Frank A. Warnke 1855-1932

WARNKE, MACKENZIE, TROTTER, SPOHN

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 7/31/2010 at 10:09:13

Palo Alto Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa
8 Jun 1932
Page 1

F. Warnke Died At His Home Fri.

Frank Warnke Is Fourth Member of Family to Died Within 2 Years.

Frank A. Warnke, one of Emmetsburg's best known citizens, died at his home in the Third ward at 12:30 a.m. Friday, June 3, after an illness of a little over a week. Pneumonia caused his death.

Mr. Warnke had been grief-stricken from the sorrow which came to him by the numerous deaths in his family and found it impossible to resist sickness of any kind.

Funeral services were conducted at the Congregational Saturday afternoon. Rev. L. W. Barker officiated. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. The pallbearers were L. Stuchmer, John Rife, F. W. Gilchrist, Roy Atkinson, Fred Darrah and E. B. Steensen.

Mr. Warnke was born in Bomberg, Prussia, January 15, 1855. He came to America when seventeen years of age and located in Rockford, Ill. In 1880 he came to Emmetsburg and resided here constantly since.

He engaged in blacksmithing and continued in this business until he retired not so many years ago.

Mr. Warnke united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth F. MacKenzie at Waterville, Minn., on Christmas Day, December 25, 1880. Five children were born to them, only two of them survive. They are John M. Warnke of South St. Paul and E. P. Warnke of Emmetsburg. Mrs. Warnke also survives.

The children who have passed away are Harry Warnke of Minneapolis, who died June 27, 1930; Mrs. Alice Trotter of Emmetsburg, who died in September 1931, and Mrs. Anna Spohn also of Emmetsburg who died in March, 1932.

Few men who have lived in Emmetsburg were better known or had more warm friends than Frank Warnke. Wholesouled, honest, fair, friendly, kind -- always ready to be helpful to everyone, to say a cheering word or do a kindly deed -- he made friends readily and with each new acquaintance he added another to his list of friends.

He was frugal and enjoyed his work. He provided a splendid home for his family and did everything possible to make them comfortable and happy.

Mr. Warnke was a member of Emmetsburg's first fire company. His services here have never been forgotten. He remained an honorary member all his life and at every social function of the company he was a guest of honor and was singled out for special honor and attention, being usually presented with a basket or huge bouquet of flowers.

He belonged to the Odd Fellows for a great many years and was a prominent member, being usually sent to the state conventions as a delegate.

Mr. Warnke lived to a good age. His life was a useful one and one fraught with many good and kindly deeds. He leaves hosts of friends and we doubt that he leaves a single enemy.

The Warnke family have been visited by death four times within two years and three of these have been within a period of eight months. This is a trial which only firm faith and ardent hope can aid the bereaved to bear up under.

To the bereaved widow and two sons the Tribune extends the deepest sympathy.

The Reporter
Emmetsburg, Iowa
9 Jun 1932
Page 1

Frank Warnke Died Friday

Frank Warnke, aged resident of Emmetsburg, died at his home early Friday morning. He had been ill for about ten days with pneumonia. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Congregational church, Rev. L. W. Barker officiating. Burial was made in the Evergreen Cemetery. The pallbearers were: F. W. Gilchrist, Louis Stuehmer, Roy Atkinson, Ernie Steenson, Fred Darrah and John Rife.

Mr. Warnke was born in Prussia in the year of 1855. Thus he was 77 years of age. He came to America in 1872 and eight years later located in Emmetsburg and engaged in the blacksmith business in which he continued until a few years ago.

He was married a short time before coming to Emmetsburg. Five children were born to this union. Two survive, Percy Warnke of Emmetsburg and John Warnke of Minneapolis. He is also survived by his widow.

Mr. Warnke was a highly respected citizen. While in business here he merited the confidence and patronage of a large number of people. He was the oldest surviving member of the Emmetsburg Fire Department, and was always honored as such whenever the department held social functions.

Mr. Warnke seemed to have more than his share of grief during the last few years. Death visited his home a number of times. There is little doubt but what his many sorrows had their effect on his advanced years and hastened his own departure.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his family.