Mai, Nick 1896 - 1950

MAI, ARENS, GAMERDINGER, EVEN, CLARK, JOHNSON, LUDOLPH

Posted By: Karen Danzer (email)
Date: 5/5/2009 at 19:15:11

Remsen Bell Enterprise – Thursday October 26, 1950

Hold Rites for Nick Mai Yesterday
Legion Commander Stricken October 20

Sudden death struck into the ranks of veteran Remsen servicemen early last Friday morning when Nick Mai, 54, charter member of the American Legion and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and commander of the legion, passed away in his sleep at Elko, Nevada.

Although in failing health for three years during which he sought hospital aid and was benefited by an operation, he was apparently on the way to complete recovery, but fate contrived to intervene as the popular and active Legionnaire had just completed a final mission in the organization’s behalf as a delegate to the national convention in Los Angeles.

With Mr. and Mrs. Mai; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Even of Alton and Mrs. Jake Gamerdinger of Long Beach, Calif., Mr. Mai was en route home from the west coast. Mrs. Mai, Mrs. Even and Mrs. Gamerdinger are sisters. Mrs. Gamerdinger accompanied the relatives for a visit here. Mr. Mai was in high spirits throughout the convention trip and on the way home, but during the last day complained of slight indisposition. Little was thought of it, and there was no apparent need of a doctor’s services. He retired at Elko at an early hour, only to be found lifeless at 5:45 o’clock the following morning. A physician said his death was due to a heart attack.

Born Near Remsen

Nick Mai, son of Mr. and Mrs. Barney Mai, was born on a farm two miles east of Remsen September 14, 1896. He remained at home, assisting his father, until his marriage to Florentine Arens November 25, 1919, in Remsen. The parents having left the farm, the young couple took their place and operated there for two years.

Leaving the home place they moved to the farm 4 ½ miles north of Remsen and lived there 26 years until they retired to Remsen three years ago in 1947.

Overseas Service

Mr. Mai was a veteran of World War I. He was a member of the 91st division and after very brief training in this country was sent overseas. He served in the European area, principally Belgium and France for one year until the end of hostilities.

Legion, V.F.W.
Charter Member

The honorably discharged soldier was one of the first to join the ranks of servicemen’s organizations; he was a charter member of both Pieper post, American Legion, and Diekman post, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also was a member of Section 14, Luxembourg Brotherhood of America.

One of the most active members of both organizations, he was chosen some 10 years ago as Legion commander and a year ago upon the departure of Danny Muehl, then commander, was again picked to carry on in that capacity. As a post commander and as a regular member Mr. Mai took an active, often leading, part in all servicemen’s activities and could always be counted upon for his best in their behalf. As a husband, father and friend, Nick Mai was possessed of the qualities that win friends and admirers. His sudden passing was a shock to the family and word of his death was received in Remsen with profound regret.

Military Honors

The flag draped casket with the body of beloved comrade rested in the Fisch funeral home pending the hour of burial, as hundreds of his buddies came for a final salute and other friends to join the family in its sorrow.

Full military honors were accorded for the burial services and ceremonies Wednesday morning. Members of the Legion and the V.F.W. marched in groups and stood at attention as the casket was taken into St. Mary’s Catholic church, where Rt. Rev. Msgr. M.A. Schemel sang the requiem high mass.

Six friends served as active pallbearers, namely John Boever, George Delperdang, Vincent Delperdang, Frank Staab, Joe Staab and Wm. Staab. Honorary pallbearers, taken from the ranks of Legionnaires and V.F.W., were S. M. Fideler, O. H. Huewe, John Maass, Joseph N. Beck, Emil Schermer and John Theisen.

Survivors

Survivors include the widow, two sons and two daughters; Donald and Glenn of Remsen, Mrs Merrill (Edna) Clark of Santa Monica, Calif., and Mrs. Walter (Lola) Johnson of Elkhart, Iowa. Surviving also is his father, Bernard Mai of LeMars; a sister, Mrs. Robert (Leona Helene) Ludolph and a brother, Lawrence, both of Los Angeles. A brother, John, passed away in 1937, also preceding him in death was his mother.