Wilmes, Peter 1876-1943

WILMES, OLDHAM, WILLMES

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 8/13/2013 at 14:28:50

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
October 22, 1943

FINAL RITES FOR PETER WILMES
Spanish-American War Veteran

Burial services were held Wednesday afternoon, at the Wiltgen Funeral Home for Peter Wilmes, 67, well known former resident of LeMars, and Spanish American war veteran, who died Saturday at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wilmes, at Evansville, Indiana. Mr. Wilmes had been in failing health the past year or two and was retired from active work.

Peter Wilmes was born September 21, 1876, at St. Donatus, Iowa, and came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nic Wilmes to LeMars, when a child and grew up and was educated here. When a young man he enlisted in the regular army during the Spanish American war and was in Havana, Cuba, for several years. Returning to LeMars from the army, he was engaged in the saloon business and was in partnership with the late J. M. Auer for several years. He enjoyed great popularity among a large number of patrons. He left LeMars about twenty years ago. Of late years, while living in Indiana, he spent the winter months in Florida. He is survived by two sons, Pvt. Donald Wilmes, stationed at Camp Pickett, Va., and Stanley Wilmes, serving in the army in the Hawaiian Islands. Of a family of twelve children, he is survived by one sister, Mrs. Edgar Oldham of Bremerton, Wash. His niece, Mrs. Will Lynch, lives in LeMars.

Services were held at Evansville, Ind., for the deceased Monday. The service in LeMars was conducted with military honors and was attended by members of Wasmer Post, American Legion. J. G. Koenig conducted the ritual, the casket was draped with the American flag and taps were sounded for one who served his country in war time. Pallbearers were Jos. Duster, Lane VandeSteege, Frank C. Hentges, J. G. Koenig, Ray Atwood and Theo. Thoma.

The body was accompanied to LeMars by Pvt. and Mrs. Donald Wilmes of Evansville, Ind., and Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Oldham arrived from Bremerton, Wash. to attend the last rites.