Carl Jacob Wohlenberg (1860-1943) Alternate

CROWE, FOX, HASS, WOHLENBERG

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

21 December 1860 -- 29 March 1943

Carl J. Wohlenberg, March 29, husband of Rosa Hass Wohlenberg, father of Mrs. Emma W. Fox, Carl C., and Mrs. Norine W. Crowe. Resting at chapel, Jeffrey boulevard at 77th street, until 11 p.m. Tuesday. Services and interment Thursday, at Clarion, Ia.

Chicago Tribune (IL)
Tuesday, March 30, 1943
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C. WOHLENBERG, RETIRED IOWA BANKER, DEAD

Carl J. Wohlenberg, retired banker and lumberman of Iowa, died yesterday in St. Luke's hospital after a short illness. He was 82 years old. Born near Hamburg, Germany, Mr. Wohlenberg came to this country and settled in Holstein, Ia. He was past president of the Iowa State Bankers' association and a member of the executive council of the American Bankers' association. A Mason for more that 50 years, he was past grand treasurer of the Iowa Masonic lodge, retired patron of the Eastern Star, worshipful master of A. F. and A. M., a Shriner, and a 32d degree Mason. He retired from business 12 years ago and resided with his daughter, Mrs. E. Gordon Fox, 6830 Chappel avenue.

His wife, Rosa, another daughter, Mrs. C. H. Crowe of Clarion, Ia., and a son, Carl C. Wohlenberg of Chicago, also survive. Burial will be in Clarion, Ia., Thursday. The body will remain in the chapel at 7659 Jeffrey avenue until Wednesday evening.

Chicago Tribune (IL)
Tuesday, March 30, 1943
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Carl Jacob Wohlenberg was born near Hamburg, Germany, December 21, 1860. He came to America when he was 16 years old and worked for an uncle on a farm near Clinton, Iowa. Later he moved to Carroll and worked in Joyce Brothers’ lumberyard.

The company recognized his industry and skill, and when a branch yard was established at the pioneer town of Holstein, Mr. Wohlenberg was sent there to serve as manager. That was before the railroad had entered the community and there were only a few homes and business places in the village. Soon afterward William Reed started a bank in Holstein and young Wohlenberg worked in the bank in the daytime and did the lumberyard bookkeeping and supervising at night.

During these years in western Iowa, he kept in touch with a young lady whom he had met in Clinton, Miss Rosa Hass, and in early December, 1883, he secured a few days leave from his businesses and went back to Bryant and there, on the sixth of December, they were married.

The husband and wife then established their home at Holstein and spent more than fifty-nine years together in happy companionship. As the years passed, they became the parents of three children: Erma who is now Mrs. E. Gordon Fox of Chicago; a pair of twins, Norene who is now Mrs. C. H. Crowe of Clarion, and Carl C. Wohlenberg of Chicago.

As the community of Holstein grew Mr. Wohlenberg gave his complete attention to the bank and worked faithfully year after year until he became president, his son Carl serving as vice president. His business ability and his sterling personal qualities were recognized beyond the community too. He became president of Cushing Savings Bank and Merchants State Bank of Correctionville. He was appointed a member of Governor Hammill’s first state banking board. He served as president of the Iowa Bankers Association and was a member of the executive council of American Bankers Association. These duties outside the community did not prevent his taking an active part in Holstein affairs; for he service many years as trustee of the school district and was frequently the president of the board.

Early in his life he became interested in Free Masonry and he was one of the founders of the lodge at Holstein. In that lodge he served in every station and was elected Master several time. He also became a member of every possible Masonic branch, including the Eastern Star and the White Shrine, and he served as Grand Treasurer of the Blue Lodge. It was an inspiring occasion in western Iowa Masonry when, with his wife serving as Worthy Matron, he presided as Worth Patron of the Star and initiated his children.

In Germany Mr. Wohlenberg had been reared in the Lutheran church, in fact, his two brothers were Lutheran ministers. Upon coming to Iowa however, he became affiliated with the Methodist church, and there was no doubt about his Christian loyalty. In the early days when ordained ministers were scarce, he often preached in the Holstein church and frequently conducted funeral services and after resident ministers could be obtained, he assisted in the choir and in all the work of the church.

Mr. Wohlenberg’s patriotic interest was always apparent. He loved his adopted country and gave it his best. During the last war he was president of the Red Cross and a leader in Liberty Bond drives and every other patriotic activity. In the present war he regretted that he was no longer able to serve as he wished he could and he often said that he longed to live to see the time when peace would come again.

That wish was not to be granted, however; for advancing age brought ailments from which there could be no relief; and he passed away Monday, Mar. 29, in Chicago. He leaves he widow, his three children: Mrs. E. Gordon Fox of Chicago, Mrs. C. H. Crowe of Clarion and Carl C. Wohlenberg of Chicago. He is also survived by Rev. Christoph Wohlenberg and Louisa and Ida Wohlenberg of Hamburg, Germany.

He also leaves behind his tangible values that have blessed and that will bless the world—the memory of a sterling character, the effect of a devoted Christian life, and a friendly touch upon hundreds of men and women who associated with him in business and social life during three decades of generous community service.

He became so vitally interested in one of Iowa’s rich communities that he always thought of Holstein as his home. Even though his summers were spent at Lake Okoboji and much of the winter in Chicago. Holstein was always his place of residence. He loved his neighbors, the men and women he had served through many decades and they loved him in return. –Contributed.

The Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
Thursday, April 8, 1943