Pottebaum, Bernard A., 1864-1929

POTTEBAUM, FRIEDMAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

From the Alton Democrat, May 3, 1929:

PROMINENT ALTON FARMER GONE BEYOND
B. A. Pottebaum Dies Thursday Last – Held Many Offices – Successful Farmer

Bernard A. Pottebaum, for many years one of the most widely known and popular Nassau township farmers, died last Thursday at his home four and one-half miles south of Alton. A little more than a year ago he suffered a paralytic stroke and from this he never fully recovered although he improved and came to town occasionally. A short time ago, however, he began sinking and the end was not unexpected although coming as a shock to his host of friends.

Mr. Pottebaum was 64 years of age at the time of his death. He was born at Luxemburg, Iowa, August 28, 1864, coming to Sioux county in 1886. His marriage to Miss Catherine Friedman occurred January 25, 1887 at Luxemburg. Thirteen children were born to them, all of whom survive their parents. Mrs. Pottebaum died seven years ago.

For thirty years he was a member of the Nassau township board of trustees. When his wife became ill he wished to retire but was re-elected in spite of himself, serving until the close of 1924. His judgment was so well thought of by his fellows that for many years he was president of the Farmers Mutual Co-Operative Co., at Alton, and also an officer of the Alton Savings bank, at one time president, and at the time of his death vice-president of that institution. He could easily have had other elective office if he had been so minded for Mr. Pottebaum was popular and respected among all who knew him.

He was a progressive farmer and his farm east of Carnes is a splendidly equipped place. He was an active farmer as long as his health lasted and to the day of his death remained on the farm with his son Al and daughter, Miss Hilda. During his lifetime he saw that all of his children were independent on farms of their own, although his splendid family demonstrated that their early training had fitted them well to make their own way through life’s battles.

The Democrat feels that it is expressing the sentiment of the whole community in stating that Alton has lost a very valuable citizen whose death caused a deep feeling of loss in the hearts of all who knew Mr. Pottebaum. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the children who feel his loss so keenly. The children are as follows:

Mrs. Felix Streff, Frank, John, William, Anton, Al., Leo, Henry, Martin, Hilda and Mrs. Sylvester Minten, all of Alton; Mrs. Nick Portz of Hospers; Sister Mary Leola of Dubuque. He is also survived by three brothers and one sister, as follows: Herman, Norwood, Ohio; John, Luxemburg, Iowa; William, Orient, S.D.; Sister Mary Eulalia, Remsen, Iowa.

Mr. Pottebaum lived for 42 years on the farm, the same place on which he located when coming to the county in ’86, and the place on which he died. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic church, belonging to the St. Joseph society.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at that church, conducted by the Reverend Peter Friedmann of near Dubuque, a brother-in-law of the deceased. Solemn requiem mass was sung, six other priests being present in the sanctuary, as follows: Reverends Charles Goetzinger of Ionia, who delivered the sermon; Herman Schleier of Remsen; Henry Rolfes of Oyens; Henry Pick of Templeton; Peter Mattes of Remsen; M. A. Schemel of Alton.

Among those present from away were two of the brothers, John Pottebaum of Luxemburg, Iowa, and William of Orient, S.D.; also George and Emma Pottebaum of Orient; Mrs. Henry Pottebaum of Luxemburg; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ginsbach and George Breucher of Dell Rapids, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bebeim of Sioux City; and a great host of other friends from nearby parishes.

(The obituary includes a photograph.)