Lee Backoff (1859-1939)

BACKOFF, PIERRE, BIRCHMEIER, ROCHE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 1/9/2022 at 16:15:25

From Nevada Evening Journal December 26, 1939 (page 4)

Funeral Services Held at Colo for Lee Backoff

Final rites for the late Lee Backoff, 80, who died at his home near Maxwell Dec. 18, were held at St. Mary's church, Colo, Wednesday morning, with Rev. Fr. A. N. Steffen in charge. Burial for this long time resident of Story county was in St. James cemetery.

The death of Mr. Backoff, coming after four weeks' illness, removes from the community one of its most prominent and respected citizens and a man whose place will not be easy to fill. He had long been active in public affairs and especially was he devoted to his church and his home and family.

Born in Alsace Lorraine, France, he came to this country as a lad of 21. He lived around Rhodes and Melbourne 11 years, and then returned to France and married Marie Pierre. Returning to America Mr. Backoff settled first in Melbourne and lived there 8 years, then moved north of Colo and lived there 4 years. The family next moved to a farm between Maxwell and Colo and made their home there for the past 35 years.

He leaves his wife, a daughter Frances Birchmeier of near Maxwell, sons John at home and Joe of Colo, a brother Frank in Marshalltown; sister Mrs. Frank Roche of near Zearing and another sister Elizabeth in a Belgian convent. He also leaves six grandchildren, they being Joseph, Albert Lee, James and Lawrence Birchmeier and James and Viola Backoff of Colo. A son Louis also preceded him in death.