Albert Meitzen (1867-1936)

MEITZEN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/10/2008 at 14:26:51

ALBERT MEITZEN DIES SUDDENLY 1867-1936
PHOTO AVAILABLE
In the Midst of Friends and Merrymaking A Beloved Citizen Suddenly Passes to his Reward.
Social Evening Turned to Sorrow and Grief

Albert C. Meitzen passed away Friday evening, October 21, at 10 o’clock at the First Congregational Church where he attended a supper and social gathering of members and friends of the church. The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday, October 26 at 2 pm with Rev. J. M. Fleming officiating. Burial was made in the Avoca cemetery.

On December 23, 1926, Mr. Meizen was united in holy wedlock to Mrs. Ida Iemkan of North Platte, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife, Ida Meitzen, three sisters: Mrs. Charles Eggerss of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Mrs. August J. Eggerss of Omaha, Nebraska; and Mrs. Otto H. Cold of Los Angeles, California; and one brother: Curt J. Meitzen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two stepchildren, five nephews and one niece. His father preceded him in death on October 7, ten years ago, his mother passed away October 14, 1926.

Albert C. Meitzen was born August 17, 1867 at Breslau, Germany, which was also the birthplace of his parents, Albrecht and Clara (Erber) Meitzen. The father was reared to farm life and became a scientific farmer in his native country. He was twice connected with military service in that land, taking part in the Austrian war in 1866 and the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. Albert, the eldest of a family of five children, began his education by attending the Cadet Academy at Kulm, to which only the sons of army officers are eligible. He studied both English and French. In 1883, the family came to America and settled on a farm near Persia, Iowa.

Albert continued to live at the family home until 1887 when he accepted a position in a hardware store at Persia. After three years in this business, he went to Omaha to assist in organizing the Omaha Paper Box Company, now known as the Eggerss-O’Flynn Box Factory, one of the largest of its kind in the middle-west.

Mr. Meitzen soon attracted the attention of J. W. Davis of Avoca, one of the best and most successful bankers in western Iowa, and November 20, 1893, Albert Meitzen came to Avoca and entered the employ of Mr. Davis. By hard, faithful work, honesty, and fidelity, in two years he became cashier and the confidential friend of MR. Davis. The bank was then known as the commercial Bank and on July 1, 1901, was incorporated as the Citizens Savings Bank and Mr. Meitzen was placed at the head. He made a close study of the banking business and in time became president of the bank, which position he held at the time of his death.
As a banker he was conservative, honest and trustworthy. Many a boy and girl, many young farmers, can look back and thank Mr. Meitzen for their start and success in life. In the death of Mr. Meitzen, Avoca and community lose a friend whose place in the business and social life will never be filled in the same extent. Strong, broad and fair in his views, he won the confidence of all who loved and honored him for his honesty and courtesy shown throughout the many years. There has never been a death during the 45 years we have resided in Avoca that has affected our city and community as the sudden loss of Mr. Meitzen. His 35 years of service of the Citizens Savings Bank, brought him in close touch with our people, in all walks of life. He was a true friend of the sick, the unfortunate, and the poor. To the sick he sent kindly words of cheer, to the bereaved, words of encouragement; to the successful, congratulations; to the needy, material assistance. He stood only for that which was good and uplifting, for the benefit and good of all, not for self commendation or publicity in any form. A very unpretentious man, modest, ever courteous, a friend to the young people with whom he loved to help along life’s rugged way.

The good things Albert Meitzen has done along the way in the community would make a wonderful story, a story of which we might all be proud, and a story that would convince the most critical.

A supper was held at the First Congregational church Saturday evening at 6:30 after which a social gathering was held in the church auditorium. A debate was staged in which Albert Mitzen was the first speaker. His speech was short, full of fur and laughter. He never seemed so jolly and happy in public, full of brimming life. He spoke of how well he felt and his looks proved his statement. He continued his fun making while the others spoke. As Mrs. Meitzen got up to speak, he suddenly dropped his head, making a slight snoring sound, all laughed heartily, thinking he was continuing his fun. A sudden change came and the happy gathering of friends and neighbors was changed to one of sorrow and grief. Mr. Meitzen was laid upon a church pew and loving hands did all within their power to aid and sustain him. He never regained consciousness and passed away almost instantly. During the evening those present had remarked about the good time Mr. Meitzen was having, his face filled with joy and happiness up to the last minute.

His sudden going passed over our city like a clap of thunder out of a clear sky. Persons who had conversed with him during the day could not believe it. Places of business and entertainment which were open became silent, only a whispering among groups of friends could be heard. Sorrow and grief for a common friend, hushed their voices.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald