Friend, Otto Christopher 1877 - 1915

FRIEND, THOMA

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/1/2022 at 11:17:58

Register and Argus, 29 July 1915.

The death of Otto C. Friend occurred last Saturday afternoon, July 24th, at the home of his father, John H. Friend, of this place. Mr. Friend had been in poor health for about two years. Last fall Bright's disease developed and his condition became very serious, but he rallied again and was able to be about. He retired from business and sought his health on a farm but in spite of every effort the hopes for his recovery faded. He returned to Elkader recently and the final summons came to him in his boyhood home.

Otto Christopher Friend was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Friend and was born in Elkader, December 1st, 1877. He grew to manhood here and received his education in the Elkader schools. He clerked in the Brown & Bahr hardware store for some time and later learned the jewelers and watchmakers trade with A. F. __erhart.

Nov. 28th, 1911, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Roselyn Thoma, at Garnavillo. In the spring of 1913 he purchased the E. Kaltenbach jewelry stock and engaged in business for himself until his serious illness compelled him to dispose of it and retire.

Mr. Friend is survived by his wife, his little daughter, Franque Roselyn, nearly three years of age, his father, two sisters, Mayme and Josephine, three brothers, Harry, of this city, Ray, of Denison, Iowa, and Frank, of Chicago, all of whom were with him at the end, besides other relatives and a host of friends. His mother preceded him in death September 29th, 1914.

The soul of good nature, always accommodating, as friendly as his name would imply, and big hearted to match his unusually large physique, he was liked by everyone and all who knew him will regret his untimely death and sympathize with the stricken relatives.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon from the home and in the Congregational Church, conducted by Rev. Isaac Cassel, and he was laid to rest in the East Side cemetery.