Wegenhoft, Amalia Louisa Charlotte (Obenhaus)

Mrs. J. Wegenhoft, Lifetime Local Resident Dies

Funeral services were held yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon for Mrs. Mollie Louise Obenhaus Wegenhoft, 89, who died in Columbus hospital Tuesday after a short illness.

Mrs. Wegenhoft was born in Columbus and spent her entire life here. Daughter of Julius and Louise Boedecker Obenhaus, her birth date was Dec. 8, 1875. Her husband, John Franklin Wegenhoft, once sheriff of Colorado County, died many years ago. Mrs. Wegenhoft was a member of the Methodist church.

Services were held in Columbus Funeral home with Revs. J. Wesley Jones and Logan Cummings officiating. Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery.

She is survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. K. L. Safstrom of Chicago, Ill, Mrs. George Daab of Houston and Mrs. Vera Jewel Albright of Columbus and 5 sons, Ford, Roy, Lavo, Oliver and John all of Columbus.

Grandchildren surviving are Capt. Ford George Daab of Fort Bragg, N.C., Peggy Daab of Houston, Tommy Albright of Columbus, Mrs. Reginald Taylor of Sealy, Roy William Wegenhoft of Houston, Mrs. James Ross Leonard of Johnson City, Travis and Kenneth Wegenhoft of Columbus, Miss Betty Jean Campbell of Sophia Newcomb college, New Orleans and Candy Wegenhoft of Columbus. Mrs. Wegenhoft also leaves 9 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters, Mrs. R. F. Miles of Houston and Mrs. Henry Scheller of Glidden also survive.

Pallbearers were Harvey Westerholm of Livingston and Hollis Massey, Hugh Wilson, W. H. Miekow, Ralph Meadows and Reginald Taylor all of Columbus.

Colorado County Citizen, August 5, 1965
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Wegenhoft, Augusta F. (Wolters)

Mrs. Augusta Wegenhoft

The death of Mrs. Augusta Wegenhoft occurred at her residence in the city last Sunday morning at about five o’clock. Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church at noon Monday. Rev. W. A. Flachmeier officiating, and the remains laid to rest in Miller’s Creek Cemetery, about thirteen miles west of here.

Mrs. Wegenhoft was one of the oldest residents of this city, and a highly respected citizen. She was 85 years of age.

She was preceded to the grave by her husband some eleven years ago, and is survived by seven children, John, Charles and Adolph Wegenhoft, Mrs. Amelia Miller and Mrs. Elisa Miller of Houston, Mrs. Augusta Gloger of Kerrville and Mrs. Julia Little of Garwood, and a number of grandchildren, to all of whom our sympathy is extended.

Colorado County Citizen, January 8, 1931

Wegenhoft, Dorothy Elizabeth (Mrazek)

Wegenhoft

Funeral services were held for Dorothy E. Wegenhoft Monday, June 13 from Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, with Rev. Robert Schlortt officiating.

Burial was at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus.

Mrs. Dorothy E. Wegenhoft was born May 7, 1929 in Holman, Texas to August Mrazek and Frieda Breithaupt Mrazek. She married Joe W. Wegenhoft August 3, 1946.

She worked in customer service for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company before retiring.

Mrs. Wegenhoft was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and a member of V. F. V. Ladies Auxiliary in Columbus.

Survivors include her husband, Joe W. Wegenhoft of Columbus; her mother, Frieda Mrazek of Weimar; sons, Billy Wegenhoft of Prattville, Alabama and Joe Bob Wegenhoft of Columbus; brothers, Lonnie Mrazek of Boling and Leon Mrazek of Kingsbury, Texas; and three grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Clarence Fowler, Harold Hohlt, Bruce Bruce Kunz, Leonard Kunz, Edgar Miksch and Herbert Nienstedt.

Colorado County Citizen, June 16, 1988, page 2

Wegenhoft, Jesse C.

We regretted very deeply to learn of the death of our friend, Mr. Jesse Wegenhoft, which occurred at his home near Rock Island last Saturday, after a brief illness. Mr. W. was a fine young man, liked by all who knew him, and his untimely death is sincerely deplored. A suitable notice of his death was received by the Mercury Thursday, but to late for this issue--same will appear next week. [Interment in Columbus Odd Fellows Rest]

Weimar Mercury, March 2, 1907

Mr. Jesse C. Wegenhoft died at his home near Rock Island Feb. 23, 1907. He was born in this county, near Columbus, Oct. 31, 1870, living here all his life and always having been a loyal citizen. He was a boy who made friends wherever he met people.

Jesse wooed and won the heart of Miss Susie Bridge, and married her the 25th day of December, 1894. From this happy union four children were born--two girls and two boys. Ora, the first, Sadie, the second, Oscar, the third, and Jesse (the father’s namesake) the fourth and last.

It seems that God knew that Jesse would be the last, as they named this child after the father.

Deceased had many friends, and was strictly a man of his word; was always happy amongst relatives and friends, but happiest with his wife and little ones around him.

Never would he refuse to give a warm hand to a friend or stranger in distress. Jesse leaves a wife, four children, a father, mother, four sisters and four brothers, who with his friends, mourn his loss, for we all miss Jesse and pray him to prepare a place for us.

We miss you, yes, we miss you--
For when we saw your eyes
There was a light of friendship
Like stars shining in the skies.

So now you are an Angel--
You’ve gone to show the way
For friends who’ll follow after
To meet you some sweet day.

You are there with your God,
And we know you will pray
All of us to meet you
On that Celestial day.

We gaze up at the stars and moon
Upon a cloudless night,
We try to look upon the sun,
But ‘tis too strong a light.

God gave the sun to light the day,
And it lights it well,
We do not have to look at it
Our passage way to tell.

The moon and stars He gave for night,
If dark clouds do not hide,
By the moon and stars we can find
Just where we all abide.

But now and then there is a cloud
Which darkens e’en the sun,
And makes the moon and stars look black
To each and every one.

That cloud is the cloud of Death,
Which all mankind must see.
Though it causes sorrow, it gives
Sweet “immortality.”

Which brightens every dark spot
And fills each soul with love--
For God has promised us a home
In Heaven, with Him, above.

So when we’ve done our part on earth
And are placed beneath the sod
We have finished our work with man
Our souls shall dwell with God.

Jesse we pray that you may rest
As you did at your mother’s breast.
Though your flesh sleeps ‘neath the sod,
May your soul rest rest with its God.
A Friend.

Weimar Mercury, March 9, 1907

38-YEAR OLD REMAINS REMOVED FROM MILLER'S CREEK TO ROCK ISLAND

The remains of Mr. Jesse Wegenhoft, who was buried in the Miller's Creek Cemetery 38 years ago, were up and removed last Friday to the cemetery at Rock Islands. They were placed beside those of his wife, Mrs. Susie Wegenhoft, who died about three weeks ago. [Actually both Jesse and Susie are buried in Columbus Odd Fellows' Rest.]

Mr. and Mrs. Wegenhoft formerly lived In New Bielau, on what is now the Charley Otto place.

Weimar Mercury, October 3, 1941, page 1

Wegenhoft, Joe Wesley

Wegenhoft

Joe Wesley Wegenhoft, 92, a lifetime resident of Colorado County, died at the hospital in Columbus on March 4, 2005.

Mr. Wegenhoft was born into a family of ranchers on September 21, 1912, at the Oak Grove community in western Colorado County. He had two older sisters, Ruby, then five, and Willie Lee, three. On November 9, 1917, when Mr. Wegenhoft was five years old, his father, Will Wegenhoft, died, leaving his widow, the former Josie Fannie Simpson, to raise their three children.

The family moved to Rock Island, where they lived for two years, and then to Columbus. When he was about ten years old, to help his mother support the family, Mr. Wegenhoft took a job at a Columbus dairy. He reported to work every morning at four a.m., milked cows until eight o'clock, went to school, then returned to the dairy to milk the cows again in the late afternoon. In the 1930s, he worked for an ice company in Columbus.

This early experience set the pattern for Mr. Wegenhoft's life. He worked at many jobs and was always practical, frugal, and self-reliant. He was kind-hearted, content, and opened up his home to many others throughout his entire life.
He was a veteran of World War II, joining the U. S. Army Air Force one week before his thirtieth birthday. He served in the European Theater in ground support for B-17 bombers for more than two years, winning twelve battle stars and other decorations. He was discharged on September 8, 1945. He returned to Colorado County, running a dragline for Horton & Horton Gravel Company.

For several years beginning in 1954, he and his wife owned and operated Joe's Cafe and Service Station two miles east of Columbus. Later, he had a grocery store and gas station at Highway 90 and FM 949. In the early 1960s, he opened a small grocery store and post office in Glidden. He retired in 1976. For about ten years after his retirement, he drove a bus for the Columbus Independent School District.

He married Dorothy Mrazek on August 3, 1946, when she was 17 and he was 34. The couple had two sons. His wife, who died 17 years ago, his parents, and his sisters, Ruby Tolbirt and Willie Lee Hastedt, preceded Mr. Wegenhoft in death.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law William David and Ruth Wegenhoft of Altus, Oklahoma, and Joe Robert and Tracey Wegenhoft of Columbus. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Jennifer Smothermon and Katy Merritt, who with their husbands Kevin Smothermon and Chris Merritt, all live in Abilene, Texas, and by two grandsons, Tray Wegenhoft and Jake Wegenhoft of Columbus.

His funeral was conducted by Rev. John Hunsicker at Henneke Funeral Home on March 7. He was buried at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus. Pallbearers were William D. Wegenhoft, Joe R. Wegenhoft, Tray Wegenhoft, Jake Wegenhoft, Kevin Smothermon, and Chris Merritt. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in his honor to the charity of your choice.

Colorado County Citizen, March 9, 2005
Courtesy of The Citizen

Wegenhoft, John Sr.

DEATH OF JOHN WEGENHOFT, Sr., MONDAY

Old-Time Citizen of This Section Passes Unto His Reward at Home of Son in Columbus.

News was received here Monday afternoon of the death of Mr. John Wegenhoft, Sr., which occurred at the home of his son, Sheriff John Wegenhoft, at Columbus. Mr. Wegenhoft had been in ill health for a number of years, but rallied from time to time, and if we mistake not was able to visit with friends in Weimar only a few days ago. However, old age and failing health had their way, and the spirit of this old-time pioneer succumbed to the inevitable. The funeral took place Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock at the Miller Creek Cemetery, a few miles southeast of this city, a number of our citizens attending same.

Mr. Wegenhoft was truly one of the pioneers of Colorado county. He came to this section many, many years ago, and the writer can remember seeing him upon his frequent visits to Colmubus, the county capita!, over forty years ago. He had lived in the Oak Grove community for a very long time, and only, recently sold the old home place, on account of old age and failing health, and moved to Columbus. Mr. Wegenhoft was, one of our county's most upright citizens, honored and loved. by all who know him. During a life-long acquaintance with this most estimable citizen, we never heard an ill word spoken of him. He was honest, true and sincere, a model citizen, and one in whom all had confidence. He and his good wife raised a large family of children, and they have turned out to be good, highly respected citizens, a credit to their parents and their country. To one and all the Mercury tenders Its heartfelt sympathy in their dark hour of bereavement.

Weimar Mercury, November 21, 1919, page 1

Wegenhoft, John Franklin

Former Sheriff Dies At Home On Thanksgiving

John F. Wegenhoft, life-long resident of Colorado County, died at his home in Columbus on Thanksgiving Day after a long illness.

He was buried on last Friday afternoon from the Columbus Funeral Home. [Interment in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery, Columbus]

He was born April 30, 1873 and on Dec. 4, 1895 married Mollie Louise Obenhaus. He served in a number of public offices becoming sheriff of Colorado county in 1918.

Survivors include his wife, three daughters, Mrs. Esther Safestrom of Wheaton, Ill, Mrs. Lavine Daab of San Antonio and Mrs. Vera Jewel Albright of Houston. Five sons, Roy of Houston and Ford, Lavo, Oliver and John of Columbus. Three sisters and one brother also survive.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family in their sorrow.

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 5, 1947

 J. F. Wegenhoft, Former County Sheriff, Dies

Funeral services for John F. Wegenhoft, life-long resident who served as Colorado county's sheriff from 1918-22, were held at the .....  Mr. Wegenhoft, 74, died at his home here Thanksgiving day after a lengthy illness.  The retired cattleman was born April 30, 1873, the son of John and Augusta Wolters Wegenhoft and had lived all his life in this vicinity.  On Dec. 4, 1895, he was married to Mollie Louise Obenhaus.  Serving as constable at Rock Island in the early part of the century, he came to Columbus in 1911 as chief deputy sheriff under former Sheriff E. B. Mayes, becoming sheriff in 1918.  He was christened in childhood in the Lutheran church.  Survivors include his wife,  Mrs. Molly Louise Wegenhoft; three daughters, Mrs. Esther Safstrom of Wheaton, Ill., Mrs. Lavine Daab of San Antonio and Mrs. Vera Jewel Albright of Houston; five sons, Roy Wegenhoft of Houston and Ford, Lavo, Oliver and John of Columbus.  Also, three sisters, Mrs. Alicia Miller of Houston, Mrs. Julia Little of El Campo and Mrs. Augusta Gloger of Kingsville; one brother, Charles Wegenhoft of Columbus.  He was preceded in death by an infant son, Leon; one sister and three brothers.  Burial was in the Odd Fellows Rest cemetery.  Pallbearers were Oscar Wegenhoft of Garwood, Jesse and Joe Wesley Wegenhoft of Columbus, Owen Miller of Glidden, and Dr. A. L. Miller and Geo. Miller of Houston, all nephews.  Among out-of-town relatives and friends here for the services were Mrs. H. R. Gilmore, Mrs. W. H. Sellers, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Miller, Mrs. Alicia Miller, Mr. and Mrs. George J. Miller, II, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Miller, Jr., Mrs. Lola Soule, Mrs. C. P. Sledge, Mrs. Herbert Vulkna, Mr. and Mrs. Theo Coley and Mrs Julia Miles, all of Houston; Mrs. Augusta Gloger, Kingsville; Mrs. Julia Little, El Campo; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Frazee, San Antonio; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Wegenhoft, Garwood; Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Milentz, Liberty; Mrs. Ned Bussey, Daisetta, and Miss Ethel Mills of Houston and her father of Bryan.

The Colorado County Citizen, December 4, 1947
Submitted by David Hahn

Wegenhoft, Lorena (Keesee)

Wegenhoft

Lorena Wegenhoft, 97 years, passed away at Columbus Nursing and Rehab Nov. 19.

Wegenhoft was born in Poteet, Mo. on Dec. 14, 1906 to William and Georgia Keesee. She was united in marriage to Jesse Wegenhoft on Sept. 1, 1925. She and Mattie Rutta opened the first flower shop in Columbus and the surrounding area in the mid 1940s. Shortly thereafter, Wegenhoft purchased Mrs. Rutta's share and operated the shop until the mid 1960s.

Mrs. Wegenhoft had been a long time member of the First Baptist Church and was the oldest member at the time of her death. She was a member of the Dorcus Sunday school Class, WMU and the Baptist Night Circle. She was a devoted member of the church, and donated much of her time and skill with flowers. She provided the altar flowers every Sunday for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers; a sister; her parents; and grandson, Wayne (Pokey) Mangum.

She is survived by her daughters Martha "Potsy" Mangum and Carolyn DeWitt; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren and three sisters, Claudia Awbrey, Harriet Sipper and Louise Wildberger.

Funeral services were conducted Nov. 23, at First Baptist Church in Columbus. Interment followed at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery with the Rev. Sammy Carr officiating.

Pallbearers were, Owen A. Miller, Bill Wegenhoft, Mike Mangum, Tom DeWitt III, James J. DeWitt and Brad Binder.

Colorado County Citizen, November 24, 2004
Courtesy of The Citizen

Wegenhoft, Luella (Burttschell)

Mrs. Luella Wegenhoft, wife of Adolph Wegenhoft of Rock Island died in Columbus Saturday morning after an illness of six days. She was rushed to the Columbus hospital Friday afternoon and immediately underwent a very serious operation. She rallied following the operation but became rapidly worse Saturday morning when death came at 9 a. m.

She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Antone Burttschell (her father having preceded her to the grave several years ago) of Mentz having been born and reared in Colorado County. She was 38 years of age and had lived in Rock Island all her married life. She was a very loveable woman noted for her sweet and sunny disposition and her passing is a great shock to the entire community. She leaves a heart-broken husband, a mother, five sisters, Mrs. W. J. Embrock of San Antonio, Mrs. Henry Volletsen of Deering, N. D., Mrs. Wm. Kotzebue and Mrs. A. A. Miller of Columbus and Mrs. M. H. Braden of San Antonio, and one brother, Mr. L. H. Burttschell, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins and legions of friends to mourn her passing.

Funeral services were held at the Catholic church in Columbus at 4:00 p.m. Father Park officiating and interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery. The active pall bearers were her nephews, Ford and Roy Wegenhoft and Leslie Kotzebue of Columbus, Owen Miller and Oscar Wegenhoft of Rock Island and Monroe Engbrock of San Antonio. Honorary pall bearers were H. Braden, Felix Fehrenkamp, H. Buescher of Columbus, M. I. Nicewander, Roy Wright and R. H. Kolb of Rock Island and J. W. Braden of Mentz and the Rock Island Embroidery Club, Mesdames W. Roy Wright, R. E. Maze, O. Miller, M. I. Nicewander, Oscar Wegenhoft and Miss Alma Moore.

A beautiful floral offering covered the entire grave.

Colorado County Citizen, February 7, 1929
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Wegenhoft, Mary Lula (Whittington)

The many friends of Mrs. Chas. Wagenhoft [sic.] will regret to learn of her death which occurred in Houston Wednesday morning. Her remains were brought to Weimar and interred in the family burying ground Thursday afternoon. She is survived by her husband and little daughter, Virginia. The bereaved ones have our sincere sympathy.

Schulenburg Sticker, 25 July 1913
Contributed by Matt Cross

Card of Thanks

In the midst of our sorrow we desire to exend heartfelt thanks to numerous friends both at Weimar and Houston for the hundreds of kindnesses shown us during the illness and funeral of our beloved one, Mrs. Lula Wittington Wegenhoft. God alone knows the sorrows and trials we have endured, but these were lightened so greatly by the kindness of these friends, who never sseemed to tire in their ministrations for our comfort. God bless you for it, and may He spare you froma similar affliction is the sincere prayer of
Chas. Wegenhoft,
Mrs. V. A. Whittington,
Mrs. Sallie Wall,
Will Whittington.
[Interment in Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, August 8, 1913, page 1

Personal Pointers

Mrs. Sallie Wall, Mrs. Grace Willeford, J. W. Whittington and wife, son-in-law and daughter, of Yoakum, and a number of others whose names we failed to learn, were called here Thursday last to attend the funeral of Mrs. Chas. Wegenhoft )(nee Lula Whittington).

Weimar Mercury, August 8, 1913, page 4

Additional Personals

John Wegenhoft, Sr., and wife and Will Wegenhoft and wife of Oak Grove; John Wegenhoft of Columbus, Adolf Wegenhoft and wife of Rock Island, and possibly others were here Thursday last to attend the funeral of their relative, Mrs. Lula Whittington Wegenhoft.

Weimar Mercury, August 8, 1913, page 8

Wegenhoft, Nora (Adams)

Funeral services for Mrs. Nora Adams Wegenhoft, 77, were held Thursday, October 17 at the Henneke Funeral' Home in Columbus with the Rev. Joe Stuller of Schertz officiating. Burial followed in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.

Mrs. Wegenhoft passed away on October 15 at the Guadalupe Valley Hospital in Seguin.

Mrs. Wegenhoft was born on September 29, 1908 in Somerville to Jim and Lou Adams. She was a 1938 graduate of Southwest Texas University.

On May 25, 1928 she and William Lavo Wegenhoft were married. Mrs. Wegenhoft was a teacher in Leesville for one year and for one year at the Ramsey School in Ramsey. She taught art in Hull Daisetta for two years. For four years Mrs. Wegenhoft and her husband owned and operated the Columbus Cafe. Later she was the bookkeeper for Harbert's Garage and then was cashier for the Columbus State Bank.

The next fourteen years Mrs. Wegenhoft taught art and English in Sheridan High School, Columbus High School and Flatonia High School. Mrs. Wegenhoft retired from teaching in 1963.

Mrs. Wegenhoft was an active member for many years of the National Council of Teachers of English, National Association of Journalism Directors and Texas Fine Arts Association. She was one of the founders of the Columbus Art Club.

Mrs. Wegenhoft lived with her husband, Lavo, until his death in 1978. She lived the last seven years of her life in Schertz.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Yvonne Leonard of Schertz; three sisters, Mrs. Ted Johnson of Pecos, Mrs. Zilma Gilmore of Alvin and Mrs. Howard Sellers of St. Louis, Missouri; three granddaughters, Mrs. Sharon Schuetz of Abilene, Mrs. Janice Fisher of Schertz and Miss Teresa Leonard of San Antonio; three great grandchildren, Charles Ross Schuetz of Abilene, Vanessa Grace Fox and James Fox of Schertz,

Colorado County Citizen, October 24, 1985

Wegenhoft, Oliver Adolph

Wegenhoft

Funeral services for Oliver Wegenhoft of Columbus were held at the First Baptist Church in Columbus with the Rev, Raymond Cox officiating. Burial was in the Oddfellows Rest Cemetery, Columbus, under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home.

Mr. Wegenhoft was born September 20, 1908 in Rock Island. He was the son of John F. Wegenhoft and Mollie Obenhaus. On June 16, 1938, he married Helen Lichey He was a self-employed rancher.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Wegenhoft, two sons, Travis Wegenhoft of Eagle Lake, and Kenneth Wegenhoft of Baton Rouge, La.; one brother, John Wegenhoft, Columbus; and two sisters, Lavine Drab, Shreveport, La. and Vera Jewel Albright, Columbus. He is also survived by six grandchildren: John F., Anna, Randa, Travis, Mary Ann and Karen Ruth Wegenhoft.

Pallbearers were John Wegenhoft IV, Reggie Taylor, Roy William Wegenhoft, Robert Wayne Dunn, Eric Williamson, Franklin Tiechmann, Tom Albright, and Roy Menke. Honorary pallbearers were Owen Mehrens, C. H. Potter, Bob Potter, Charlie Kearney, Jim Kearney, C. V. Batot, Tommy Glithero, John Wagner, Frank Wendel, W. H. Harrison, Sr. and W. H. Harrison, Jr.

Colorado County Citizen, August 22, 1985

Wegenhoft, Will

DEATH OF MR. WILL WEGENHOFT

Prominent Man of This Section Succumbs, Following Severe Operation.

Reports from the bedside of Will Wegenhoft, who was taken to San Antonio Wednesday morning of last week to undergo a severe operation, were far from encouraging at, any time, and although many friends throughout this section hoped and prayed that this splendid young man would pull thru the Almighty Father willed it otherwise, and his spirit passed unto its Creator Friday morning. The body was prepared for burial and brought to Weimar that night. From here it was taken to his home near Oak Grove, where funeral services were held and the body committed to Mother Earth, in the Miller Creek Cemetery, [later moved to Odd Fellows Rest in Columbus] Rev. J. J. Mason, Methodist pastor, officiating. Members of the Columbus Camp of Woodmen, of which Mr. Wegenhoft had long been a member, acted as pall bearers. A large crowd of sympathizing relatives and friends from this city were present.

Wegenhoft a few weeks ago was attacked with typhoid fever. He had quite a siege of this insidious disease, but the game fight he put up conquered same, although it, left one of his lungs so badly abscessed that an operation was deemed imperative. He was taken to San Antonio Wednesday morning of last week for this purpose, and while the operation was skillfully performed, it was realized that in his weakened condition the chances for recovery were against him. His wonderful vitality sustained him to such a degree that hopes were held out almost to the last that he would pull through it. The change came at an early hour Saturday morning, when he lapsed into unconsciousness, and the end came quickly and surely.

William Wegenhoft was in his 42d year. A few years ago he was married to Miss Josie Simpson of the Hackberry community and the widow, three children--two daughters and a son--his aged parents, three brothers--John, Charley and Adolf--and four sisters--Mrs. Herman J. Miller, Mrs. George J. Miller, Mrs. E. A. Gloger and Miss Julia Wegenhoft--survive. He was a member of the Wood men of the World and Praetorian lodges.

Will Wegenhoft was a noble, good man. His life was clean, open and above board. Honest to a fault, he moved among his fellow men commanding their respect and esteem wherever he went. No man ever had a truer, more sincere friend. Gentle as a child, brave as a lion, treating every man fair and square, a devoted husband, son and father, he will indeed be missed by his family, relatives and a large circle of friends. God be with and comfort the bereaved family is the sincere wish of the Mercury.

Weimar Mercury, November 16, 1917, page 1