Robert Mitzner 1928-1941

MITZNER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/14/2017 at 11:29:33

3 July 1941 - The Tipton Advertiser

Robert Mitzner, 13, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mitzner of Tipton community, was drowned Friday afternoon near the roller dam at Guttenberg, while the Mitzner family were having a holiday picnic enroute home from an extended tour of California and along the Pacific coast. A group of the young people were swimming in the river and Robert stepped into a deep hole. Before his comrades could reach him he went down in the swift current. Richard, an elder brother made an effort to rescue the younger brother, and nearly lost his own life in the attempt. Robert's body was soon recovered, but too late for resuscitation.

The boys had evidently walked into the river along an old road used in the days of construction work on the dam. The road was below water level, and on either side water was 12 to 15 feet deeper. When Robert stepped off into the deep water his brother struggled to save him, almost being pulled under, except that the youngest boy held his hand and helped him back to the ledge. An expert diver, Harold Kahn, was summoned at once and after a half hour brought the drowned boy to the top. Six firemen assisted by three men from the locks and Dr. Palmer of that vicinity worked hours attempting to revive the boy, but to no avail.

Robert was born at Colesburg, Ia., April 22, 1928. The parents and two brothers, Richard and Raymond, survive.

Funeral service was held at the Wilson Funeral Home in Tipton Sunday afternoon, with the Rev. William Crossly, pastor of the First Methodist Church, in charge. Interment was made in the Masonic cemetery near Tipton.

10 July 1941 - The Tipton Advertiser

Robert, son of Carl and Margaret Mitzner, was born April 22, 1928, and died July 4th, 1941, at the age of 13 years, 2 months and 12 days. He attended the Tipton public school and had reached the Seventh grade. He was a Boy Scout for a year and attended the Methodist Sunday School and church with his parents. The last time he attended Sunday School was in Vancouver, Wash.

He is survived by his parents, two brothers, Richard John and Raymond Carl; 4 uncles and 4 aunts, and six cousins. His grandparents preceded him in death as did also one brother Jimmie.

Robert was possessed of a keen sense of humor, always looking at the bright side of life. He was thrifty and energetic; his loyalty to friends did not change and there was a large circle of acquaintances with whom he enjoyed fine fellowship. He had a mind of constructive nature evidencing itself in attentions to building. The sudden manner in which he passed from our midst provokes in us a sound sympathy for his parents and brothers who mourn his loss.

Though we cannot understand why this should be, we would place our firm reliance on God and believe that what we do not always understand may become more clear to us with the passing years.

In case of sickness of any kind he always reacted in a sympathetic manner.

Services were conducted by Rev. Wm. Crossley at the Wilson funeral home Sunday, July 6th, at 2:00 p.m. Mrs. Penningroth read a poem at the final rites.