Lemberger, John L.

LEMBERGER, GORDON

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 6/1/2011 at 12:33:23

Ottumwa, IA: Courier, Fri., 20 May 1932

Prominent Member of G.A.R. Dead

J.L. Lemberger

J.L. Lemberger, 85 years old, prominent member of the Grand Army of Republic in Ottumwa and throughout the state for many years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.A. Gordon, 211 North Marion street, at 5 a.m. today.

John L. Lemberger was the son of John and Catherine Lemberger and was born near Germanville, Jefferson County, Iowa, August 19, 1846. During his early childhood the family moved to Burlington, and at the age of 17 years he enlisted in Company F forty-fifth Volunteer Infantry in the Civil war. On September 8, 1869 he was married to Miss Mary Stemshorn. To this marriage were born four children, one son, Edwin L. Lemberger, died November 24, 1924. His wife died on March 14, 1916.

Mr. Lemberger moved to Ottumwa forty-three years ago at which time he was employed by the Prugh Wholesale Glassware Co., and as traveling salesman for this company obtained a wide acquaintance in this section of the state. In 1904 he moved to Los Angeles, Calif., for the benefit of his wife's health, but returned here in 1915.

Since the death of his wife in 1916, he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Gordon. In Burlington Mr. Lemberger was a charter member of the Trinity Lutheran church and for many years was a member of the First Lutheran church of this city. Besides being a member of the Grand Army of the Republic he served as vice commander of the state department and commander of Tuttle post. Several days ago he received notice that he had been chosen official aide to the national commander in chief of the G.A.R. He has served for many years as chairman of the Wapello County Relief fund. It is noted that he had the honor of hearing one of the Lincoln Douglas debates.

He is survived by a son, John G. Lemberger of Los Angeles, Calif., two daughters, Mrs. L.A. Gordon of Ottumwa and Mrs. F.L. Warder of Fremont, Iowa, a brother, Frank Lemberger of Los Angeles, Calif., and eight grandchildren.

The body has been removed to the Jay funeral home where it will remain until after the funeral services Monday morning at 10 o'clock from the Jay chapel with the Rev. P.O. Bersell, D.D., pastor of the First Lutheran church, in charge. The pallbearers are to be chosen from the members of the Sons of Veterans. The members of the local organizations of the Cloutmaqn and Tuttle posts will attend the services in a body, and the Daughters of Veterans will conduct the services at the grave in the OTTUMWA cemetery.