Lenth, George John 1875 - 1918

LENTH, GRUBE, RUPP, HABERICHTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/13/2021 at 12:14:28

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 02 May 1918.

The people of Elkader were inexpressitly shocked yesterday evening to learn of the sudden death of George Lenth.

Last week Tuesday Mr. Lenth submitted to a minor operation and was confined to his bed for the week merely to give the wound caused by the operation time to heal. On Sunday an attack of the grippe showed that he was in a serious condition.

On Wednesday afternoon his condition became alarming, and at 7:45 that evening he passed away.

George John Lenth was born on a farm in Read township, Clayton county, March 17, 1875, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joachim Lenth. In 1878 the family moved to a farm near Monona where George grew to young manhood. When about eighteen he started working for neighboring farmers. A few years later he came to Elkader to assist his brother-in-law, Wm. Grube, in the livery business. He purchased an interest in the firm after being here about a year. Later he took up the dray and bus business and finally added fuel, feed and ice. He finally disposed of everything but the ice, coal and feed business.

In 1913 he became interested in the sale of pianos and phonographs and opened a music store in the State Bank building. This business grew very rapidly and in 1915 he disposed of his other lines to give it his entire attention.

Mr. Lenth was married in 1897 to Miss Ella Schoch of Elkader, who with two sons, Lawrence, born in 1904, and Edison Arthur, born in January 1917, survive him.

His aged mother, three brothers, Wm. C. of Evanston, Ill., Henry F. of Riceville, Iowa, and Louis C. of Elkader; and three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Grube of South Dakota, Mrs. Emma Rupp and Mrs. Ella Haberichter of Monona, sorrow over the sudden and untimely call of the death angel.

George Lenth was a high type citizen, such as the community can little afford to lose. He was an earnest and active member of the Congregational church of Elkader and the Order of Eastern Star. His business success was won by his hard work, integrity and progressive ideas. For several years past he has been president of our local Chautaqua Association and a very active worker for its success.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon with services at the house at 1:30 and at the Congregational church at 2:00. Rev. Cassel is expected home to officiate with their regular services.