John Keck Sr. 1826-1898

KECK, BADER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 4/10/2024 at 09:20:18

The Wapello Republic, Wapello, Iowa
Thursday, January 13, 1898
Page 5

Mr. John Keck Sr. died at 4:15 o'clock a. m. at the ripe age of 71 years and 10 months. His late illness was of but a few days duration, and was brought on by an injury he received last fall by being thrown from a load of hay. He was unconscious most of the time and died in that state. The funeral services were held from the German M. E. church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Zimmerman and his remains were interred in the Wapello cemetery.

The deceased was born in Brunsee, Bavaria, Germany, March 10, 1826 and came to this country some time in the early fifties. He was united in marriage to Anna Bader May 4, 1859, at St. Louis, and came to Wapello on May 12th of the same year. He had learned the trade of cabinet making in his mother country and worked at the trade for fifteen years. Upon coming to Wapello he embarked in the furniture and lumber business at the present location of Keck Bros., and continued in active business for 35 years. Six years ago he turned over his business of his sons John and Fred, since which he merely looked after his farms consisting of over 1000 acres lying in the vicinity of Wapello.

As a citizen Mr. Keck was respected by all. He was honest and upright in his business dealing. He served several terms as alderman of Wapello. He has done much to build up the city of Wapello, his latest work being erection of the handsome two story brick block occupied by A.O. Thompson and the Fair store. He leaves a wife, one daughter, Anna and four sons, John, Fred, Louis and Henry, to mourn his death, all being present at his bedside with the exception of Henry.