William Bretz 1849-1916

BRETZ, WEIL, CUTKOMP, GIRARD

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 4/25/2023 at 09:33:26

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, March 9, 1916
page 1

William Bretz was born May 11, 1849, at Blanig Hesse, Darmstadt, Germany and died at Columbus City, March 4, 1916, at the age of 66 years, 9 months and 23 days. He was the son of John and Katherine (Weil) Bretz. When seventeen years of age he came to America landing at New York where he made his home with an uncle, Frederick Weil, for eighteen months working at the barber's trade. Dissatisfied with living in New York City, he came west to Iowa and located at Columbus City and with the exception of two years spent in Kansas he has made Louisa county his home. He was united in marriage December 30, 1871 to Amanda Jane Cutkomp at Wapello, Iowa. To them were born two daughters, Mary, wife of L. F. Girard and Eva, at home, who with the wife and one grandson, William Joseph Girard, and John Wince, who has made his home with them since childhood, survive. He leaves two brothers, John and Peter Bretz, both of this community and one sister in Germany besides many relatives and friends.

In his early years he was a member of the Evangelical church. Fraternally he was a faithful member of the I. O. O. F. No. 246, of Columbus City, since 1874. When he came to Iowa Mr. Bretz engaged in farming and by industry and perseverance provided well for his declining years. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the United Brethern church conducted by Rev. R. J. Allred, assisted by Rev. Stilwell. At the grave the services were under the auspices of the Columbus city I. O. O. F. no. 246. Interment in the Columbus City cemetery.