Welter, George Victor, 1894-1929

WELTER, RUPPERT, BIRTZ

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

From the Alton Democrat, April 12, 1929:

YOUNG FARMER DIED FROM FLU
George Welter, 34 Years Old, Passed on Friday—Home South of Carnes

George Welter, 34 years old, died last Friday at the Sacred Heart hospital, LeMars, after a long illness caused primarily by influenza. The family make their home on a farm five miles south of Carnes on the Oyens road. Mrs. Welter was Miss Dora Ruppert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Ruppert of Alton. Besides the young widow, five children survive, the youngest of whom is only eleven months of age. Lawrence Ruppert will assume management of the farm for this season. The death of this splendid young man was a great shock to the family and friends.

Many friends from here attended the funeral services which were held at St. Catherine’s church, Oyen, Tuesday morning. Interment took place at St. Joseph’s cemetery, LeMars. Of the young man the LeMars Globe-Post states as follows:

Deceased is survived by his wife, four sons, Sylvester, Norbert, LeRoy and Arnold, and one daughter, Marion; also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Welter, of LeMars; and one sister, Mrs. Byron Bushgens of Holstein, Iowa.

Mr. Welter has been living on a farm two miles north of Oyens, which he worked successfully until the time of his last sickness. Following the first attack of the flu he often felt indisposed, but could not bring himself to neglect the work he saw waiting for him in order to take the rest he needed. Eventually his condition became worse and he was brought to the hospital here in the hope of saving his life.

George Welter was born December 20, 1894, at Cumberland, Iowa, and lived there with his parents until 1903, when they moved to LeMars, and during the time they lived here he completed his education at Saint Joseph’s school. In 1913 his parents started farming northwest of LeMars, remaining on the farm until 1919, but in the spring of 1917 George Welter was married to Miss Dorothy Ruppert of Alton, and they started farming for themselves, which they had been doing for the past 12 years.

The deceased has earned for himself the reputation as a very good worker and farm manager. His likeable personality, his ability and his willingness to work obtained for him the respect and liking of everyone who enjoyed his acquaintance.

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His death certificate has him as George Victor Welter, residence R.F.D. 6, LeMars [his parents’ home?]; born December 20, 1894 in Cumberland, Iowa; parents Mike Welter and Catherine Birtz, both born in Luxembourg; wife Theodora Ruppert; died at the Sacred Heart Hospital in LeMars at 11:40 p.m., April 5, 1929; cause, septicemia originating in quinsey, duration 1 month 5 days, confirmed by “blood examinations.”

His World War I draft registration card describes him as medium height, slender build, brown hair, and brown eyes.