Friedmann, George 1855-1943

FRIEDMANN, WESTENDORF

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 12/15/2016 at 08:13:14

Source: Alton Democrat (12-16-1943)

Born: April 18, 1855
Died: December 10, 1943

GEORGE FRIEDMANN DIES HERE AT AGE OF 88 YEARS

George Friedmann, well known Alton citizen and retired farmer, passed on at his home here Thursday morning, December 10th from heart trouble and old age. He was 88 years old and was taken ill about ten days before his death and up to that time had been about his usual activities about the house and down town.

He was born at Waynesimrg, Ohio, April 18, 1855 and when a year old came to Luxenburg, Iowa, then known as Liberty, with his parents. He was married to Catherine Westendorf February 1, 1876. In the year 1882 they came to Northwest Iowa and settled on a farm five miles south of Alton. For ten years they resided on a farm near Granville and in 1901 they brought a farm adjoining Alton on the West where they had erected a set of buildings. In 1909 they retired from the farm and moved to their present home.

Nine children were born to the couple. Four sons preceded their father in death, two in infancy, Reverend Joseph Friedmann in 1910 and Jacob Friedmann in 1940. Surviving are his widow, four daughters and one son, namely: Mrs. Fred Odenbrett of Melrose, Minnesota; Mrs. John Schneider, Newburg, Ohio; Mrs. Otto Kaschmitter, Roscoe, Minnesota; John Friedmann, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Mrs. Julia Lower, Portland, Oregon; also 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Lena Baner of Dubuque.

Mrs. Friedmann was one of our progressive farmers and farseeing citizens, one of the organizers of the Farmers Co-operative Co., director of the local bank for many years, township trustee and on the board of St. Mary’s Church for over twenty-five years.

In 1926 he and his good wife celebrated their golden wedding and then in 1936 another big family reunion was held honoring their parents on their 60th anniversary. If Mr. Friedmann had lived until February the couple would have observed their 68th anniversary.

Solemn Requiem Mass was held Monday morning at St. Mary’s Church, with the pastor Very Reverend Neppel as the celebrant, Reverend Nick Gaul of Portenmouth, Iowa, as deacon, Reverend Lawless as sub-deacon and Reverend Knobbe of Granville as master of ceremonies.

All the daughters were here for the services and to be with their mother. John Friedmann of Salt Lake City was unable to obtain transportation but the company of which he is an executive, sent a beautiful floral piece.

Relatives present from a distance included the daughters mentioned, Otto Kaschmitter of Roscoe, Minnesota; George Friedmann Luxemburg, Iowa; Reverend Nick Gaul, Portsmouth; William and John Gaul, Pete Gaul and son, all of Earling; Mrs. B.H. Determan, Ben and John Staltzer, Raverhill, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. John Reker, Adrian, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reker, Lismore, Minnesota; Pvt. Ray Friedmann, Sheppard Field, Texas; among Granville relatives and friends were Mrs. Frank Dielerich, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ahlers, Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Spieler, Mr. and Mrs. George Schneider, Paul and Katherine Diederich, Lawrence Spieler Jr., besides many other friends from neighboring towns.