Charles Herman Menzel (1861-1939)

MENZEL, STEPHENS, STEVENSON, JOHNSON, BAKKA

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

From Nevada Evening Journal March 27, 1939 (page 6)

Funeral Services for Charles H. Menzel Held at McCallsburg

McCallsburg, Mar. 27--Funeral services for Charles H. Menzel, 78, who died Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian church here and burial was in the McCallsburg cemetery. The pastor Jos. M. Kennedy was in charge, following a brief service at the home.

The church was filled beyond capacity with the large number of relatives and friends who gathered to pay their last respects to a respected relative, neighbor and friend. Pall bearers were B. J. Ritland, H. S. Thompson, A. C. Hanson, G. H. Ludwig, Julius Hougara and F. M. Tett.

The music was furnished by a ladies' quartette, Mrs. F. E. nail, Mrs. G. W. Mills, Mrs. W. H. Reid and Miss Catherine Craig who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Going Down the Valley" accompanied at the piano by Miss Cleo Tett who also played the processional. Miss Catherine Craig playing the recessional. The flowers were many and beautiful and were cared for by Mrs. A. G. Graves and Mrs. John Schauper. Burial was made in the family lost in the Warren Township cemetery.

In attendance from out of town at the funeral were Mrs. Menzel's brother and wife and sister, her son, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Spephens of Mendola, Ill., Mrs. Jessie Kittell and Edward R. Tying of Princeton, Ill., a grandson, Clifford Imsland of Seattle, Wash., Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Griffith, Ames, Tom Carven, Collins, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Carver, Mr. and Mrs. Neal Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Tett, Mr. and Mrs. Flyd Irvine, Mrs. Hazel Alcorn, Chas. Irvine, Doyle Tett of Zearing, Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. Will Irvine of Winnebago, Minnesota.

Among friend from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Dick Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Hougan, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Killius of Ames, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Densmore, Mr. and Mrs. John Hougan of Story City, G. W. Ludwig, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Rierson, Rev. and Mrs. Jos. M. Kennedy, Mrs. Mable Menzel, Miss Julia Hennessey and a large number from neighboring communities and towns.

The Obituary

Charles H. Menzel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Menzel Sr., was born at Freeport, Ill., on November 3rd, 1861. He came to Story County, Iowa in 1872, coming with his father and a brother in a covered wagon. They located on a farm near McCallsburg and were later joined by other members of the family, Charles being on of a family of five children. Since coming here as a lad of eleven years he has continued his residence in Story County and has been known as one of its dependable citizens.

Charles was married to Miss Anna Stephens on January 29, 1885 and with her established their family home on a farm south east of McCallsburg. The draining and improvement of the farm land, the planting of groves and orchards, and building of house and bans on this home farm have all been the work of Mr. Menzel assisted by his helpful family. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Menzel, who have had a long and happy married life, having celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in January, 1935.

After 35 years of farm life, Mr. and Mrs. Menzel moved to Nevada in 1920 where they lived for three years, returning to the farm in 1923, to remain for five more years, of until 1928. They then moved to McCallsburg where they have since made their home and continued their interest in the farm life. Mr. Menzel enjoyed working at the farm and seldom was content to be away from his work there. He was recognized as one of the good progressive, farmers of the community.

He took an active interest in community affairs and was known as a man of good judgment and of good influence. While not an active member of the church, he was a man with a Christian philosophy and faith. He gave of his support to the work of the church and to other good causes.

His final illness began with an attack of influenza followed by pneumonia and other complications. Death followed soon after an operation that had been carried out at his request in order that he might be relieved of suffering. Because of his advanced age and previous illness he had but little chance of recovery. He passed from this life on Monday afternoon, March 20th, being 77 years of age.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Menzel, and by six of his children: Sarah Manzel (Frank Menzel), Berth (Mrs. W. A. Stevenson), Anna (Mrs. Oscar Johnson), Earl Menzel and Lester Menzel. One sister, Mrs. Emma Bakka, McCallsburg, and eight grandchildren are also surviving members of his immediate family and were all present at the funeral. He will be greatly missed for he made much of his family ties and enjoyed his children and grandchildren.

As a member of one of the pioneer families that helped to build the traditions of the community, Charles Menzel will be long remembered as a kindly, helpful, neighbor and friend.