Kaschmitter, John, 1883-1940

KASCHMITTER, WILWERT

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/22/2013 at 18:09:42

John Kaschmitter, Oldest Son of Nine Children, Born In Tennessee

John Kaschmitter, well known Alton hatchery man, passed on suddenly with a heart attack late last Wednesday afternoon, July 31st. He had a severe heart attack in January and had not completely recovered, although the past month he appeared much improved and had resumed his normal pursuits and duties at the Alton Hatchery, of which he was proprietor.

He was born 57 years ago, on July 28, 1883, at Loretta, Tenn., the second child and oldest son of a family of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Kaschmitter. The family came to Sioux county when he was a small child and lived at Rock Valley a few years before settling at Alton, where the father was a railroad employee. On Sept. 9, 1912, he married Miss Anna Wilwert at St. Mary's church here. The couple homesteaded a claim at Sumatra, Montana. After five and a half years they sold their holdings there and purchased a small acreage in North Alton, where they built up a prosperous hatchery business. Two years ago they bought part of the Miller property and lots on upper Main street, where they established their home and built a modern hatchery plant on lots east of their home. They were carrying on a successful business when the head of the family was stricken.

Councilman

The community was greatly shocked by his sudden passing, for he was a man who was liked and respected by all. He served several terms as a member of the city council but on account of his ill health he was not a candidate for reelection last March.

Mr. Kaschmitter was a valued member of St. Mary's choir for thirty years and could always be depended on by members of his church or his many friends outside of the church. He always had a friendly word for all and was a great favorite with children, who often purposely came to talk with him as he sat on the porch of his house.

The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement. They are Mrs. Kaschmitter, daughter Vera of Omaha and two sons, Odilo and Leonard at home. The eight surviving brothers and sisters are Louise, Mrs. Frank Sprute, Oswego, Oregon; Caroline, Mrs. Frank Bramer, Wilmont, Minn.; Otto, Roscoe, Minnesota; Mary, Mrs. John Broich, Sleepy Eye, Minn.; Henry, Sheldon; Clothilde, Mrs. August Elberts, Richard and Gertrude (Mrs. Fred Kollasch) all of Whittemore, Iowa.

Relatives Here

Funeral services were held Saturday at St. Mary's church in charge of the Very Rev. Father Neppel. Miss Vera Kaschmitter was here from Omaha and seven of the brothers and sisters, with their families attended the services, Mrs. Sprute of Oregon being the only one not present. Others present from a distance included Mr. and Mrs. Leo Gengler, Mr. and Mrs. John Frank of Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Harry Kennedy, Miss Mae Kennedy and Ivo of Elysium, Minn.; Nick Wilwert, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Hersom, Mr. and Mrs. Loring Hersom, all of Laurens.

Source: Alton Democrat, August 9, 1940.