PRIEM, Fred J. 1879-1960

PRIEM, SWAIN, SCHROEDER, ROBERTSON, DUENOW, MILLER

Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 12/29/2011 at 17:07:42

Funeral services for Fred J. Priem, 80 of St. Ansgar, who died Saturday, January 2, 1960, were held Tuesday, January 5 at the First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Don Hamilton officiating.

Fred J. Priem, eldest son of Carl and Emilie Priem, was born March 20, 1879 in Rock township, Mitchell County, Iowa. He was baptized by the Rev. Zielinger at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church. He was confirmed at the Rock Creek Lutheran church by the Rev. Westenberger, the father of Dr. J.C. Westenberger of St. Ansgar.

He spent his boyhood with his parents in Rock and Otranto township until his marriage. Mr. Priem was united in marriage to Belle Swain December 20, 1900 at Osage. They spent their entire life actively farming south of Otranto with the exception of the last two years when they rented the land. This union was blessed with five children, Harvey, Mae, Hazel, Laurence, and Ruth. Mr. Priem enjoyed good health until about 12 years ago when he became afflicted with asthma from which he suffered a great deal. He was admitted to Mitchell County Memorial Hospital two months ago and after spending one week there he returned home. Mr. Priem's health continued to fail him and he slept peacefully away January 2, 1960, at the age of 80 years, nine months, and 13 days.

Mr. Priem was an old time thresher, having owned several machines over the 25 years he spent threshing. He also hauled cream for the St. Ansgar creamery for many years and during many hardships, but enjoyed his work as he had many friends and neighbors on his routes.

He was a faithful and active member of the First Lutheran Church at St. Ansgar during his entire life. In his younger years he held several different offices in the church. He was also a director on the Otranto School Board for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Belle, three daughters; Mae, (Mrs. Martin Schroeder) of St. Ansgar, Hazel (Mrs. Elmer Duenow), of Mason City, and Ruth, (Mrs Clifford Robertson) of Lyle, Minn. Two sons; Harvey of Garnaville, Iowa, and Laurence of Lyle, Minnesota. One sister, Selma (Mrs. Charles Miller) of St. Ansgar, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister.

Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery with the Rev. Hamilton in charge of the committal services.

St. Ansgar Enterprise