Closz, Carl J. (1882-1951)

CLOSZ, BERNATZKI, JEFFERS

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/25/2016 at 10:37:26

Daily Freeman Journal, Wednesday, May 23, 1951

Carl J. Closz, 69, who died Tuesday, May 15, at his home, 918 First Street, after a week's illness, will be greatly missed by relatives, friends and business associates. Services conducted by Rev. J. N. Neilson were held at 2 p.m. Friday with burial in Graceland cemetery.

Carl Closz, a son of Charles and Ida [Biernatzki] Closz, was born March 23, 1882 in Webster City, attended the Webster City schools and later Epworth Seminary (Methodist), Epworth, Iowa. In 1905 he and a friend visited the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland, Oregon and three years later his interest drew him back to that state to settle in the Harney Basin near the Steens mountains. At that time the area was one of open country, containing a wealth of wild game.

Returning to Iowa in 1911, his experience in operating Sunnybrook Stock Dairy Farm with the aid of his brother Irving and sisters Cairo and Irene, gave him a background and efficiency for later, more extensive farm management. His business and mechanical abilities were great assets to his father's grain-cleaning sieve enterprise when he served as vice-president of Charles Closz Co., located in this city with branches in Portland, Oregon and Stockton, California. Later he was an officer of the Closz Investment Co. His business interests continued to develop and he kept well informed on commercial and public affairs.

Mr. Closz early became a member of the First Baptist church. He gave generously to its support and to many other charitable causes, joining with the Closz family in equiping and furnishing the operating room of the Hamilton county hospital. He gave to special work for boys, over-seas appeals and was always quick to anticipate the needs of others.

A busy life still had time for diversified interests, a winter home in Orlando, Florida and a Minnesota lakeside cottage. His travels were extensive in the United States and also included Canadian and Mexican trips, many of these opportunities being shared with others. Artistic cultural interests and a love of nature were also shared through the means of craftsmanship and photography.

Mr. Closz is survived by two sisters, Mrs. E. M. Jeffers and Miss Mary Closz of this city and two brothers, Irving of Redlands, California and Harold of Muskegon, Michigan, four nephews, two nieces, several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and one brother.