Wathier, George 1909-1960

WATHIER, LIST, SMITH, REISER

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

Source: Alton Democrat (4-21-1960)

Born: March 4, 1909
Died: April 20, 1960

GEORGE WATHIER PROMINENT FARMER PASSES ON; RITES HERE MONDAY

The community was shocked late Wednesday by the sudden death of George Wathier, 51, a life-long resident and well known farmer northeast of Alton. Taken ill with a heart attack shortly after 5:00 P.M. he passes on soon thereafter and before medical aid could arrive. His wife and son were with him.

He was born March 4, 1909, the youngest child of the late Sebastan and Susan (Reiser) Wathier, early residents of this vicinity, and lived practically all his life on the home farm. He attended rural school and St. Mary’s Academy.

August 5, 1936 he married Miss Dorothy List at St. Mary’s Church here. Two daughters and a son were born to the union, Lucille, Jeanne and John, the latter a senior in high school.

After their marriage the couple farmed for two years south of Alton, then joined a brother, Matt Wathier on the home farm. The latter died four years ago on the same date, April 13, as his younger brother, George.

Mr. Wathier passed on November 4, 1958. On January 5, 1960, Mr. Wathier married Mrs. Mary Bowers Smith of Helena, Montana, who survived him, with the three children, four brothers and three sisters, who are: Joe Wathier of Centerville, South Dakota; Charles of Kimberly, Idaho; Henry of Alton; Leo of Los Angeles; Mrs. Lena Kohles of Twin Falls, Idaho; Mrs. A. L. Streff and Mrs. George E Bowers of Alton.

Preceding him in death were three sisters: Mrs. V. Erickson, Miss Lizzie, Mrs. Mike Herrig; and three brothers: Nicholas, John and Matthias.

Mr. Wathier was liked and admired by a host of friends. A successful farmer, he was also a wonderful friend and neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. He was devoted to his family, and they have the heart felt sympathy of the entire community of which he was so valued a member.

The funeral Mass was held Monday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, the Rt. Reverend Monsignor Z. Reising officiated. Pallbearers were nephews: Sebastian Wathier, John Bowers, Frank Bowers, Arnold Streff, Junior Streff, Milo Streff.

Miss Lucille Wathier arrived by plane from Phoenix, Arizona Thursday; Miss Jeanne Wathier came Thursday by car from Iowa City where she is a student at the University, and was accompanied by her cousins, Mr. and Mrs. John Waite Bowers and children. Arriving Saturday were Mrs. Wathier’s daughter, Mrs. Allen Graham and baby Sandra of Helena, Montana.