WEITENHAGEN, Frank Wilhelm 1882-1972

WEITENHAGEN, SCHEEL, KAMMEYER, DOWNES, HEHMKE, BLOCKHUS

Posted By: Deb Van Sant (email)
Date: 11/30/2008 at 16:35:21

Weitenhagen Rites Held Thursday

Frank William Ferdinand Weitenhagen, son of Carl and Frederika (Scheel) Weitenhagen, was born Nov 8, 1882, in Sumner township, Bremer County. On December 14 he was baptized at St John's Lutheran Church, Sumner, by Pastor H Bradow. At an early age the family moved to a farm south west of Fredericksburg where he attended the public school and Lutheran school at Fredericksburg. On March 26, 1899, he was confirmed at St Paul's Lutheran Church by the Rev. DJ Kautz.

On June 18, 1912 he was united in marriage to Marie Kammeyer of Fredericksburg. To this union two children were born, Harold of Waterloo and Mrs Leonard (Loretta) Downes of McAllen, Tex.

All his married life was spent in Fredericksburg where he was employed as a clerk at Mohlings Store for many years. Later he was in partnership with Guy Linderman in the grocery store known as Guy and Franks. After the death of Guy, he came sole owner of the store, known as Frank's Store. After the sale of the grocery he opened a shoe and clothing store, which he operated until his retirement. During his business life, he was a long time member of the city council and chief of the fire department.

He was a member of St Paul's Lutheran Church, where he held several church offices. After the death of his wife on October 9, 1967 and after his health failed he entered the Sunrise Guest Home at Fredericksburg in November of 1970, where he died on May 22, at the age of 89 years from complications of advanced age.

He is survived by his son, Harold of Waterloo; a daughter, Mrs Leonard Downes of McAllen, Texas; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two brothers August of Sumner and Fred of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Mrs Richard (Anna) Hehmke of Sumner and Mrs Elmer (Emma) Blockhaus of West Union.

Preceding him in death were his wife, his parents and three brothers.

Services were held at 2pm on Thursday, May 25, from St Paul's Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg with the Rev. Jeffrey Crane officiating.

Mrs Glenn Hunt and Mrs Emory Bravener were in charge of the flowers. Melvin Mattke was soloist accompanied by Mrs Melvin Mattke. Pallbearers were nephews, Hubert Ellison, Harley Weitenhagen, Edwin Dedor, Howard Klotz, Earl Gitch and Louis Gitch.

Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery.