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:
January 3, 1947 - republished September 13, 2000
A wedding of interest to Leigh friends was solemnized at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado on Friday, December 27, when Miss Jacqueline Olson became the bride of Louis Prokop, formerly of Leigh, now attending school at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.John Morfeld was given his discharge from Marine service at Fitzsimmons Hospital, Denver, Colorado, and has returned to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Morfeld. ...
Mrs. Leonard Wilke, of North Bend, formerly of Leigh, and Melvin Marian, of Hastings, were united in marriage December 18. The ceremony was read by Rev. E.L. Feyerherm at St. Peter's Church, North Bend. Attendants were Mrs. Herbert Wesch, the bride's sister-in-law, and Roy Marian, the bridegroom's brother.
Miss Jeanette Hobel, Leigh girl who is a freshman at Midland college, is one of sixteen young ladies who are candidates for Midland's Charm girl. In a contest sponsored by the college year book, four girls were chosen from each of Midland's four social sororities.
The student body will select the top eight candidates, two from each sorority, and students will name the winner at the annual Charm Revnue, a formal mixer.
Winner will be announced in May.Dr. Robert Hull, 60, a dentist at Great Falls, Montana, for 35 years, died on December 19. Ill for several months, death was due to a heart attack. Dr. Hull was a son of G.C. Hull, well known merchant of Leigh in the early days, and was born at Leigh, November 18, 1886. He was a nephew of Mrs. J.H. Lowery, now of San Diego, California.
When the Hull family moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, he attended state teachers college from which he graduated. He graduated from Northwestern University Dental College in chicago in 1911 and began the practice of dentistry in Great Falls soon after. He was married to Anna C. Cajori in Omaha the same year. Associated with him in his profession was his son, Dr. G. Clayton Hull.
Of him the Great Falls Tribune says: Regarded by dental colleagues as high accomplished in his profession, Dr. Hull took an active interest in professional and community organizations. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Montana Dental Association, Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors are his wife and son, a daughter, Mrs. A.T. Dempster, Watsonville, California, two sisters, Mrs. Elmer Mason, Chula Vista, California, and Mrs. Beulah Wramplemeier, San Diego; a brother Chas. Hull, Belle Fouche, South Dakota, and five grandchildren.Three Stanton war veterans were injured, one severely, when their car slid on ice and collided with North Western railway train No. 21 at a crossing there.
Jack Baumert, 19, son of the County Judge H.S. Baumert of Stanton, was in a Norfolk hospital suffering from head, face, and chest injuries. Baumert was knocked unconscious in the collision but is expected to recover.
Gene Baumert, 20, brother of Jack, and William Kropp, 19, suffered cuts, which were dressed at the hospital.Miss Verona Engelbart, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Engelbart, became the bride of Allen Moeller, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Moeller, in a double ring ceremony read by Rev. Carl Gigstad at St. John's Church, at a five o'clock ceremony. Mrs. Theodore Mrstny played the marches and accompanied Robert Stevens who sang "Because" and "O Perfect Love."
W.F. Hobel was honored by children and grandchildren at a dinner which marked his 81st birthday. Places for 24 persons were laid at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hobel. "Grandpa" Hobel as he is familiarly known, is hale and hearty and treks back and forth, daily, from his home to the general store operated by his sons when he is on "active" duty.
Mrs. Sophie Hoessel broke the bones of her left wrist when she fell in the basement of her home. She was placed in St. Mary's Hospital for care.
January 3, 1947 - republished September 20, 2000
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Dicke at the Lutheran Hospital, December 26. She has been named Ruth Ann.Mrs. Bess Truman, wife of the President, is being sued for $10,000 by Mrs. Nelle Motley Pearson of Auxvasse, Missouri. Mrs. Truman's car, driven by her chauffeur, Henry Nicholson, was involved in an accident last June as a result of which Mr. Pearson is said to have died from injuries received.
The accident occurred near Warrentown, Missouri. The suit has been filed in Kansas City circuit court.Marvin Vraspir, former Creston lad who saw five years of service in the Army Air Forces, was granted terminal leave at Mitchel Field, New York, December 23, and will revert to inactive status. He and his wife are spending some time at Pilger with his father, Albin Vraspir.
After completing basic training, Marvin attended the Provost Marshal School of Criminal Investigation where he studed espionage, sabotage, ballistics, and at Delhi, India, he attended the British School of Intelligence. During his colorful career as an investigator, he has been in China, Burma, India, Iraq, Tripoli, Morroco, Egypt, West Africa, Azore, the Carribean, and in the 48 United States of America. He attained the rank of sergeant and for outstanding performance of duty, received a personal letter of commendation from the Commanding General in Karaehi, India.
Vraspir was married to Miss Betty Rayt Fulks of Baltimore, Maryland, at Greenboro, North Carolina in May. They lived at New Rochelle, New York, before coming to Pilger.Wesley Edward, the five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hazelbodt, died after a day's illness.
The body was taken to Osmond. Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Church. Burial was at Osmond.
He is survived by his parents and one sister.Mrs. Mona Hall and Howard E. Smith, both of Omaha, were united in marriage, the ceremony being performed by County Judge Collins at Papillion.
Mr. and Mrs. LaVern Thalken are parents of a daughter born at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. SHe weighed nine and one half pounds and has been named Donna Rae.
January 10, 1947 - republished September 20, 2000
Mr. and Mrs. Julius Skoda observed their silver wedding anniversary with a five o'clock dinner to friends at their home. Their anniversary was January 4.
Mrs. Skoda was Miss Edna Johnson before their marriage, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.D. Johnson. Born at Madison, she has made her home at Leigh since early girlhood, receiving her education in the Leigh Public School, and her record of 35 years as telephone operator is neither equalled nor surpassed by any other operator in the local exchange.
One of the early operators at Leigh, Mrs. Skoda worked for 13 years before their marriage. After a lapse of two and one half years, during which she worked as substitute, she took over again in 1924 and has been at the switchboard continuously since that time. Her courteous and efficient service has won appreciation, not only from her employers, but from hundreds of patrons as well.
A member of the Congregational Church and of its auxiliary societies, she has just completed another service record, having been treasurer of the Ladies Guild for ten years.
Mr. Skoda was born at Plattsmouth and attended school there. He came to Leigh in young manhood and his business of real estate and insurance affords him a wide acquaintance and many contacts.
The Skodas were married at Fremont by Judge Winterstein. Their attendants were her brother, Dewey Johnson, and his fiance, Miss Emma Starkjohan, who were married later. They and their son Gordon were among the guests at the dinner.The Lutheran church at Park City, Montana, was the scene of a wedding December 1st, when Miss Bernadine Claussen, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Claussen of Denver, Colorado, former Leigh pople, and Richard D. Fox, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Fox, of Park City, were united in marriage. The Rev. A.M. Bachanz performed the ceremony.
Wilmot Cain, 75, whose boyhood and young manhood were spent at Leigh, died not long ago at his home in Springfield, Illinois, according to a letter received by Mrs. Mary Overstreet from his wife, Mabel. Down through the years, Mr. and Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Overstreet have corresponded at intervals.
Cain was a son of Dr. J.B. Cain, Leigh's first physician, who settled here in 1880. He contributed an interesting letter to the History of Leigh when it was written in 1937. He was preceded in death by his brother Morley Cain, who attained recognition in the legal profession.
The last of his family, he is survived by his wife and four children, three daughters and a son.
January 10, 1947 - republished September 27, 2000
Henry Loseke, 80, well known resident of Colfax and Platte Counties, died in the Lincoln hospital where he had been a patient for the past year. The remains were brought to Columbus and funeral rites were held on December 31, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. A.H. Guettler in charge. Burial was in Christ Lutheran Cemetery.
Born in Platte County on September 17, 1866, Mr. Loseke was one of the first children born here. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Loseke, Sr., pioneer homesteaders in this section. He grew to young manhood here and on April 23, 1891, was married to Miss Mathilda Bakenhus.
They settled on a farm in Colfax County and Mrs. Loseke died in October 1909. Seven years later Mr. Loseke moved to Columbus and in July, 1918, he was married to Miss Louisa Deyke, who died in December, 1945.
During the years he lived in the Christ Lutheran community, Mr. Loseke was identified with that church. Upon locating in Columbus he became a member of Immanuel Churhc. Two children, a son and a daughter, preceded him in death. Edward died in July, 1910, and Mrs. Herman Deyke died in December, 1943.
Surviving are two sons, Oscar, of Columbus, and Adolph of Leigh; four daughters, Mrs. Adolph Marty of Columbus, Miss Mathilda Loseke, Osceola; Mrs. J.R. Lindeman, Columbus, and Mrs. Earl Robert, Alexander, Illinois; 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.Miss Maymie M. Vasek and Carrol R. Lips, both of Columbus, were married in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, January 3. The ceremony was read by Rev. Carl Geissler at St. John’s Lutheran church in the presence of relatives and close friends. Attendants were the bride’s brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Barr. Following the ceremony a wedding dinner was served at the Pelican Club, places were laid for ten.
Sister Adele Dasenbrock, former Leigh girl and daughter of Mrs. Eugenia Dasenbrock, was recently installed as parish deaconess of St. John’s Lutheran church in Sacramento, California. She will direct Christian education and Youth work in addition to assisting with parish duties. During the past year she was parish deaconess at St. Mark’s San Francisco.
...
Sister Adele’s girlhood was spent here and she was a faithful worker in St. Paul’s Church until she left for Baltimore, Maryland, to study at the Lutheran Deaconess Motherhouse.
Graduating from that institution, she served as parish deaconess at Christ Lutheran Church in New York City.
January 10, 1947 - republished October 4, 2000
Miss Lueva Saalfeld, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Saalfeld, became the bride of Melvin Sander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Werner Sander, in a ceremony read by Rev. Martin Borneman at Christ Lutheran Church.Funeral services for Mrs. Lena Heuer, who died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sander, were held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbus. Burial was in the Columbus Cemetery.
Born in Germany on march 3, 1859, Mrs. Heuer was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Loseke. In her girlhood she accompanied her brothers to this country and they came directly to Nebraska and to Columbus. Platte County remained her home.
She was married to Otto Heuer in 1885. Of the five sons born, one preceded his parents in death. Mr. Heuer died in 1925. For the past several years Mrs. Heuer had made her home with her niece, Mrs. Sander. She had reached the age of 87 years, nine months and 28 days.
Survivors are four sons, William, of Omaha; Otto, of Duncan; Walter, of Hastings; and Ernest, of Richland. There are five grand-children and three great-grand-children. One sister, Mrs. Emma Lusche, and one brother, Herman Loseke, live at Columbus.Dr. F.A. LeMar, 71, well known Platte County physician, died at St. Mary’s hospital, Columbus. Funeral services were held at the Gass Chapel with Rev. M.L. Seybold, pastor of the Evangelical Protestant Church, officiating. He was assisted by Rev. Glenn Porter of the Federated Church. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial Park.
Dr. LeMar was born in Mercer County, Illinois, and came to Nebraska with his parents in 1887. He graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Nebraska, and later specialized in eye, ear, nose and throat. He practiced at Ashland and Humphrey before locating in Columbus and did post graduate work in New York City. He has practiced at Columbus since 1931.
He was married to Olive Dobson in June, 1904, she preceded him in death. In January, 1927, he married Rose Alderson of the Humphrey-Creston community, who survives him. He also leaves a son, Geo. D. LeMar, of Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. LeMar served as a captain in the U.S. Medical Corps in World War One and was promoted to the rank of major.Mr. and Mrs. William Korte, former Leigh people residing at Columbus, have word of the birth of a son to their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence, Korte, at Lead, South Dakota. The baby was born January 3 and has been named James Arthur.
January 17, 1947 - republished October 4, 2000
Miss Nylotis Highlen of Norfolk, a sister of Mrs. Fred J. Rabeler, became the bride of Simon Hafermand of Denver, Colorado, in a ceremony read by Rev. Robert McMahon in the rectory of St. Francis DeSalle Church, December 27. Mrs. Richard Spackman of Denver, and Glenn Hafermand of Humphrey, sister and brother of the bridegroom, were the attendants.Births in the Leigh community during 1946 totaled 52, a drop of five under 1945. As usual, the boys outnumbered the girls. Of the 52 new babies, 32 were boys and 20 were girls. This included one pair of twins.
Deaths in the community in 1946 increased over four over those of 1945. There were twelve deaths. Of these, three were accidental, two were caused by heart failure, and two were due to cancer.Letters written by Henry Hefti, Jr., on January 4th and received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hefti, state that he was on board ship and headed for Japan. Landing has probably been effected by this time.
Robert Herink, who left at the same time for the service in the Navy, is still with Hefti.
January 17, 1947 - republished October 11, 2000
Orville Crocker has purchased the hardware stock from Charley Marx and will continue to do business in the same building. He has leased the building in which the hardware is housed and has also leased the machine shed. A line of farm machinery will be added to the stock.
Mr. Crocker has tendered his registration [sic] to the Farmers Lumber & Grain Company, but will not leave the institution until another man is secured to take over. He owns his home here and feels that Creston is a good business town and in need of good hardware and farm machinery store.Sale prices ran rampant at the Harold Hassebrook farm auction. A brooder house which had cost the owner $145 was sold for $240, a feed shed that cost $60 when for $130 and a power mower rated at $150 brought $247.
There was a large attendance at the auction and everything went at good prices.
January 24, 1957 - republished October 18, 2000
Rev. and Mrs. A.R. Hyatt have announced the marriage of their daughter, Miss Wilberta Ann, to Marshall Russ, both of San Bernardino, California. The wedding took place in that city on January 9th.AMM-1-c Edw. Thalken and his bride arrived to visit his sister, Mrs. Clyde Sucha and family. They also spent a few days at Clarkson at the home of his brother, Fred B. Thalken. They are in Columbus getting settled in an apartment and plan to make that their home.
Edward has six years of service in the U.S. Navy to his credit and he has visited almost every port in the world. He was married to Miss Janet Miller, in Vancouver, Washington, in March, last year. He expects to receive his discharge from the Navy in February.The wedding of Miss Shirley Dominic and John Tesar, Jr., both of Denver, Colorado, was solemnized in St. Francis De Sales Church in that city. Rev. Robert McMalon performed the ceremony. Following the ceremony a reception and dinner was given at the home of the bridegroom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Tesar, Sr.
Mrs. Pauline Gusak, Omaha, mother of Mrs. L.J. Rozmarin, died in an Omaha hospital following a paralytic stroke. Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Church in Omaha with burial in the parish cemetery.
Survivors are one son and four daughters.
Mr. and Mrs. Rozmarin and daughter drove to Omaha to be present at the funeral.Miss Marcella A. Kouba became the bride of John G. Hogendorn, Jr., in a mid-winter ceremony performed at New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson.
A dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Moran in Omaha was complimentary to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Lapour of Leigh, on their 54th wedding anniversary. The dinner also honored Mrs. Moran's nephew, John Tesar Jr. and his bride, who were married in Denver, Colorado and spending their honeymoon among Nebraska relatives.
Throughout the years of their married life Mr. and Mrs. Lapour have resided at Leigh. Mrs. Lapour was Abbie Lacina before their marriage. Their wedding took place in the Heun church in January 1893.The new Hammond organ for St. John's Church was unloaded at Leigh. Experts are at work on the installation of the instrument and it will be used at the regular church services on Sunday.
Dedication services will be held later on a date to be announced.Fred Barjenbruch, whom we belive is the oldest subscriber to the Leigh World, was a caller at the office. Mr. Barjenbruch has been a subscriber since the newspaper was founded by Wm. P. Suttle back in 1886, and he has never missed an issue throughout 60 years.
He enjoyed personal acquaintance with succeeding editors, A.M. Walling, Morley Cain, Geo T. Vandermuelen, Romain Saunders, C.H. Swallow, H.E. Crisman and Chas. H. Stockdale. And we have enjoyed Mr. Barjenbruch's friendship during the years we have owned the paper.
Mr. Barjenbruch is 81 years old but he keeps active about the farm where he lives with his son-in-law, Julius Lueschen. He attends Christ Lutheran Church regularly. It was in that church he was confirmed when a lad. We are always glad for a little visit with Mr. Barjenbruch.Death struck quickly-and mysteriously-on the Gus Bremer farm near Stanton, Nebraska.
Early one morning Mr. Bremer came upon a full grown doe deer, tightly wedged between two trees near the lip of Pilger Lake.
At first Mr. Bremer thought the doe had been felled by a poacher, who had lost his nerve after making the kill, and had disposed of the body in this prankish fashion.
But examination revealed to gunshot wounds. So Mr. Bremer contacted Ben Schoenrock, deputy game warden.
The warden also failed to discovered any wounds beyond superficial abrasions on the shoulders-until he examined the head carefull.
Then he discovered the doe's nose was split and the forehead severely bruised.
Mr. Schoenrock theorized that the doe may have been fleeing into the night from pursuing dogs. Running blind, she may have careened into the twin tree trunks, broken her neck and fallen between the trees.
An official version awaits inspection of the carcass in Lincoln.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hillen at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.
What will probably be one of the largest sales of the winter will be the auction of the personal property of John P. Hyland and "Duffy" Belohrad, which will be held at the Hyland farm, just north of Leigh, February 6th.
Heading the sale will be 28 head of horses, 41 head of cattle, 21 head of hogs and a lot of farm machinery, etc.
Because of the great amount of the property to be disposed of at the sale, the auctioneers, Col. Vasek and Son, request that the buyers come early so that the auction can begin at 11:00.Miss Lois Ahrens, onl daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Ahrens of Tekamah, formerly Leigh people, became the bride of Ralph Kuhr, of Blair, in a ceremony performed by Rev. Wiegman in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah at eight o'clock. The ceremony was read by candlelight in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and family friends.
January 31, 1947 - republished October 25, 2000
Donald Loseke, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Loseke, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital, Columbus. An accident, when the tractor he was driving crashed with an automobile, left him unconscious when he was thrown to the pavement. He was taken to the Columbus hospital where he never regained consciousness.
The deceased was one of the twins of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Loseke, residing near Columbus. He had recently returned from several years army service in the south Pacific.
He is survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lumir Novotny of Clarkson.
A fireplace decorated with green Myrtle boughs and white tapers made a beautiful background for the wedding of Wanda June Garriott and Kenneth C. Leach at the home of her parents in Philamath, Oregon.
Two children were injured in an accident at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Boning, where a neighborhood party was in progress. The children were playing upstairs. When Billy, 3-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Jansen wanted to go downstairs, 10-year-old Ramona Reichmuth started down the steps with him in her arms, lost her balance and both fell down the flight of steps.
Billy received a head wound and was rushed to Leigh to the doctor. Several stitches were used to close the cut.
Ramona, worried about Billy, disclaimed any injury to herself that night, but the next day complained of pain in her arm. An x-ray disclosed two broken bones in the arm.Funeral rites for Mrs. Geo. Michaelsen, who died at Columbus, were conducted by Rev. A.H. Guettler at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial park.
Before her marriage, Mrs. Michaelson was Anna Hembd, daughter of Julius and Gesena Ahrens Hembd. Born in Sherman township, in Platte county, Jan. 22, 1878, she died at Columbus on January 25, 1947, at the age of 69 years. She was married to Geo. Michaelsen on Feb. 10, 1901, in St. Paul’s Church. They farmed in that locality until 1944 when they retired and moved to Columbus. Since locating in Columbus, Mr. and Mrs.Michaelsen have been active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Mrs. Michaelsen was an active member of the Ladies Aid Society.
Preceding his mother in death was one son, Walter, who met accidental death in Hastings in 1944, her father, Julius Hembd, one sister and three brothers, Otto, Herman and John.
Survivors are her husband; five children, Julius of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Miss Emma of Camp Beale, California; Mrs. Louise Henggeler of Omaha; Melvin M. and Mrs. Jas. Douglas of Columbus. She also leaves 11 grandchildren; her mother, Mrs. Gesena Hembd of Creston; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Fix of San Francisco, and Mrs. Minnie Helzer of Los Angeles, California.
February 7, 1947 - republished October 25, 2000
Miss Elsie Kudera became the bride of Carl W. Huismann in a ceremony read by Rev. Wm. Fitzpatrick at St. Mary’s Church. The church choir sang for the Nuptial Mass. Miss Mercina Pimpara and Ludmilla Kasik sang a duet, “Ave Maria”. Nuptial music was by Miss Kasik.A chimney burning out, at the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Art Mackenstadt, was the occasion for calling the Leigh Fire Department out for duty.
The boys responded and extinguished the blaze. Some damage was done to the house.Funeral services for Donald Loseke, who died at St. Mary’s Hospital, Columbus, January 29th, were held at St. John’s Church, Shell Creek. Rev. Wm. Goede officiated. Pall bearers were cousins, Milan and Vernon Loseke, Gordon Asche, Marvin Wurdeman, Nordin Busse, and Kenneth Polenz. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
Born on June 25, 1923, Donald was one of the twin sons of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Loseke, living southwest of Leigh. He attended a rural school and helped his father on the farm before entering Army service. He served nearly three years, 28 months of the time on the islands in the Pacific. Since receiving his service discharge in January, 1946, he has assisted his father on the farm.
While driving a tractor on the streets of Columbus, January 19, he struck a parked car. The tractor overturned and Donald was thrown to the pavement receiving a fractured skull. He was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital but never regained consciousness.
He is survived by his parents; one sister, Norma Jean; two brothers, his twin, Gordon, and Ervin. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Reick.
February 7, 1947 - republished November 1, 2000
Pvt. Travis Stevens, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Stevens of Wakefield, formerly of Leigh, writes his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Stevens, of his arrival in Japan with the U.S. Army. The troops with which he sailed left the west coast on December 17 but did not land in Japan until January 14. On the voyage a five-day stop was made in Honolulu and three days were spent in Guam. Entering Tokyo Bay their ship struck a sandbar and docking was delayed 24 hours.
Excerpts from his letter are: I’m in a casual company taking two weeks training. We are in southern Japan half way between Osaga and Kobe. The country is bombed flatter than a pancake. Fire bombs burned the place to rubble.
The Japs themselves are something to see, small and poorly dressed. They do most things by hand, pull big carts like horses, haul loads on bicycles. When we march they stand and watch, often smiling and waving. They seem to like Military mannerisms.
There really is a black market over here. Cigarettes cost $45 a carton, soap is $3.00 a bar in Jap money. In their stores we can buy cameras, rings, bracelets, silks, etc. I’ll send you some things later on Will write when I get better settled.Winter weather set in earnest, and although it is reported that we had but four inches of snow, the wind drove it in drifts and many roads were blocked for a time.
Mail service has been intermittent, the mail bus being unable to make the route on several days. Then, with the change in the mail service along this branch line, we have been receiving very little, if any mail at all in the evenings.
Electric wires were crossed in the eastern part of Leigh and this blew a fuse at one of the transformers leaving that part of town in total darkness. The current went off at 2:15 in the night and was not restored until eight o'clock the next morning.
The public school building is heated by an oil burner so the heat went off when the lights went out and the building soon cooled. No school was held.
Milder temperatures from ten to twenty above, have prevailed this week. A high wind swept over this section Wednesday night and Thursday.Mrs. Everett Thorpe, 85, died at her home in Earlville, Iowa, on January 21, following a paralytic stroke. Funeral services and burial were at Earlville, which had been her home for the past 20 years. As Maude Kibler, she was born at Leigh, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Kibler. She grew to young womanhood here, attended the Leigh Public School, and a member of the Congregational Church. She served as a teacher in the Sunday School and was active in other departments of the church. Carrying the responsibility of her father’s home, she gave devoted care to her mother who was an invalid for many years.
She was joined in marriage to Everett G. Thorpe on June 8, 1915, and they continued to make their home here until 1926 when they located at Earlville, Iowa. Mr. Thorpe died on March 6, 1944. After his death, a sister, Mrs. Della Texley, now of Chicago, Illinois, made her home with Mrs. Thorpe.
Survivors are one sister, Mrs. Texley, and one brother, George Kibler, of Concord, California. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, four sisters, Ada, Hattie, Mrs. Sadie Martelle, and Mrs. Loa Fleming, and four brothers, Willis, Jacob, Chester and Morton.A Benefit basketball game will be played here at the Leigh High School gym, the proceeds to go into the Polio fund. The teams of the American Legions at Creston and Leigh will put on the show for the Polio benefit.
The game Sunday afternoon will start at 3:30 sharp and the admission will be 50c for adults and 30c for children.
The boys state that they will stage a hair-raising contest and it is hoped that a large crowd will be present to not only cheer on the players, but also help swell the Polio fund.Miss Delores Littelman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Littelman, and Raymond Loseke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Helmuth Loseke, were married. The ceremony was performed in Topeka, Kansas, by a Lutheran pastor at the parsonage. The couple was unattended.
Miss Helen Scheffler became the bride of Floyd Schwanebeck of Pierce, in a mid-winter ceremony performed by Rev. Otto Spehr at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. The double ring ceremony was used. Rev. Ralph Ritzen, the bride’s cousin, sand “O Perfect Love” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Raymond Navrkal, 38, of Schuyler is being held in county jail pending arraignment on a charge of having forged six checks using the names of Raymond Kluck of Richland and Henry C. Bahns of Leigh. He was picked up in North Bend by Schuyler police authorities and turned over the Platte County Sheriff Herb Person, January 21.
Four of the checks listed on the complaint were written in the amount of $10 each and passed at the following stores, two at Bordy's store, and one each at George Ewert Implement Company and Coast-to-Coast store.
February 14, 1947 - republished November 8, 2000
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Muegge, who moved from Palinview to the house on the Herman Willers farm seven miles northwest of Pilger, lost vitually all their personal possessions when windsept flames destroyed the farmhouse. The Pilger Fire Department was called to the farm at 2 a.m. and made the run in zero weather with a 50-mile-an-hour gale raging. They were unable to save the house but prevented the flames from spreading to other buildings.
Only a few small pieces of furniture were saved from the Muegge's bedroom. All of their clothing was burned.
The farmhouse had been unoccupied for some time until the Muegges, who have one small child, moved in.
Cause of the fire is unknown.Miss Elsie Specht, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Specht of Clarkson, and Ralph Bayer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Antionette Bayer of Howells, were married at SS Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in Howells. The Rev. J. Hilt officiated. Attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Florian Bayer.
Miss Edna Brock and Gordon Hoessel were joined in marriage in a mid-winter ceremony performed by Rev. J.A. Bahsen at St. Paul's Church. A large gathering of relatives and friends witnessed the double ring ceremony.
Members of the Leigh Fire Department were called to the farm of Fred Lorenz to extinguish a chimney fire. A high wind prevailed the flames bu the men prevented the flames from spreading to adjoining buildings.
Funeral services for Mrs. Maude Thorpe, former Leigh resident who died at Earlville, Iowa, January 21, were conducted at the Congregational Church at the place, according to the Earlville Review, Rev. Spiker officiated.
Two favorite hymns "Rock of Ages" and "Face to Face" were sung by Mrs. Floy Laxon and Mrs. Rhoda Sahs. Pallbearers who carried her to graveside were Carl Laxson, Chris Rohr, George Harris, John Wendt, Alert March and Harvey Woeste. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery at Earlville by the side of her husband who died in March, 1944.
Born at Leigh on February 12, 1882, Maude Effie Kibler was one of 11 children of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Kibler. She was married in Leigh to Everett G. Thorpe on June 8, 1915. In 1926 they moved to Deleware, Iowa, where they resided a few months before locating at Earlville, where they built a new home.
She suffered a stroke of apoplexy on January 16, followed by a second attack a few days later. She died January 21. She had reached the age of 64 years, 11 months and nine days.A daughter, weighing seven pounds, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Jenny at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wieneke are the parents of a daughter born at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
Word was received of the death of a former resident of Creston, J.F. Naylor. Mr. Naylor passed away in Dawson, Iowa. He owned a grocery and dry goods store at Creston for many years.
Mr. and Mrs. John Langhoff observed their 40th wedding anniversary with a buffet dinner for relatives at their home. Congratulations were offered and gifts presented. A social visit was enjoyed.
Mrs. Langhoff was formerly Miss Emma Bachman. Born in Illinois she came west to Nebraska with her parents in early childhood. They located in Platte County near Columbs. Mr. Langhoff was born on a farm near Columbus and Platte County has remained his home throughout his life.
After their marriage at Columbus in 1907, they lived near Rising City for one year before moving into the Creston community which has remained their home for 29 years. They are members of Zion Lutheran Church at Leigh and have a wide acquaintance in the Creston-Leigh territory.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Langhoff enjoy good health. He is employed at the Creston Lumber and Coal company’s yard and is “on the Jjb” [sic] at all times. The Langhoffs have four daughters and one son. There are four grandchildren. Their son, Elwin, high school coach at Valley and youngest daughter, Mrs. Wilma Salak, of Schuyler, were unable to reach Creston for the anniversary dinner because of the snowstorm.
February 21, 1947 - republished November 15, 2000
Announcement of the death of Henry Neuhaus at his home south of Leigh was made. Although he had been in failing health for several months, his passing was a shock to family and friends. He had returned from hospitalization in Omaha.
Funeral rites were held from the Homes Funeral Home to St. John’s Lutheran Church where Rev. Karl Gigstad conducted the service. Two hymn’s, “In the Hour of Trial” and “My Jesus As Thou Wilt” were sung by a quartet Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Mrs. Lambert Houfek, J.B. Jenny, and R.H. Olson, with accompaniment by Mrs. Theodore Mrstny.
Pallbearers were six nephews, Alvin Neuhaus, Omaha; Arthur Neuhaus, Venus; Walter Buesing, and Henry Busekisk, Elkhorn; Arthur Buesing and Wm. Keiser, Jr., of Waterloo. Burial was in the Lutheran Cemetery.
Born in Oldenburg, Germany, July 2, 1874, Fred Henry Neuhaus died at Leigh, Nebraska, February 14, 1947, at the age of 72 years, seven months and 12 days. In company with his brother, August Neuhaus, he came to this country when he was 13 years old and they made their home in Douglas County, Nebraska. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Bennington and was loyal to his church throughout his life. In later years, he was a charter member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Leigh.
He came to Colfax County in young manhood and made his home with the family of his sister, Mrs. Wm. Keiser near Clarkson.
He was married to Miss Emma Bruhn in 1897 and three children were born. The wife and two children preceded him in death. He made a trip back to Germany and upon his return to this country was accompanied by two sisters and a brother who made their home with him.
He was married to Miss Emma Scraeder, August 15, 1904. To this union eight children were born. One son, Elmer Neuhaus, died in 1925 at the age of nine years.
Mr. Neuhaus and his family lived on farms in Stanton and Colfax Counties and since 1912, have made their farm two and one-half miles south of Leigh.
Survivors are his wife, four daughters, Mrs. Frieda Hall, Wayne; Mrs. Hulda Dykes, Leigh; Miss Lillian Neuhaus, Omaha; and Mrs. Mildred Spulak, Shcuyler; and four sons, Herman, and George, Leigh; Harold, Clarkson; and Arnold, Polk.
He also leaves nine grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. Anna Keiser, Omaha; Mrs. Sophie Busekist, Elkhorn; Mrs. Meta Buesing, Waterloo; and one brother William, Plainview.Miss Lucille Hunke, of Pilger, and Kenneth Podany were joined in marriage in a ceremony performed by Rev. J. Reifenrath at St. Henry’s Catholic Church north of Howells. A large gathering of relatives and family friends were present.
Mr. and Mrs. John Morfeld observed their silver wedding anniversary. Honoring them, a Mass was read at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They were pleasantly surprised when their son, Gilbert, studying for the priest hood at Conception, Missouri, served mass.
Their children honored them at a dinner, the immediate relatives being present. Centering the table was a 3-tier cake decorated in silver.
Streamers of silver paper decorated the dining room. Friends called in the afternoon to offer congratulations and present gifts.
Mr. and Mrs. Morfeld have seven children, three of their sons were in the service of their country during World War II. The children are S-Sgt. Leonard, stationed at Ft. Omaha; PFC. Frank, in Hawaiian Islands; John, recently discharged; Lavern, Lena and Arlene at home; Gilbert, Conception, Missouri. Frank was the only member of the family unable to with his parents on the anniversary day.Mr. and Mrs. Merle Brown have returned to Leigh and will make their home here. He will be employed by the Hanel Motor Service. They will occupy rooms at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Reininger, Sr.
Mrs. Andrew Necas of Dodge was robbed of $40 in cash by two young men who reportedly beat her and left her in a semi-conscious condition after she began to comply with their request for food.
The incident, which was reported by Marshal V.J. Muckendorfer of Dodge, occurred about 12:45 p.m. Monday. Deputy sheriffs John Kassebaum and Elmer Phillippe of Fremont, investigated.
Mrs. Necas told the officers that the young men, who she estimated to be 21 or 22 years of age, first requested “something to eat,” when they appeared at the back door of the hotel which Mr. and Mrs. Necas own and operate.
She said she invited them inside and as she was getting food one of the men struck her on the head. While he purportedly held his hand over her mouth, “half-choking” her, his companion allegedly took $40 fro her purse. A blow in the abdomen left Mrs. Necas in a semi-conscious condition. The men are said to have thrown dishes at her as they escaped.
The woman’s cries a short time later brought a roomer to her assistance. A physician was called and Mrs. Necas was confined to her bed. She reportedly was able to be “up and around” Tuesday morning. Mr. necas and their son were on a trip to Fremont at the time of the robbery.
Law enforcement officers had not apprehended the robbers late Tuesday morning.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brabec at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus.
A son weighing seven pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Mohnsen at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Norfolk.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Muhle are the parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. He weighed 7 1/2 pounds.
A six o’clock dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Zenter, celebrated the first wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Norris Zentner and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Ogan. A cake centered the table. The two course dinner was served by Mrs. Zentner and Mrs. Chet Ogan.
Funeral services for J.F. Naylor, former Creston resident who died at his home in Dawson, Iowa, February 5, were held at that place, in the United Brethren in Christ Church. Interment was in the cemetery at Dawson.
Mr. Naylor was born in Ohio and came west to Redfield, Iowa, with his parents when he was three years old. He grew to young manhood there and was married to Miss Minnie Mark, June 26, 1890. One daughter, Dorothy was born. The Naylor family located at Creston in 1908 and he conducted a general merchandise store here until 1923, when they returned to Dawson. Mrs. Naylor died in the following year, 1924.
Surviving are the daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Windeback, and two grandsons.
February 28, 1947 - republished November 22, 2000
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hobza at the Lutheran Hospital Columbus.Mr. and Mrs. Walter Loseke are parents of a daughter born at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rickert, near Columbus, at the Lutheran Hospital.
Local farmers purchased the two farms sold last week at the Village hall. The Wm. Wendt estate land for $125 an acre. A tract of land belonging to the Wendt estate was bought by Gerd Hollman for $105 an acre.
Norbert Theilen bought the farm on which William Claussen resides for $85.00 per acre.Marshall Graham, former resident of Creston, died at his home in Lander, Wyoming, according to word received by relatives here. He was a brother of Mrs. E. H. Farnsley. Mr. Graham had been in poor health for several years, suffering a heart affliction.
A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Graham, was born on the old Graham ranch north of Creston and spent his early life here. After graduation from Ames college, Ames, Iowa, he located in Wyoming. With the exception of two years when he taught mining engineering in the School of Mines at Rollor, Missouri, Lander, Wyoming, has remained his home.
Survivors are his wife, two daughters, and one son, of Lander; one brother, Elmer Graham, of Creston; and three sisters, Mrs. Farnsley of Creston; Mrs. S.E. Ewing of Madison; and Mrs. C.L. Galbraith of Beemer.
March 7, 1947 - republished November 22, 2000
Miss Lillian Daniels became the bride of Vernon Hake in a ceremony performed by the Rev. E.C. Werner at Zion Lutheran Church at two-thirty o'clock. Mrs. Lawrence Olson was in charge of nuptial music. She used Lohengrin's Bridal chorus for the processional and Mendelsohn's Wedding March for the recessional accompanied by Miss Miriam Raasch who sang "O Perfect Love" and "Take Thou My Hands and Lead Me."Walter Barr, well known farmer in the Leigh-Stanton territory, died at his home after an illness of two years. Funeral services were held at Stanton from the Schultz Funeral Home to the Methodist Church. Rev. R.H. Chenoweth officiated. Pallbearers were nephews, George Barr, Merton Ochsner, Kermit Barr, T.L. Grady, Geo H. Spence, and Thos. Mortimer. Burial was in the Stanton Cemetery under Masonic auspices.
Born on the old Barr homestead northwest of Stanton on July 30, 1884, Walter Barr died at his home near Madison on March 2, 1947, at the age of 62 years, seven months and two days. He was a son of pioneer parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Barr.
He was married to Miss Alice McCurdy, November 27, 1906. They farmed in the Stanton neighborhood until five years ago when they moved to the former Ochsner farm near Madison. Preceding him in death were two daughters, one died in infancy and Robineete, who died in 1919.
Survivors are his wife, three sisters, Mrs. Nina Besk, Madison; Mrs. Pearl Mortimer, Leigh, and Mrs. Ralph Titus, Stanton, and two brothers, Harrison Barr, of Los Angeles, and Morris Barr, of Pasadena, Calif.In a double ring ceremony performed at 3:30 o'clock at Fremont, Miss Gladys Paper was united in marriage to Peter F. Peterson, Rev. Harold Shaw read the marriage lines in the presence of relatives and friends. The altar was decorated with ferns and baskets of snapdragons.
March 7, 1947 - republished November 29, 2000
John Gradoville, 78, who formerly lived at Leigh, died at his home in Plattsmouth according to word received by his step-son, Julius Skoda. Funeral services and burial were held at Plattsmouth.
Mr. Gradoville was section foreman at Leigh for many years before going to Plattsmouth. He was preceded in death by his wife, who died in 1940, and two sons, Pete and Ralph Gradoville. Surviving are three step-sons, Julius Skoda, Leigh; Tom Skoda, Long Beach, Calif.; and Fred Skoda, Los Angeles, Calif. Tom came for the funeral. There are nine grandchildren.
Julius Skoda went to Plattsmouth and Mrs. Skoda joined him.Robert Pospichal, who arrived home from Army service a few weeks ago, received his discharge at Camp Beale, California. Robert spent ten months of his time in the service in Korea and states that living conditions among Koreans are far from desirable.
He was stationed in the city of Taegu. Before the riots, which occurred in recent months in that city, the boys were allowed to visit the city. But they were forbidden to eat in restaurants. Only a few brick buildings are found and they are unsanitary.
Robert says the American boys were obliged to furnish their own entertainment in camp and that they frequently went to see the same moving picture three or four times.
Before being sent to Korea, he trained at Camp Hood, Texas; Fort Lawton, Washington; and Fort Ord, California. The return trip was made on the LaGrande Victory. Nineteen days were required as the crossing was rough. He is enjoying his stay with home folks, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Pospichal, and recuperating from the appendectomy which he underwent shortly after his return home.Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Severin and Mr. and Mrs. Otto G. Bruns were honored by members of the Severin family at a party held at the Bruns home. The occasion was their wedding anniversaries.
Mr. and Mrs. Severin were married 43 years on February 28 and Mr. and Mrs. Bruns were married 16 years on March 4.Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Hunteman entertained at a six o’clock dinner at their home, the occasion being their silver wedding anniversary. Relatives and their pastor, Rev. J.A. Bahnsen, and his wife were guests. Centering the dinner table was a cake in the shape of two hears and bearing the inscription, "Anna and Henry, 25." Rev. Bahnsen addressed Mr. and Mrs. Hunteman and the group speaking from Psalm 73:23-24 and presented them with a silver floral wreath. The group sang "Jesus Still Lead On," with Mrs. Franzen, their daughter, at the piano.
During the evening Mr. and Mrs. Hunteman were surprised by members of St. Paul’s Ladies Aid, of which she is a charter member. The visitors were accompanied by their families. A pair of silver candle holders was presented.
Refreshments, furnished by the visitors, were served at midnight.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunteman are highly regarded in this community, not only by members of St. Paul’s congregation but by friends and acquaintances throughout the territory.A daughter, weighing six pounds, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Johannes of Richland.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sedlacek at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Kuhn at the Lutheran Hospital at Columbus. The baby weighed 7 1/2 pounds.
March 14, 1947 - republished December 6, 2000
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hobel observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary quietly at their home.
Frank Hobel and Miss Mary Malena were married in Schuyler, Nebraska, February 27, 1897. They have two children Joe Hobel of Elgin and Mrs. Helen Adamson of Long Beach California and one granddaughter, Anita Adamson also of Long Beach.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Severin. She weighed six pounds and has been named Diane Fay.
In the Presbyterian Church at Creston where four generations of her family has worshiped, Miss Helen Virginia Ritter became the bride of Marvin Kratochvil, the candlelight service being read by Rev. Hal Schenck. The double ring ceremony was used. Streamers of pink and wife formed the background for the six candelabra of graduated sizes on the altar. Masses of carnations and snapdragons were in low bowls at the edge of the altar.
March 21, 1947 - republished December 6, 2000
Children and grandchildren and friends gathered at the home of Mrs. Mildred Kafka, to pay honor to her father, Baltz Heitz, on his 76th birthday. Gifts were presented. A decorated birthday cake, baked by Mrs. Edwin Wurdeman, featured the refreshments. Bingo and pinochle furnished entertainment.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Emil O. Hledik at St. Mary’s hospital in Columbus.
While Creston congratulates the new business men of the town in this week’s issue of the Statesman and appreciates what they mean to the progress of the town, let’s also mention four men who have owned their business at Creston for over a quarter of a century who have had faith in Creston as a good place in which to live through drouth years and prosperous years when many left for greener pastures.
Each of the four has taken active parts in the civic affairs of Creston, believing that every man owes to the town which he calls home, every service he can render for the betterment of that town. E.H. Farnsley has been a druggist for 55 years. He received his training in a drug store at Madison. He purchased the Creston Pharmacy from Theodore Wolf in 1898, with the exception of 15 years, Mr. Farnsley has been proprietor of this store. This adds up to 34 years in business in Creston. Since 1905 the Creston Pharmacy has been in its present location.
Theodore Plageman came to Creston, October 1, 1902 and immediately purchased a harness shop from Mr. Engel. He has continued in that business for 44 years, changing the location of his shop three times. Dr. W.J. Ritter graded from Veterinary college in Manhattan, Kansas, May 23, 1920, and the following week came to Creston to locate. He has served the farmers of this territory continuously for 27 years.
His first office was on the north side of Main street. He has been in his present location for 24 years.
Harry Palmateer has been in business at Creston for 25 years but has engaged in two different lines. For 8 years he owned and operated a hardware store, for the past 17 years he has owned and operated his present business, the Palmateer Grocery and Hardware. He is a veteran of World War I.
Listed among their civic activities present and past - Plageman; Member of School Board 26 years, Village Board 18 years, was Chief of Fire Department 20 years, President of Creston Coop, Credit Ass’n, was President Commercial Club, and is still member of the Presbyterian Church board.
Mr. Farmsley served as Justice of the Peace 6 years, on the School Board 8 years, Village Board 12, years, 7 years as Mayor, was member of K.P. Lodge, is a member of the Commercial Club.
Dr. Ritter is at present treasurer of the school board, clerk of the village board, member of the Volunteer Fire department, Commercial Club, American Legion. Was formerly a member of the K.P. Lodge, Farmers Store board, board member of the Credit Ass’n.
Harry Palmateer is a member of the School board, the American Legion, and the Commercial Club.
March 21, 1947 - republished December 13, 2000
The Creston Statesman this week carries a full page dedicated to the new business men at Creston, those who have started a new business or taken over as owner or manager recently.
Emil Motycka of Leigh has just completed a modern locker system complete with chill room, a sharp freeze, and 400 boxes, it will bring business to Creston. Cahrley Knight came to Creston a year ago from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and has an up-to-date garage in the Palmateer building. He has the agency for Willis Jeeps. E.A. Dietz, manager of Farmers Store for many years in the latter part of 1946, purchased the stock and building from the stockholders. The store is now known as the Dietz Mercantile Co.
Orville Crocker, popular manager of the Farmers Lumber and Grain Co., resigned from that position when he purchased the hardware stock of the Farmers Store. Mr. Crocker has already added a large stock and will continue to expand as stock can be procured. After their discharge from the service, Fred Gigax and Stanley Wagner purchased the Grannam building and started Creston Electric Shop. A short time ago, Mr. Gigax purchased his partner’s interest and is now sole proprietor. The Farmers Elevator’s new manager is a young man from Monroe, Harvey Helmberger. He is a veteran of World War II and will take over April 1.
Succeeding C.M. Morse as depot agent is William Coffman, who has spent many years serving patrons of the C. & N.W. Railroad.
Kenneth Loseke has leased the filling station from Ernest Henke and has been giving efficient service to motorists.
Harry Becher, although among the new business men of the town, has lived in this community all his life. Spent three years in the service during the last World War. After receiving his discharge, he came to Creston and opened his welding shop in the rear of his residence, one block north of the hotel, on the west side. He is identified with local American Legion post.Miss Thelma Maw, a sister of Mrs. Elmer Oeltjen, has completed preparation for Missionary service and expects soon to be sent to China. She received her early education at Creston and attended college in California. Miss Maw is now supervisor in a Burbank, California hospital.
March 28, 1947 - republished December 13, 2000
Miss Winona Aspinall and Richard Geb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were married in that city on March 15. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Frank Sheldon in the Grand Avenue Congregational Church. A reception, attended by 200 friends, was held in the evening.Mr. and Mrs. Fred Moeller, former Leigh people living at Iroquois, South Dakota, observed their golden wedding anniversary with “open house” for friends. Their anniversary was on March 26, but Sunday was a more convenient day.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Moeller are representatives of early families here. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Otto Moeller, deceased, and she was Amelia Wurdeman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Wurdeman, deceased.
Their children five sons and one daughter, Julius, Fred, Otto, Anna, Leo and Edgar, were born here. The Moellers left Leigh over 30 years ago and he has engaged in the real estate and grain business in Iroquois. Two of their sons, Edgar and Leo met accidental death in 1932.Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Henry were given a surprise when relatives called at their home to help in observance of their birthdays. Mrs. Henry’s birthday is on March 19 and Mr. Henry’s is on March 21. The party was given on a neutral date, March 20.
Cards furnished entertainment. Refreshments were furnished by the visitors.
April 4, 1947 - republished December 20, 2000
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Eisenman, north of Creston.Joe Nebola, 57, a former Leigh resident, passed away at his home in Cumberland, Iowa. He had been ill for about six weeks, death being due to cancer.
Funeral rites were held at Cumberland, and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near that city.
The deceased was reared at Leigh and was married to Miss Mary Schlotzhauer. They are the parents of six sons, all of whom together with their mother, survive. They are Ernie, Harry, Harold, Elmer, Hilbert, and George.
The family moved to Cumberland in 1941 and Mr. Nebola has been serving the city as its peace officer.Mrs. Margaret Johnson, a former resident of the neighborhood southeast of Leigh, died in the state hospital, Norfolk, where she had been cared for since her health failed 18 years ago. She broke her right hip in a fall on February 17 and had been bedfast since that time.
Funeral rites were held at Schuyler from the Bideaux Mortuary to St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. Pallbearers were family friends, Ed. Asche, John Riley, Gus Hahn, Edward Waters, Adolf Zoubek, and John Godel Burial was in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
Born at Ashland, Illinois, on May 27, 1869, she had reached the age of 77 years, nine months and 29 days. She grew to young womanhood in Illinois and taught three years in the public schools before her marriage to Gustav Johnson in 1892.
They came to Nebraska and Colfax County in 1893 and lived near Schuyler several years before moving to the farm three miles southeast of Leigh. In 1926 they retired from the farm and moved to Schuyler. Mr. Johnson died in 1929.
Survivors are one son, Oliver Johnson, and one grandson, Oliver jr. She also leaves three brothers, John Newell, age 90 years, and William and James Newell, twin brothers, age 85 years, of Ashland, Illinois, and one sister, Mrs. Kate Halligan, age 83 years, of Jacksonville, Illinois. A brother, Thomas, and a sister, Mollie, preceded her in death.Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoessel were at Columbus to pay a visit to his mother, Mrs. John Hoessel. Mrs. Hoessel is recuperating from a fall in which she received a broken wrist bone.
Mrs. Maude Duncan, 60, Schuyler housekeeper, was seriously injured when the car in which she was riding collided with a truck there at 6:15 p.m. Mrs. Duncan suffered a fractured skull, compound fracture of the right kneecap and a compound fracture of the same knee joint. She has remained unconscious since the accident except for a brief period Monday morning.
T.O. Baily, 75, owner of the damaged car, had one arm and one leg broken in the accident, according to sheriff’s office employees. Bailey, a retired farmer, lives in the White House Apartments. Mrs. Duncan is a housekeeper, Schuyler officers told reporters.
The accident occurred two blocks east of the stop light where Highway 15 crosses Highway 30. The Bailey car, going east, made a turn to the south at the intersection officers said, and the truck struck the front of the car and spun it completely around. Mrs. Duncan was thrown from the car and under the truck, but the truck did not pass over her, according to the report.
The truck driver, Gerald W. Keller, and his wife of Cozad, were not hurt. The truck, owned by John Priest, Elsie, Nebraska, was loaded with wheat. The truck caught fire after the collision but the flames were soon put out by the fire department which also administered artificial respiration to the injured. Little damage was caused by the fire officers reported.
The gasoline pumps at the Liegier service station were damaged when part of the wreckage was thrown.
Bailey and Mrs. Duncan are in St. Mary’s Hospital in Columbus
April 11, 1947 - republished December 27, 2000
Rudolph Wilke, 54, well-known farmer living 12 miles south of Leigh, died after a long illness with heart complications. Funeral rites were conducted by Rev. martin Borneman at Christ Lutheran Church. Pallbearers were nephews, Victor and Milton Wilke, Clarence Grotelueschen, Leroy Wurdeman, Roland Wilke and Robert Wilke. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Born on the old Wilke farm, a son of J.H. and Anna Neemeyer Wilke, he lived his life on the farm where he was born. He reached the age of 52 years, five months and two days.
He was joined in marriage to Marie Marty, April 12, 1917, and three children, a daughter and two sons were born. Confirmed in his youth at Christ Lutheran Church, he was a faithful member of that congregation throughout his life. A member of one of the early families of that neighborhood, he enjoyed a wide acquaintance and many friends.
Survivors are his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Edmund Morlok, of madison; two sons, Arthur of Columbus, and Allen, of Richland; and five grandchildren. He also leaves four sisters, Mrs. Emil Grotelueschen, Mrs. Emil Wurdeman, Miss Mathilda Wilke of Richland; and Miss Irene Wilke of Portland, Oregon; and two brothers, Emil and Gottlieb Wilke of Columbus
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Adolf, who died in infancy and John Wilke.The death of Mrs. G.D. Clark was a shock to the Creston community. She had had several minor heart attacks during the past weeks but had not been bedfast. Last Friday a group of friends spent the evening helping her celebrate her 75th birthday and on Saturday evening she enjoyed a birthday party at a friends home.
On Thursday evening Mr. and Mrs. LaVern Clark and Elizabeth Ann of Omaha arrived here to spend the night. After visiting an hour, Mrs. Clark left the room and upon returning to the living room, collapsed and died with in a few minutes.
Janette E. Clark was born at Henry, Illinois, March 28, 1872, and died April 3, 1947, aged 75 years and six days.
Her girlhood was spent in Illinois. At the age of 17 she came to Creston to make her home with her brother, Wm. H. Thompson, Mr. Thompson had come to Creston in the early nineties, with the Benders, Dixons, Boyds, Darbys, Deckers, Maxwells, Schaechers, Wanders, Krienzs, Klines from Illinois to make Platte County their homes.
On February 14, 1892, she was united in marriage to Guy D. Clark. They lived on a farm until retiring and have resided in the Creston hotel, one of Creston's landmarks, built by his father, Darwin Clark, in 1888.
Mrs. Clark is survived by her husband, one son, LaVern Clark of Omaha; two daughters, Mrs. Ida Moran, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. Peter Zacek, of Niobrara. She also leaves two brothers, Robert L. Thompson and William H. Thompson, of Hanford, California, one sister Mrs. C.A. Dille, of Peoria, Illinois. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Clark had always taken an active part in the community activities and was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Long identified with the community life, she had a wide acquaintance and many friends. Her home was always open to them all.
She will be missed at Creston by everyone.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church with Rev. Hal Schenck in charge. Favorite hymns, "No Night There," "At Sunset," and "Sometime We'll Understand" were sung by Mrs. W.J. Ritter, Carolyn Ritter, Arthur Anson, and Elwin Anson with accompaniment by Nadine Summers. Pallbearers were C.A. Hines, W.J. Ritter, Ernest Henke, W.F. Conyers, T.D. Wagner and Orville Crocker. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lake and son were at Columbus to be present at the wedding of his sister, Miss Beverly, to Harold Neemeyer. The wedding was solemnized at the Federated Church.
C.A. Trofholz has purchased from Carl Drahota the house in the west part of town which the latter moved from the Blum farm. The price paid was $3,800.00. Possession will be given May 1.
Pfc. Allen Schroeder arrived home. His parents and Mr. and Mrs. Rikus Rosendahl, and one sister, Verona, met him at Columbus and they visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Neutzman before returning to Leigh. Allen was overseas stationed in Germany eight months.
April 18, 1947 - republished January 3, 2001
In commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid, a special program was arranged for the regular meeting held at the school home.
...
Zion Ladies Aid was organized on April 10, 1902 with a charter membership numbering sixteen. Meetings were conducted in the German language until April 1944, when the change to the English language was made.
The first officers were Mrs. Fred Rabeler, Sr., president, Miss Elsie Harder, secretary; Mrs. Henry Bruhn, treasurer. Rev. M. Winter was the pastor.
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Present officers are Mrs. Carl Mullenhoff, Jr., president; Mrs. Arnold Barjenbruch, secretary; Mrs. Alvina Barjenbruch treasurer. Present membership numbers fifteen.James Hanel, Sr. was pleasantly surprised on his 56th birthday, when a group of friends gathered to offer congratulations. The time was spent at cards and bingo. A lunch brought by the visitors was served.
Miss Beverly Ann Lake became the bride of Harold Neemeyer, of Columbus, in a candlelight service performed at the Federated Church in Columbus. The double ring ceremony was read by Rev. G.N. Porter in the presence of a large group of relatives and friends. The marches were played by Mrs. Haldiman, who accompanied Miss Lorraine Vrba who sang, "Sweet Mysteries of Love."
Miss Jeanette Hobel, Midland College freshman from Leigh, appeared in a major role in the Midland Players modernized version of Shakespeare's comedy, "The Taming of the Shrew."
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The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Jeanette is a member of Pi Epsilon sorority at Midland. She was a candidate earlier this year for the title of 1947 Warrier Charm Girl.At an early spring wedding Miss Elvira A. Asche became the bride of Merle D. Hogendorn, the double ring ceremony being performed by the Rev. E.C. Werner at Zion Lutheran Church. Mrs. Elmer Trimble, of Wahoo, the bride's cousin, played the wedding marches and accompanied Miss Mercina Pimpara, friend of the couple, who sang "Let Me Be Thine Forever," and "O Perfect Love." Soft organ music was played during the ceremony.
In a beautiful candelight service Opal Barrett became the wife of Eugene Grossnicklaus, of Albany, Oregon, at the Presbyterian Church. The ceremony was performed by the pastor, Rev. Hal Schenck. The altar was decorated with bride's colors, white, aqua and red rose, and baskets of cut flowers.
Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Strehle, of Clinton, Iowa, are the parents of a daughter, weighing 8 1/2 pounds born to them on April 3rd. She has been named Marcia Ann. Mrs. Strehle is the former Marcella Kasik, of Leigh.
April 25, 1947 - republished January 10, 2001
Word reached relatives at Leigh, of the death of Fred Ahrens at the home of a son, Emil Ahrens, at Tekamah, after a brief illness following a paralytic stroke. He was a long time resident of the Leigh community, and was well known throughout this territory.
The remains were brought to the Holmes Funeral Home, and funeral services were held from the Funeral Home to St. John's Church. Rev. Paul Wiegman, of Tekamah, and Rev. J.A. Bahnsen, of St. Paul's, assisted the pastor, Rev. Karl Gigstad. Mrs. Adolph Hobel sang two hymns, "O Blessed Son Whose Splendor" and "Forever with the Lord," accompanied by Mrs. Theo. Mrstny. Flower bearers were Mesdames Alva Dykes, N.F. Lowe, Walter Littelman, and Rikus Rosendahl. Pallbearers were Geo. Botsch, Henry Grotelueschen, Emil Hunteman, Rikus Rosendahl, and S.A. Assum and H.C. Stork, of Tekamah. Burial was in the Leigh cemetery.
Carl Fredrick Ahrens, the son of John Bernhard Ahrens and Marie Cording Ahrens, was born August 2, 1864, at Grossenknechen, Oldenburg, Germany. He died at Tekamah, Nebraska on April 19, 1947, at the age of 83 years, eight months and 17 days.
He left his homeland when a young man, arriving in the vicinity northeast of Columbus in 1887. On March 27, 1894, he was united in marriage to Johanna Helen Boning, and they established their home on a farm five miles southeast of Leigh. Four sons were born to this union, one of whom preceded his father in death.
In 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens retired from active arming and moved to Leigh. Mrs. Ahrens died on March 12, 1939, and since that time Mr. Ahrens made his home with his sons. It was his custom to spend the summer months at Leigh with his son, Alfred, and family and the winters were spent in Tekamah. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, Mr. Ahrens was a member of St. Paul's Church until he moved to Leigh, when his membership was transferred to St. John's congregation. Mr. Ahrens was devoted to the church and loyally gave his support to further its progress.
Survivors include three sons, Emil of Tekamah, William and Alfred the Leigh community; two nieces, Mrs. Gustave Goetz and Mrs. John Oldigs; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His wife, one son, Otto, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.Miss Arlene Sloup, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Sloup, of Leigh, became the bride of James Fichtl, Jr., Richland, in a ceremony performed April 10th, by the Rev. B.A. Filipi in the parsonage of the Presbyterian Church at Clarkson.
The marriage of Miss Lillian L. Karmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Karmann of Stanton, and John F. Morfeld, son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Morfeld, took place at St. Peters Catholic Church at Stanton. The Rev. Daniel Twohig, pastor officiated.
Charles J. Dolesh, Sr., 62, died at his home at Meadow Grove. He was a former resident of the Leigh-Clarkson community.
He is survived by his wife and children, and three brothers, Joe F. Dolesh, southeast of Leigh, Edward of Madison and James, of Newman Grove and two sisters, Mrs. Edward Stoklasa, of Clarkson, and Mrs. Jos. Drahota, of Howells. A sister, Mrs. Jos. Kouba, of Leigh, preceded him in death several years ago.Miss Lena Morfeld became the bride of James Kucera in a ceremony at high noon, April 10th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rev. Wm. Fitzpatrick, pastor, read the marriage lines. Miss Mercina Pimpara was at the organ. The altar was decorated with snapdragons and carnations.
Mrs. Filbert Wacha, 45, of Schuyler, died at St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus on April 14. She had been in failing health for a year following an operation and had been confined to the hospital for a week.
Mrs. Wacha, was Tille Karel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Karel, deceased, before her marriage to Filbert Wacha. They were residents of Clarkson during the time Mr. Wacha was mail carrier on route two, Leigh. In 1944, they moved to Schuyler, where Mr. Wacha had accepted a position in the post office.
Survivors include her husband, one daughter, Arlene, a senior in the University of Nebraska at Lincoln; two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Schuyler, with burial in the Schuyler Cemetery.
April 25, 1947 - republished January 17, 2001
A group of Leigh people drove to Genoa to attend funeral services for Mrs. John Carstensen, at the Lutheran Church. The Carstensen family formerly lived on the place now occupied by Fred Hillen. Survivors include her husband, four sons and two daughters.In a candle-light ceremony solemnized at 6:30 o'clock, April 20 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Miss Luetta Grotelueschen, daughter of Conrad Grotelueschen, became the bride of the Rev. E.C. Werner of Leigh, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Werner of Battle Creek. Rev. E. Eckhardt of Hooper, uncle of the bridegroom, performed the double ring ceremony in the presence of approximately 800 relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bausch and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Hall were in Atkinson for the funeral of Mr. Bausch's aunt, Mrs. Steven Bausch.
Mrs. Bausch passed away in a hospital in Sioux City, Iowa following a major operation earlier that day.Mrs. John Carstenson, formerly of the Creston community, died at her home in Genoa, April 18, at the age of 68 years, two months and 22 days. Funeral services were held at the Lutheran Church at Genoa with burial in the Genoa Cemetery.
Maggie Anna Jansen was born in Gretna, this state, on January 27, 1879. Some years later the family moved to Creston and in 1900 she was joined in marriage to John Carstenson. Seven children were born, one dying in infancy. Two daughters and four sons survive.
In 1911 the family moved six miles west of Genoa where they resided until the fall of 1943 when Mr. and Mrs. Carstenson retired and moved to town.
Four years ago Mrs. Carstenson suffered a slight stroke which left her in poor health. A more severe stroke followed, causing her demise. She was a member of the Aug. Lutheran Church.
Survivors are the husband; two daughters, Mrs. Fern Bachman of Lincoln, and Mrs. Frances Fusselman of Genoa; four sons, Lyle, of Denver, Colorado; Arnold of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Harold and Leslie of Monroe; five sisters, Mrs. Julius Engel, Mrs. John Barrett, Mrs. Geo Summers, Mrs. Clara Palmateer, of Creston and Mrs. Fred Henry of Columbus; two brothers, Henry Jansen of Genesco, Illinois, and Herman Jansen of Creston. She had fourteen grandchildren.Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rozmarin of Madison are the parents of a son, Glen David.
Mr. and Mrs. Reynold Buresh are the parents of a daughter, born April 13, at St. Mary's in Columbus.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Loseke, of Humphrey, APril 13, at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Loseke formerly lived near Leigh.
May 2, 1947 - republished January 17, 2001
Mr. and Mrs. J. Ben Jenny observed their 25th wedding anniversary and accordingly, were honored at two social affairs. In the first group, at the clubhouse, neighbors and friends were included. They presented the honorees with 25 silver dollars. Relatives made up the gathering at the Jenny home. Their gift was a chest of Holmes and Edwards silver, service for eight.
Mrs. Jenny was formerly Vera Bushnell of Ashland. She and Mr. Jenny met when she came to Platte County to teach in Dst. No. 48, near the Jeny home. Mr. Jenny was the younger of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Melchior Jenny, deceased. They were married by Rev. M. Koolen at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Jenny, April 25, 1922, also Mr. Jenny's birthday.
They lived in Davenport, Iowa, for one year after which they established their home on the farm eight miles south of Leigh. In 1940 they moved to the Rosenberry farm three miles east of Leigh. They are loyal members of St. John's Church and its auxiliary societies. Elgin, eldest of the sons, served in the U.S. Army during the war. The other children are Mrs. Phyllis Yates, of Brian, Texas, Donald, Jack, Doris, and Mary. They have one granddaughter, Sharon Yates.Miss Lorraine Rosenthal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Rosenthal of Omaha, became the bride of Roger Loseke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Loseke of Leigh, in a double ring ceremony read by Rev. Father John Hallian, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Omaha. Sister Alice played the wedding marches and "Ava Maria" was sung by Steven Pricipelli. Altar decorations were pink and white carnations and calla lilies.
May 2, 1947 - republished January 24, 2001
Herman Johns, 53, of Scottsbluff, died suddenly in a store at Bayard, death being due to a heart ailment with which he had suffered for several years. He was a former Colfax Countian, a brother of Mrs. Adolph Hobel.
Funeral rites were held at Scottsbluff with burial in the cemetery at that place.
The deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Johns, of Schuyler. He was married to Miss Ruby Signman, of Leigh, and they lived on a farm near Central City before locating at Scottsbluff some years ago.
Working in that section of the state as a salesman, Mr. Johns was in his usual health when he left home. He drove to Bayard and succumbed to a heart attack shortly after entering a store.
Survivors are his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Orvis Larson and Mrs. Thelma Chidister, of Scottsluff, and one son, Roy, living in California. There are two grandchildren. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Hobel, of Leigh; and one brother, Chauncey Johns, of Schuyerl.Gerald Fallon, 29, of O'Neill, met accidental death when he was struck by lightning. He was operating a tractor in the field near his home, and when found by his father after the storm, his body was still in the seat of the machine.
Fallon was the nephew of Mrs. J.O. Moeller.In a double ring ceremony performed at 5 o'clock, April 19 at the home of the bride's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Gerhold of Columbus, Miss Geraldine Jenny, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jenny of Leigh, became the bride of Robert Iverson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Iverson of Leigh. Before the fireplace beautifully decorated with cut flowers, the vows were heard by the Rev. Glenn N. Porter, pastor of the Federated Church of Columbus, in the presence of a few close relatvies. They were unattended.
Funeral services were [held for] Mrs. Margaret Grotelueschen, who died April 21, at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus, were held at the home of her son, Ernest Grotelueschen, and at St. John's CHurch, south of Creston. Rev. L.L. Ochs officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Born in Holstein, Germany, July 21, 1864, she came to this country with her parents when she was a child of three years. Her maiden name was Margaret Boe. After short residence in Illinois, the family came to Platte county.
She grew to young womanhood here and was married to Henry Hellbusch in 1881. He died in 1893. In the following year she married William Grotelueschen and they farmed south of Creston until they retired in 1931 and moved to Columbus. Mr. Grotelueschen died in 1935. Both were loyal members of St. John's Lutheran Church.
Survivors are three daughters, Mrs. F.W. Meinke, of Kramer; Mrs. Herman Inselman of Creston; and Mrs. William Becher of Columbus; five sons, Herman Hellbusch of Columbus, Otto Hellbusch of Norfolk, Ernst Grotelueschen of Creston, Paul Grotelueschen of Seattle, Washington; and Enno Grotelueschen of Creston; 39 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; one sister, Miss Emma Boe of Shickley; and two brothers, Ed Boe of St. Edward and Emil Boe of Bakersfield, California.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Mueller, of Columbus, and Mrs. Otto Cordes of Wyckoff, New Jersey; one son, William Grotelueschen of Columbus, and two children who died in infancy.A fire started by the explosion of the oil stove in the brooder house burned the building to the ground at the Helmuth Loseke farm. Mrs. Loseke was in the building attempting to light the stove which had been burned out. Supposedly the oil had flooded the stove and it exploded, throwing flaming oil about the brooder.
Mrs. Loseke was not injured but was able to save only 119 of the 450 month-old chicks. The door and the runway were opened but the chickens hovered in the corner away from opening.Thomas Boning received a cut on his eye whan an arrow, shot by a companion, struck his glasses, breaking a lens. Several pieces of glass were removed from his eyeball.
The condition of Arlan Wurdeman, who has been critically ill at the Columbus Hospital the past 10 days, is improving. Arlan is a senior at C.H.S. He submitted to a tonsillectomy two weeks ago at the hospital.
William Anson received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy and arrived home. After enlising he was sent to school at Peru and Northwestern where he received his degree and the rating of Ensign in the U.S.N. For the past year he has spent much of his time aboard ship in the Pacific.
A son weighing eight pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ehlers of Creston, at the Lutheran Hospital, Columbus. The baby was born on the fifth birthday of his sister, Diane.
May 9, 1947 - republished January 31, 2001
Leigh firemen were called to the farm home of Henry Engelbart to extinguish a chimney blaze. Damage was only limited.
A chimney burning out at the Earl Bridges farm home was the occasion for calling for help from the Leigh firemen. No great damage was done.Friends met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hamernik to help celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary. They also observed the 81st birthday of Chris Schwanke. Cards followed b refershments furnished by the visitors.
Pfc. Travis Stevens, former Leigh boy now stationed at Kobe Base, Japan, writes his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Stevens, that he is now in headquarters of his company holding down an office job. ...
The wedding of Mrs. Frieda Barr to William Hughes of Schuyler failed to receive mention in this newspaper.
Mrs. Barr and Mr. Hughes were married in Omaha on April 14. Mr. Hughes is employed on the section at Schuyler where they have established their home.Arthur Bakenhus, Jr., was elected president of the Columbus Chapter, Future Farmers of America, at the monthly meeting of the organization. He succeeds Jerald Loseke, now president of the Nebraska FFA.
One of the highest prices paid for farm land int he memory of local residents was marked up recently when Harrison Blevins sold 80 acres near here to H.W. Alt for $300 per acre.
The land was improved.Miss Darlene Feye, a sophomore at Midland College, Fremont, was chosen along with one junior class student and two seniors, to represent Midland in its annual appearance on the Iowa-Nebraska Quiz program. The program is a weekly feature of Radio Stations WOW and WHO.
Opponents on the program were elected from Parsons College, Iowa. The Nebraska contingent was declared a winner.
May 16, 1947 - republished February 7, 2001
Mrs. Gus Kloppel passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Flossie Held, where she has been cared for during a lingering illness. Funeral rites were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with Rev. Karl Gigstad officiating. He based his text on John 14, 1-6. Two hymns, “Come Thous Diconsolate” and “Thy Will Be Done” were sung by a quartet, Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Mrs. Lambert Houfek, R.H. Olson and J.B. Jenny. Accompaniment was by Mrs. Theodore Mrstny.
Pallbearers were five grandsons, Dennis and Robert Held, Hastings, Minnesota; Jerald Held, of Leigh; Duane and Dean Kloppel, of Johnstown; and Norman Nathan, of Humphrey, husband of a granddaughter. Flower bearers were Mrs. Herman Neuhaus, Mrs. N.F. Lowe, Mrs. Rikus Rosendahl and Mrs. Joe Herink. Burial was in the Leigh Cemetery.
Amelia Winkler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Winkler, was born at Muscatine, Iowa, February 18, 1875, and died at Leigh, Nebraska, May 11, 1947, on Mother’s Day, at the age of 72 years, two months and 23 days.
At the age of 13 years, she came to Colfax County, Nebraska, with her parents and they lived for many years on a farm five miles southeast of Leigh. She was confirmed in St. Paul’s Church and was joined in marriage to August Kloppel, in the same church, on August 15, 1895.
They established their home on the old Kloppel homestead south of Leigh and five children, two sons and three daughters, were born. In 1921, they retired from the farm and moved to Leigh. Mr. Kloppel died in January, 1945. Since that time Mrs. Kloppel has made her home among her children.
Mrs. Kloppel also leaves two brothers, Wm. Winkler, Lincoln, and George Winkler, Eagle; three sisters, Mrs. Kate Penterman, Corwith, Iowa; Mrs. Louise Kunz, Elmwood; and Mrs. Robert Reiter, Elm Creek, and a wide circle of friends.Mrs. Harry Geiger of Ogden, Utah, formerly of Leigh, had the tendons and nerve in her right thumb severed when a bottle of Seven-Up exploded in her hand. She was obliged to spend two weeks in a hospital and was able to return home according to a letter received from their daughter, Miss Jackie.
Miss Jackie adds that she was confirmed in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in April and will enter the tenth grade in high school this fall. With her parents, she plans to visit at Leigh this summer.Mr. and Mrs. John A. Glandt and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hahn drove to Elkhorn to be present at the funeral rites held for their aunt, Mrs. Wm. Glandt, who met accidental death in Lincoln. Following account of the accident is taken from the Nebraska State Journal.
Mrs. William Glandt, 73, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, died in a Lincoln hospital as a result of injuries received in a two-car collision at the intersection of 48th and Cotner.
Mrs. Glandt, riding in a car driven by her husband was enroute to the home of her son, Alvin C. Glandt, 3435 West Pershing Rd., when the accident occurred. She suffered a broken left forearm, shock and possible internal injuries. She died at 12:25 p.m.
The accident occurred at 10:00 a.m. when the Glandt car collided with one driven by Warren J. Dunn, 18-year-old, student of 2247 No. 31st.
Others injured were Mrs. Neil McKay, 63, of Waverly, who was riding in the Dunn’s car, released from the hospital after treatment for contusions of the head, left arm and chest.
William Glandt, 77, retired farmer released from the hospital after being treated for minor bruises. Police said that Mr. Glandt, going west on Cotner, told them he did not see the stop sign as he approached 48th street. His car collided with Mr. Dunn’s car, going north on 48th, in the middle of the intersection, turning it over on its side, police said. Both drivers estimated their speed at between 20 and 25 miles per hour. Mr. Dunn told police he swerved to the left to avoid hitting the Glandt car. Both cars were towed from the scene of the accident.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Glandt is survived by three sons, Peter W. of Elkhorn, Roy B. of Omaha, and Alvin C. of Lincoln; a brother George Robwer of Omaha; a sister Mrs. Anna Bull of Elkhorn; and five grandchildren.Walter Blum, 44, of Creston died at a Norfolk hospital.
Blum was found about 10 miles south and four miles east of Stanton, lying under hist ruck. His wrists and legs had been cut, and he was in critical condition.
Ambulance was summoned from Clarkson to remove him to the hospital. Stanton County Sheriff Roy Whalen and County Attorney O’Grady, after investigation, stated that he had apparently attempted suicide.
Blum had operated a produce station, trucking, shelling and grinding business in Creston.
Funeral services were held at the Baptist church with Rev. W.H. Klempel officiating. Carolyn Ritter sang three songs requested by the family, “No More God-byes,” “When I Come to the End of the Way,” and “Rock of Ages.”
The altar, banked with flowers, was a testimonial of the esteem in which Mr. Blum was held by his friends at Creston and at his former home.
Walter Blum, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Blum was born at Bluevalle, Nebraska, August 27, 1902, and had reached the age of 44 years, eight months and 12 days.
In his boyhood, he moved with his parents to McCool Junction where he resided until coming to Creston in 1943. In 1925 he was united in marriage to Miss Iva Long. To them was born one son, Donald.
Since coming to Creston Mr. Blum had operated a produce station and a rural route. He was popular with business associates and friends.
Survivors are his wife, and son, Donald, his mother, two brothers, and a grandmother.
Funeral services were held at McCool Junction and burial was in the McCool Cemetery. Pallbearers were Paul Gorman, Marvin Wurdeman, Kenneth Loseke, N.L. Westcott, Orville Crocker, and Enno Grotelueschen.
May 23, 1947 - republished February 14, 2001
Miss Jeanne L. Meiselbach has advised her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Meiselbach, of Leigh, of her marriage to Al Carper. The ceremony took place in Los Angeles, California.Pvt. Robert Herink has written his observations on Japan and we believe our readers will find his letter interesting as we have. He has completed his term of service and is on his way home. ... [lengthy letter follows].
May 23, 1947 - republished February 21, 2001
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Werner Osten at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus.
May 30, 1947 - republished February 28, 2001
Miss Constance Daboll, daughter of Mrs. Hazel Daboll, of Omaha, became the bride of John F. Moeller, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Moeller of Leigh, in a ceremony performed by the Rev. Father Osdick in Sacred Heart Church, Omaha. The wedding music was played by the church organist.Mrs. Anezka Richtig, one of the oldest persons living in this community, died at the home of her son, John Richtig, northwest of Leigh. Death was due to the infirmities of advanced years. Born in Moravia, May 20, 1848, she died at Leigh, Nebraska, May 22, 1947, at the age of 99 years and two days. Mrs. Richtig had lived with her son's family for twenty-eight years, since the death of her husband in 1919.
Funeral services were held in the Catholic Church at Clarkson with burial in the cemetery at that place.
The deceased grew to young womanhood in her native village of Znojmov, Moravia, and at the age of 18 years was married to Vaclav Richtig. About 70 years ago they came to America and to Nebraska where they settled on a homestead in Adams Precinct, Colfax County. Disposing of the homestead in later years they bought a farm north of Clarkson. After Mr. Richtig's death his wife lived with their children.
Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Richtig, nine survive. The five daughters are Mrs. Frances Church, Keeline, Wyoming; Mrs. Anna Dill, Clarkson; Mrs. Agnes Richtig, Athens, Wisconsin, Mrs. Josie Robbins, Nampa, Idaho; Mrs. Mary Bourek, Clarkson. The four sons are John of Leigh; Anton and Frank, Clarkson; and Joseph, Howells. She also leaves 23 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.Dr. and Mrs. Paul Berney and children, Georgia, John, and Tom of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, spent the weekend here with Mrs. Berney's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Smith. They came here from Omaha where they attended the wedding of their daughter Miss Regina and Robert Markel.
During the electrical storm lightning struck a tree on Mrs. Ella Olson's farmyard and followed wiring into her house and into the house occupied by her tenant, Albert Franzen. Plaster was cracked in Mrs. Olson's home and a radio and lighting facilities were damaged at the Franzen home.
At a five-thirty ceremony at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Miss Mable Schmidt and Marvin Wurdeman were united in marriage by Rev. Otto Spehr. The double ring service was used.
Funeral rites for Mrs. Gesena Hembd, who died May 20, at St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus, were held at Creston from the home to St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Rev. Otto Spehr officiated.
Members of the Frauen Verein sang a hymn at the home and the church choir sang "Our God, Our Help in Ages Past" and "Savior Breathe an Evening Blessing." Pallbearers were Helmuth Loseke, Ernest Gigax, Elmer Oeltjen, Alfred Sander, E.K. Luedtke and Jake Bachman. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.
Mrs. Hembd had been in failing health for several months and had spent several weeks in the hospital. In spike of everything that medical aid could do, her strength gradually ebbed away.
Born on January 23, 1860, in the Loseke Creek neighborhood, Gesena Ahrens Hembd died at Columbus May 20, 1947, at the age of 87 years, three months and 27 days. A daughter of Edwin Ahrens and Gesena Kunneman Ahrens, early homesteaders, she lived her entire life in Platte county.
She was married to Julius Hembd in February, 1877, and they also took up a homestead in Sherman Township, this county. They lived there until Mr. Hembd's death in 1911. At that time Mrs. Hembd retired fromt he farm and moved to Creston. She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and of the Frauen Verein.
Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Bertha Fix of San Francisco, California; and Mrs. Minnie Helzer of Los Angeles, California; 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; five half-sisters and two half brothers, Mrs. Margaretha Sander of Creston, Mrs. Anna Grotelueschen of Audubon, Iowa; Mrs. Fritz Loseke of Columbus, Mrs. Eric Wurdeman of Leigh, Mrs. Otto Asche of Leigh, Herman Ahrens of Leigh, and Edwin Ahrens of Columbus. Her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hembd, died during the influenza epidemic in 1918. Mrs. Hembd raised their three daughters, Mildred, Bernice and Elva Hembd.
She was preceded in death by her husband; four children, John, and Emma Hembd who died in infancy, Herman Hembd of Creston, and Mrs. George Michaelson of Columbus.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Drahota at the Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Barjenbruch are the parents of a son born at the Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk.
June 6, 1947 - republished March 7, 2001
Miss Shirley Hoessel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoessel, became the bride of Arthur Gersib, son of Rev. and Mrs. J.A. Bahnsen, in an early June ceremony read by Rev. Bahnsen at St. Paul's Church. Relatives and friends witnessed the double ring ceremony.Pvt. Robert Herink and Pvt. Henry Hefti, Jr., returned from Army service overseas. The boys were in service nine months, most of the time in Japan.
John Herink drove to Columbus to meet the boys.Mr. and Mrs. Roy Groteluschen are the parents of a daughter born at St. Mary's Hospital. She weighed eight pounds and four and one half ounces.
LaVern Lueschen, son of Julius Lueschen, received a severe cut in his left leg, when he tangled with a power mower. Dr. Eby took several stitches in closing the wound.
The Engelbart twins, Patricia Ann and Mary Lou, were honored with 25 friends at a "kid" party at their home. The teen-agers were costumed for the occasion and prizes were awarded. Carole Graham wore the "prettiest" costume; Mrs. Virgil Settje, the "cutest" and Patsy Simmers the "funniest." Refreshments followed bingo.
Many gifts were presented. The girls are daughters of Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Engelbart.The farm north of Creston, where Adolph and Ruth Hanak live, was flooded by the heavy rainfall and the Hanaks were given help by the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. George Klimes and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bachman. They stayed at the Klimes home until the water subsided.
June 13, 1947 - republished March 7, 2001
Miss Darlene Ellis became the bride of Oliver A. Mohnsen in an early June ceremony read by Rev. Karl Gigstad at St. John's Lutheran Church at high noon. Mrs. Theodore Mrstny, played the marches and accompanied Mrs. Adolph Hobel who sang "Because," "O Perfect Love" and "The Lord is my Shepherd."Shirley Ann, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wienek, living southeast of Leigh, died in St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha. The remains were brought to the Holmes Funeral Home and funeral rites were conducted by the Rev. Wm. Fitzpatrick at St. Mary's church.
Flower girls were Theresa and Marjorie Reichmuth and Sharon Green. Pallbearers were Beverly Kafka, Agnes Herink, Mary Bahns and Ramona Reichmuth.
Born on February 6, 1947, the little girl died on June 6, 1947, at the age of four months.
Survivors are the parents and one brother, David.A severe wind storm, which roared into this territory from the west, caused heavy damages to property and took a heavy toll of fine old trees in the community. With the mercury hitting up to 91 degrees during the day. Monday was the hottest day so far this season. Farm buildings in the territory west of Leigh and west and north of Creston suffered greatest when the gale-velocity wind struck suddenly at 90 miles per hour. Rainfall amounted .96 inches.
The storm tore through the south part of Leigh uprooting giant trees in almost every yard. Greatest property damage was the homes of Geo. Mortimer and Jas. Hanel. The roof of the second story dormer window in the Mortimer home was ripped off and deposited in an adjoining pasture. Members of the Leigh Fire Department were called to help, rain poured in through the aperature. Windows were torn from their casings and several small buildings in the yards were either overturned or displaced.
At the Hanel home windows were blown out and furniture was misplaced. The rain was swept into the house through the openings and the Hanel family had difficulty controlling the flood. Buildings in the yard were moved or demolished and blown away.
A large portion of the roof on the Leigh Lumber Company's main building was blown off, striking the corner of the office building, where paint containers are kept. The shelving holding the receptacles were overturned and the contents poured out in colorful confusion over the floor.
The hardware store building of Wm. Hespe and Son was damaged when it was struck by the large trees which broke off in front of the building. Many other buildings about town were damaged.
...
Reports in the Daily Press state that an 18-year-old boy was killed near St. Edward and that Mrs. Fred Caufman, also of St. Edward, was seriously injured when struck by a falling tree.
A dispatch from Columbus states that the first aid unit of the Columbus Fire Department took portable lighting equipment to St. Mary's Hospital when electric power failed while doctors were performing a Caesarian section. With the aid of the equipment and hand lights, the operation was successfully completed.
June 13, 1947 - republished March 14, 2001
R.J. Kemper died at his home in Geddes, South Dakota. He passed away during sleep and was dead in bed when found the next morning. Mr. Kemper suffered a heart attack some weeks ago but had been in his usual health since.
Funeral services are being held in Geddes and are under Masonic auspices. Burial will be in the Geddes cemetery.
Born in Missouri, February 15, 1873, Mr. Kemper died at Geddes, South Dakota, on June 10, 1947, at the age of 74 years, three months and 25 days. He came to Nebraska in 1904 and for 15 years lived on a farm four miles north of Leigh. He went to South Dakota in 1919 and has been engaged in farming until recently. He was preceded in death by his wife who died in May, 1942. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Guy Brown of Leigh; and Mrs. Geo Anderson of Huron South Dakota; one son, Lilburn Kemper of McMinnville, Oregon.
He also leaves one brother, Walter B. Kemper of Leigh; and two sisters, Miss Pearl Kemper of Rockville, Missouri, and Mrs. Mary Vickers of Sunflower Village, Kansas.
Mrs. Brown left for Geddes to help with funeral arrangements. She is being joined by Mr. Brown and their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Merle Brown.Miss Ardath Reichmuth was in Omaha completing arrangements to enroll in the School of Nursing at St. Catherine's Hospital. She will enter training this summer. Miss Ardath is a member of the class garduating from Leigh High in May.
Accompanying her to Omaha were her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reichmuth, Quentin and Marjorie.
On the return drive a stop was made at Schuyler to call on Mrs. Reichmuth's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Kasik, Sr.The worst storm in the history of this community struck Creston with devastating force, leaving in its 15-mile-wide path injured people, dead livestock, wrecked barns and buildings, uprooted trees and ruined gardens. ...
Farmers whose barns or other buildings were demolished were John Claussen, Leonard Barrett, Wm. Wardenburg, Harry Eiseman, Leonard Malena, Jack Bachman, Adolf Lueschen, Art Palmateer, Dale Bachman, Jas. Knight, Sam and Pet Hosely, Mrs. Anna Craig, Clarence Hellbusch, Henry Dehning, Helmuth Loseke, Herman Jansen, Teske sisters, Elmer Kapels, Otto Wurdeman, Mrs. Lucia Hillen, Kenneth Paul, Fred Brunken John Hollatz, Vern Osten, Hugo Osten, Frank Wurdeman, Anton Kratochvil, Harold Ogan, Leo Hake, Siefgried Hake, Geo. Theilen, Adolph Hanak and Rudolph Rosendahl. Farm homes of H. Muhle and J.W. Larson were damaged and there were other houses more or less damaged.
Mrs. Anna Craig received cuts and bruises when the barn in which she was at work, collapsed. Edgar Littelman was injured when struck by a falling tree. Some 500 chickens, eight weeks old, were destroyed on the Rudolph Rosendahl farm.
The full extent of the damage has not been estimated.
June 20, 1947 - republished March 21, 2001
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Kloppel, of Madison, are the parents of a son born at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk. The baby weighed 7 1/2 pounds.Miss Eunice Prang and Reverend Walter Klempel were married in the Baptist Church at Creston. Rev. John Brothers, of Shell Creek Church officiated.
A wedding of interest to Creston was that of William A. Alrson and Miss Ruthelaine Thomsen, which took place June 15th, at the Lutheran Chruch of Our Redeemer in Omaha. Rev. Harry Clark, pastor of the church, officiated at the double ring ceremony.
June 27, 1947 - republished March 21, 2001
Adolf Marty, well down retired farmer of this community, died at his home in Columbus. Death was due to a stroke of apoplexy. He was in his usual health and was bedfast only a few days.
Funeral rites were held from the home to Immanuel Church, Columbus, with Rev. A.H. Guetter delivering the sermon. Six grandsons were pall bearers, Virgil Marty of Hastings, Minnesota, Don and Richard Marty, Raymond, Marvin and Clarence Marty. Burial was in Christ Lutheran Cemetery by the side of his wife who died in 1946.
The deceased was born near Bern, Switzerland, December 26, 1862, and has reached the age of 84 years, five months and 27 days.
When he was six years old his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benedict Marty, came to this country and to Columbus where they settled. Three weeks after their arrival the father died.
The mother and three children moved onto a farm, later taking over the farm in Colfax County, that remained his home until he and his wife retired and moved to Columbus in 1927.
Mr. Marty and Anna Echtenkamp were married at Arlington on February 2, 1886. They observed their 60th wedding anniversary.
Throughout his life, Marty was a member of the Lutheran church, of Christ Lutheran and of Immanuel Lutheran after moving to Columbus.
Of the 13 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Marty, 11 survive. They are six sons, Adolf Marty of Columbus, and Gottfried, Fred, John and Gus of Leigh, and five daughters, Lena, of Columbus, Pauline of Norfolk, Mrs. Josephine Reeves of Everett Washington, Mrs. Ella Hahn of Beatrice, and Mrs. Margaret Edmison of Columbus. One son, Herman and one daughter, Anna, preceded him in death.
He also leaves 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He leaves half brother, Fritz Miller of Leigh, one step-brother, Henry Miller, of Omaha, and one step-sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Kempf, of Oakland, California.Miss Ruth Stevens became the bride of Lambert K. Blecha, of Clarkson, in a candlelight ceremony read by the Rev. A.R. Hyatt at the Congregational Church. Bouquets of early summer flowers and lighted tapers were altar decorations.
Miss Alvina Hockemeier of Fort Dodge, Iowa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hockemeier, former Leigh people, and Floyd Krug, of Otho, Iowa, were married at the parsonage of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, at Fort Dodge, June 1. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Adolf Schindder.
W.G. Hoessel is over from Columbus doing some repair work on the buildings damaged in the recent storm. Mr. and Mrs. Hoessel recently purchased a home in Columbus. The consideration being $10,000.