Fred L. Unterkircher 1856 - 1924

UNTERKIRCHER, JAHN, MEYER

Posted By: Deb (email)
Date: 8/17/2015 at 09:51:52

Fred L. Unterkircher, well-known undertaker and funeral director, for two terms Mayor of Burlington and eighteen years County Coroner, died at St. Francis Hospital yesterday [June 9, 1924] morning at 11:15 o’clock, following an illness of only a few days. His death was caused by pneumonia.

The funeral will be held from the Unterkircher Funeral Home Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock p.m., in charge of Dr. Robert Neumann, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church and a personal friend of Mr. Unterkircher. Burial in Aspen Grove Cemetery will be private at twilight, with Rev. Herbert Butler, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, officiating.

Mr. Unterkircher, who was 67 years old at the time of his death, came to Burlington when a young boy, and one of the city’s best known citizens.

His long career in undertaking and livery business had brought him into personal contact with hundreds of people; he had gained prominence through his political activity; his affiliation with a dozen or more lodges and fraternal organizations had broadened his wide acquaintanceship; and a kindly, sympathetic disposition and unstinted generosity had established him as one the city’s most outstanding figures.

No one will ever know the exact extent of his philanthropy. He did much for charity, but went about in a quiet, unassuming manner. He had relieved many a distressed family and had brought happiness and consolation to many a lonely soul, always cheerfully and voluntarily, and often without the knowledge of his own family. He did not belong to any church, but had contributed to many of them and gave freely to other movements and institutions for good. He was especially fond of children and found keen enjoyment in “treating” the youngsters of the Jennie Coulter mission, across the street from his home.

Mr. Unterkircher was born in Tecumseh, Michigan, October 18, 1856, the oldest of a family of four sons and four daughters. After completing his education in the Burlington schools, he entered the employ of his father, P.F. Unterkircher, who had established a livery and undertaking business several years before at 206-210 Washington Street.

After his father’s death in 1893, he and his brother G.L. Unterkircher leased the business from the estate and conducted it under the name of F.L. & G.L. Unterkircher. A few years later they erected a handsome three-story brick building at Third and Valley Streets, now occupied by Schramm & Schmieg Company, and made their business one of the best and most fully equipped in the state. Following his brother’s death in 1911, F.L. Unterkircher took over the business and a number of years ago, built the present beautiful appointed Unterkircher Funeral Home at 306-08 Washington Street. Of late years he had been associated in the business with his son-in-law Roy C. Smith.

Mr. Unterkircher was elected Mayor the first time in 1906, and was re-elected to a second term of two years in 1908. For eighteen years before that he had served as County Coroner. In politics he was a staunch Democrat.

On October 21, 1879, Mr. Unterkircher was married to Amelia Meyer, who died eight years ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Alma Smith and Mrs. Delia Jacobsen, two granddaughters, Molly Virginia Smith and Suzanne Amelia Jacobsen, one brother Horace Unterkircher of Los Angeles, California, and four sisters, Miss Blanch Unterkircher of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Emma Blaul, Mrs. Ida Jordan, and Mrs. Nellie Potter of Burlington. One daughter Ameda (Meta) preceded him in death in childhood.

Mr. Unterkircher was a member of Malta Lodge of Masons, the Zarephata Consistory and Kaaba Shrine Temple at Davenport, Murad Grotto, the Elks, Eagles, Moose, Odd Fellows, Red Men, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Woodmen, Turners, and Degree of Honor.

-- The Burlington Hawk-Eye, June 10, 1924, page 1.