Kettler, Bernard 1854-1941

KETTLER, BREHM

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Alton Democrat (7-4-1941)

Birth: February 26, 1854
Death: June 29, 1941

Pioneer Alton Business Man Dies

Bernard Kettler, long-time Alton resident and early business man, passed on Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Albert Probst, at Homer, Nebr. He suffered a paralytic stroke Thursday while at the dinner table. He had been in excellent health up to that time and had been out during the afternoon inspecting some of the gardens of the neighborhood, in which he was much interested. He appeared to rally from the attack and his passing on Sunday morning about nine o'clock was a great shock to family and hundreds of friends. He was 87 years of age.

Born Feb. 26, 1854, at Hanover, Germany, he came to the United States with his parents at the age of twelve. The family settled near Dubuque, where he attended school, later teaching at Buffalo Grove, Illinois, where he also played the church organ, being a talented musician. Here he met Christine Brehm and they were married at Buffalo Grove in June 1878. They lived at Cottonville, Iowa until 1900, when Mr. Kettler purchased the Dubuque House from Tony Weidenfeller. He conducted this hotel until some years after the death of Mrs. Kettler in July, 1928. Nine years ago he went to Homer to live with his daughter, Mrs. Probst.

The couple were blessed with fourteen children, of whom ten survive - five daughters and five sons - namely: Mrs. Albert Probst of Homer, Mrs. Joe Fath of Lismore, Minnesota; Mrs. Ed Scneider, Alton; Mrs. J. V. Mousel, Chicago; Saverna, Homer; A. J. Kettler, Memphis, Tennessee; Leo, Le Mars; Frank, Mapleton; Otto of Alton; Oswald, Chicago. Two sons died in infancy and two daughters, Rose, an invalid for many years, and Bertha, died some years ago. Twenty-eight grandchildren survive their grandfather and one great grandchild, son of Lloyd Kettler of Remsen.

Mr. Kettler was a genial host, a devoted husband and wise father, a kind friend, known for his integrity. The hotel over which he presided was known widely for its hospitality, but has now gone the way of other such early landmarks. Some years ago it was torn down and a green court now marks the spot where it stood.

Thousands of patrons and friends passed through its portals, always receiving a kindly welcome from the host. He was long a member of St. Mary's Church and sang in the choir for some thirty years.

Funeral services were held at the Catholic Church in Homer Tuesday morning and interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery here later in the morning. Six grandsons acted as pallbearers. All members of the family were present, besides hundreds of friends