Gus Mandelkow (1882-1945)

MANDELKOW

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 12/8/2008 at 12:36:46

Gustav William Mandelkow
(March 3, 1882- March 6, 1945)

Funeral services for Gustav William Mandelkow, 63, who died at his home here Tuesday morning, will be held at the Blust Bros funeral home Friday, March 9 at 2 pm with the Rev. Joseph Gerlt in charge of the services.

Mr. Mandelkow has not been in good health for the past several years, but was only confined to his home with illness for about a week. Mr. Mandelkow has been janitor at the North School in Avoca for the past 17 years and was a friend to all the students from the lowest grades to the seniors in high school. Before becoming janitor, “Gus” ran a dray in Avoca for many years.

He was born march 3, 1882 in Avoca, the son of Christian and Wilhelmina Mandelkow. His father died when he was 8 years old and on his shoulders fell the responsibility of caring for his mother. On September 25, 1913, he was married to Wilhelmina Dittmer who survives her husband.

Other survivors are three sons: Lawrence of Avoca who has recently been given a medical discharge for the Army, Cpl. Walter of Ft. Leonardwood, Mo., who was recently home from several years duty in the south Pacific and T/Sgt. Elmer of Chanute Field, Illinois who also has recently returned from duty with the 8th Air Forces in England as a gunner. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Anna Carstens of Avoca and Mrs. Louisa Finn of Davenport. A brother, Herman and a sister, Mrs. Bertha Ketchum preceded him in death.

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