuyler, wil observe their golden wedding anniversary at their home at 821 "B" St. Following a family dinner at noon they will hold "open house" to their friends between the hours of three and five o'clock.
Funeral services for Adolf Jindra, of the Clarkson community, will be held from the home at 1:30 o'clock p.m. to the Presbyterian Church. Rev. B.A. Filipi will officiate. Burial will be in the Clarkson cemetery.
A wedding of interest to Leigh people was that of Miss Ruth Schindler and Samuel J. Tedford which took place in the parsonage of St. John's Church in Denver, Colorado. The ceremony was read by Rev. Carl Giesler in the presence of relatives of the bridegroom. Attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carlson.
Members of Zion Lutheran Walter League observed the 25th anniversary of the organization of that group. The program began with a vesper service at the church at seven o'clock, Rev. Holstein, of Platte Center, being the guest speaker.
After the vespers the group met in the Odd Fellows hall where Walter Buss was master of ceremonies. Leland Korte, president, gave the welcome and Edw. Korte, the first president, responded. Rev. H. Erck, of Lincoln, who was serving as pastor of the church when the League was organized, was present and addressed the assembly. The talks were followed by musical numbers, a reading, a skit, a dialog and "truth or consequences."
Climax of the entertainment was the lighting of the candles on the anniversary cake. Each president lighted the number of candles corresopnding to the number of years he served as president of the League.
The roll call disclosed that there have been 207 members of the League during the 25 years. One hundred were present at the anniversary service. Refreshments were served.A son weighing nine pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bahns at St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus.
Pfc. Arnold Paulsen has arrived home from overseas service and is at the home of his mother, Mrs. John Paulson. He expects to receive discharge papers the first of the month. Arnold was an ambulance driver in the medical corps. He was in the service 17 months, the past year in Germany.
Arnold Schaad, 73, died at St. Mary's Hospital where he had been a patient. He was born August 14, 1873, on a farm nine miles north of Columbus, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Schaad and had since resided there.
Mr. Schaad was a member of Christ Lutheran Church.
He is survived by one sister, Miss Louise Schaad, at home, one brother Robert Schaad of Leigh, one half-brother, Louis G. Wurdeman of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. Adolph Tritten of Platte Center, and one half-brother, William Wurdeman of Columbus.
October 25, 1946 - reprinted June 28, 2000Surrounded by members of their family and by a large gathering of friends, Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Hahn, former Leigh people, observed their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Schuyler, October 20.
Mr. and Mrs. Hahn are long-time residents of Colfax County. He was born in Midland precinct shortly after his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hahn, came into the state from Wisconsin. Mrs. Hahn was born in Germany and came to Nebraska with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Herling, in childhood.
Two families, the Hahns and the Herlings, were neighbors in Midland precinct and more than one romance developed between them.
Miss Anna Herling and Gustave Hahn were joined in marriage in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, one of the early rural churches of the county, October 21, 1896. Rev. Ludwig Frank performed the ceremony. Attendants were Henry Hoffman and Hannah Muesborn, now Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoffman of Albion, Miss Emma Herling, now Mrs. Emma Held, of San Diego, California, and August Stier, now of Fremont. Mr. Stier was present at the anniversary party.
After farming for eight years, Mr. and Mrs. Hahn located at Leigh where he engaged in the implement business with his brother, Louis Hahn, now deceased. He sold his interest to L.J. Sedlak.
During their residence at Leigh Mr. and Mrs. Hahn were loyal supports of St. John=s Church. They left Leigh in 1935 to make their home in Schuyler. Throughout the years they have traveled extensively and for 26 years maintained a summer home in northern Minnesota. They attribute their good health, which they now enjoy, to the benefits derived from the summers spent in the northern climate.
The festivities on Sunday began with a family dinner served by the Ladies Aid of St. John's Church, Schuyler, places being laid for twenty-five. Open house for friends was from three until five in the afternoon. Huge bouquets of chrysanthemums most of them yellow or bronze decorated the living rooms. Pouring at the coffee table were two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Arnold Hahn, of Fremont and Mrs. Harry Hahn of Oakland. The two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Hahn, Arnold and Harry, are graduates of the Leigh High School and of the Commercial department of Midland College, Fremont. Arnold has three children, Marjorie, Carolyn and Jimmy. He is associated with Plumfield Nurseries. Harry has two sons, Harry jr., and Marvin. He holds a position with an alfalfa mill at Oakland. His elder son, Harry Jr., is working with the FHA in Washington, D.C.After almost four hours deliberation a jury in district court in Schuyler found in favor of August F. Schengel, plaintiff, in the sum of $360, who was seeking to recover the amount from Frank Sery of Leigh, in a dispute over possession of a beverage cooler.
According to a history of the case, Sery ordered a cooler from Schengel that was delivered about May 1st. It was valued at around $360. The plaintiff brought action in county court for payment of the amount, claiming the defendant had accepted the cooler. On June 13th, Sery answered that the cooler had not been as represented, had not fit the space for which it was intended, and also stated that he had not been present at the time of delivery. County Judge Joe R. Broz found for the plaintiff and case was appealed to district court who thus upheld the finding of the county court.
Attorneys for Sery filed a request for a rehearing.
Attorney Edward Asche represented Schengel and Attorney N.H. Cornell the defendant.Miss Ruth Bates, of Omaha, formerly of Leigh, was united in marriage to Marion Crumirine, of that city, at three o'clock p.m. in the afternoon. The ceremony was read by Dr. Addision Cole at the First Christian Church. The couple was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Crumirine. A reception at the bride's home followed the ceremony.
The bride is the younger daughter of Mrs. Mary Bates and her girlhood was spent in Leigh where she has many friends. The young couple will live in Omaha.Lowell A. Iverson, of Medford, Oregon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Iverson, of Leigh, and Miss Mary Louise Hardes, of Medford, were united in marriage in Sacred Heart Church in that city on October 13.
He was associated with a wholesale truck company in Medord where he and his bride are at home at 527 So. Holly St.Charles Ahrens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Ahrens, was placed in the Lutheran hospital, Omaha by Dr. C.D. Eby, for an appendectomy.
Thos. Hekrdle has purchased the house which formerly belonged to Miss Mollie Gillette. The deal was made through Julius Skoda.
Ladean Korte arrived home after 18 months service in the Army and is with home folks, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Korte and family. Ladean spent the past year in the Hawaiian Islands and attained the rating of staff sergeant.
October 25, 1946 - reprinted July 5, 2000In the St. Peter's Church of Creston, at six-thirty Miss Elsie Luedtke and Elton H. Hellbusch were united in marriage. The double ring ceremony was used as the pastor of the church, Rev. Otto Spehr, officiated.
William M. Pollard died early in the Genoa hospital. He was 84 years old. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Genoa and burial was in New Hope Cemetery.
Mr. Pollard was the father of Albert Pollard who has been at the Palmateer home in Creston since the death of his wife, Dessie Palmateer Pollard.Ernest Baranosky, 29, Sherman township farmer, died at St. Mary's Hospital as the result of a wound in the back received in a hunting accident according to dispatches in the daily press.
Baranosky, hunting with Melvin Michaelson of Sherman Township and Steve Rogers of Columbus, was shot in the back when a gun in the wagon in which they were riding was accidently discharged.
Funeral services were held at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. On March 4, 1943, he married Norma Leenerts, daughter of Dr. G.H. Leenerts of Humphrey. His wife and two children survive him.
Surviving also are his mother, Mrs. Pearl Baranosky of Seattle, Washington, and two brothers, Capt. Ray of Seattle and Victor who is in the Navy.
November 1, 1946 - reprinted July 5, 2000Cpl. Harry Kumpf returned from eighteen months service in the Army, nine months of the time being spent in India and in China. Harry's brothers, Gordon and Clarence, met him at Columbus. Harry is the fourth of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Kumpf who has returned home from service in World War II.
There were only 61 GIs on the Marine Jumper which took Harry overseas, for the boat was being sent over to bring soldiers back home. However, the boys didn't have the entire vessel to themselves for there were on board about 100 missionaries and their families of different faiths, who were returning to their work in India.
Landing was at Calcutta and Harry was there for two months. The boys enjoyed sight-seeing trips and most traveling about the city was done in jinrikishas, the two wheeled carts dragged by native coolies. On days when the heat was oppressive, these natives sometimes feel dead on the streets. Because of the caste system, none but the proper authorities may touch them, and Harry states that frequently the dead bodies lie in the street several days before they are disposed of.
When the communists destroyed the railroads, transportation of food to the American boys became a problem. They had canned food on hand but were obliged to get fresh meat from the natives. Hindu men, employed at the camp on KP duty refused to touch or to eat the beef, because the cow is regarded as a sacred animal in India.
Mohammedans, on the other hand, would not touch or eat pork.
Harry spent seven months in China, in Shanghai and in Peiping and he prefers China to India, if he were forced to make a choice. He said poverty is evidenced on every hand. Chinese labor brought to the American camp to haul dirt or stack boxes had to be searched as they left camp for the men would steal food or other articles, cans of sardines, etc.
Chinese children do lots of begging. Children were more often seen gnawing on an ear of unmatured corn than eating candy bars.
Harry brought some interesting souvenirs from the Orient, a miniature jinrikisha, some embroidered silk scarves and hankies, and a brass smoking set which may be seen at Kumpf's Tavern. He made the voyage back to the homeland on the U.S.A.T.C. Ainsworth and expects his discharge next month. He plans to get out and husk some Nebraska corn just as soon as the weather is favorable.Miss Lillian E. Albert, of Madison and Clarence Dittberner, of Humphrey were married October 21. Following the ceremony they left for a short wedding trip.
The bridegroom is a resident Madison-Humphrey community and is a veteran of World War II. Mr. and Mrs. Dittberner have established their home on his farm north of Humphrey.Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Knight are the parents of a daughter. She has been named Diane Rhae.
The marriage of Miss Phyllis Hendrickson and Russell Wardenburg took place October 30, at the Baptist church in Humphrey with Rev. D. Lee Grace, pastor of the church officiating. The double ring ceremony was used.
A wedding dance was given in the evening at the K.P. Hall in Creston. Following a short trip the young couple will return to Creston to reside. He will assist his father as a carpenter.
November 8, 1946 - reprinted July 12, 2000Writing from Nordhausen, Germany, Pfc. Allen Schroeder tells home folks, Mr. and Mrs. Rikus Rosendahl, that life in that country is O-kay but a lot different from life in this country. Allen was stationed at Heideberg for some months but has been moved to Nordhausen, 120 [miles?] distant. he is serving in the signal corps. ...
Miss Naomi Staab, former Leigh girl, became the bride of Virgil D. Christensen, of Denver, Colorado, in a candle light service solemnized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha. Rev. Geo. P. Bernard officiated at the double ring ceremony, Miss Jane Johnson of Omaha, sang "Through the Years", and "The Lord's Prayer." The church was decorated with palms and mums. A reception was held in the church parlors. Mrs. Geo C. Boetel cut the wedding cake and Mrs. Morton Staab poured. Four of the bride's friends, in formal dresses, served.
Vaclav J. Chleboun, Clarkson, was charged in a complaint signed by County Attorney Pospishil with the statutory offense of malicious destruction of property of value of less than $35.00. Mr. Chleboun had struck and broken a door glass and two vestibule windows on the store front of F.J. Miller, Clarkson, on the morning of October 31, 1946. The damage was estimated at $32.00.
When brought before County Judge Joe R. Broz, said defendant, when called upon to enter a plea, entered a plea of guilty to the charge. Judge Broz sentenced him to thirty days in the county jail, the last twenty days of which were suspended conditioned upon the good behavior of Mr. Chleboun for one year. He was further ordered to pay the costs of the action in the amount of $9.68.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Duane Loseke at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. She weighed eight pounds. Mrs. Loseke was formerly Lorene Bahns.
Carl Mauch of Scribner, at Zion Lutheran Church [sic]. Since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Mauch had made their home with her parents. She had reached the age of 27 years, 10 months and 23 days.
Surviving are her husband; Mr. and Mrs. Mauch; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wurdeman; and one sister, Mrs. Albert Franzen. She also leaves many friends.John Backus, of Scribner, former resident of the Leigh community, died suddenly according to word received by relatives here. Mr. Backhus was at Leigh in attendance at the funeral services held for his niece, Mrs. Carl Mauch. His death was a shock to family and friends.
Mr. Backhus and his wife, formerly Anna Wurdeman, resided on a farm southwest of Leigh until about ten years ago when they moved to a farm near Scribner. Three years ago they retired and moved to town.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Margaret, Mrs. Oscar Mauch, of Scribner, and Mrs. Roland Rink, of Hooper; and one son, Walter Backhus, of Scribner.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, at two o'clock, Rev. O. Wehrmann will officiate.
November 15, 1946 - reprinted July 19, 2000Alva Chamerlin, 28, took his own life with a 22-rifle at his farm 8 1/2 miles north of Leigh, according to a verdict ordered by County Sheriff Roy Whalen, of Stanton. Mr. Chamberlin's body was discovered in the horse barn by his wife at about 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon. Despondency over ill health is advanced as the reason for his act.
Upon finding the body of her husband, Mrs. Chamberlin called neighbors, the Walter Andersons, and the Ervin Klinks, who live on the Frank Hunt farms. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt and James Hanel walked to the Chamberlin farm, and in turn, called Mrs. Chamberlin's parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Miller, of Pilger and Sheriff Roy Whalen and Dr. Tenant, of Stanton.
The body of Mr. Chamberlin was removed to the Schulz Undertaking parlors, in Stanton, awaiting funeral arrangements. Mrs. Chamberlin, formerly Miss Emma Miller, accompanied her parents to Pilger.C.O. Brown, a resident of this state community for more than half a century, died at Yankton, South Dakota, death was due to the infirmities of advanced years. The remains were brought to leigh that day and funeral rites were conducted at the Holmes Funeral Home, Rev. A.R. Hyatt delivered the eulogy.
A quartet, Mrs. Lambert Houfek, Mrs. Adolph Hobel, R.H. Olson, J.B. Jenny sang "Beutiful Isle of Somewhere", "Abide With Me", and "Nearer My God to Thee", hymns that were used at the funeral of Mrs. Bron in 1941. Pallbears were neighbors and friends of long standing, Oliver Johnson, Julius Moeller, Adolf Malena, Emil Trojan, John Wullschleger, and Clarence Moore, of Clarkson. Burial was in the family plat in the Leigh Cemetery.
Born near Des Moines, Iowa, May 13, 1861, Charles O. Brown was the oldest of 15 children of William and Margaret Brown. In boyhood he accompanied his parents to Omaha and attended school there. In later years he married one of his schoolmates, Laura May Rosenberry, on May 8, 1886, at Schuyler.
They lived in Douglas County until March, 1895, when they settled in Colfax County and the farm east of Leigh remained the family home down through the years. Three sons were born, William Ross, Bellingham, Washington; Leonard, Yankton, South Dakota, and Guy, of Leigh.
Mr. Brown took an active interest in affairs of his government and any contribution he made to the county or the state was of constructive nature. Having a wide acquaintance he had many friends among the folks of yesteryear and also among those who came here to live in later years. In many ways he was identified with the happenings of early days. He helped haul from Humphrey the material used in building the large barn on the Marsh Rosenberry farm east of Leigh.
Since the death of Mrs. Brown in 1941, he has made his home with his sons, dividing his time between Leigh and Yankton, South Dakota. For the past two years his health had gradually failed. He had reached the age of 85 years, five months, and 25 days.
Survivors are his three sons, 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Randall of Oakland, California, and Mrs. Elsie McMullin, of McClellan, Iowa, and three brothers, Albert, Ben, Edgar.There was razed on Main street the past two weeks one of the town's earliest landmarks--the Northwestern Hotel.
The main part of the building was erected 60 years ago this fall according to Baltz Heitz. Mr. Heitz recalls that it was just that many years ago, "For," said he, "I helped haul the lumber from Humphrey and I was just 13 years of age at that time."
The building was erected by Stephen Miller, father of our townsman, Elmer Miller. The senior Mr. Miller had the hotel erected to be ready for business when the crew that was building the Scribner-Oakdale branch of the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley railroad line, would reach here.
After the main building was erected Mr. Miller later sold the hotel to William Birken who operated it for many years. Down through the years a number of people owned the institution. An addition was built onto the place on the south side and was used as the hotel lobby.
Mr. Heitz recalls that after the erection of the hotel building the frame building now occupied by the Sery Tavern was moved onto its present site and that it had since been used as a tavern.
The hostelry served the traveling public, who "made" this town, for nearly a half century but after the coming of the automobile, which carried people to Norfolk and Columbus for their nights lodging, the old hotel was closed and a few of the lower floor rooms were used as places of business.
Following Stephen and Anna Miller who opened the first hotel, hosts at the Northwestern down through the years were Wm. J. Birken, Chris Kurth, Mrs. M.A. Nicholas, Arthur Russell, Mrs. J.D. Grafing, Mrs. John Holst, and Chas. McMullen.
The building was finally sold at tax sale and was purchased by Gus Spanhake who in turn sold it to Frank Sery. Mr. Sery recently disposed of the building to a Columbus contractor who had it torn down for the lumber which he sold to people who wished to make some repairs. All that is left of the old landmark today is some debris that covers the ground on which it once stood.
Mr. Sery expects to have a modern structure erected as soon as the building restrictions are lifted and the material and labor are available.
November 15, 1946 - reprinted July 26, 2000At a candlelight ceremony performed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Leach, in Philomath, Oregon, on October eighteenth, Miss Donna Rose Leach became the bride of William F. McNelly. She was given in marriage by her father. Rev. A. Henderson officiated at the ceremony.
The newlyweds took a wedding trip to the coast and have established their home at Philomath.Miss Thelma Wenk, daughter of Mrs. Ernest Gigax and the late William Wenk, and Raymond H. Swartz, both of Kearney were married November 9th, in the Lutheran Church at Marysville, Kansas. Rev. John Bredehoft performed the double ring ceremony, at five o'clock p.m.
A car driven by John Barkman, Princeton, Illinois, and a truck driven by a Mr. Ross, of Columbus, crashed at the Wendt corner, about five miles south of Creston on the Monastery road. In the crash, Herman Lehn, who was riding with Mr. Barkman, received numerous cuts about his face and a physician, who attended him, had to use a number of stitches to close the wounds. Mr. Barkman and Mr. Lehn were coming to Creston for a visit.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wilke at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Prokopec, of Clarkson at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
A son weighing 7 1/2 pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lake at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. He has been named Robert William.
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Settje of the Creston neighborhood, are the parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. He has been named Randy Chester.
Two brothers and a sister have been reunited here after a separation of 38 years.
They are William Stoner, Toledo, Ohio; Walter Vahsholz, Stanton and Mrs. Marie Gordon, Toledo.
When the two brothers and sister were babies they were placed in an orphanage at Napoleon, Ohio. Clyde Stoner at that time was nine months old. He was transferred to a Lutheran Mission at Fort Wayne, Indiana.
A little later he was taken to the Lutheran Orphanage at Fremont, Nebraska. When he was 18 months old he was legally adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Vahsholz of Stanton and his name was changed to Walter.
The brother and sister in Ohio were never adopted. They lost contact with their younger brother. As they grew older they started searching for him.
They could track him no further than the orphanage headquarters in Indiana. Then the sister, now Mrs. Marie Gordon, became acquainted with a woman who had carried her brother, Clyde, from the Fort Wayne Mission to the railroad station and knew he had been taken to Nebraska.
After a long search they found that he was living in Stanton and the reunion was arranged.
Walter is a veteran of World War II and William Stoner of World War I. Walter's foster parents both have died.
November 22, 1946 - reprinted July 26, 2000
Major John Daniels, who was transferred recently from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Barksdale Field, near Shreveport, Louisiana, enumerates some of his daily duties in a letter to home folks, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Daniels. Excerpts from his letter are:
...
The boys go to school in Shreveport on a bus. Leave home at 7:15 a.m. and reach home at 4:15 p.m. The twins are in the 4th grade and Mark is in the second grade. Weather here is warm, much rain. Thermometer reached 42 degrees last night. We heard on the radio that Wayne, Nebraska had six inches of snow.
November 22, 1946 - reprinted August 2, 2000Ralph Knight, 48, brother-in-law of J.O. Moeller, died in Omaha after an extended illness. Mr. Moeller spent Friday in Omaha with his sister, formerly Miss Anna Moeller, of Leigh.
Funeral services were held at the Meyer-Crosby Mortuary and burial was in an Omaha cemetery.
Survivors are the wife and one daughter, Marcheta. he also leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Knight, one brother and one sister of Oakdale.
Mrs. Knight's mother, Mrs. Fred Moeller, of Iroquois, South Dakota, is with her.The marriage of Miss Rose M. Svik and Kenneth Zabka was solemnized by Rev. Edw. Chapuran at St. Wenceslaus Church in Omaha. The marches were played by Miss Ann Bendekovic and she accompanied Miss Irene Kotera who sang "Ave Maria." Attendants were Miss Lillie Svik, sister of the bride, and Alvin Schluter, cousin of the bridegroom.
The personal property of Vaclav Hron will be sold at guardian's sale November 27th. The sale will be conducted by Fred Rabeler, who was recently appointed guardian for Mr. Hron. The sale will be held due to the condition of Mr. Hron's health. He is almost totally disabled following a paralytic stroke.
The offering will include Mr. Hron's fine herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and the usual farm equipment.Mrs. Mary Olderog, 73, died at Scottsbluff, death being due to complications following pneumonia. She was the mother of Mrs. Wm. J. Dunn of Leigh, and her death occurred in the home of another daughter, Mrs. Geo Myers. Mrs.Olderog had visited at Leigh frequently in the Dunn home and made the acquaintance of many people here.
The remains were brought to Gretna, the former family home, and funeral rites were held in the Lutheran church at that place. Burial was in the Mohr-Voss Cemetery near Millard.
Mrs. Olderog was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mohr, pioneer settlers who homesteaded in Douglas County near Chalco. In the early years Mr. Mohr also worked for the Union Pacific railroad. Since her husband's death, Mr. [sic] Olderog has lived among her children.
Survivors are four daughters, Mrs. Henrietta Cain, Omaha; Mrs. Dunn, Leigh; Mrs. Ernest Toft, Grand Island; Mrs. Myers, Scottsbluff; and one son, Herman Olderog, Omaha. She leaves eight grandchildren.
Leigh Public Schools were closed as a token of respect to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, and the teachers drove to Gretna to be present at the funeral.Funeral rites for Alva Chamberlin, 28, who met death by his own hand at the farm home nine miles north of Leigh, were held at Stanton. The service was conducted at the Schultz Funeral Home by Rev. J.E. Gebbart, of the Congregational church. Burial was in the Stanton Cemetery.
Mr. Chamberlin was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Chamberlin, of the Norfolk-Stanton neighborhood. He was married to Miss Emma Miller several years ago and they lived on the farm belonging to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Miller, of Pilger.
Survivors are his wife, his parents, and brothers and sisters living in the Stanton community.Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Spulak, of Schuyler, visited with her home folks, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Neuhaus. Mrs. Spulak received a wire last week advising her of the death of Edwin Wilson, husband of Betty Porter, former Leigh girl.
Mr. Wilson's death occurred in a New York City hospital on November 11 following an operation from a tumor in the roof of his mouth. The Wilsons lived in Milton, Pennsylvania, since their marriage. Survivors are Mrs. Wilson and two sons, Michael, aged two years, and a three-month old baby.Kenneth Burger, of Fairfax, Iowa, was injured while operating a mechanical corn picker to the extent that it was necessary to amputate his left arm below the elbow and also one toe.
Kenneth is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Burger, former Leigh people.Word has just been received here of the death of Mrs. John Vestal, formerly Miss Pearle Leach of Creston at her home at Big Sandy, Montana, on October 30.
She is survived by her husband, one daughter, three sons, and her father, Frank Leach.Word was received of the death of Mrs. Herman Hamel, at her home in Torrington, Wyoming. Funeral services were held at Torrington. Burial was at the Shickley. Mrs. Hamel is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hines of Creston and her girlhood was spent here.
A daughter weighing eight pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Franzen.
November 29, 1946 - reprinted August 9, 2000Edwin C. Wilson, Jr., 28, of 750 Hepburn Street, Milton, Pennsylvania, died suddenly in the New York City Memorial Hospital on November 11th. He left for New York accompanied by his wife and father. He underwent a serious throat operation and failed to recover consciousness. He was born August 5, 1918, in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from the New Castle, Pennsylvania, high school in 1936. He attended Penn State College, graduating in 1940, after which he went to Milton and has been employed as assistant statistician at the American car and Foundry Company since that time.
Wilson was married in 1943 to the former Beth Porter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Knecht. They had two children, Michael, 2 1/2 years old and Danile, [sic?] 5 months. He is a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic church at Milton.
Surviving are his wife and two sons; his father, Edwin Wilson Sr. of New Castle; a brother, John, also of New Castle; and one sister, Sally, a student at Northwestern University in Chicago.Fred Wendt a former resident of the Leigh-Creston community, died at Columbus.
Funeral services were held from the Gass Funeral Home to St. Paul's church, Rev. J.A. Bahnsen officiated.
Burial was in the parish cemetery..Chris Hahn, 86, pioneer resident of this locality, died at his home in Madison. Funeral services were held in the Lutheran Church at Madison with Rev. Otto Spehr, of St. Peter's Creston, and Rev. J.A. Bahnsen, St. Paul's officiating.
Mrs. P.M. Hoesly and Miss Edna Oeltjen, of Creston sand "A Pilgrim and a Stranger" and "Abide With Me." Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery at Madison.
The deceased was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hahn. Born in Germany, he came to this country with his parents at the age of eight years. The family lived in Wisconsin three years before coming to Nebraska in the early seventies to locate in Colfax County.
Mr. Hahn and Johanna Kramer were married December 26, 1888, near Schuyler and they farmed in Colfax County for 25 years. In 1913 they moved to a farm near Madison where they lived 23 years, with the exception of four years spent in Columbus. Ten years ago they retired and moved to Madison. The observed their golden wedding in 1938. Mrs. Hahn died in 1943.
Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Bert Michaels of Battle Creek; and four sons, Otto and Emil, of Buhl, Idaho; Reinold and Elmer, of Madison. He leaves 18 grandchildren and five great-grand children. Also one brother, Gustav, of Schuyler.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister, William, of Clarkson; Louis, of Leigh, and Mrs. Sophia Kovar, of Howells.Sparks from the chimney set fire to shingles on the roof of the F.B. Reins home. The flames were discovered by the Katka girls, nearby neighbors, who notified Mr. and Mrs. Reins. The Leigh Fire Department responded to the call for help and the blaze was extinguished before much damage was done.
Cyril Trofholz, Jr. returned from 18 months service in the Army Air Corps and is with home folks, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Trofholz and family. He has been given his discharge and plans to go back to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, which he was attending before taken into the service.
Cyril spent several months in Japan and was also stationed at Midway and Pearl Harbor.
He drove to Lincoln to accompany a friend, Perry States, to Iowa for Thanksgiving.John Svehla, farmer living southeast of Leigh, received serious injuries to one shoulder and upper arm while working with a mechanical corn picker.
A daughter whom they have named Christie Colleen was born October 30 to Mr. and Mrs. Welton McGuire of Richmond, California. The baby weighed eight pounds. Mrs. McGuire was formerly Miss Pat Geiger of Leigh.
Word was received by relatives of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Meyer, of Pomeroy, Iowa. Mrs. Meyer was formerly Miss Elsie Franzen.
Miss Mary Lou Harden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Harden, 527 South Holly Street, became the bride of Lowell A. Iverson at a service held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Thomas Hamilton officiated.
December 6, 1946 - reprinted August 16, 2000Miss Marion Swiger, only daughter of Mrs. Ben Gray, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Carroll Kumpf, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Kumpf, of Leigh, were joined in marriage in Philadelphia on Saturday, November 30th. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Chas Hussey in the parsonage of the United Presbyterian Church at three o'clock p.m. Attendants were Miss Loretta Tannock of Phladelphia and LeRoy Kumpf of Leigh.
Mr. and Mrs. Kumpf left for a wedding trip to New York City. The bride wore a winter white coat with beaver trim and cherry tone accessories. Upon their return they will live in Drexel Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia.In a quiet marriage ceremony at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, November 19, in Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Boyd Morehead, resident of Tucson since 1930, and Dennis D. Hunt, Arizona cattleman and rancher, were united in marriage.
Miss Evelyn Baker and Harold Franzen, both of Anaheim, California were joined in marriage by Rev. L.E. Eifert in Zion Lutheran church in that city on Sunday afternoon. Following the ceremony they went to San Francisco for a wedding trip and upon their return will live in Anaheim.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Graves of Twin Falls, Idaho, former Leigh people, observed their golden wedding anniversary on October 24, according to a newspaper clipping sent to Mrs. Mary Overstreet. More than 100 friends called on them during the hours they held "open house."
Miss Leona Kramer, former Leigh girl, became the bride of LeRoy Schultz in a double ring ceremony read by Rev. Victor Hoffman in the parsonage of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church at Fremont, Saturday evening. Attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kramer of Omaha.
John Svehla, living in the Clarkson vicinity, who was injured in a mechanical corn picker, is a patient in St. Catherine's Hospital, Omaha. Physicians have found it necessary to amputate his right arm near the shoulder.
Jas Halstead, Schuyler, lost an arm in a corn picker accident. Halstead was caught in the machine for nearly two hours before help reached him. He is a son-in-law of Dr. Koory, of Schuyler.The Guardian's auction sale of the Vaclav Hron personal property totalled over $13,000. The herd of Angus cattle sold exceptionally well, cows going as high as $165.00 and a bull calf brought $225.00. A disc sold for $200.00.
The sale was in charge of Fred Rabeler, Sr. as guardian for Mr. Hron, who has been incapacitated for some time. Col. Vasek & Son cried the sale and the Bank of Leigh was the clerk.Hazel Fern Hamel was born at Shickley, Nebraska, March 12, 1900, and passed away at her home in Torrington, Wyoming, November 17, 1946, aged 46 years, 8 months, and five days. She spent her girlhood at Creston and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. On July 11, 1917, she was united in marriage to Herman Hamel, the ceremony taking place at Columbus. They established their first home at Horrick, South Dakota, where they resided one year, following which Mr. Hamel entered the service in World War One. In 1919 they moved to Leigh where they lived five years then to Kilgore for 12 years; to Hawk Springs, Wyoming, for seven years, then to Torrington, which has been their home for the past four years. Mr. Hamel had been in the lumber and grain business in each of the towns. Mrs. Hamel took an active part in community affairs. Their home was always open for social gatherings and for the entertainment of friends. She was a member of the Eastern Star, the American Legion Auxiliary, Lioness club, and Federated Womans club.
Besides her husband she leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Hines, of Creston, one sister, Mrs. Floyd Gorman of Hastings, Iowa, and many friends.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Chruch in Torrington with Rev. McCasslin officiating. Burial was at Shickely, Nebraska.Mrs. Lawrence Osten received a broken leg when a cow she was milking fell on her. The cow had been hobbled and in this predicament fell on Mrs. Osten.
Mrs. Osten has been taken to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bachman. She and her three small children will be cared for there while recuperating from her broken limb.Mr. and Mrs. Earl Fuhr are parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
December 13, 1946 - reprinted August 23, 2000Dick Lowe writes to home folks, Mr. and Mrs. N.F. Lowe, that he has landed in Tokyo, Japan, after a long and stormy voyage across the Pacific. This is Dick's second assignment to Japan. ...
Miss LOrraine Fenrich became the bride of Roy Grotelueschen in a double ring ceremony performed by Rev. E.C. Werner at Zion Lutheran Church. Nuptial music was by Mrs. Lawrence Olson who accompanied the congregation in singing the hymn "O Perfect Love."
Frank J. Kucera, Jr. was in Columbus to receive the first new car for disabled veterans to be given to a Colfax County veteran. The car is a late model Oldsmobile with a hydromatic clutch which can easily be operated by disabled soldiers. These cars are specially designed for disable veterans and given them absolutely free by the government. Mr. Kucera is greatly elated over the gift and his friends are glad to see him have the use of such a car.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ehlers are the parents of a son.
Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Franzen have purchased the old Van Heufeln farm of 120 acres northwest of Leigh. The price paid wa $75.00 per acre. The farm has belong in recent years to H.C. Breuning, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Breuning has extensive land holdings in this territory. It had been about 35 years since the family left Leigh to reside in Portland.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Knapp are parents of a seven pound son, born at St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus.
December 20, 1946 - reprinted August 23, 2000Electrical energy is now obtained from the Consumers Public Power District, Columbus, for light and power at Leigh. The "juice" is being obtained from the high line. Mayor Kumpf threw in the switch that shot the juice from the high line into the electrical lines in Leigh. Present at the "ceremonial" besides Mr. Kumpf were the members of the village board, Messrs. J.A. Glandt, Leonard Hobel, Gus Spanhake, and Walter Hahn, and the Consumers Public POwer District was represented by P.L. Bauner and J.W. Staal. Since that time the local power plant has been "dark" and will be used merely as a "stand-by."
Lumir Lapacek, residing in the Heun neighborhood, lost his right hand as a result of mechanical corn picker accident. He was operating the picker near the Geo. Blum farm. Hearing cries for help, members of the Blum family rushed to Lapacek's aid and found him lying against the picker with his arm drawn in by the husker rollers as far as the elbow. When the arm was extricated from the machine, the hand fell to the ground. The young man was taken to a Columbus hospital for care. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lapacek, were not notified until after he had been given attention at the hospital.
Miss Claire Ellen Rabeler, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rabeler, former Leigh people now living at Bovina Center, New York, was married recently to Millard F. Russell Jr., of that place.
Funeral services were conducted in Clarkson, for Vaclav Hron, 70, well known farmer of the Clarkson-Leigh community, who died at his home north of Leigh, following a long illness. Mr. Hron suffered a paralytic stroke several months ago and had been in critical condition for a long time. A son of the late Josef and Frantiska Hron, he was born on February 8, 1877, in Czechoslovakia. When five years of age he came with his parents to America, coming direct to Nebraska. Upon their arrival here the family first located on a farm near Howells. After farming there for several years, they purchased a farm northeast of Clarkson. Having disposed of their farm near Clarkson, Mr. Hron then purchased a farm north of Leigh, where he resided. He devoted himself to farming and breeding of high-grade Angus cattle in which venture he was very successful. Unable to look after his interest because of his physical condition, Mr. Hron disposed of his personal farm property in public sale. He remained single and died at the age of 69 years, 10 months and four days. He leaves two sisters, Mrs. Kate Lodl and Mrs. Anna Krejsa, residents of Leigh and Clarkson communities; one brother Anton, of Norfolk; three nieces and four nephews. A brother, Joseph, and a sister, Mrs. Marie Tresnak, preceded him in death. The funeral was conducted at the SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church conducted by Father Kubesh. Burial was in the parish cemetery west of Clarkson. Pall bears were Jerry Hegr, Lad Krejsa, Sr., Fred Kucera, Anton J. Novak, Lad Krejsi, Jr., and Anton S. Novak.
December 20, 1946 - reprinted August 30, 2000Mrs. Bertha Williams, of Fremont, niece of Mrs. Elizabeth Goodge, was married to A.E. Anderson, also of Fremont, at Salina, Kansas, October 28, Mrs. Anderson was formerly Miss Bertha Dunn and she is a graduate of Leigh High School.
Mr. Anderson is vice president and manager of the Fred Bader Funeral Home. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson spent two weeks in Denver, Colorado.A telephone call from Mrs. August Asche, who is spending several weeks in St. Louis, Missouri, advised Leigh relatives of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bera, of St. Louis. He has been named Martin Henry. Mrs. Bera was formerly Miss Edyth Asche.
Dodge County Coroner Charles Yost said a farm youth, who pulled a gun on Marshal E.D. Robart of Snyder, had committed suicide a few minutes later with the same firearm.
Yost said the body of Walter H. Schmoldt, 20, Beemer, was found beside a straw stack in a cornfield near Snyder with a .22 caliber bullet wound in the forehead. A rifle lay nearby.
Robart said he had approached the young man when he "acted suspiciously" and was told to "keep moving or I'll sieve you full of holes."Henry August Pieper, a resident of Creston for many years, passed away at Columbus Hospital, death being caused by complications due to advanced years.
Mr. Pieper was born in Ahlhorn, Germany, June 5, 1865, where he received his education. Early he was apprenticed to learn the trade of painting and interior decorating. He became proficient and continued at painting until his health caused him to retire.
He was united in marriage on November 28, 1889, to Anna Marie Schnuck, the marriage taking place in Ahlhorn. Four children were born to them, two sons and two daughters. The daughters, August and Helene passed away in infancy, and one son Paul died soon after the family came to America in 1905.
The Pieper family came directly to Leigh from Germany and lived there 31 years. The following seven years were spent in South Dakota. They returned to Nebraska and purchased a home at Creston where he continued to live since the death of his wife in 1937.
Mr. Pieper was confirmed in the Lutheran church in youth. He had many friends in this community, and will be kindly remembered. Survivors are one son, Otto, and four grandchildren, Leona, Ivona, Maryanne Pieper of Creston and Fred Pieper of Cleveland, Ohio. Besides his wife, daughters and one son, he was also preceded in death by twin grandsons, Henry and Louis Pieper, who lost their lives in the Normandy Invasion in 1944 in World War II.
The body lay in state until [sic] at the funeral home in Columbus. Rev. Otto Spehr officiated at the services at St. Peter's Church. Pall bearers were Emil Hunteman, Ben Mackenstadt, Otto Wurdeman, Chas. Marx, Ernest Henke and Ernest Gigax. Burial was in St. Paul's Cemetery.Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Bartak are the parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk.
W.J. Ritter Sr., 87, died at his home in Kansas City, Kansas, following an illness of one year. He has been bedfast for the past month and physicians held out no hope for his recovery. His children Dr. W.J. Ritter of Creston, Mrs. Mary Miller of Springdale, Arkansas, Miss Emily Ritter and George Ritter of Kansas City were at his bedside.
Funeral rites will be held in Kansas City with burial by the side of his wife who preceded him in death. Mrs. Ritter, Carolyn and Maryjean left Creston for Kansas City. They were joined at Crete by Virginia, Bob and Dick Ritter.
Survivors are two sons and two daughters and 13 grandchildren.
December 27, 1946 - reprinted on September 6, 2000Two new places of business opened at Leigh. Herman Neuhaus opened his new repair shop to the public at the north end of Main Street and Elmer E. Trimble opened the Leigh Army Surplus Store.
Mr. Neuhaus has had the building for his new repair shop under construction for the past six months. He will do his repair work and also manufacture a number of farm implements at his new location. Mr. Trimble brought out a stock of army surplus goods that he is offering for sale in the building on Main Street owned by himself and Mrs. Trimble, the rear rooms of which are occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Asche. Mr. Trimble reports a satisfactory business on his opening day.John Dunn, 81, of North Bend, brother of Mrs. Elizabeth Goodge in Leigh, died in the Dodge County Hospital. Death was due to the complications of advanced years. Dunn had been failing in health for several months and had previously spent some weeks in the hospital. Recent weeks were spent at the home of his daughter Mrs. A.E. Anderson in Fremont.
Mr. Dunn had spent his entire life of 81 years in Colfax and Dodge Counties. He and Mrs. Dunn retired from their farm 20 years ago and moved to North Bend. Mrs. Dunn died two years ago.
Tentative plans are for the funeral at North Bend pending on the arrival of a daughter from Ohio. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Bertha Anderson, Fremont, Mrs. Fern Whorter, Dayton, Ohio; and two sons, Chester of Fremont, and Wesley of Rogers. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Goodge, Leigh; and two brothers, William Dunn of Rogers, and A.L. Dunn, of Imperial Valley, California. One brother, James Dunn, and one sister, Mrs. J.H. Johnson, preceded him in death.Ralph Clark, formerly of Leigh and now a teacher in a Linotype school in Indianapolis, Indiana, received injuries when he was struck by a truck in uptown Indianapolis. He received a bad frontal fracture and concussion, his left arm was fractured in two places above and below the elbow and bones in his left hand were fractured. After hospitalization and confinement to home, he was able to return to work in October.
The Clarks have purchased a home in east Indianapolis. They have two children, Wallace, age nine, attending school and "working at it" and who attends a hobby school once each week to do plane modeling or study stamp collecting. Nancy not quite two, is the "family sweetheart."
George Clark, eldest of the boys is in Los Angeles, California, where he has spent three years. Clifford, the youngest son, has spent the past year in the U.S. Navy hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, being treated for arthritis. Upon his return from Tokyo, he was placed in the hospital. He is improved and expects to be discharged.Fred Hockemeier died at his home east of Leigh after an illness of less than six months. Funeral rites were held from the home at 9:30 o'clock. Rev. B.A. Filipi officiating. Pall bearers were neighbors and friends, Joe Stoklasa, Adolf Vitek, Joe Maliha, John Vodehnal, Otto Wullschleger, and Joe Urbanek. Burial was in the Clarkson Cemetery.
Born on a farm near Leigh on February 26, 1900, Fred Carl Hockemeier died on December 24, 1946 at the age of 46 years, nine months and 28 days. He attended the Timber Hill School and Zion Lutheran Parochial School before confirmation by Rev. H. Erck. In later years he became a member of New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson.
He was married to Miss Emma Zabka at Schuyler on February 15, 1922, and they lived on farms in this locality until they moved to the place four and one half miles east of Leigh which they later purchased. In connection with his farm work, Mr. Hockemeier operated a trucking business in recent years. He had a wide acquaintance and many friends in the Leigh-Clarkson community which was his home throughout his life. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hockemeier, one daughter, Delores; four sons, Dorwin, Eldon, Morris, and Gordon. Dorwin was recently discharged from 18 months service in the Army with 14 months service in the Philippines. He held the rating of technical sergeant at the time of his discharge.
The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hockemeier is deceased. Mr. Hockemeier is survived by his wife, one daughter, four sons. He also leaves three brothers, William, Petersburg; Harry, Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Otto, Leigh; and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Herbst, North Platte and Mrs. Anna Hunteman, Leigh. Two sisters preceded him in death.Mrs. Ethel Daniels died at St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha following an illness which extended over a long period of time. While visiting at Creston two years ago, she received injuries in a fall and never fully recovered.
Funeral services were held in the Lutheran church at Stanton, with Rev. Hackburth officiating. A quartet sang "Asleep in Jesus." Pall bearers were Will Barrett, Al Barrett, James Barrett, Leonard Barrett, T.D. Wagner and Paul Gorman. Burial was in the Stanton Cemetery.
As Ethel Webb, she was born at Stanton, May 2nd, 1893, and died in Omaha on December 19, 1946, at the age of 53 years, seven months and 17 days. Her girlhood and young womanhood were spent at Stanton and she was married to George Daniels on December 24, 1912. They lived near Leigh for a number of years after which they located on a farm near Creston where they lived for 20 years.
Two sons were born, Richard and Bernard. They also reared in the Daniels home three nieces, Ruth and Lola Schindler and Donna Webb, and one nephew, Vernon Schindler. During the past six years, Mrs. Daniels lived in Omaha with the family of their son, Bernard.
Survivors are the husband, George Daniels, of Akron Colo.; two sons Richard of Akron, and Bernard of Omaha and five grandchildren.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Morlok, of Madison in the Columbus Hospital. Mrs. Morlok was formerly Miss Norma Wilke of the Christ Lutheran neighborhood.