Louis Reifsteck

REIFSTECK, POPPELE, RAIL

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 12/14/2015 at 01:38:56

Louts Reifsteck was born July 20th, 1834, at Nimburg, Baden, Germany. He spent the early years of his life at this place. Here the foundation of his education was laid, here also he received his religious instructions in the Evangelical Protestant church to which he remained a faithful member through life.

In 1852 he came to America, being not quite 17 years of age, and settled at Louisburg, Grant county, Wisconsin, where later he became the owner of a General Merchandise store which he conducted for a number of years. He was married in 1862 to Catherine Poppele. This union was blessed with five children.

In 1893, the deceased settled in Calumet, Iowa, his home, and has resided here since. In 1901, his son, William, preceded his parents into eternity, and a year later (1902) his faithful wife passed away.

Mr. Reifsteck while at Calumet conducted a general merchandise store, later entering the banking business in 1900, buying the Bank of Calumet, a private institution, from J. W. Nelld, and became its president for a number of years. In 1904 the bank was incorporated as a State Bank. He retired from active business about ten years ago.

He enjoyed good health all his life. On September 21st, he was taken ill, and on September 27th, early in the morning, he passed on to his reward.

He leaves to mourn his loss his four children; Louis Reifsteck, Chicago, Ill; C.F. Reifsteck, Calumet, Iowa; Geo. Reifsteck, Calumet, Iowa; Kathryn Rail, Switzerland. Also five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services were conducted at the home, also at the Zion's Evangelical church in Calumet at 2:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Piltinger and Rev. Hafermnann officiating. He was laid to rest beside his wife in Waterman cemetery at Sutherland.

Sutherland Courier 4 Oct 1923