Waldschmitt, John 1878-1962

WALDSCHMITT, ZENK, FREKING, DIEKMAN, STEELE

Posted By: Janet M Schuldt (email)
Date: 1/9/2018 at 15:05:12

Remsen Bell-Enterprise Remsen, Plymouth, Iowa Thursday, September 13th, 1962 Page 1

Funeral Services Saturday For John Waldschmitt Sr

Funeral services for John Waldschmitt, Sr., 83, prominent and long-time resident of this community who died last Thursday in St. Joseph's Mercy hospital, Sioux City, after a long illness, were held a t St. Mary's Catholic church here Saturday morning. Offering the requiem high mass was the pastor, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis P. Schultes and graveside services by the Rev. Richard Zenk, a nephew of the deceased, of Sioux City. Mass servers were Gerald and David Waldschmitt and Roger Steele, grandsons of the late Mr. Waldschmitt.

Mr. Waldschmitt, who made his home in recent years with his daughter, Mrs. John Freking north of town, had been in failing health several years. He was hospitalized several times

He had been a resident of this community 65 years.

Born in Germany

Mr. Waldschmitt was born December 30, 1878, in Schnepfenbach, Underfranken, Germany, and came to this country at the age of 15 years, coming to Remsen and working for farmers before establishing a farmstead for himself. He was united in marriage February 21, 1906 to Bernadine Zenk, member of a prominent family of early settlers, who preceded him in death many years. Mr. Waldschmitt was one the community's outstanding Christian gentlemen, a lifelong member of the Catholic church and one of St. Mary's most loyal and devout members. He was head of a large and excellent family which he helped rear is a most Christian like manner, and in his earlier and more active years while taking a keen interest in all civic and political affairs, devoted much of his time with his family which to him was of prime interest. He was possessed of many admirable traits and gained a wide friendship over the countryside and won the admiration and high esteem of his every acquaintance.

Survivors
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. John Freking, Remsen; three sons, Paul and Ray of Remsen and John Jr. of LeMars; a brother, Adam Waldschmitt of Temple City, Calif.

Preceding him in death were his wife Bernadine; two sons, Michael and Louis and two daughters, Mrs. Al (Ottilia) Diekman and Mrs. Leon (Louise) Steele.

Wake was held a t the Fisch funeral home which had charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were his nephew. John Stephan, Robert Schmitt, LeRoy Zenk, Donald Zenk, Victor Zenk and Walter Zenk.

Relatives Attend

Relatives who came from a distance for the funeral services included: Mr. and Mrs. Leon Steele and family, Iowa City; Mr. and Mrs. Casper Zenk, Belgrade, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Zenk and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Zenk, Alton, la.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Zenk, Olivia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Zenk, Danube, Minn.; LeRoy Zenk, New Ulm, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. George Vortherms and family, Fulda, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Full, Taunton, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Zenk, Bigelow, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Zenk, Granville, la.; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Echmitt, Raymond, la.; Mr. and Mr. Wm. Huilman and Mr. and Mrs. John Stephan, Scales. Mound, III.; Mrs. Wm. Upmann, Stockton, 111.; Mr. and Mrs. John Weiskircher and Mrs. Frank Olbert, Milford, la.; John Reis and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Reis and family, Fonda la.; Vincent Reis, Pocahontas, la. and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Reichling, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Scheitler, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Zenk and Mrs. Anna Paskert, LeMars.