Lawrence G. FOCHT

FOCHT, SHANOR, PERSONS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/4/2016 at 23:00:37

September 9, 1868 --- January 23, 1960

Lawrence G. Focht, 91, former Eagle Grove banker and educator, died Saturday afternoon in the Johnson Nursing Home in Ft. Dodge where he had been a patient for the past four years. Funeral Services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Sacquety Funeral chapel and burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Dr. Thomas Hoover of the Congregational Church officiated. Masonic services were held at 8 p.m. Monday at the chapel.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Helen of Iowa City and Ruth, Mrs. W. I. Shanor of Corte Madera, Calif., one son Robert of Atlantic, Iowa, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Focht was born in Montgomery county, in a log cabin on Sept. 8, 1868. He came to Eagle Grove as Superintendent of schools in 1905. In 1912 he with associates purchased the First National Bank of Eagle Grove which he served as president until 1924. At this time he returned to the field of education serving as county Superintendent until 1936 when he retired.

Bank President

Prominent in the community life he was an organizer, charter member and first president of Rotary. He was Worshipful Master of the Masonic lodge and Commander of Knights Templar while at Clarion. He served as chairman and on the Board of Trustees of the First Congregational Church and was a Sunday School superintendent for many years. He was also a chairman of the county Democratic Central committee and active in the political life of the county for many years.

Until his confining illness he was a familiar sight on the streets and in the stores of Eagle Grove. For many years he suffered from failing eyesight but he was able to locate his familiar stops without trouble and was always a welcome guest.

During this time Mrs. Focht read to him and kept him abreast of the news and community happenings and he enjoyed visiting with friends about events of the community, state and nation. His counsel was sought on many subjects.

Drake Graduate

Before coming to Eagle Grove Mr. Focht graduated from Tabor Academy, taught in a rural school and graduated from Drake University in 1894. He was Principal of Schools at Letts, Iowa five years and Superintendent at Wilton Jct. six years. It was at Wilton Jct. that he met and married Edna Persons in 1900.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 28, 1960