Wiltgen, Nicolas 1860-1928

WILTGEN WANDERSCHEID, HOFFMAN, SR XAVERIS, HECHT, SR XAVER

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/12/2015 at 15:55:15

LeMars Globe Post, LeMars, Plymouth, Iowa Monday, December 10 , 1928

Nicolas Wiltgen, 68 years old, died in his home at 18 Sixth Ave. S .E . Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock after a long sickness. The funeral will be held tomorrow forenoon at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church, preceded by a solemn requiem high mass. The body will be interred in St. Joseph's cemetery.

Mr. Wiltgen is survived by his wife and six children. They are, Mrs. John Hoffman, Merrill; Mrs. Theo. Hoffman, Merrill; Sr. Xaveris, New Ulm, Minn.; Mrs. Theo. Hecht, Kingsley; Miss Louise Wiltgen, LeMars; Peter Wiltgen, LeMars. One daughter, Sr. Xaver, died in 1918. One brother, John W. Wiltgen, of Ashton, also survives.

Deceased was born in Dahl, Luxemburg, on August 19, 1860. In his native country he learned carpentry and woodworking, and became a skilled cabinetmaker. When he was 21 years old, in 1821, he emigrated to the United States, coming to LeMars, where he engaged for a time in carpentry and cabinetmaking. He was married October 21, 43 years ago to Miss Catherine Wanderscheid, and about the same time entered business for himself as an undertaker and furniture dealer, but still continued to serve a custom trade as a maker of fine cabinetwork, many examples of his work being still in existence in and around LeMars. Much of the exacting cabinet work in St. Joseph's church was made by him . A few years ago he discontinued this line, restricting himself to the general supervision of the business.

Mr. Wiltgen was active, as well, in the social and political life of the community. he was a member of the Foresters, holding various offices in this order, and also was interested in the Knights of Columbus. He served several terms as county coroner, being elected on the democratic ticket. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic church, and was always interested in the affairs of the church. During his long career he earned the respect of thousands who came to know him, and his death is a loss to the entire community.