WILLIAM KLAPMEIER OBITUARY
GOOD CITIZEN PASSES AWAY: WILLIAM KLAPMEIER, PROMINENT FARMER AND BUSINESS MAN DIES MAY 11
In the death of William Klapmeier of Comfort, which occurred late Thursday night, May 11, Kanabec county lost one of its best citizens. His death resulted from a disease of the liver and spleen. He became ill about four weeks ago, but it was not until a few days before his death that the seriousness of his ailment was realized by relatives and friends.
Mr. Klapmeier was born in Buttendorf, Germany, November 28, 1863, and was 47 years, 5 months and 18 days of age. When 19 years of age, he decided to seek his fortune in a new country and in 1883 came to Grand Island, Nebraska, where he married Miss Louise Reitmeier the same year. Their married life had always been a happy one. Nine children came to bless them and the family knew no great sorrow until the Grim Reaper cvame and robbed them of a loving husband and father. Those who survive3 him are his widow, six sons and three daughters. The children are as follows: Sons; Henry, Herman, William, Fred, Edward and Elmer; daughters – Mrs. Louie Lilienthal and Mary and Martha, unmaried. He also leaves a brother and two sisters in Germany. On the day of his death, a letter arrived from Germany giving the news of his mother’s death a short time before. Mr. Klapmeier came to this country [Minnesota] from Nebraska fourteen years ago. He came here a poor man, purchased a farm and by hard work and good business judgment in the management of his farm and his other business ventures he prospered and leaves his family possessed of a beautiful farm of 320 acres along Spring brook a couple miles east of town.
Mr. Klapmeier was one of the county’s most prominent farmers. He was also engaged in the business of buying livestock and produce. During the past year he was associated with O. H. Harlan in the potato and produce business under the firm name of Harlan and Klapmeier. He was a man of sterling qualities who always had the confidence and respect of his business associates and friends. His death is a distinct loss to the community and his many friends and acquaintances feel that in his passing away a true, kind, honorable and upright man has gone to his reward.
The loss to the family is a great one as they who knew him best will miss him most. He was kind and affectionate in his family life and his taking away was a shock to the loved ones he leaves behind.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the German Lutheran church in this village. A large number were in attendance to pay their last respects to their departed friend and neighbor. Rev. R. Storm preached the funeral sermon and had charge of the services. The remains were interred in Oakwood cemetery.
Fred Helwig and J.H. Hokamp of Belden, Nebraska, brothers-in-law of the deceased and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lilienthal of Eagle Bend, Minnesota, attended the funeral. ...
