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 7, 1949 - reprinted June 5, 2002Miss Katherine Veronica Teply became the bride of Lavern L. Morfeld in a double ring ceremony read by Rev. Fr. Daniel F. Brick at St. Mary's Church. Nuptial low mass was celebrated.
In honor of their parents 40th wedding anniversary, sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Weber gathered at their home on December 30, for a seven o'clock dinner. A dining table and a bouquet of chrysanthemums were presented to honor the couple.
Mrs. Paul Woeppel, of Liberty, Saskatchewan, Canada, arrived for a visit with her mother, Mrs. Anna Stevens, and at the home of her brother, Robert Stevens, and with other relatives. Mrs. Woeppel is the former Mabel Stevens whose girlhood was spent here. Thirty-three years have passed since Mr. and Mrs. Woeppel went to Canada. In that period of time they have acquired 15 quarter sections of land, the major portion of which is given over to the raising of wheat. Some oats, barley, flax, and rye is grown. Mrs. Woeppel states that only two thirds of the land is under cultivation each year and that one third is summer fallowed due to the fact that the climate in the Dominion is much drier than in the United States. Four men using tractors help Mr. Woeppel in the care of the 2,500 acres of land. This year the wheat crop averaged from eight to ten bushels per acre and was rated poor. In the better years the crop runs from 40 to 50 bushels per acre. The Woeppel land is located near Regina.
Mr. and Mrs. Woeppel, like the rest of their neighbors who also are from the States, have taken out citizenship papers and are subjects of Great Britain. The Woeppels have two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom are married. There are two grandchildren.By the terms of a deal, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schneider are the owners of the 80 acre farm four miles south of Leigh which they purchased from Peter Claussen, Jr., of Washington, D.C. The price paid was $17,500. The deal was negotiated by Julius Skoda.
The farm is known as the south Coleman farm and is occupied at the present time by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Busse.Alfred Eller, formerly of Leigh, died in Sioux City, Iowa, according to word received by his cousin, Oscar Hall. Mr. Eller had lived in Sioux City since his discharge from Coast Guard service during the war years. Funeral services were held there.
Mr. Eller's death is particularly sad because of the death of their youngest child, a boy, William, which occurred last week.
Upon his return from service, he was married and located in Sioux City where he worked with an electrical company. Three children were born, two girls and one boy.
Survivors are his wife, two daughters of Sioux City, his father, F.C. Eller of Beloit, Kansas; and three brothers, Rev. George Eller of Beloit, Rev. William Eller, of Davenport, Iowa, and Harold Eller of Fremont. He is preceded in death by his mother, who died in 1947.A number of friends gathered at the home of Mrs. Ed. Kumpf to help Mrs. Kumpf celebrate her birthday.
Word came to relatives of the death of William Muhle at the Nursing Home in Genoa. Mr. Muhle, who has been a patient in the home the past three months, passed away about 8:00 o'clock. He was aged 58 years, 11 months and four days. Mr. Muhle spent most of his life on farms in Colfax and Platte Counties.
His health failed several years ago, and recently he suffered three paralytic strokes.
Funeral services were held at the Hunsinger home at 1:30 o'clock at St. Peter's church at Creston at 2 o'clock.
Pallbearers were Ted Engelbart, August Wiemer, Henry Wurdeman, and Fred Walter.
Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. August Hunsinger of Creston, Mrs. John Schuey of Columbus and Mrs. Henry Brixius of Stanton.
His parents and one brother preceded him in death.
January 14, 1949 - reprinted June 26, 2002Mrs. Benjamin Burger, 86, resident of this community for over sixty years, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joe Herink. Mrs. Burger has been ailing for the last several weeks and has gradually failed in strength.
Funeral services were held for Mrs. Burger at the Congregational Chruch with Rev. B. Dixon, Pastor, officiating. Burial was in the Leigh Cemetery.
Obituary
Celia Pfau, daughter of Mathew and Susan Pfau, was born on May 31, 1863, at Mt. Pulaski, Logan county, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood.
On December 28, 1862, she was married to Benjamin Burger. To this union six children were born, four boys and 2 girls. Emil, now deceased; Walter of Fairfax, Iowa; Ben, of East Peoria, Illinois; Louis of Leigh; Ella (Mrs. Elmer Armstrong) of Scribner and Lula (Mrs. Joseph Herink) of Leigh.
In 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Burger moved to Nebraska from Illinois. She lived on a farm four and one half miles south of Leigh until 1915 at which time she moved to Leigh. About five years ago, she gave up her home and has since lived with her daughters. Mrs. Burger passed away at the home of her daughter, at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 7 days.
She was an active member of the Congregational Church and was regarded with highest esteem by all members of the church. When advancing years made it necessary for her to remain close to home, she was greatly missed.
Mrs. Burger was preceded in death by her husband in 1905, one son, Emil, one brother, one sister and one grandson. She leaves to mourn her passing, 3 sons, 2 daughters, 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and a host of friends.
Pallbearers were: Earl Burger, Melvin Armstrong, Norman Herink, Ralph Burger, Ed DeKeere and Richard Long, all grandsons of the deceased.
We join with the many friends of the family in extending our sincere condolence to the family in the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother.Mrs. Alvina Barjenbruch broke the bones of her upper left arm near the shoulder when she fell in the kitchen of her home. H.D. Kuper was called from Columbus to care for her and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Barjenbruch came over with him. Mrs. Barjenbruch was placed in the Lutheran Hospital temporarily and was later taken to Omaha for further care.
A 7 1/2 pound boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Drahota of Leigh in a Norfolk hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Art Scheffler celebrated their silver wedding anniversary, December 19th. The evening preceding, they were pleasantly surprised when ten neighboring families came for an evening of cards, bringing refreshments with them.
Baltz Heitz left from Columbus for Harrisonville, Illinois, to attend the funeral services for his sister-in-law, Mrs. Henry Heitz, the former Miss Susie Luchsinger. She was 78 years old.
They were formerly Leigh residents. They at one time owned the farm now occuped by Bud Watchorn.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 1936.
January 21, 1949 - reprinted July 17, 2002Miss Arlene Schmidt, youngest daughter of Mr. Jake Schmidt, and Gordon Korfhage were united in marriage on Friday, January 14, 1949, in Yankton, South Dakota, at a 3:30 p.m. ceremony. The nuptials were read by Reverend W.P. Haak at the Parsonage of the Missouri Lutheran Church.
Susan Luchsinger was born December 23, 1870, in Schwanden, Switzerland and died in Kansas City, Missouri, January 11, 1949, following a long illness. She was a patient in the Grosse Nursing Home since September 18, 1948.
Susan Luchsinger was a daughter of Franz and Katherine Luchsinger. The family came to the United States in 1872, locating near Columbus. Being among early homesteaders, they experienced the hardships common to the pioneers on the Nebraska plains.
On July 9, 1896, she was united in marriage with Henry Heitz, also a native of Switzerland. To this union seven children were born, two of whom survive, John H. Heitz of the home and Mrs. Gene (Katherine) George of East Lynne; granddaughter, Mrs. Forrest (Wanda Jean) McCue of Kansas City, Missouri; one brother, Peter Luchsinger; three sisters, Mrs. Mathew Schmid, Mrs. Charles Welch and Mrs. John Klug all of Columbus, Nebraska.
On March 4, 1910, the family moved to a farm two miles northeast of East Lynne, Missouri. It was there the husband and father passed away on August 29, 1939. In 1940 she moved to her home in East Lynne.
Mrs. Heitz became a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Leigh. Then in 1918 she united with the Methodist Church of East Lynne and was a faithful member to the end. She also was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and for many years was a member of the Royal Neighbors of East Lynne.
She was most successful in her home life. She loved her home and her family. It was in the sacredness of her own fireside that counted for most, passing on at the age of 78 years.
Funeral services were held at the East Lynne Methodist Church and burial was made in the Orient Cemetery at Harrisonville, Missouri.William B. Engelbart, 85, resident of this community for over fifty years, passed away at the home of his son, Alfred Engelbart, who lives south of Leigh. Mr. Engelbart passed away very suddenly at 12:15 noon January 12.
Funeral services were held for Mr. Engelbart at St. Peter's Church at Creston, with Rev. Otto Spehr, Pastor, officiating. Burial was in St. Paul's Cemetery southwest of Leigh.
Obituary
William B. Engelbart was born on May 1, 1863, in Oldenburg, Germany, where he lived until the age of 25 years. In February 1888, he came to America where he engaged in the carpenter trade. On June 12, 1896, he was married to Sophia Sander. At this time, he settled on a farm in Platte County southeast of Creston where he spent most of his life. To this union six children were born, five sons and one daughter, Reinhold and Theodore of Creston, Walter, Alfred, Oswald, and Elsa (Mrs. Otto Mackenstadt) all of Leigh.
Mr. Engelbart passed away at the age of 85 years, 8 months, and 12 days. He was an esteemed member of the surrounding community and many will pay tribute to his memory.
When St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Creston was organized, he served the first church council. He was one of the thirteen signers, charter members, of this congregation. He taught Sunday School for a number of years.
He was preceded in death by his wife in August 1916. Since he had found that hard work and devotion to his children brought as its reward the contentment and satisfaction that makes life worth living.
He leaves to mourn his passing, five sons, one daughter, eighteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many friends and neighbors.
Flower girls were: Irene Engelbart, Luella Engelbart, and Lorna Engelbart, all granddaughters of the deceased.
Pallbearers were Otto Sander, Alfred Sander, Werner Sander, Harvey Sander, Arnold Sander and Otto K. Muhle, all nephews of the deceased.
Honorable pallbearers were old neighbors: Otto Littelman, Otto Wurdeman, Fred Hollman, Fred Hillen, August Weimer and Paul Loseke.
We join with the many friends, in extending our sincere condolence to the family in the loss of their beloved grandfather.Several guests gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Bahns to help them celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.
Mr. and Mrs. Herald Held celebrated their first Wedding Anniversary at the home of Mrs. Held's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Busse, with a 6:30 dinner.
January 28, 1949 - reprinted August 7, 2002Mrs. Marie Carstenson celebrated her 100th birthday. Many old friends in and around Leigh have had the pleasure of her acquaintance as she lived in this community for over thirty years. Mr. Carstenson is an old time pioneer having come to America in 1879. She was born in Denmark on January 24, 1849. At the age of 30 she set out for a new land and life and first settled in Wisconsin where she married Anders Carstenson. Soon after she settled in Dane Settlement southwest of Leigh that was started in 1871. To this union was born six children, four of which are living. Her husband and daughter Anna, passed away in 1932. The children living are John Carstenson of Genoa, Dr. L.P. Carstenson of Fremont, Mrs. Wm. Anderson of Alamo, Texas, and Chris Matzen of St. Edward.
Mrs. Carstenson went through all the hardships of Pioneer life being left a widow in early married life. She kept her family together and kept her farm. This is the farm now occuped by Oswald Engelbart.
In 1911, she sold her farm and has since been living with her children. At present she is making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Chris Matzen at St. Edward.
Mrs. Carstenson is the only living person of the old settlers of the Dane Settlement. These settlers established the Dane church, southwest of Leigh which was torn down not many years ago.
Mrs. Carstenson made two visits to her native land. One in 1896 and again in 1911. She was always active in church work and is a life long member of the Lutheran Faith.
She has a large number of grandchildren, several great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. Mrs. Carstenson is still very active, has a good memory and loves to visit. She knits for pass time [sic] and can still write a letter. She always had time to help her neighbors in time of sickness or other needs.
Open house was held at the Lutheran Church parlors at Genoa, Nebraska, Sunday, January 23, from 2 to 4 o'clock. Owing to the blizzard conditions, old friends from Leigh were unable to attend the celebration.
January 28, 1949 - reprinted August 28, 2002Miss Lena Ehlers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Ehlers of Leigh, and J.C. Sellers of Fort Scott, Kansas, were united in marriage on January 9, 1949, at a 6:00 p.m. ceremony. The nuptials were read at the Methodist Parsonage by Reverend John Clinton in Fort Scott, Kansas.
In a ceremony performed Sunday afternoon, January 23, at four o'clock in the Presbyterian Church of Madison, Donna Mae Donscheski of Madison and Robert Ritter of Creston were united in marriage. Reverend Hal Schenck officiated at the double ring service.
Mrs. Fred Wendt, 74, resident of this community for approximately 57 years, passed away at her home in Columbus, after a lingering illness.
Funeral services were held for Mrs. Wendt at St. Paul's Church with Rev. Goldenstein of Columbus, officiating. Interment was made in St. Paul's Cemetery.
Obituary
Alma Helene Dasenbrock was born on February 26, 1874, in Oldenburg, Germany. She came to America with her parents in 1882 and lived on a farm in Platte County until 1892 when the family moved to a farm five miles south of Leigh in Colfax County.
At the age of 21 years, she married Fred W. Wendt on September 5, 1895, and they established their home on a farm one mile south of the parental home. They lived there until 1935 at which time they retired from farming and moved to their present home in Columbus.
To this union were born five sons and three daughters; Paul of Columbus, Basil S. of Huron, South Dakota; Arnold and Walter of Leigh; Helen F. of Columbus and Alice of Payette, Idaho; Francis, deceased since May 1948 and Martha, who died at the age of six months.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Wendt, who died October, 1940, and by one son and one daughter.
She leaves to mourn her passing, two brothers, John Dasenbrock of Milton, Oregon, Henry Dasenbrock of Leigh, one sister, Wilhelmine Wolpert of Lodi, California, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Eugenia Dasenbrock, a brother-in-law, Fred Asche, 13 grandchildren and a large number of nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends and neighbors.
The pallbearers were Elmer Dasenbrock, Herbert Dasenbrock, Edmund Dasenbrock, Reinhold Dasenbrock, Fred Asche and Carl Wendt.
The flower ladies were: Mrs. Louisa Brauner and Leona Wilke of Leigh, Mrs. Minnie Darling of Lincoln, Mrs. Paul Sander of Creston, Mrs. Elmer Luchsinger of Richland and Miss Minnie Asche of Columbus.Dr. S.W. Brummett arrived in Leigh, to take up practice here.
For some time, Leigh has been without a permanent doctor. Dr. Johnson has been serving the community part time, coming to Leigh on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
We are now very thankful to know that there is a doctor in town now, to meet any emergencies that might arise.
Dr. Brummett will keep office hours every day, Monday through Saturday and will be open on Saturday evening for the convenience of rural patients who come to town to shop.
Dr. Brummett has rooms at the W.C. Deichmann home at present.
February 11, 1949 - reprinted October 23, 2002Albert P. Fowler passed away at Grand Island, Nebraska on February 1, 1949 at the age of 55 years.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. from the Soldiers and Sailors home at Grand Island. Burial was at the Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. F.P. Fowler and spent his childhood in Leigh.
He leaves to mourn his passing, two sisters, Mrs. Selma Karsk of North Bend, and Mrs. Lena Johnson of Monour; and one brother, W.H. Fowler of Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Edgar, Norman and Percy and one sister, Mrs. Ella Sink.We have received word from Mrs. C.O. Kloppel of Denver, Colorado, of the death of her youngest grandson, Collis Kloppel, on January 28, 1949.
Collis Gene Kloppel was born in Aurora, Colorado, November 23, 1928, and passed away at the age of 20 years, two months and five days.
He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Raymond Kloppel. He grew to young manood at the family home in Aurora. Funeral services were held at the chapel at the Blakesley Mortuary in Aurora, at one o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, February 1st. Rev. Paul Heel, pastor of the Aurora Community Church, was in charge of services. John Baskett sang favorite hymns, "Alone" and "The Old Rugged Cross," with Mrs. Irvin Purse at the organ.
Pallbearers were Collis Smith of Evergreen, William Martin, Sr., Ira Elliott, Marvin Abshire, Fred Miller and William Smith of Aurora.
Cremation was at Fairmont Crematory, Denver.
Surviving are the parents, one brother, Keith of Longmont, Colorado, three sisters, Mrs. Janice McCowan, Mrs. W.W. Fairchild of Aurora, and Joy Kloppel of Palo Alto, California. The paternal grandmother, Mrs. C.O. Kloppel of Aurora and a host of friends.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kloppel are former Leigh residents. He is the son of the late Charles O. Kloppel and grew to manhood at Leigh. Mrs. Kloppel is the former Mae Munger of Pilger and Leigh. They moved to Colorado in 1920.Friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Deichmann, to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. The evening was spent playing bingo and cards.
Earl B. Miller of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Leigh and Clarkson Community, has been drafted for the Armed Forces. He left on January 31 for Fort Riley, Kansas.
February 18, 1949 - reprinted November 13, 2002Jimmy Wurdeman was host to his classmates at a birthday party given in his honor, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wurdeman.
Jimmy was seven years old. Games were played and contests were presented with the winning side receiving a prize.
At the close of the entertainment, lunch was served to the guests. This was highlighted by a big "circus cake" which delighted the children.Word was received of the marriage of David F. Reins, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Paul Reins of Omaha. David is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Miller of Leigh.
In a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reichmuth, Roland Reichmuth S.J. of St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, informs them that he has graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Greek theology. He received his degree on February 5, 1949, at the commencement exercises there.
Mr. Reichmuth is studying under the Jesuit Order for the preisthood. He began his studies at St. Stanislaus Seminary at Florissant, Missouri, in 1939, and later took up his studies at the St. Louis University.
The past three years he has spent teaching in the St. Louis University High School. After three more years of study in theology, he will be ordained into priesthood.On Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock in St. John's Lutheran Church, Bernice Kapels and Roland Rosendahl were united in marriage, with Reverend Ochs officiating at the double ring ceremony.
So far this winter Creston has had 44 inches of snow. Monday night the wind closed the highway between Leigh and Creston and Creston and Humphrey. It took four hours and the aid of a snowplow and a wrecker to get the mail bus from Creston to Leigh. The Northwestern Railroad track between Creston and Humphrey was finally cleared of snow drifts February 5 having been closed since November.
The Settje Grocery Store will present a "New Look" when painting and remodeling are completed. The closed in windows have been changed to allow more light, and a light color of paint has been applied. The counter arrangements have been completely changed and new display cases are being added. Hardware will be discontinued.
Mrs. Helmuth Loseke's mother, Mrs. Carl Wilken of Tilden, came to visit at the Loseke home. While helping get dinner, Mrs. Wilken fell and broke her hip. She was taken to the Lady of Lourdes Hospital at Norfolk. As soon as she can be moved, she will be taken to the hospital in Tilden.
Herman Wardenburg is home, laid up with a broken wrist.
Mr. Wardenburg, working with a construction company on an elevator in Beemer, was injured when a 2x6 board fell, striking his wrist. He will have to wear a cast for about six weeks.Mr. and Mrs. Jack Larson entertained at a pinochle party honoring his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Larson on their 35th wedding anniversary.
The hostess served a delicious luncheon late in the evening.
February 25, 1949 - reprinted December 4, 2002Mr. Heie Franzen celebrated his 73rd birthday, February 10, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Franzen.
As always, weather permitting, one sees some moving activity among the farmers and townspeople on or about March 1st.
Here are some moves being made that were brought to our attention. With the housing shortage not being eased any in this community, there are not as many people moving as in other years. Everyone who is comfortably situated is staying put and there are not a great number of farm sales either this year, there has been but a few houses changed hands in town.
Mr. and Mrs. John Morfeld, Sr. is moving to town and will occupy the Miller home.
Glen Bridges will move onto the Morfeld farm.
John Wullschleger bought the Geo. Mortimer farm, formerly occuped by the Glen Bridges, and will move on it.
John Specks is moving to the Reich farm south of Leigh.
Joe Teply is moving to the farm owned by Mrs. Tichmacek.
LaVern Morfeld is moving to the Marsh Rosenberry farm.
Joe Dolesh is moving to the Churr and Siemson place.
Alvin Bennefelt is moving to the Herman Teply farm south of town.Friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Muhle to honor him on his 81st birthday, February 20.
Word has been received this week from Elvin E. Harley that he has purchased the Blue Star bus line and will again be the driver and operator of the bus line formerly owned by Roy Foresberg. He states that he has every intention to give this community the best of service available.
As soon as the roads are in better condition, he will again use the better bus and traveling will be much more comfortable.
Jenny's Feed and Seed Store will continue to be headquarters and he asks patrons to please get their tickets there to eliminate cash fares on the bus.The Celia Burger estate was sold at auction at the Leigh Legion Hall. This farm having been operated as two units was sold separately to John and Joe Herink, two well known farmers of this community.
John Herink, the highest bidder on the northwest quarter, bought that land for $130.00 per care.
Joe Herink, being the highest bidder on the northwest quarter, bought that land for $135.00 per acre. This quarter had improvements on it consisting of a seven room house, barn, crib, granary, machine shed and other small buildings all newly painted and in good condition.Two cars were damaged but no one was injured in a collision about one-quarter mile east of Creston on Highway 91.
A car operated by John F. Boning, 17, Creston, coming down a hill from the east slipped into an oncoming car driven by Harold Aspinall of Leigh.
Deputy Sheriff Milt Baumgart investigated the accident.
There was only one-way traffic on that stretch of road and the hard packed tracks were very icy which contributed to the accident.Many friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Thalken to honor Miss Bernice Thalken on her birthday. Monday, being Dean Thalken's first birthday anniversary too, they were both celebrated in a joint affair.
The evening was spent playing cards and socially.
A lunch was served to the guests at the close of the evening.
March 4, 1949 - reprinted December 25, 2002Friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sedlacek in honor of Carolyn Sedlacek, who celebrated her 2nd birthday.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Littelman, Leigh, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Thursday, February 24, 1949. They entertained their immediate family and relatives at a 7:00 p.m. dinner followed by a social evening and card games.
The centerpiece was a beautiful four-tier gold and white wedding cake, baked and decorated by their daughter-in-law Mrs. Julius Littelman.
Mr. and Mrs. Littelman were united in marriage by Rev. Frese at the Christ Lutheran Church, south of Leigh on February 24, 1899. Their attendants were Mrs. George Boetel and John Bakhus. They located on their farm southwest of Leigh now occupied by their son, Julius and family.
They have spent all of their fifty years of married life near or in Leigh. After many years of active farm life, they retired and moved to Leigh in 1934. During their lifetime, they have made many friends and gained a spot in the hearts of many for their good neighborliness and friendliness to all. Being a good father and mother, they receive the best of love and devotedness of their children.
The day also marked the birthday anniversary of Paul Littelman, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Littleman.Mrs. C.D. Eby fell down some stairs at her home and had the misfortune of breaking her leg just above the ankle. Suffering a compound fracture, she was taken by ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital at Columbus.
Mrs. Kenny Meyer, daughter of Mrs. Eby, left to rejoin her husband at Clinton, Iowa. Mr. Fred Rabeler, Sr. drove her and the children to Norfolk where they entrained for Clinton.A large number of friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jenny to honor them on their 30th wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Jenny were completely surprised, when about forty-five guests arrived to wish them happiness on their anniversary.
Friday, also being Mrs. Flossie Helds birthday, she was honored, too, in a joint celebration.
March first is also the first anniversary of the Jenny's taking over the Feed and Seed store that they are operating, having retired from the farm at that time.Friends gathered at the home of Elmer Loseke to help him celebrate his birthday.
The evening was spent playing cards after which a lunch was served to the guests.
March 4, 1949 - reprinted January 15, 2003
Mr. and Mrs. Duffy Belohrad drove to Gordon to attend the funeral of Edward Schuster, former resident of this community. Edward Schuster is the son of John Shuster, who operated a farm between Leigh and Clarkson for many years and is now residing on a farm at Gordon.
Edward Shuster of Clinton, Nebraska, met his death when his pickup truck collided with a parked car on the edge of Clinton. He was returning from Rushville, Nebraska, when his car struck the auto. The pickup swerved off the road to the left and rolled about a hundred feet.
Mr. Shuster was associated with his father on their farms at Gordon. He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents, wife, and two small children. Relatives of Clarkson also attended the funeral.Hugh Mortimer has recently acquired the services of Herman Huisman, son of Gerd Huisman, who will hereafter be his representative in this territory for Ferguson tractors and parts. He will be a factory trained mechanic and will assist in the maintenance of all Ferguson equipment.
Mr. Hoppe, of Detroit, a special representative of Ferguson Tractors and instructor on maintenance, was with Mortimer Service this past week.Sunday was the 45th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Severin. They were honored on this day by their children and grandchildren calling at their home to wish them much happiness.
Veterans, who have been furnished artificial limbs by the Veterans Administration, may receive repairs to their clothing where damage or excessive wear is a result of wearing the appliance.
March 11, 1949 - reprinted February 5, 2003Marvin Weber, a member of the Platte Valley Dairy Herd Improvement Association, had the highest rating herd in butterfat production among all dairy herd improvement association members in Nebraska for February. Mr. Weber was tops in group 2 which calls for 16 or more cows milked twice a day. He has 21 cows which averaged 1,355 pounds of milk and 47.2 pounds of butterfat. Last year his average was 372 pounds of butterfat.
Mr. Weber became actively interested in dairy work while in California where he spent four years in a large dairy there. He helped feed and milk some 300 cows twice daily. Having taken over his fathers farm in recent years, he has continued to keep up his dairy interests and is now selling fresh cooled milk to Roberts Dairy in Lincoln.
His herd is of a good strain of Holsteins, having acquired some registered stock to build up his herd.
John Wieser, Humphrey, led the Platte Valley members in group 1 which calls for five to 16 cows milked twice daily. Wieser's herd averaged 815 pounds of milk and 32.8 pounds of butterfat.Neighbors and friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Engelbart to honor Miss Shirley on her 12th birthday, February 27th. Favors were passed and lunch was served of sandwiches, ice cream and cake.
Much difficulty was encountered by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weber of Madison on Friday and Saturday when they tried to return home from Schuyler. The roads were passable Friday morning when they drove from their farm to Leigh and after picking up his father and brother, Marvin, they went to Schuyler to attend special business there.
They were only able to get as far as Leigh, Friday, as the roads became so muddy and were compelled to stay in Leigh over night. Saturday morning, they had to drive south to Richland, then to Columbus and to Madison on No. 81, some 65 miles to make 11 miles the short way. After all that driving they were still unable to get but 4 miles from their farm by car and had to walk the 4 miles home. This took them the most part of Saturday to reach their destination.Joseph Glasner, lifetime resident of this community, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus.
Mr. Glasner recently submitted to a major operation from which he was unable to recover. This was the second operation he had in a short time.
He was brought to Leigh and taken to Holmes Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 from the Holmes Funeral Home.
Rev. Gigstad will officiate at the services. Burial will be in the Leigh Cemetery.
Obituary
Joseph Glasner was born on January 30, 1883, in Colfax County, south of Leigh.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Glasner. He passed away at the age of 66 years, 1 month and 8 days.
Joseph Glasner grew to manhood in this community and has spent his entire life here. He was a well digger by profession and resided on his farm south of Leigh.
Four brothers, one sister and his parents preceded him in death.
He leaves to mourn his passing, Henry Glasner of Columbus, Charles H. Glasner of Pasco, Washington, Mrs. J.D. Garrison of Blair, William Glasner and Amelia Glasner of Leigh.
Being a well known and respected citizen of this community, he has gained a spot in the hearts of many friends and neighbors. The pallbearers were: Harold Rahtz, Roy Folken, John Dobes, Emil Menke and Richard Holoubek.
The flower ladies were Mrs. Wilma Deichmann, Mrs. Gerald Vasek and Mrs. Harold Rahtz.A petition for liquor by the drink was submitted to the Vilage board last week.
The petition read "We, the undersigned, legal voters, do hereby petition you to place before the voters of Creston, on election day, APril 5, 1949, a ballot pertaining to the sale of liquor by the drink, thereby giving qualified voters the privilege of voting for or against said issue.
Fifty-five names were on the petition. Only 15 names would have been required to have it placed on the ballot.What could have been a tragedy occurred at the schoolhouse when Quentin Reichmuth got hit with a shot put on the head causing a three corner tear that required seven or eight stitches to close.
The shot weighs 12 pounds and Quentin is being kept quiet in case of a possible skull fracture.
March 18, 1949 - reprinted March 5, 2003To date we have been informed of nine dogs which have been poisoned. There have probably been many more that have been destroyed by this method which to my belief is one of the cruelest means of killing a dog there is. It is my hope, and also that of other people who are dog lovers, that this senseless and indiscriminate poisoning of these unsuspecting animals will stop at once. Surely all of the maniacal and sadistic self expression of the dog poisoner has spent itself by this time. Be thankful, Mr. Poisoner, that you were not caught in the act.
The Leigh Fire Department was called to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bakenhus to help put out a chimney fire. The exact cause of the blaze is not known as there was very little fire in the stoves at the time. Thanks to the firemen's quick response, the fire was put out before any more damage was done to the house.
A new chimney is being built to replace the old one that was burned out.Peter Hogendorn was seriously hurt when a load of hay upset with him when he turned out to let a car pass. A soft spot in the road caused the rack to upset.
During the accident, he was hit on the head rendering him unconscious for some time. Dr. Brummett was immediately called and, after giving first aid, took him to St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus. Mr. Hogendorn didn't regain consciousness until reaching the hospital.
Mr. Hogendorn, having recovered quickly from what could have been a serious mishap, is again at his home, having been released from the hospital the first of the week.Mrs. E.C. Jungbluth, formerly of Leigh, now of Denver, Colorado, sent us word of the death of a former Leigh resident, George Byron Hardy. Mr. Hardy, who had been in failing health for some time, was being cared for in a nursing home at Minot, North Dakota, where he passed away on February 10.
He was 83 years, 2 months and 9 days of age at the time of his death. His wife, who is an invalid, is still being cared for at the Minot Nursing Home. Mr. Hardy, having grown to manhood on a farm four miles south of Leigh, lived until 1902 on the farm recently purchased by Joseph Herink from the Celia Burger estate. At the time he left Leigh and vicinity and moved to Surrey, North Dakota.Mr. and Mrs. Otto Littelman entertained a group of their friends celebrating their wedding anniversary.
Pinochle was played until eleven o'clock when the hostess served refreshments.Miss Lorraine Heller of Monroe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Heller of Monroe, became the bride of August C. Wittler of Wayne, son of Mr. and Mrs. August H. Wittler of Wayne at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus. Rev. Carl Goldenstein officiated at the double ring ceremony.
March 25, 1949 - reprinted March 26, 2003Friends and neighbors gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Folken, the occasion being Mr. Folken's birthday anniversary.
Richard Reininger celebrated his eighth birthday when a group of friends came to help him celebrate the occasion. Cards were played and refreshments were enjoyed including a big birthday cake.
Richard is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reininger.Several families gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Travnicek in honor of Mrs. Travnicek's birthday. After a social evening the hostess served lunch to her guests.
Baltz Heitz celebrated his 78th birthday March 14.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Muhle will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary March 27.
May 6, 1949 - reprinted October 22, 2003A telephone call was received by Victor Malasek, from the Bell, California, police headquarters, informing him of a tragedy which occurred that day at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Malasek in that city.
According to the story related by the police, Jos. Malasek, is said to have fatally wounded his wife, Helen, with a gunshot and then turned the weapon upon himself. The shooting is said to have taken place on Monday noon and no other information had been given at the time. The motive for the shooting had not been stated. Mrs. Malasek is said to have died Monday evening as a result of the shooting, and Mr. Malasek died on Wednesday morning from the wounds inflicted upon himself.
Mr. Malasek is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Malasek of Clarkson. He is a young man of 38 years old and, before moving to California six years ago, lived on a farm near Leigh.
He is a mechanic by trade and, since living in California, he had been employed in a garage there.
Mrs. Malasek is the former Helen Schroeder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schroeder, of this community.
They have one son, 14 years old.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Callies, of Omaha, left immediately by plane for Bell, California, to take charge of the affairs in the Malasek home.Mary Ann Hledik, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hledik of Madison, will open a beauty shop in Leigh next Monday.
Miss Hledik is a graduate of Norfolk Beauty School at Norfolk and is an experienced operator. She will be equipped to give machine, machineless and cold wave permanents.
Miss Hledik recently purchased the equipment of Miss Evelyn Zrust of Clarkson and has moved it to the former beauty shop in Leigh located the first door north of Alva Dykes Barber Shop.
Mary Ann's Beauty Shop will be open for business on Monday, May 9, as stated elsewhere in The World in an announcement ad.
At present, she has rented rooms at the residence of Mrs. C.E. Eby.
The Beauty Shop is now being redecorated and will soon be another enterprize added for the convenience of Leigh residents.The Claussen Filling station, handling Phillips "66" products, held its formal opening on Monday, with free treats for all visitors.
Commencement exercises will be held at Creston High School on Thursday, May 12. Ten seniors will graduate from high school this year. They are: Elwin Anson, Jeanne Dasenbrock, Donald Eisenmann, Arlin Leder, Dwayne Mueller, Mildred Wennekamp, Meddy Wurdeman, Patrica Summers, Marian Muhle and Donna Settje.
Marian Muhle, Salutatorian, will speak on "For Healthier and Happier America." Jeanne Dasenbrock, Valedictorian, will talk on the subject "Education is Always a Venture."
Arlin Leder will graduate third highest in the class of 1949 and Donna Settje is fourth highest.
May 13, 1949 - reprinted November 5, 2003Many friends and relatives of Leigh attended the double funeral of Mr, and Mrs. Joseph Malasek at Clarkson.
Mr. and Mrs. Malasek died on May 2 and 4th, respectively, after a dreadful tragedy in their home in Bell, California, resulted in Mr. Malasek shooting his wife and then turning the weapon on himself. Relatives flew, via airplane, to take care of the funeral arrangements and, upon deciding to bring the bodies back, had them flown in by air.
Arriving at the Columbus airport, the remains were placed in charge of F. J. Miller and Son, of Clarkson. Besides the close friends of Leigh, friends and relatives gathered there for the sad rites from all surrounding communities, who came to pay their last respects to the unfortunate couple.
Funeral services were held at the New Zion Presbyterian Church at Clarkson Rev. B. A. Fillipi officiating at the services. Burial was in the Clarkson cemetery.
We join with the many friends and relatives in extending our sincere sympathy to the parents and other relatives in this two-fold loss of daughter and son.
Joseph Malasek
Joseph Malasek, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Malasek, was born in Brant [Grant?] Precinct in Colfax County on March 19, 1911. At the age of one year, he moved with his family to Stanton County to a farm six miles northwest of Leigh.
There he spent his boyhood, and later attended the Rabeler School District No. 42. On completing his studies there. He remained on the farm and helped his father do the farm work. On Decmeber 31, 1934, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Dora Schroeder at ceremonies officiated at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Malasek then made their home on a farm north of Leigh where they remained for two years.
On quitting the farm, Mr. and Mrs. Malasek moved to Omaha where they lived until later moving to Bell, California. They have resided in Bell, California until his death.
Mr. Malasek died on May 4th, 1949, at the age of 38 years, 1 month and 15 days.
He leaves to mourn his passing, one son, Eugene, who is thirteen years old, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Malasek of Clarkson; three sisters, Mrs. Joseph R. Molacek of Clarkson, Mrs. Henry Callies of Omaha, and Mrs. Joseph Belohrad of Clarkson; one brother, Victor Malasek of Leigh; fourteen nieces and nephews.
The pallbearers for Mr. Malasek were: Lumir Hanel, James Hanel, Steve Kmoch, Lambert Nadrchal, Jerome Molacek and Vincent Molacek.
Helen Malasek.
Mrs. Joseph Malasek, nee Helen Dora Schroeder, was born on a farm near Leigh on July 3, 1917. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Karl Schroeder.
She was raised there and received her schooling in the School District No. 48 Stanton County.
Mrs. Malasek was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Leigh. On December 31, 1934, she was united in marriage to Joseph Malasek at Council Bluffs, Iowa. After marriage she resided with her husband on a farm north of Leigh. After two years of farm life, she moved to Omaha with her husband where she resided until the family moved to Bell, California.
To this union, was born a son, Eugene, who is thirteen years of age at the time of his parents untimely death.
Mrs. Joseph Malasek died on May 2, 1949, at the age of 31 years, 9 months and 29 days.
She leaves to mourn her passing one son, Eugene; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Karl Schroeder; two sisters, Mrs. August Schwanke of Atlantic, Iowa, Mrs. Edward Houser of Howells; four brothers, Gustave Schroeder of Schuyler, Carl Schroeder, William Schroeder, and Henry Schroeder, all of Leigh.
The pallbearers for Mrs. Malasek were: John Paulson, Arnold Paulson, Hans Ehlers, William Ehlers, Emil Ronnfeldt and Henry Ronnfeldt.Mrs. Tom Trojan returned to Jackson, Minnesota from Minneapolis after being called there because of the car accident of her brother, Curt Thoreson.
Curt was in a car accident when he went to sleep at the wheel and ran off the road causing the vehicle to turn over twice throwing Curt out of the top of the car as it went over the second time.
After flying 30 feet in the air, he landed against a tree, breaking both his legs. One was shattered very badly and he will be unable to remove the cast for quite some time. Several days later, it was found that he suffered a severe injuries of the skull and was taken to Minneapolis to a brain specialist. Mrs. Trojan, a former nurse, accompanied him until Saturday when she returned to Jackson and on to Leigh on Sunday.
May 20, 1949 - reprinted November 19, 2003Miss Bernice Thalken was honored at a miscellaneous bridal shower May 12 prior to her marriage to Harold Aspinall.
Miss Kathryn Ludwig, seventh grade pupil of Zion Lutheran school at Leigh, won first place in the Colfax County Current Event Contest for excellence in the study of Current Events.
This contest consists of a written examination on the subject of current happenings around the nation. Howells, Schuyler, Leigh and Clarkson school pupils participated with each town competing against each other. Dorothy Novotny was the rural school winner.Mrs. Lorena Hahn was the guest speaker at a reception welcoming Dr. Brummett to Leigh. Mrs. Hahn, world wide traveller, writes that she is looking forward to coming to Leigh for this engagement as she has lived in this area, and because of this regards them as "home folk".
May 27, 1949 - reprinted November 19, 2003Miss Bernice Thalken, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Thalken, became the bride of Harold Aspinall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Aspinall of Leigh, on May 21, at 1:30 p.m. at St John's Evangelical Church. Rev. Karl Gigstad performed the single ring ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Aspinall will make their home in Leigh.At a special meeting to be held at the Village Hall on Friday night, the volunteer Firemen of Leigh will meet to reorganize their fire Department. State Fire Marshall, Joseph Fetters, will be here to help them organize into two companies as the company now has increased beyond the number of members who can compose one company. The Directors of the Rural District and the Village Board of Trustees will be guests at the meeting.
All members of the Volunteer Fire Department are urged to attend this meeting so as to effect the reorganization of the company.Mr. and Mrs. Anton Novak of Leigh are the parents of a girl born May 22.
A miscellaneous shower was given Miss Agnes Jelinek. Miss Jelinek will soon be married to William Thalken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thalken. Agnes is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Jelinek of Clarkson.