Widman, John Frederick 1851 - 1924

WIDMAN, MOERY, SCHRADER, CRAWFORD, PETERSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/13/2017 at 12:48:02

Elkader Register, Thur., 21 Feb. 1924.

John Frederick Widman of McGregor died Friday morning at 9 o'clock after several weeks acute illness of Bright's disease. He had been in failing health for some time.

Born in Germany, May 20, 1851, he came to America with his parents when he was an infant. They settled in Dubuque and there he spent his childhood and grew to manhood, learning his trade of bookbinder. There, too, he was married May 28, 1874, to Miss Louisa Moery. They had five children, one son dying in infancy. The others are Laura L. Widman, who died a few years ago; and sons Alfred, Charles F. and Frederick Widman, who with their mother survive the loss of a kind indulgent father.

Mr. Widman established himself in the book bindery business here, later adding a printing department. He bought out the McGregor News from the Hofers and conducted it as a successful newspaper venture for several years, disposing of it to Mr. A. Huebsch, who consolidated it with the North Iowa Times.

The book bindery and job print shop have been run the past several years by J. F. Widman and Son's, and it is one of the most progressive business enterprises of McGregor.

Mr. Widman was an earnest worker in the church, civil affairs and social gatherings. For years he was president of the Modern Brotherhood of America, and was an active member of the Odd Fellows.

The funeral was held at the Congregational church Sunday afternoon, with burial in Pleasant Grove cemetery.

Besides the immediate family, these brothers and sisters survive: Mrs. Sophia Schrader, Mrs. Anna Crawford, Mrs. Chas. Peterson, John and William Widman, all of St. Paul.