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Franklin Benjamin Gruetzamcher

1867 - 1938

 

Final Rites Held Today For Pioneer Businessman

Frank Gruetzmacher Died At His Home Here Monday Morning

Had Been In Business Longer Than Any Other Klemme Man

Frank Gruetzmacher, pioneer businessman of Klemme, died at his home here Monday morning after an illness extending over several months.

Mr. Gruetzamcher had been in business continuously longer than any other Klemme resident. He was a pioneer in the business of Klemme and took an active interest in the welfare of the town during the many past years.

Funeral services were held this Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist Church, conducted by Dr. Wm. Zabilka. Burial was made in the family lot at the Klemme Cemetery. Pall bearers were E. H. Patet, Erick Josten, Otto Pringnitz, E. J. Arnold, E. J. Schneider and Tom Nelson.

Franklin Benjamin Gruetzamcher was born November 4th, 1867 on a farm near Columbus, Wisconsin, the youngest of a family of six sons born to his parents, Christopher Greutzmacher and wife. Here on the farm he spent his boyhood years and attended the rural schools.

At the age of 23 years he moved to Liberty township, Hancock county, Iowa, where he farmed for two years. Then he moved to the town of Klemme where he opened up a shoe store and harness shop, which he operated until his death, a period of 46 years. Every business place in Klemme has changed hands or started new since his coming.

Mr. Gruetzmacher was a public spirited man and was always a booster for the town. He helped plan and build our water works system, sewer system, park, churches, school and our pavement. He was never too busy to give of his time for the good of the community. He was mayor of Klemme for many terms, and has been Justice of the Peace almost from the beginning of the Town.

He was a member of the Methodist Church and for half a century was a member of its official board.

In 1893 Frank Gruetzmacher and Elizabeth Stille were married and commenced housekeeping in Klemme. To this union four children were born. Two died in infancy and two survive.

Mr. Gruetzmacher was always in good health, until a few years ago when it was discovered that he had cancer of the lung. The end came Monday morning, May 16th.

He reached the age of 70 years, 6 months and 12 days.

He leaves besides his wife: two children; Harold Gruetzmacher, Carroll, Iowa, Glenna Gruetzmacher, Winthrop, Iowa; two grandchildren: Roger Franklin and James Harold Gruetzmacher. One brother, Charles Gruetzmacher, Minneapolis, Minn.; and many more distant relatives and friends - obituary courtesy Wellemeyer Funeral Service.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 18 May 1938, page 1, column 1

 

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