Kass, Peter, 1857-1947

KASS, DIDIER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/5/2010 at 14:08:00

PETER KASS, EARLY ALTON BLACKSMITH, CALLED BY DEATH. Funeral Today for Outstanding Alton Citizen.

Peter Kass, well known retired blacksmith and early resident, died at his home in Alton Monday evening, Feb. 3 at the age of 89. He had been in failing health for a year. He was one of Alton's finest citizens, upright and square dealing, and will be missed by hundreds of friends.

He was the eldest of nine children born Dec. 3, 1857 to Mr. and Mrs. John Kass of St. Donotus, Iowa. When he was seven the family moved to Caledonia, Minn., and at the age of 21 he learned the blacksmith trade in the iron foundry at La Crosse, Wis.

Oct. 10, 1881 he married Mary Didier and for four years the couple lived at Elba, Minn., where Mr. Kass owned his first blacksmith shop.

After visiting with his sister, Mrs. Matt. Bamberg at Alton he decided to move to Alton and came here with his family in March, 1886. He operated his blacksmith shop here until 37 years ago when he sold the shop to Nick Schumacher and retired from business, having in the meantime invested in farm lands in this vicinity. Mrs. Kass preceded her husband in death July 11, 1930.

Three children survive their father, namely Mrs. P. O. McWilliams (Clara) of Cherokee, Mrs. O. S. Henrich (Olga) of Alton and a son, Odilo; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Mr. Kass, or Grandpa Kass as he was known to many, was a staunch patriotic citizen and well informed on world affairs, devoted to his family. His hobby since retirement was constructing fine furniture in his basement shop where he worked from early morning late into the night. His pride was his walnut kneehole desks, of which he made more than forty. At Christmas time his shop was known as the "Santa Claus" shop because of the innumerable sets of children's chairs and tables which he made.

He has been confined to his home since November but on Sunday was at the breakfast table with the family. At noon he was taken very ill and early Monday passed on, surrounded by his family.

Also surviving Mr. Kass are seven brothers and sisters, a remarkable family of octogenarians, all being over eighty years old and five of the family have celebrated their golden weddings. One sister, Mrs. Matt Bamberg of Alton, preceded him in death.

Funeral services are at 9:30 Thursday morning at St. Mary's church. Six grandsons will act as pallbearers.

Source: Alton Democrat, Feb. 6, 1947.