WANGLER, Conrad D. 1851-1908

WANGLER, KERWIN, BRANIGER

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 2/20/2013 at 23:54:50

[Waterloo Times-Tribune, Tuesday, June 09, 1908, Waterloo, Iowa]

C. D. WANGLER DIES OF BRIGHTS DISEASE

Has Been One of the Leading Business Men of the City for Years - Funeral Wednesday

At 12:45 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Conrad D. Wangler passed away at his home on East Third Street after an illness extending over a period of several months. Mr. Wangler has been in falling in health for the past five years, but his illness did not assume a serious nature until February of the present year, since that time he has failed rapidly and for the past two weeks death has been expected, at almost any time.

The deceased has been engaged in the drug business in this city for the past thirty years, and is one of the best known druggists in the state of Iowa. After many years in the retail business, Mr. Wangler decided to enter the wholesale drag business on a large scale, and was one of the main factors in the organization of the Wangler Drug Company which was organized in 1900. He remained at the head of this institution, when it became apparent that the field was not large enough for a wholesale house in this city, the business was disposed of and Mr. Wangler. took up his duties in the retail establishment once more. At the time of leaving the retail store to enter the wholesale business, he disposed of an interest in the Wangler Bros, establishment to Joseph Todd, who was connected with the firm until about 2 years ago when Mr. Todd disposed of his interest to the Wangler Bros.,
who have since been in charge of the store.

A Leading Business Man.
The deceased was among the leading business men of the city and was always prominently connected with any move which would be of benefit to the city. His efforts in behalf of Waterloo have always been untiring and he never lost an opportunity to advance the interest of the entire city. Mr. Wangler was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic church being one of the leading members, having assisted materially in making the arrangements to build the beautiful edifice now occupied by the members of that congregation. He was a charter member of the S. P. O. E. and a number of other organizations in this city. He was also one of the prime movers in the project to raise the funds for the new Sisters Hospital.

Obituary,
Conrad D. Wangler was born in Baden, Germany, January 8, 1851, and resided in that country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Konrad* Wangler, until 1866 when he came to this country with his brother and sister, settling in Cedar Falls, where he resided for some time, after which he came to Waterloo where he finished school after which he left for Cincinnati where he graduated in pharmacy in 1875, returning to this city when he purchased the drug store operated by Carpenter & Smith.

In May 1879 the deceased was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Landgraff, who survives him, together' with three children, Mrs. W. P. Kerwin of Oelwein. Agatha M. and Gertrude of this city.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday morning at St. Joseph's church at 9:30 a. m. Requiem high mass I will be celebrated by Rev. Fathers Mulcahy and Forkenbrock of this city and Dr. Wolfe of Dubuque. The remains will be laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery.

-------------------------------
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa
* Konrad spelled Conrad in Black Hawk County History

--------------------------------------------------

#2

[History of Black Hawk County and It's People]

CONRAD D. WANGLER

Conrad D. Wangler was a pioneer druggist of Waterloo and for many years one of the prominent, representative and successful business men of the city, but commercial interests indicated but one phase of his existence. Whenever aid was needed in public affairs, whenever a worthy individual sought his help, assistance was freely and generously given and thus in many ways he left the impress of his life for good upon the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he lived.

A native of Germany, Conrad D. Wangler was born in Baden on the 8th of January, 1851, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Wangler, who always remained residents of the fatherland. The subject of this review, however, left Germany when a youth of fifteen years. He had already acquired a mastery of the preliminary branches of learning in the schools of his native country, and after crossing the Atlantic alone at the age of fifteen in 1866, he continued his education in the schools of Cedar Falls, Iowa, to which place a sister had preceded him. There he not only became familiar with the English language but also came into touch with American thought, habits and customs as exemplified in the lives of the school children of that district. Later he became a student in the
schools of Waterloo and here completed his more specifically literary course. He next entered the College of Pharmacy at Cincinnati, Ohio, and completed the course by graduation with the class of 1875.

Mr. Wangler again became a resident of Waterloo in 1878 and in connection with his brother, R. C. Wangler, purchased the drug business of Carpenter & Smith. Their store was located on East Fourth street, but about a quarter of a century prior to the death of Conrad D. Wangler a removal was made to the corner of East Fourth and Lafayette Streets, the brothers there erecting a good business block: They conducted a retail business alone for some time but afterward sold an interest to Mr. Todd, at which time the firm style of Wangler Brothers & Todd was assumed. It was about that time or in 1900 that the Wangler Drug Company was organized for the conduct of a wholesale drug business, with C. D. Wangler as the president. Papers of incorporation were taken out and the business was capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars, but after a few years they withdrew from the wholesale trade to again concentrate their efforts upon the retail business. They had a large and well appointed store, carrying an extensive stock of goods and doing everything in their power to meet the wishes and requirements of the public. Conrad D. Wangler was also one of the founders of the Waterloo Building & Loan Association and for many years served as one of its directors.

He was energetic and determined and quickly recognized the possibilities and the obstacles in any business situation, utilizing the former to the best advantage and overcoming the latter by determined and honorable effort.

On the 5th of May, 1878, at Cedar Falls, Mr. Wangler was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Landgraf and they became the parents of three daughters: Clara L., now the wife of W. P. Kerwin, of Oelwein; Agatha M., who became the wife of F. C. Braniger of Waterloo, and who since the latter's demise about four years ago has been with her mother; and Gertrude J., also at home with the mother. Mr. and Mrs. Wangler had celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary ere death separated them. He was most devoted to the welfare of his family and counted no sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance their happiness. He also held friendship inviolable and was always ready to extend a helping hand to a friend.

In politics Mr. Wangler was a democrat, recognized as one of the party leaders in Black Hawk county. He frequently served as a member of important democratic committees and attended congressional and state conventions as a delegate.

His religious faith was that of the Catholic church, his membership being in St. Joseph's. He was the first to propose the construction of the new St. Francis Hospital and was a most enthusiastic worker when the plan was actually under way. At the end his greatest desire was to live to see the consummation of his hopes, but this had been planned otherwise. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and held the office of grand knight for two years. He was also a member of the Waterloo lodge of Elks. To his church he was a most generous contributor and was equally liberal in charitable work, serving as treasurer of the Associated Charities of Waterloo at the time of his death. Wherever he was known he was held in high esteem and most of all where he was best known. His long residence in Waterloo brought him a very wide acquaintance and all with whom he came in contact were glad to call him friend. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon many activities with which he was connected and the material, political, social and moral progress of the city was furthered through his cooperation.