Ernest WITTKOPF

JoAnn Levin 


Oconto Dies; First Embalmer 

Oconto (PG) -- Ernest Wittkopf, 87, of 704 Superior Ave., lifelong resident of Oconto, died at 2:45 p.m. Thursday at the Oconto Convalescent Home where he had been a patient since Feb. 1.

Mr. Wittkopf was Oconto's first licensed embalmer. He received his license in 1899 and conducted a furniture and undertaking business here until 1918. Also a cabinet maker, he pursued that trade until retiring in 1940. The business was taken over by his son, Clarence, with whom he lived since. His wife preceded him in death March 26, 1938.

Mr. Wittkopf was the last surviving member of a family of seven children. Born June 12, 1870 in Oconto, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wittkopf, pioneer settlers of this community. He was a former coroner of Oconto County and had served as supervisor on the County Board years ago.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Alvin (Myrtle) Winans, Oconto; and Mrs. Frank (Frieda) Graichen, Fond du Lac; five sons, Leo, Pontiac, Mich.; Paul, Fond du Lac; Clarence and Roland, Oconto, and Earl, Milwaukee; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Friends may call at the MacQueen-Sheffield Funeral Home after 7 o'clock Friday. Funeral services will be conducted there at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon by the Rev. Newton Roberts of the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

 
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