OPFER, Henry F. died 1909

OPFER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 2/5/2022 at 12:45:38

News of the sudden death of Henry F. Opfer, one of Waukon's leading capitalists, which took place on a train near Mapleton, N.D., about 7 p.m. last Friday, April 23, reached relatives and friends here by telegram that evening. Through the courtesy of friend Andrew Williams of Fargo we have received a clipping from the 'Fargo Forum' containing the particulars of the sad occurrence.

The paper says "Mr. Opfer arrived in Fargo about a week ago in company with E. Dillenberg of Waukon and yesterday they went to Mapleton to look at some land. The intended returning to Fargo on a freight which was due to reach here at 8:45.

When they reached the Mapleton station they found the train standing there just ready to pull out, and they decided to get on the front end and walk back to the caboose over the top of the train. Mr. Opfer was of an excitable nature and became alarmed that the train would pull out before they reached the caboose, so they ran over the cars to the rear end. Shortly after they reached the caboose, and while sitting in it, Mr. Opfer suddenly pitched forward dead."

Mr. Dillenberg says that Mr. Opher seemed to be in better health than usual that day and ate a hearty supper. They had just taken their seats in the caboose and he had handed the conductor his ticket when he noticed Mr. Opfer's head sink on his breast. The train was stopped and backed to Mapleton and a physician summoned, but the spark of life had fled. The body was taken to Fargo where it was prepared for burial and reached here Monday forenoon accompanied by his sons, elmer and John, and their wives.

The funeral takes place this, Tuesday, afternoon, burial in the German cemetery.

Henry F. Opfer was born in Sheboygan county, Wis., 55 years ago. His parents came to this county and settled in Ludlow township when he was a few years old. In 1870, at the age of 16, he commenced his business career clerking in the W.C. Earle store, where he remained seven years, afterward engaging in business for himself. About fifteen years ago he disposed of his mercantile business and has since been engaged in the land business, at which he was highly successful.

Mr. Opfer is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters. Two of the sons, Elmer and John, live at Fargo, N.D. and the others at home.

~The Allamakee Journal, Wednesday, April 28, 1909; pg 3 - from the Waukon Branch Office

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-John Opfer will act as Administrator of the estate of his father Henry Opfer.
-Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Opfer, who accompanied the remains of H.F. Opfer to this city Monday of last week, returned to their home at Fargo, N.D., Monday. Mr. and Mrs. John Opfer will remain her for a time.

~The Allamakee Journal, Wednesday, May 5, 1909; pg 3 - from the Waukon Branch Office
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Note: buried Oakland cemetery, German addition, Lot 14

Additional of interest:

Citation for Hearing on Petition for Probate of Foreign Will
Estate of H.F. Opfer, State of Minnnesota, county of Stevens, in Probate Court.
In the matter of the estate of H.F. Opfer, decendant.
The State of Minnesota to Mary Opfer, Esther M. Opfer, Clara M. Opfer, Elmer G. Opfer, John L. Opfer, Benjamin C. Opfer and all persons interested in the allowance and probate of the will of said decedent: The petition of Benjamin C. Opfer, representing that H.F. Opfer, then a resident of the county of Allamakee state of Iowa, died on the 23rd day of April 1909, testate and that his will has been allowed and admitted to probate in District court in and for the county of Allamakee state of Iowa, being filed in this court, together with authenticated copies of said will and of the probate thereof in the court above names, and praying that said will be admitted to probate in this state, and that letters testamentary be thereon granted to John H. Hager, Elmer G. Opfer and John L. Opfer now therefore, you, and each of you, are hereby cited and required to show cause, if any you have, before this Court House, in Morris, county of Stevens, State of Minnesota, on the 21st day of March 1910, at 6 o'clock p.m., why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
A.L. Stenger, Judge of Probate Court

~printed the the Morris Tribune, Friday, March 11, 1910 (Morris, Stevens county, MN)