Croatt, Nicholas 1861-1951

CROATT, NICHOLAS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 5/30/2016 at 10:15:44

Alton Democrat May 24, 1951

Nicholas Croatt, Sioux county pioneer and resident of Alton for 30 years, passed on at St. Joseph's hospital, Sioux City, at 10:15 Monday morning. May 21. He was taken to the hospital after breaking his hip in a fall the preceding Friday but at his advanced age of 90 years he was too frail to survive the ordeal. He had been in failing health for many months, though able to be about the house.

He was born at Lake Church, Wis. Jan. 20, 1861, son of Gillian and Susan Croatt and the oldest of 12 children. As a young man he worked at logging in Michigan lumber camps and came to Sioux county in 1884 where he worked on farms for several years. He married Anna Jungers at St. Anthony's Catholic church, Hospers, AprJl 25, 1887 and the couple observed the 64th anniversary of their wedding in April of this year. The late Rev. G. H. Leuhrsmann officiated at their wedding. They settled on a farm in Granville Hospers vicinity and farmed until 1921 when they retired and moved to a new home in Alton.

The couple were blessed with nine children, who are John (deceased), Mrs. Peter Kack Margaret now deceased. Edward, Mrs. H. J. Plathe, Philomene, of Madison WI, Mrs. Leo H. Henkels Clara of Wahington DC., Louis of Hospers, Leo of Belfium WI Mrs. J. A. Pohlen Frances and Mrs. H. J. Van Boxtel Betty both of Alton. There are 56 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren. Also surviving at two brothers, Frank and John of Belgium WI and one sister, Mrs. Wm. Hubing of Terry MT.

Mr. Croatt was a cheerful and friendly man devoted to this fine family and loved by all who knew him. Funeral mass was held at 10 Wednesday morning, May 23 at St. Mary’s church the Rev. Zeno Reising officiating. Six grandsons were pallbearers.

All of the children and their (families were here, Mrs. Leo Henkels having arrived from Washington Monday. Peter Kack and Ed Croatt had come from Madison Friday after learning of the accident. Many friends came to pay final tribute to this fine old pioneer.