LEMME, Benjamin F. 1887-1931

LEMME, KLEINK, KIESAU, WORSTER, DELAP, CARLSON, MCFARLAND, BAUERCAMPER

Posted By: Jane Sanderman Mason (email)
Date: 7/13/2022 at 08:59:58

unidentified/undated newspaper clipping - death 27 Nov 1931

B. F. Lemme, Well Known Merchant, Dies Suddenly

This community was shocked Friday morning when it was learned that Ben Lemme, well known business man of this city, had taken his life, using a 32 caliber revolver to commit the rash act.

Leaving his home as usual, Mr. Lemme came down and opened his store. Parties had tried several times to get him by phone and finally called the house. Milton then went to the store, which he found locked, not giving it any thought but that his father was probably on some errand. Shortly before 10 o'clock Alvin Huenneman called at the store and asked to borrow a step-ladder which was in the basement. He discovered Mr. Lemme lying on the ground near the backend of the building and in the excitement picked up the revolver and rushed upstairs to inform Milton, who immediately telephoned the doctor and called the ambulance. He was rushed to the local hospital. It was found that the bullet had entered the abdomen just below the heart and an operation was performed to remove the bullet from his back. He regained consciousness for a few moments, stating he committed the act himself and that he was ready to go. Death claimed him about three o'clock.

Deceased was a son of Mrs. Lydia Lemme and was born Feb. 28, 1887 at Sherrill Mound, Dubuque county. He received his education at that place and the schools of Winnebago county. When he was 12 years of age the family came to this county to reside, which had since been his home. He was 44 years, eight months and 29 days old.

On February 11, 1911, he was united in marriage with Miss Esther Klein, who survives him. ___ mourn his aged mother, six brothers and six sisters, namely: Amos, Clara and Mrs. Sarah Kiesau, Waukon; Paul and Theodore, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Ruth Worster, Keokuk, Iowa; David and Mrs. Martha DeLap, Lexington, Neb.; Carl, Dan, Mrs. Esther Carlson and Mrs. Alma McFarland of Forest City, Iowa. A beloved sister, Paula, preceded him in death two months ago, on Sept. 30.

Mr. Lemme was a member of Zion Reformed church and held the office of superintendent of the Sunday school. He was highly respected in the community and had many friends, who were deeply saddened by his unexpected death, and the heartfelt sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved ones in their great sorrow.

Funeral services were held at the late home of deceased Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Stucki. Burial was in Oakland cemetery. The casket bearers were five cousins, Martin, Arthur, Leslie, Ralph Bauercamper, E.F. Pieper and E.A. Leschensky."