Stoehr, Gus A. 1863 - 1917

STOEHR, NICKLAUS, MATTOON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/29/2013 at 15:27:13

Elgin Echo, Thur., 8 March 1917. (condensed).

Wednesday our whole town was cast in deep sorrow when word was received that Gus A. Stoehr had died at the sanitarium in Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he had gone for treatment. Tuesday it was known his condition was serious, he having passed into a state of coma from which he never regained consciousness. Three or more weeks ago an accidental fall injured his shoulder, liver trouble then set in and he grew gradually weaker until he concluded that a course of treatment at the sanitarium would be beneficial. Though all was done that could be he passed away March 6, 1917, aged 53 years, 4 months and 22 days.

Mr. Stoehr's business career in Elgin extended over a long number of years. At 19 he had become a pharmacist, learning the trade in the drug store of Finke & Stoehr. After taking the state examination he went to Rockford, Iowa, where he conducted a drug store for Wm. Fitzgerald. He then returned to Elgin and entered the drug business, taking as his partner his brother, E. G. Stoehr. This business successfully continued until E.G. retired and Gus continued it under the name Stoehr & Co. For nearly a quarter of a century he was identified with the drug business, then sold out his interests. For a time he traveled for a wholesale cigar house and then located at Joplin, Missouri, where he opened a cigar store. After disposing that business he returned to Elgin and opened a drug store. For the past 6 years he had continued this business and prospered.

As a citizen there was none better than Gus A. Stoehr. He was kind hearted, sympathetic and generous. He stood as an example to others, and it was largely through his enterprise and push that the Elgin Opera House stands on its present site. He was an enthusiast in his profession, and through his research a number of valuable remedies came into existence and they are extensively used both locally and abroad.

As a man he had no peer. As a friend he was staunch and true and there were many who sought his advise and council, both in business and in hours of sorrow and trouble. In the enterprises of his town he was among the first to "put his shoulder to the wheel". To the needy and deserving he always gave with a free and open hand. He was a member of the Masonic order and also the Yeoman Lodge. Elgin will find it hard to fill the vacant space left by his early demise.

Gus A. Stoehr was born at Garnavillo, Iowa, Oct. 12, 1863. In his early boyhood he came to Elgin with his parents and this town has been his home ever since, with the exception of a short time at Joplin, Missouri. On Oct. 15, 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Nicklaus, and to them two sons were born; Harold of Cedar Rapids, and Otto at home. These two with their mother are left to mourn. He is also survived by two brothers and a sister; R. G. Stoehr of Luana; E. G. Stoehr of Elgin ; and Mrs. L. B. Mattoon of Elgin, besides many other relatives and a host of friends. All Elgin mourns with the family in the loss of the loved one.

Funeral services will be held Saturday from the home and interment will be made in the Elgin cemetery.

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Submitter is not related.

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