Stephen Ruefer 1877-1926

RUEFER, MOLLENBECK, ROEDERER

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 3/14/2010 at 16:44:00

The Davenport Democrat and Leader
17 Dec 1926
Page 15

Stephen Ruefer, Widely Known Musician, Died

Capitol Theater Base Viol Player Suffers Sudden Heart Attack.

Stephen Ruefer, well known local musician and base viol player at the Capitol theater since that house was established, died suddenly at his home, 1310 West Eighth street, at 1:50 o'clock this morning. He suffered a heart attack a few hours earlier and failed to rally.

News of the death of Mr. Ruefer will come as a wide shock to hundreds of acquaintances, particularly in the musical world. He has been associated with local musical organizations for many years and was a member of the Tri-City Symphony orchestra.

Mr. Ruefer was born in Neuendorf, Bavaria, Germany, on December 25, 1876 and came to America in 1881, making his home in Davenport. He served in the Second Iowa Regimental Band during the Spanish-American war.

He was married to Catherine Mollenbeck on May 8, 1900 by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Nierman who was then pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic church. Mr. Ruefer was a member not only of the Musicians' Union but of Loras Council, Knights of Columbus, the St. Joseph's Benevolent association, the Holy Name Society and the Tri-City Symphony orchestra.

Surviving are the wife and four sons, Anthony M., Edward J., Hubert A., and Arnold J. Ruefer, and three daughters, Catherine Agnes, Cresenta Marie and Margaret Gertrude Ruefer, all at home. Four brothers, Adolph of Rock Island, Michael of Maysville and Frank, Edward and Anthony Ruefer, of Davenport, and one sister, Mrs. Anna Roederer of Davenport, and two grandchildren also survive.

The remains were taken to the Runge Mortuary where they will remain until Saturday afternoon when they will be taken to the home. The funeral will be held from the home at 8:30 Monday morning with requiem mass at St. Joseph's church at 9 o'clock. During the mass, eight members of the Tri-City Symphony orchestra will furnish music on stringed instruments and there will be hymns by the St. Joseph's male quartet.

The Davenport Democrat and Leader
20 Dec 1926
Page 13

The Ruefer Funeral

The funeral of Stephen Rueffer was held this morning at 8:30 o'clock at the home at 1510 West Eighth street and at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's church. The Rev. George Giglinger celebrated Requiem High Mass, pronounced the burial absolution and preached the funeral sermon and officiated at the grave in Holy Family cemetery.

A double string quartet from the Tri-city Symphony orchestra played during the offertory of the mass and the recessional.
There was a large attendance of friends at the church services including the entire symphony orchestra of which the late Mr. Rueffer was a member, and members of the K. of C., St. Joseph's Beneficent society, and the Holy Name society.

Pallbearers were Adolph Ruefer, Frank Ruefer, Marshall Ruefer, Edward Ruefer, Anthony Ruefer and Philip Roederer.