Graening, William

LOBECK, KUENPEL, FRATZKE

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/3/2009 at 15:59:43

William Graening is prominently connected with financial interests of Denver as cashier of the Denver Savings Bank and he is also well known in agricultural circles of the vicinity, being the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Jefferson township. He was born in Maxfield township, this county, in 1876, and is the son of Henry and Dora (Buenger) Graening, the former a native of Maxfield township and the latter of Illinois. The mother came to Bremer county with her parents when she was still a child and here her marriage occurred. Afterward Henry Graening began farming in Maxfield township, carrying on general agricultural pursuits upon the property which his father entered from the government on his arrival in this part of Iowa in 1855. Henry Graening continued to develop and improve this place until his retirement in 1908, since which time he has lived in Denver, the farm being in charge of his son, Emil. In this family were seven children: William, of this review; Anna, the wife of L.C. Hue, of Horton, this county; Emma, at home; Herman, who resides in Jefferson township; Emil, operating the old homestead; Carl, of Warren township; and Martha, who died in infancy.

William Graening acquired his education in the public schools of Bremer county and in business college in Waverly. When he began his active career he turned his attention to farming and after following this occupation for five years was appointed deputy county treasurer, serving in that capacity from 1900 until 1902. On the 2d of January in the latter year he became connected with the Denver Savings Bank as cashier and in this capacity has since served, proving a capable business man and a farsighted and reliable financier. He owns a fine home in Denver and also a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 24, Jefferson township. This is in a high state of cultivation and is one of the most valuable properties in this vicinity.

In 1900 Mr. Graening married Miss Sophia Lobeck, who was born in Maxfield township, this county, a daughter of the late Rev. L. Lobeck, who died in 1913, after having served the congregation at Knittel, Iowa, for thirty-one consecutive years. He and his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Minnie Kuenpel, had seven children: Sophia, wife of the subject of this review; Bertha, who lives at home; Clara, who married Henry Fratzke, of Jesup, Iowa; Henry, a farmer of Maxfield township; Anna who married Richard Fratzke, of Jesup; Louis, at home; and Emma, who died in 1895, at the age of eleven. Mr. and Mrs. Graening are the parents of four children: Herbert, who was born in 1902; Esther, born in 1904; Martha, 1908; and Erna, 1909. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Graening is a republican in his political beliefs and has held various positions of trust and responsibility, serving as township clerk and city clerk. This latter position he still holds and is discharging its duties in a capable and progressive manner. He has many friends in Denver and throughout the county, for he holds the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has business, personal or official relations.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914