Wiltgen, Mary, 1879-1930

WILTGEN, THEISEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

From the Alton Democrat, March 21, 1930:

MARY WILTGEN ALTON MILLINER GONE BEYOND
Died Monday at LeMars Hospital—Was in Business Twenty-one Years

Miss Mary Wiltgen, “the little milliner” as she was affectionately called by many friends, passed away Monday morning, March 17th at the LeMars hospital. She had been a sufferer with heart trouble for years and recently attacks of the disease had been more frequent. Thursday she was taken to the hospital for needed rest and quiet. Her condition was not considered serious until Saturday when complications set in, causing her death at about ten o’clock Monday morning.

She was born in Luxemburg on January 29th, 1879, and was 51 years of age at the time of her passing. During her first years she had a severe illness which permanently crippled her body, but throughout her life she had bravely risen above this handicap. The family came to this country when she was six years of age and settled in Alton, which has since been her home. Though never able to attend school regularly, she was quick to learn and received much valuable instruction, especially in religion and conduct, from her father, who was a man of remarkable character. Reading had always been one of her greatest pleasures. At an early age she developed a talent for sewing and for some years assisted in the support of the family by sewing for others. Her mother died 26 years ago, and as the oldest girl she did much to keep the family together until the father passed away five years later.

She opened her millinery shop in Alton 21 years ago and was happy in her work and ability to be independent and make her own living, at the same time doing much for others. She worked hard, often beyond her failing strength, and was usually busy until late at night in her shop, while in the early mornings before others were up she was at work in her garden among the flowers which she loved. Although her last few years were burdened by ill health and business reverses, she had carried on with remarkable courage and perseverance, honestly doing the right as she saw it, and always grateful for any kindness shown her. The memory of her courageous life will ever be an inspiration to her hundreds of friends.

She is survived by three brothers and one sister, namely, Peter (J. P.) Wiltgen of Alton; Nick Wiltgen of Le Mars; Mrs. Chas. Earnest, LeMars; Tony Wiltgen, Southgate, Calif. The latter is convalescing from a severe illness and was not able to come for the funeral, which was held Wednesday morning at St. Mary’s church, in charge of Rev. Schemel. A large gathering of friends was present, including a number of LeMars relatives and friends. A brother and sister preceded Miss Wiltgen in death. John, her oldest brother, was killed in a railway crossing accident at the age of 16, and a younger sister, Sister Mercedes, died at the convent in Dubuque some years ago.

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Her death certificate has Mary Wiltgen, single, residence Alton, Iowa; born Jan. 29, 1879 in Luxembourg; parents Peter Wiltgen and Katherine Theisen; been in the U.S. 45 years; occupation, operator of millinery store, for 25 years; died in Sacred Heart Hospital, Le Mars, March 17, 1930, 11:30 a.m.; causes, cardio-renal complex, date of onset “year,” and terminal pneumonia, date of onset 3/13; contributory cause, spinal deformity; buried in Alton.

Her many boxed and news-note advertisements in the Alton Democrat during the period she was in business show the wide variety of goods and services offered by her millinery shop.