Wendt, Paul 1866-1933

WENDT, WATTS, MORTEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/21/2014 at 18:16:41

ANOTHER WELL-KNOWN RESIDENT OF AKRON IS GONE

Death Comes to Paul Wendt After a Very Brief Illness of Pneumonia

Death claimed another of Akron’s well known citizens last week, when Paul Wendt, a resident of this city for the past forty-two years, passed away at his home at 5:15 o’clock Friday afternoon, January 27, 1933, after only a few days’ illness of pneumonia, aged 66 years, 6 months and 28 days. He had been ailing somewhat with a cold the previous week, but was feeling considerably better on Monday of last week and started to make the rounds with his assessor’s books. However the effort was too much for him and he was compelled to return home that day and go to bed. Although all that medical skill and loving care could accomplish was done for him, he continued to fail until the final summons brought an end to his suffering.

Paul Wendt was born at Eberswalde, Germany, June 30, 1866. he came to the United States when 21 years of age and worked in Massachusetts for a short time, then coming to Le Mars, Iowa, where his sister was living. He worked for an uncle west of Le Mars, completed a course in the Le Mars Commercial college and also clerked in a store there before coming to Akron to take a similar position in 1891. Here on September 17, 1891, he was united in marriage with Tillie Mae Watts, who preceded him in death on November 26, 1908.

Upon first coming to Akron, Mr. Wendt was employed as a clerk in the general store of W. C. Bryant, and afterward in the stores of N. Noble and Burgess & Smith. In 1907 he bought the Burgess & Smith general store and engaged in business for himself until 1926, when he disposed of the business to Rossman Bros. Later he established a grocery store, which was destroyed by fire in the winter of 1928, after which he was employed as manager for the Council Oak store here for a short time.

On June 25, 1913, Mr. Wendt was united in marriage with Miss Nellye Morten, of Vermillion, S.D., their union being blessed with three children, Helen, Morten, and Sherwood. He was an active member of the M. E. church for over forty years and served as a member of the local official board for several years. In 1901 he became a member of freedom lodge, No. 434, . F. & M. He took an active interest in all Masonic affairs and served in various offices for nineteen years, being worshipful master more than five years and secretary for the past six years. He was a member of the Royal Arch Masons of Hawarden, Iowa, and of the Sioux City Consistory, Scottish Rite. He was also a member of Vesper chapter, No. 61, Order of the Eastern Star, of Akron, and served as worthy patron in that organization for one year. He took an active interest in the civic life of the community and for the past two years held the office of assessor of Akron. A man of upright character, of jovial nature and unique personality, a devoted husband and father,and a loyal and helpful friend and neighbor, he will be missed as few men would be in the community after so many years of public service in various capacities.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his widow; one daughter, Helen; two sons, Morten and Sherwood, of Akron; a sister, Mrs. George Stinton of Merrill, Iowa, and two cousins, Chris. and Albert Wendt, of Le Mars. A host of friends tender their sympathy to the bereaved family.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock in the Akron M. E. church, conducted by Rev. F. F. Robinson. All available seats in the church were occupied. A duet was sung by Misses Louise Anfinson and Elizabeth Shoulberg.

The pallbearers were E. J. Hammer, W. W. Ross, A. N. Williams, Ross Weldon, J. H. Pollock and H. Shoulberg. Members of the Masonic fraternity attended the service in a body and also exemplified the beautiful and impressive burial service of that order at Riverside cemetery, with Eugene Lias in charge of the ceremonies.

Relatives and friends who attended the funeral from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. George Stinton, of Merrill; Mr. and Mrs. Chris. Wendt and sons, George and Ralph, of Le Mars; Mrs. Emily Olson and Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Olson, of Sioux City; Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Morten, of Hartington, Nebr.; Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Morten, of Laurel, Nebr.; Mrs. Hannah McLeod, of Vermillion, S. D.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, February 2, 1933
Akron, Iowa