John Krayer Sr.

KRAYER, RITTENMEIER, BLITSCH

Posted By: Rebecca Phong (email)
Date: 6/24/2014 at 19:41:23

Obituary

KRAYER

At Dubuque last Saturday occurred the death of John Krayer, Sr., one of the most popular river men of the upper Mississippi. His death resulted after a prolonged illness, which he bravely suffered with a fortitude often evinced by him during his days of steamboating. Deceased was born in Metz, Alsace, Lothringen, April 12, 1855, and came to this country in 1853, settling at Lower Menominee, Ill., for six months prior to leaving for Minnesota. For sixteen years he was engaged in public and private steamboat traffic in the upper Mississippi, during which time he was a familiar figure on the levees along the river.

During the civil war he was employed by the government in furnishing the army with provisions and ammunition, and while in the service often brought supplies to Fort Armstrong. He was married to Eila Rittenmeier March 1st, 1865, who survives him, together with seven sons and four daughters. Michael, Frank, John, William, Christ, Leo and Arnold, and Mrs. Ed Blitsch, and the Misses Mamie, Josephine and Ciara Krayer. Deceased had been engaged in business in Dubuque since 1870, at which time he gave up steamboating. He was recognized as a man of sterling honesty and great Christian charity.

The funeral took place this morning in Dubuque from his late residence, 57 ?art street, to Sacred Heart church, where a solemn requiem mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul. Interment was made at the St. Mary's cemetery of that city.

The Davenport Democrat and Leader. 11 February 1896. Pg 13.