Heisig, Fred J. (Frederick John), 1858-1934

HEISIG, SMITH, WYROCH

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

From the Rock Valley Bee, April 27, 1934:

FRED J. HEISIG DIED MONDAY FORENOON

The death of Fred J. Heisig was a surprise and a shock to his many friends in Rock Valley and vicinity. Mr. Heisig had not been well for some time. Recently he entered the Methodist hospital in Des Moines where he submitted to an operation. Following the operation he seemed to improve and it was believed that he would recover his health, but later a change for the worse came. He was brought home last Thursday from the hospital. He continued to fail until finally death came to relieve him Monday afternoon.

Mr. Heisig was one of the pioneer residents of this community. For a number of years he and his family lived on a farm northwest of Rock Valley. A few years ago he retired and moved to Rock Valley. He was a man who was highly respected by all who knew him, and his death is very much regretted.

Funeral services will be held at the home in Rock Valley this Thursday afternoon, beginning at two o’clock. The obituary will be published next week.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Rock Valley Bee, May 4, 1934

The passing of Frederick John Heisig on Monday, April 23, saddened the entire community for the inestimable loss to it and his bereaved family.

Although he had been ill several months, and had undergone a serious operation in the Iowa Methodist hospital a few weeks ago, hope had always been entertained for his recovery. Medical skill and loving hands were powerless and the end came suddenly and unexpectedly.

Mr. Heisig was always a most useful and respected citizen. Coming to this community with the pioneers, he was interested in every movement for the progress of the country and its citizens. In moral, educational and civic issues, his wise judgment and keen understanding found him sponsoring the side of greatest benefit and happiness to mankind. His belief in it never wavered even in the recent years of chaos and financial stress.

His christianity was expressed in service to his fellowmen and whenever he was called to public duty, was never found unwilling to serve. He was a kind and loving husband, a wise and devoted father and a friend to humanity.

Born in Carrol County, Illinois, near Savannah, March 22, 1858, Mr. Heisig was educated in the public and private schools of that city. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. When a boy he moved with his parents to Jackson county, Iowa, where he was united in marriage to Flora Elizabeth Smith, Sept. 10, 1879, who still survives him.

In 1885 they moved to Sioux County, Iowa, where they resided on a farm until ten years ago when they moved to Rock Valley to enjoy their declining years.

Besides his wife, he leaves one son and eight daughters, Elmer L. of Morristown, S.D.; Dr. Marie J. Raders, Lena, Ill.; Mrs. Ida M. Kessler, Rock Valley; Mrs. Ann G. Brooke, Tucson, Ariz.; Mrs. Evelyn Beenen, Renwick, Iowa; Mrs. Stella Schleety, Fowler, Colo.; Miss Hazel Heisig, Des Moines; Mrs. Gladys Elberts, Rock Valley; Miss Lorraine Heisig, Iowa City. The oldest son, Eber, and two infant daughters have passed on before. He also leaves a brother, Herman Heisig of South Sioux City, Nebr.; a sister, Mrs. Lena Haller of Preston, Iowa; ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Funeral services, conducted by Rev. G. A. Tyler, of the Methodist church were held in the home on Thursday afternoon and the remains laid to rest in the Valley View Cemetery.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has him as Fred J. Heisig, with birth date 23 Feb 1868.

His death certificate has him as Frederick John Heisig, born March 22, 1858 in Savannah, Illinois; parents William Heisig, born in Ansdorf, Germany, and Caroline Wyroch, born in Silesia, Germany; wife Flora Elizabeth Heisig; a farmer for 27 years, last worked at this occupation in 1906; died April 23, 1934; cause, “obstruction of Common Duct & Chronic Pancreatitis,” onset 1-10-34; an operation for draining of gall bladder was performed on 3-10-34.