Mai, John 1895 - 1937

MAI, STOEBER, RODESCH, HEISSEL

Posted By: Karen Danzer (email)
Date: 5/5/2009 at 19:07:30

Remsen Bell Enterprise – Thursday, February 25, 1937

Lifelong Resident Here Dies Suddenly

John Mai Victim of Heart Attack
at His Home Wednesday

Sudden death came to another prominent Remsen citizen – a lifelong resident here – when John Mai passed away Wednesday morning at his home in the northwest part of town. Announcement of his passing came as a distinct shock to the many friends of the family, since Mr. Mai had not generally been known to be in failing health. Heart failure was given as the immediate cause of his death. Mr. Mai was 41 years old. Surviving are his heart broken widow, three daughters, two sons, his father, two brothers and one sister. Funeral services will take place Saturday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic church.

Heart trouble and other ailments placed Mr. Mai under medical care at intervals during the past year, according to members of the family, nevertheless his rugged physical frame and generally active life served to enable him to combat his ailments with apparent success. He seldom complained, hence his numerous friends failed to learn of his condition and the news of his sudden death came as a blow to all.

The sorrowing widow declared that Mr. Mai’s heart condition had grown worse during the last two months, and especially during the last week was he subject to frequent light attacks. Yesterday morning he arose at his accustomed hour and at about 9:30 o’clock was busy about the yard and barn at his home, preparing to drive to LeMars after a load of ice to distribute among his customers in the retail ice business. Feeling that a hear seizure was again beginning to manifest itself he returned to the house and informed Mrs. Mai. Lying on a couch in the sitting room to rest, he suddenly arose to a sitting posture and then sank back and lost consciousness. Mrs. Mai was immediately at his side and he passed away while she was attempting to arouse him.

John Joseph Mai was born on the farm now known as the old Jacob Herbst place, three miles southeast of Remsen, on March 17, 1895, a son of Barney ( and Catherine Stoeber Mai) now of LeMars. When John was 13 years of age the family moved to a farm one mile east of town. He attended the rural and St. Mary’s school, and remained at home to assist in farm work until the time of his marriage. He was united in marriage on June 19, 1916, to Theresa Rodesch of Remsen, the ceremony having been performed by the late Father F.X. Schulte, in St. Mary’s church. The young couple settled on a farm three miles south of Oyens where they spent on year, and then for six years occupied a farm two miles east of Remsen. In 1924 they came to Remsen purchasing a small acreage in the northwest part of town where they have lived during the past 13 years.

On coming to town Mr. Mai went into the trucking business which he operated until a little more than a year ago, when he purchased the retail ice business of Math. Diederich, and which he operated until the hour of his death.

Mr. Mai was a member of Section 14, Luxemburger Bruderbund of America. Remsen, and at time of his death was serving the organization officially as marshal.

John Mai was a man whose geniality and personality won him a large circle of admiring friends in various walks of life. He was generous, charitable and honest in his business and social activities, and the many who came into close contact with him recall his numerous many traits which made him a popular and welcome personage in the sphere of society in which he moved. He was a devoted husband and father, a dutiful son, a loving brother and a loyal friend, and those who learned to recognize his finer traits mourn with the splendid little family over the early and untimely passing of one whose memory will linger for years to come.

Surviving Mr. Mai are, besides his widow, the following children: Adeline, Lorraine, Orline, Marvin and Robert, all at home. The brothers are Nick Mai of Remsen and Lawrence of Spencer, and the sister Mrs. (Leona) Will Rees of Los Angeles. There is a step-brother, Clarence Heissel, of Los Angeles. His father, Barney Mai, lives in LeMars.

Funeral services will take place in St. Mary’s Catholic church Saturday morning at 9:30 o’clock, the pastor, Rev. Father J.A. Roder to sing the requiem mass. The pallbearers, selected from the local membership of the Luxemburger Bruderbund, are: Alphonse Roder, Eugene Poeckes, Math. Diederich, Martin Kettel, Joseph Heidesch, and William Roder. Burial will be in St. Mary’s cemetery.