Edward Thurlimann 1861-1917

THURLIMANN, RETTENMAIER, STURGES

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 7/24/2010 at 17:44:03

The Carroll Times
Carroll, Iowa
1 Nov 1917
Page 1

Edward Thurlimann Dead of Pneumonia

Death of Prominent Druggist Following Very Short Illness

Died Thursday Morning

Was for Many Years Past Engaged in Drug Business in Carroll -- Native of Illinois and Graduate of Ames College -- Funeral Friday.

Edward Thurlimann, for many years past a prominent druggist of this city, and otherwise intimately associated with the interests of Carroll and the community, passed away in this city last Tuesday morning, October 30, following an illness of only one week. Death was due to an attack of pneumonia, and the end came so suddenly that the many friends in and about the city were surprised at the news of his untimely passing.

On Tuesday morning of last week W. E. Sturges, his partner, came into the store and found Mr. Thurlimann suffering from a severe cold, and complaining of a chill. Mr. Sturges at once advised him to go home and take to his bed, which he did, but at that time no serious effects were feared. It became apparent later that a crisis was approaching and the relatives were summoned Sunday, the latest arrivals reaching this city Monday morning. The end came at one o'clock Tuesday morning.

Mr. Thurlimann was born at Washburn, Marshall county, Illinois, on March 3, 1861, and was of Swiss-German descent, his father being a native of the Alpine republic and his mother coming from southern Germany. When he was nine years of age his father died, and in 1873 the family moved to Woodford county, Illinois, where they resided until 1882, when Carroll was decided upon as the future home. In February, 1887, they removed to Ames, where Mr. Thurlimann attended the college and graduated therefrom in the class of 1890 with a degree of Bachelor of Science.

He was engaged in pharmaceutical work in Chicago in the year 1891, but in the following year returned to Carroll, where he engaged in the drug business with William E. Sturges. The firm of Sturges & Thurlimann has existed ever since, and in addition to its having a long record in its business career it resulted in a close intimacy between the partners which has never been broken.

In September, 1895, Mr. Thurliman was united in marriage with Miss Mary Rettenmaier. Two children were born to this union, Leota and Otmar, both still living at home. In April, 1905, Mrs. Thurlimann passed away, and from that time until her death in August, 1912, Mr. Thurlimann's mother had the care of the little ones left with the father. Since his mother's death his sister, Miss Rosalia, has managed the household.

The two children and the sister in his immediate household, and one brother, Leo, who resides in Chicago, constitute the surviving family.

Mr. Thurlimann was a devout Catholic, and a member of the new St. Lawrence's parish since its organization. The funeral will be held Friday morning, from SS. Peter and Paul's church, of which he was a member before the organization of the new parish.

In the death of Edward Thurlimann the people of Carroll lose an excellent friend and neighbor, and the business interests of the city lose a member which they could ill afford to spare. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved relatives.

(Contributor notes: While this obituary provides the date of 1905, Mary A. (Rettenmaier) Thurlimann, wife of Edward Thurlimann, died 27 April 1901. Edward Thurlimann's mother, Anna Maria (Mueller) Thurliman died 28 August 1902, rather than 1912 as stated in this obituary. - J.C.)