Helmer E. Aschom (1873 - 1949)

ASCHOM, GANDER, GOURLEY, FITZGERALD, SCHNEIDER, OLSON, HURM, ELLIOTT

Posted By: M. J. Fitzgerald (email)
Date: 5/31/2008 at 13:16:12

From Allamakee Journal newspaper, Lansing, IA; March 9, 1949

Helmer E. Aschom Dies in La Crosse Hospital

The above named gentleman passed away at St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse, about ten o’clock Monday morning following a paralytic stroke, where he had been taken Friday afternoon. He had been in failing health for more than six years with a heart ailment, bearing his sufferings with patience and fortitude, but despite all that loving hands and medical skill could do passed away as above stated.

Helmer Edward Aschom was born in Lansing, Iowa, August 29th, 1873, the eldest son of George Aschom and Caroline Sanderson. Here as a youth he attended the local public school and his first employment was with the Nielander and Company, where his father was also employed. In 1907 he was married to Anna Gander, who preceded in death nine years ago. Left to mourn his passing are four daughters: Mrs. Al (Helen) Gourley, Dubuque; Miss Leona May Aschom, Mrs. Carl (Clara) Fitzgerald, Mrs. Paul (Georgia) Schneider, and one son Norbert, all of Lansing. Other immediate survivors are his brothers, Leonard, of Marquette, Mich., Walter and George of Lansing; his sisters, Mrs. Lulu Olson, Madison, Wis., and Mrs. Joe (Elvina) Hurm of Milwaukee; and fifteen grandchildren

As a young man he learned the barber trade under the late Mike Schobert, whom he later bought out and was then in partnership with the late Bill Elliott, continuing it alone until his retirement about five years ago. “Yam”, as he was familiarly known, was a long time business man on Main Street, a fine tradesman and sports devotee and his barber shop was a popular gathering place for the athletic minded, and as long as we can remember he was associated with local baseball teams. He was a kind Christian man with never an ill word for anyone and if he had an enemy in this world we know him not, and had a host of friends who will read with regret of his passing. Deceased was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Thursday) morning in Immaculate Conception Church from the Schneider Funeral Home where the remains laid in state since Monday afternoon. Father Henry Scharphoff will offer the Mass of Requiem at nine o’clock and burial will be beside his wife in Gethsemane, Casket bearers selected are Joe Weipert, John P Ferring, Leo Wagner, Joe Whalen, Billy Kehr and Harold Gaunitz.