LESLIE (LES) R. THIELMAN

replace photo with Les’s headstone when completed

LESLIE (LES) RALPH THIELMAN 

DOB: December 12, 1932
Hammond, IN  

DOD: July, 3rd, 2020
At Home, Arlington Heights, IL 

 

 

 

Son of Walter L. Thielman and Paula M. (nee Kuhlman) Thielman

 

Brother To: Loren W. Thielman

 


CHICAGO HEIGHTS AIRPORT / GOVENOR’S AIR PARK / WINGS FIELD 

Les grew up on his father’s airports, first the Chicago Heights Airport and later Governor’s Air Park, Richton Heights, IL 

Chicago Heights Airport

Governor’s Air Park / Wings Field

 

As a young man he enjoyed fixing and racing stock cars in addition to helping at the airport when needed. He was taught to fly by his older brother “Loren” and his father “Walter” 

 

1953, At the age of 21 he enlisted in the US Army and served at Fort Sheridan Army Base and  studied Chemical Biological & Radiological Warfare Defense and Artillery Survey Specialist. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Expert Marksmanship Badge (M-1) He served in Battery 175 Field Artillery Battalion. 

Les ‘s is in the Amy Now

He also Married” Dollie Joanne Johnson 

Husband to: Dollie Joanne Johnson, Married  June 24, 1953

 

The Army Bridal Hut, Ft. Jackson, SC

Dad told a story about bring Dollie to the Bridal hut and they sent hours cleaning and sweeping it out and making it cozy, Dollie prepared dinner and for desert made a lemon meringue pie, After dinner they put the pie on top of the refrigerator and overnight the roaches ate all the meringue off the top of the pie.  ( it must have been love) 


 

Father To: Sherry L. (Larry) Gianneschi , Sandra Lee Thielman, Walter Scott Thielman 

In 1954 his first daughter came along: Sherry Lynn Thielman 

Followed by: Sandra Lee Thielman, 1956

And Last his son: Walter Scott Thielman, 1963

 

 

 

 

 


in 1959 at the age of 27,  He’s father “Walt” died of a massive heart attach and left his mother to run the airport on her own. Les joined his mother in managing Governor’s Air  park and later took over ownership and changed the name of the Airport to Wings Field. In addition he was a used equipment salesman for Midwest Industrial Properties, Chicago Heights, IL 

 

 

As a hobby he also built a Go-Cart track on the airports property and began building go-carts at home.

 

 

 

He also built his own airplane from the ground up in the family garage in Park Forest, IL . It was quite a sight to see the airplane with its wings alone side of it strapped to a trailer and towed to the airport in Richmond Park, IL . 

 

 


November 5,  1968 at the age of 36, he lost his wife and the mother of his children: Sherry, Sandy & Scott. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Husband to: Carol Frances Koehn/Broerjtes , Married August 1969

Got to love the smirk on Les’s face

in 1969 at the age of 37, he Remarried a second time to: Carol Frances Koehn/Broerjtes in August 1969 and became step-father to: Mark, Scott & Kent Broerjtes.

In 1969 after the wedding he moved the whole family, all six kids and his  new wife to Prospect Heights, IL and sold Wings Field to the Civil Air Patrol.

in 1969 He’s started his own used machinery business “Wings Machinery” in Wheeling, IL . at the same time he bought himself a Beechcraft “Staggerwing Beech” model D17 bi-plane. 

 

Model Airplane collection

 

 

 

Les also owned, Auctions Unlimited and was an auctioneer. He was an avid reader of Si-fi and mystery books, he collected coins, lead soldiers and vintage model airplanes 

 

 

 

In the early 1970’s Les built his own 1939 Roadster from the Ground up, It gave him pleasure for many years and remains in the family to this day.

 

 

As the years past, Carol and Les had many good years, many wonderful vacations and many happy holidays together. 

(Create slideshow of vacations & holidays ) 


 

For many years Les & Carol owned and operated “The Mole Hole” A exclusive gift shop in Glenview, IL and also in Florida 

(add photo of Glenview shop)

 


The kids all grew up and most got married and the grandchildren started coming, these are just a few photo’s of the grandchildren. Too many photos to show all of them, there are 15 grandchildren & 7 great-grandchildren in all. 

(create slideshow of grandchildren) 


In 2017 Les lost his 2nd wide Carol , mother of Mark, Scott & Kent Broerjtes and for the last 2.5 years he lived in his home with his step-son Mark. 



Obituary for Leslie Ralph Thielman

 

Leslie Ralph Thielman, 87, of Arlington Heights, IL passed away peacefully July 3, 2020 in his home.

He was born December 12, 1932 in Hammond, Indiana to Walter Louis and Paula Marguerite Thielman. As a teenager, Les was enrolled in a mechanic school and then worked in a mechanic’s shop. He enjoyed working on cars so much that he started building cars, racing cars and go-carts. Les later then served in the United States Army as a land surveyor and mechanic.

While working at his father’s airports, Chicago Heights Airport and Governors Air Park (Richton Park, IL), his passion for planes grew. He became a flight instructor, built full scale, and collected vintage model airplanes. Les took over the family owned airport after his father’s passing and changed its name to Wing’s Field. In June of 1953 he married Dollie Joanne Johnson and had 3 beautiful children: Sherry, Sandra, and Scott. After the passing of Dollie, Les married Carol Frances Koehn/Broertjes in August of 1969. Carol had 3 sons of her own, Mark, Scott and Kent making the family complete.

Les was a true businessman/entrepreneur. After a while, he sold the airport and took on new adventures. He was a used machinery salesman (Midwest Industrial Properties), used machinery business owner (Wings Machinery and Auctions Unlimited). He even dabbled in being an auctioneer and a co-owner of a specialty gift shop (The Mole Hole) before retiring to enjoy quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had many passions that he enjoyed in his spare time, reading sci-fi and mystery novels, collecting (coins and lead soldiers). Along with being a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Prospect Heights, the Lions Club of Prospect Heights, and participated in the Beecher Mausoleum National Landmark Restoration Project.

Les was an amazing, strong, and generous man who had a heart of gold. He loved being around friends and family and was always there to help someone when they were in need. He loved to entertain his grandchildren with Donald Duck impressions and singing old time songs that always made them laugh and smile.

Les is survived by his children, Sherry (Larry) Gianneschi, Sandra Lee Thielman, and W. Scott Thielman and Stepson Mark Broerjtes; 15 grandchildren: Justin, Ryan, Shane, Brandon and Marisa Broertjes; Larry, Nick and Amanda Gianneschi; Christina Lee; Samantha, Stacey, Michael, Jacqueline, Alex and Steven Thielman; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler, Layla, Kain, Rocco and Gianna Broertjes; Aryanna and L.J. Gianneschi. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Paula Thielman; a brother, Loren Thielman; his wives: Dollie J. Thielman and Carol F. Thielman; stepsons, Scott and Kent Broertjes.

Les will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. A service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 304 W. Palatine Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070.

Memorials: Memorial may be made at: Hack-Jensen Funeral Home, Beecher, IL. https://www.hackfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Leslie-Thielman/ or at the Beecher Mausoleum www.beechermausoluem.org/Les.R.Thielman


  FINAL FLIGHT 

 LESLIE RALPH THIELMAN

December 12th, 1932

 July 3rd, 2020

1939 Staggerwing Beechcraft D17S

 

N236E, November 236 Echo, you are cleared for final take off. Destination – the pearly gates of heaven. Winds are calm, weather is good. Your final pre-flight check list is complete! All systems are go! Look Dad, do you see them? The little BOX family with all the kids are out again on the side of the runway to watch you take off one more time.

As if on an angel’s wing, you left this earthly plain for the last time as you soar through the clouds with aerobatic loops, rolls and spins and practicing your favorite trick with nose up and nose down maneuvers, you float your Zippo thru the air from the dashboard into your shirt pocket, Bravo Dad. Do it again please. Simply enjoying yourself just like you have done so many times before. Fly high Daddy, higher still. I know you can do it! Heaven waits for you now.

As you prepare for landing, your final checklist is complete.

Do you hear the band Dad? They are playing a few of the songs you loved, The Preacher and the Bear, The Darktown Poker Club, Deck of Cards and the 3 little fishes in the itty-bitty pool to name just a few. 

While all of those you once loved stand at the gate waiting for you to land. Look Dad, Your Grandparents are there, your Mom & Dad, your bother Shorty too. Your two beautiful wives are waiting to take your arm again. Scott & Kent are there. Look Dad, more are coming, all your family’s ties are there, The Kuhlmans, Bielfeldts, Thielmans, Johnsons, Stennings and Koehns too. Dad, do you see them?  There’s Shep, Bingo, Big Saam & Sheba, Kim, Dusty, Lucy and Gretel just to name a few, they have all come from across the rainbow bridge to play with you again.

While here on earth, those you left behind wept at your departure as we watched you fly into the clouds for the final time.

We will miss you everyday Dad.

We know our own flights to heaven are scheduled for another day

 So, Wait for us Dad.

Soon we will join you and we can all be together once more.

This is how I wish to remember your last day on earth Dad. I hope Heaven has wonderful Airports, Racetracks and Go-cart tracks waiting for you to play on.

Love you to the Moon and Back!!! Your Loving Daughter

and Daddy’s little girl.

              Sandra Lee 

                Thielman

 

 

 

In Loving Memory 

Editors note:  When  was little I could not say foxes. So every time I asked dad to take me out to see the foxes it came out BOXES. You could only see them when you taxied an airplane down the runway. Otherwise they would always hide. Kits are baby foxes, but again I called them KIDS. 

 


Up, Up and away on angels wings to Heaven’s gate you Soared : July 3rd, 2020

                      At Dad’s Funeral we had the honor of the US. Military Honor Guard and a few pilots for Galt Field honored Les with a fly over. We are very Honored to have loved such a great man. 


We will miss our Father very, very much, it is very hard to say Good-Bye, So I’ll just close in saying “Till we meet again Mom’s & Daddy” 

Les is preceded in death by his Parents: Walter & Paula Thielman, his Brother: Loren Thielman, his Grandparents: Henry & Minnie Thielman,  his Wife: Dollie Joanne Thielman, his second Wife: Carol Frances Thielman, his Step-sons: Kent Broertjes and Scott Broerjtes

Other family members resting in the mausoleum are: 

 

Wife: Dollie Joanne (Johnson) Thielman 
2nd Wife: Carol Frances Koehn/Broerjtes Thielman 
(a small portion of Carol’s ashes are entombed with Les
Father & Mother : Walter L. Thielman & Paula  M. (Kuhlman) Thielman
Brother:    Loren Walter Thielman
Grandparents: Henry F. Thielman & Minnie (Bielfeldt) Thielman

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

(Editor’s note): If you have not guessed, this is my father. This man set me on my path to save and restore the Beecher Mausoleum 26 years ago. I didn’t think it was possible, but Dad gave me just enough time. This year 2020  I hope to complete the last of the restoration that I am capable of. I’m praying there is another out there to pick-up the project and see it into the next century. With a little care the Mausoleum is capable of standing for 100’s and 100’s of years into the future and continue to bury family members next to family for many more years.  With Pride and Love I hope to rest next to my parents and my family in the future myself. 

Sandra Lee Thielman 

 

 

 

 

DOROTHY B. SALLER

DOROTHY B. SALLER AND BABY SALLER

Age: 89 years, 1 month, 11 days

DOROTHY B. SALLER
(nee  BAHLMAN)

DOB: May 16, 1903
DOD: June 27, 1992

Only daughter of Charles H. and Minnie (Schweer) Bahlman

Wife of Herbert C. Saller, married Dec. 17, 1925, Chicago, IL
Mother to: Charlene Marilyn (Arthur Graham), Baby Saller,  Herbert F “Bud” (Melrose Rhode), William T. (Rosemary Teske) Saller


March 17, 1926 – Beecher Herald

“JUST MARRIED”

Herbert & Dorothy Saller - Just MarriedThe Fred W. Saller family received the surprise of their lives last week. Miss Lenore Saller brought home the mail from the post office, and in looking it over, she came to what looked like an invitation to some affair. She looked the envelope over, and on discovery, it was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Saller and daughters (not family) the son being omitted. And in a regularly sisterly manner she began to laugh, and called out: “Ha! Herb, see, you are not invited!” Then she went on reading and in a twinkling of an eye, the sisterly giggle stopped, as she digested the contents, which read something like this: Mrs. Charles H.  Bahlman invites you to attend a marriage reception to be given at my home, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Saller, who were married on December 17, 1925. After Miss Lenore recovered her equilibrium, she passed the “surprise” invitation over to her mother, and then the father. They looked at the invitation – then at Herbie – and Herbie fessed up. He and Miss Dorothy Bahlman of Beecher hid themselves away one cold December day, and were quietly made man and wife – and it was no one’s dumb business.

Well, all there is to it, although Herbie delayed divulging his little secret for almost one-half a year, we with a host of relatives and friends, join in wishing him and his charming little bride many years of happiness and prosperity.

I wish I was there, don’t you?


December 4, 1969 – Beecher Herald

Mrs. Saller Robbed Tuesday Night

Mrs. Saller RobbedMrs. Dorothy Saller was robbed about midnight Tuesday as she checked out the day’s receipts at the Bahlman Gas Station. According to Mrs. Saller, she and Mrs. Rose Muehsler and Mrs. Myrtle Scheiman were on the way home from a Women’s Welfare meeting when they stopped at the station.

Women's Welfare Club

Women’s Welfare Club

 

 

 

 

 

As Mrs. Saller came out of the station, two colored men stopped her, took the money bag and ran to the rear of the station. They jumped in a car, went west at a high rate of speed, turning south on Catalpa Street.

The day’s receipts and records were in the money bag and she has no idea of the amount taken.

Mrs. Saller thought one man had something in his right hand but she did not see it too clearly in the dark and could not say it was a gun. They didn’t touch her, just grabbed the bag and ran.


July 1, 1992 – Beecher Herald

DOROTHY B. SALLER

Dorothy Saller obit - Beecher HeraldDorothy B. Saller of Beecher died June 27, 1992 at The Anchorage Nursing Home in Beecher.

She was born May 16, 1903, in Washington Township to Charles and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Schweer) Bahlman.

Mrs. Saller worked in the family oil business from 1925 until 1985. She became owner of the business in 1960.

She was a member of the Zion Dorcas Society, the Altrusa Club, and was a charter member and past president of the Women’s Welfare Club in Beecher. She also belonged to the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association and the Beecher Fire Department Auxiliary.

She is survived by two sons, Herbert “Bud” (Melrose) of Chicago Heights and William “Bill” (Rosemary) of Beecher; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert; and a daughter, Charlene Graham; an infant son; and a granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 1 at Zion Lutheran Church in Beecher with the Rev. Ken Lueke officiating. Interment will be in the Beecher Mausoleum.

Memorials to the Zion Lutheran Church in her name would be appreciated.

This information was published in the Beecher Herald, July 1, 1992, and supplied by the staff of the Beecher Community Library.


June 28, 1992 – The Star

DOROTHY B. SALLER

Dorothy Bahlman Saller.resizedDorothy B. Saller (nee Bahlman) a lifetime resident of Beecher, and owner and manager of Bahlman Oil Company, Beecher, died Saturday, June 27, at Anchorage Nursing Home, Beecher.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Beecher, with the Rev. Ken Lueke officiating. Entombment will be in Beecher Mausoleum.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Hack Funeral Home, Beecher.

The former Dorothy B. Bahlman was born May 16, 1903 in Washington Township, Beecher.

She was employed in the family business, Bahlman Oil, since 1925 and became owner in 1960 until 1985.

She was a member of Zion Dorcas Society, Altrusa Club of Chicago Heights, Beecher Fire Department Auxiliary, Illinois Petroleum Marketers Assn., and was a charter member and past president of Beecher Women’s Club.

She is survived by two sons, Herbert “Bud” of Chicago Heights and William of Beecher; nine grandchildren ; and 15 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Beecher.


Daughter & Son-in-law: Charlene M. (Saller) Graham & Aurhur Graham
Granddaughter: Nancy (Graham) Fenske
Father & Mother-in-law: Charles H. Bahlman & Sophia Minnie (Schweer) Bahlman
Uncle: William F. Bahlmann
Uncle & Aunt: John H. Bahlmann & Anna L. (Wehrmann) Bahlmann
Aunt: Lena Bahlman
Uncle & Aunt: Henry F. Bahlman & Emma (Wehmhoefer) Bahlman
Cousins: Lillian (Bahlman) Wegert & Dr. Henry H. Wegert
Cousins: Lora (Bahlman) Hinze & Arthur A. Hinze
Cousins: Henry W. Bahlman DDS & Marguerite (Toleson) Bahlman
Cousin: Carolyn M. Bahlman
Cousin: Donald W. Bahlman
Cousin: Ferne (Bahlman) Hildeman & William R. Hildeman

Other, more distant family include: Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening.

ARTHUR GRAHAM

Arthur Graham

Age: 77 years, 9 months, 12 days

ARTHUR GRAHAM

DOB: September 20, 1913
Beecher, Will County, IL, USA

DOD: July 2, 1991
Oak Forest, Cook County, IL, USA

 

Son of William S. and Ida (Leising) Graham

Brother to: Ruth E. (William C. Konow), Chester L., Lloyd E. (Gladys A. Erdman), William H. (Arlene Hopkins) and Martin Graham

Husband of Charlene Marilyn Saller, married November, 1945.
Father to: Susan Kay (Ronald L. Clausing), Charles Arthur (Susan G. unknown), Nancy (Jack Fenske) Graham.


November 22, 1945          “POPULAR COUPLE WED IN CHICAGO”

Graham-Saller Wed 1945

November 17, 1945

Miss Charlene Saller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Saller, and Mr. Arthur Graham, son of W.S. Graham, were united in marriage, Saturday afternoon, in a ceremony performed by Dr. Williamson, former pastor at Chicago Heights and of the Beecher Community Church, at the residence of the pastor in Chicago.
The bride was attired in gray with black accessories and carried a bouquet of mums and pom poms. The couple were attended by Miss Shirley Cooper, roommate of the bride, and Mr. Richard Hiatt.
Mr. Graham operates the Graham Service Station on the Dixie Highway, and his bride, a former student at the U. of Illinois, is at present employed in Chicago.


January 9, 1947   “ARTHUR GRAHAM APPOINTED TO TOWN COLLECTOR POST”

Graham Town Collector 1947The Town Board met, Monday morning, and appointed Arthur Graham to fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Gertrude (Hack) Haltenhoff as Town Collector.
Graham will serve until the election in 1949. Actually he will make the collections, if the books are available for the next three years.
Mrs. Haltenhoff resigned when she moved to Chicago, last summer.


August 26, 1948  “GRAHAM PREPARING SERIES OF HISTORICAL ARTICLES”

Village Trustee Graham, since the discovery of the historic marker, site of the old Hubbard Trail, now known as the Dixie Highway, has in process of preparation an article or perhaps a series of articles touching on this historic trail. This will also include the trail known as the Ox Trail, which was in use long before the survey was run for the present Dixie Highway and which passed through approximately 20 rods west of the present highway. This, on the north side of the village, would be between the residences of Dr. H.H. Hiatt and Wm. Wiggenhauser. It crossed Indiana Street at a point where the present Catalpa Street is located. The trail wound its way through the prairie to Vincennes, Ind.
This article or series will appear in the Herald as soon as sufficient data has been collected. Anyone having any information on this old Hubbard Trail is kindly requested to get in touch with Mr. Graham. He will be glad to receive it and use it if possible.
Graham is also contemplating another project, the complete history of Beecher, which would be a valuable work, and would probably be coveted by many local citizens.

Editor’s note: no historical articles written by Arthur have been found to date


Editor’s note: 1965  Art worked hard for the improvement of the Beecher Community. He donated his personal labor to help install the two tennis courts in 1965 and offered the use of his private family in-ground swimming pool to give the Beecher community’s children swimming lessons. The swimming lessons were taught by his two daughters, Nancy and Sue, along with Yvonne Squire.

Arthur Graham


AUTHUR GRAHAM

Art Graham Obit 1991Funeral services were held Saturday at Hack Chapel for Arthur Graham who died July 2, 1991, at Oak Forest Hospital in Oak Forest. The Rev. Kenneth Lueke officiated at the service. Entombment was at Beecher Mausoleum.

Arthur Graham was born Sept. 20, 1913, in Beecher. His parents were Ida (nee Leising) and William Graham. He was the owner operator of Graham Trucking for many years and served as trustee on the village board 20 years.

He is survived by one daughter, Susan Clausing, and one son Charles Graham, both of Beecher, eight grandchildren, and one brother, William Graham of Beecher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlene; daughter, Nancy; three brothers and one sister.


Arthur’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Charlene (Saller) Graham
Daughter: Nancy (Graham) Fenske
Father & Mother-in-law: Herbert C. Saller & Dorothy (Bahlman) Saller
Wife’s Grandparents: Charles H. Bahlman & Sophia M. (Schweer) Bahlman
Wife’s Great Uncle & Aunt: Henry F. Bahlman & Emma (Wehmhoefer) Bahlman
Wife’s Great Uncle & Aunt: John H. Bahlman & Anna L. (Wehrmann) Bahlman
Wife’s Great Aunt: Lena C. Bahlman
Wife’s Great Uncle: William F. Bahlman
Wife’s cousins 1x removed: Lillian (Bahlman) Wegert & Henry H. Wegert
Wife’s cousins 1x removed: Lora (Bahlman) Hinze & Arthur A. Hinze
Wife’s cousins 1x removed” Marguerite (Toleson) Bahlman & Henry W. Bahlman DDS
Wife’s cousin 1x removed: Carolyn M. Bahlman
Wife’s cousin 1x removed: Donald W. Bahlman
Wife’s cousins 1x removed: Ferne (Bahlman) Hildeman & William R. Hildeman

Other more distant family include: Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fick, Freerking, Frobose, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Wilkening,

MARY GERHARDT WEST

MARY GERHARDT WEST
(nee MARY STELLA COFFMAN)

DOB: February 27, 1896
Lacon, IL USA

DOD: July 25, 1989
Anitgo, WI USA

 

Daughter of James Plummer Coffman and Ella Priscilla (nee Gray) Coffman

Sister to: Emma Olive (Gardner R. Williams), John David (Lizie Ledbetter), James Plummer (Henrietta Beck), Ethal, Elsie, William Gray, Teresa (Marion H. Bennett) and Grace E. (unknown Shafer)  Coffman

Wife of William Paul Gerhardt, married Aug. 28, 1918 in Chicago, IL (age 22).
No children were born to this union.

After William Gerhardt’s death in 1954, Mary was married to Roy Foster West on December 16, 1961 (age 58), which is why her name is listed as Mary Gerhardt West.


 

MARY GERHARDT WEST

Mary Gerhardt West ObitFormer Beecher resident Mary Gerhardt West, 93, died July 25, 1989, at Eastview Manor nursing home in Antigo, Wisc.

Mrs. West was born Feb. 27, 1896, in Lacon, IL  to James and Ella Coffman.

A graduate of Illinois State University, she was formerly a school teacher in the Beecher area. She was a member of the Beecher PTA, Women’s Welfare Club, Hazel Chapter 390, Order of Eastern Star, and the Beecher Community Church.

Mrs. West is survived by a stepdaughter, Norma Jean (West) Wentland of Fence, Wisc. and a sister Grace Shafer of Lacon.

Her husband Paul Gerhardt, was a longtime superintendent of schools in Beecher. He died July 18, 1954. Her second husband Roy Foster West, died August 13, 1971. She was also preceded in death by four sisters and four brothers.

Services were conducted by Rev. Bill Beagle Saturday at the Hack Funeral Home. Entombment was in the Beecher Mausoleum.

Eatern-Star-quarter inch

The star on Mary’s headstone is the “Eastern Star”

 

(Editor’s note: What Mary’s obit does not tell us is that before William Paul’s death, Mary and Paul vacationed at a resort in Summitt Lake, Wisconsin. Mary continued to go back to Summitt Lake after William Paul’s death. Mary met and married her second husband, Roy Foster West, at Summit Lake. Roy West also died at Summitt Lake, WI and is buried next to his first wife, Frances Stevens West, in Delavan, Wisconsin, in Spring Grove Cemetery)


Mary’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:
Husband: William Paul Gerhardt

WILLIAM R. HILDEMAN

WILLIAM R. HILDEMAN

DOB: APRIL 18,1908
Chicago Heights, IL USA

DOD:  AUGUST 3, 1986, St. James Hospital Medical Center, Chicago Heights, IL USA

Son of William F. and Jane (Dennison) Hildeman

Brother to: Edward Thomas and Gene Frederick Hildeman

 


Ferne with her father on her wedding day.resizedFerne & Robert Hildeman Wedding DayHusband of Ferne (Bahlman) Hildeman,
married June 18, 1938, First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Heights, IL USA

Father to: Robert E. (Linda Lyon) and  Mary (Louis Bryant) Hildeman

Grandfather to: Dana Hildeman

 


Memorial rites for Hildeman set tomorrow

A World War II veteran, William R. Hildeman of Scottsdale, Arizona, died Sunday at St. James Hospital Medical Center.

SeaBees

 

 

 

 

1943 Through  1945 US Navy – Seabees – LT. Commander, UNIT CBMU 515

The Rev. Gordon Reif, pastor will conduct 1:30 p.m. memorial services tomorrow at First Presbyterian Church in Chicago Heights. Burial will be in the Beecher Mausoleum.

Mr. Hildeman was born April 18, 1906 in Chicago Heights and lived in the south suburbs until 1981. He was graduated in 1925 from Bloom High School and in 1930 from the University of Illinois, Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. ADVERTISEMENT

He was former owner of Hildeman Plumbing and Heating Company, Chicago Heights, which he took over after his father, William F. Hildeman, passed away.

 

 

He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Medina Temple.

 

He is survived by his wife, Ferne; one daughter, Mary Bryant of Poughkeepsie, NY, one son, Robert E. Hildeman of Boise, Idaho; one brother, Gene of Chicago Heights and one granddaughter.

 

 


William’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Ferne (Bahlman) Hildeman
Father & Mother-in-law: Henry F. Bahlman & Emma (Wehmhoefer) Bahlman
Sister-in-law & Husband: Lillian (Bahlman) Wegert and Dr. Henry H. Wegert
Sister-in-law & Husband: Lora (Bahlman) Hinze & Arthur A. Hinze
Brother-in-law & Wife: Henry W. Bahlman, DDS & Marguerite (Toleson) Bahlman
Sister-in-law: Carolyn M. Bahlman
Brother-in-law: Donarld W. Bahlman
Aunt of Wife: Lena Bahlman
Uncle & Aunt of Wife: John H. Bahlmann & Anna L. (Wehrmann) Bahlmann
Uncle of Wife: William F. Bahlmann
Uncle & Aunt of Wife: Charles H. Bahlman & Sophia “Minnie” (Schweer) Bahlman
Cousin of Wife: Dorothy (Bahlman) Saller & Herbert Saller
1st Cousin 1x removed of Wife: Baby Son Saller
1st Cousins 1x removed of Wife: Charlene M. (Saller) Graham & Arthur Graham
1st Cousins 2x removed of wife: Nancy (Graham) Fenske

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Wilkening,

ROSE W. DUNLAP

Rose W. Dunlap

Age: 89 years, 11 months, 21 days

ROSE W. DUNLAP
(nee HACK)

DOB: October 13, 1895
Washington Township, IL, USA

DOD: October 1, 1985
Munster, IN, USA

 

Only child of Charles J. and Alma (nee Schroeder) Hack

Wife of Asa James Dunlap, married July 12, 1919 (home wedding) Chicago Heights, IL

Mother to Rose E. (Carl F. Morganthaler)


 

DUNLAP, ROSE W.

Hammond Times October 6, 1985

ROSE W. DUNLAP, TIMES 10-6-1985Dunlap, Rose W. age 89, of Lansing, Illinois, passed away Friday October 4, 1985 at Community Hospital, Munster. Survivors; one daughter, Rose (Carl) Morgenthaler of Freemont, California; granddaughter, Sheri (Thomas) Cobble of Long Beach, California; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 8, at 11 a.m. from the Schroder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd, Lansing, with the Rev. Robert Blackburn officiating. Burial Beecher Cemetery, Beecher, Illinois. Visitation will be Monday 8 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m.

 

Eastern StarMrs. Dunlap was a charter member of Arcadia Chapter order of the Eastern Star #697 of Lansing which will hold services Monday evening at the funeral home.

 

 

 


Rose’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:
Husband: Asa James Dunlap
Father & Mother: Charles J. Hack & Anna D. (Schroeder-Schmaedeke) Hack
Uncle & Aunt: Herman Hack & Eva Friedricke Ruge Hack
Uncle & Aunt: Henry Hack & Mary W. Beilfeldt Hack 
Uncle & Aunt: William Haltenhof & Sophia Schmaedeke Haltenhof
Cousins: Arthur Hack & Ethel E. Wehmhoefer Hack
Cousins: Edmund C. Hack & Margareta B. Schwatz Hack

ETHEL HACK

ETHEL HACK (640x423)

Age: 80 years, 17 days

ETHEL HACK
(nee Wehmhoefer)

DOB: March 23, 1898
Beecher, IL USA

DOD: April 9, 1978, at the
Peotone-Bensenville Home

Daughter of Henry Conrad Wehmhoefer and Augusta Johanna (Wehling) Wehmhoefer

Sister to: Lawrence (Magnetta L. Kurth) , Harold G, and Howard (Marion L. Hinze) Wehmhoefer.

Wife of Arthur Hack, married January 1, 1920.

Mother of Geraldine A. Hack (Philip G. Imholz).

Grandmother of Thomas & Pamela Imholz.


Beecher Public School

Eighth grade graduating class,1913

Back row: Milford Ruge, Frank Hinze, Morris VanVoorhis,

Front Row: Amanda Rump, Ethel Wehmhoefer, Prof. Henry Liberty, Clara Wilke, Loraine Ehrhardt, Vera Stites.


January 8, 1920 – MATRIMONIAL :  HACK-WEHMHOEFER

Arthur & Ethal MatrimonialArthur Hack and Ethel Wehmhoefer were married Jan. 1, 1920 at St. Luke’s parsonage, Rev. G. Horst officiating.  Mr. and Mrs. George Heiden were sponsors. Following the wedding the couple boarded a train for Chicago.
The wedding was a surprise to all, even the parents of the bride, who were not informed of the event until the newlyweds arrived in Chicago, when they wired back the glad news.
Both bride and groom are well known in Beecher, where they were born and reared. They are popular and Arthur Hack and Ethel Wehmhoeferesteemed young people and their many friends wish them the best there is in their wedded life.
The groom is the son of Mrs. Ed. Ohlendorf of near Goodenow, and the bride the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wehmhoefer of Beecher.
We understand the young couple will make their home in Chicago Heights, where Mr. Hack has employment as city mail carrier.
The Beecher Herald extends congratulations.

(Editor’s note: Arthur’s mother is listed in error; she was Emma (Katz) Hack Heller, not Mrs. Ed Ohlendorf)


Two_Women_on_Beach_wearing_large_black_hats_1900s

 

[1925]   Arthur Hack took over the general merchandise store of Herman Hack at 734 Indiana Avenue.

Mrs. Arthur Hack introduced her line of millinery. Her 1925 fall selection was “exceptionally modish, stylish, and with pleasing combinations, sure to suit the individual tastes of the Beecher Ladies.”

 

 


January 9, 1947 – MRS. ETHEL HACK IS WELFARE PRESIDENT

Ethel Hack Welfare PresidentThe Women’s Welfare Club named Mrs. Ethel Hack to head the new staff of officers for the ensuing year at the regular meeting of the club in the home of Mrs. Arnold Knuth, Tuesday evening. Those elected are as follows:

President – Mrs. Ethel Hack
Vice Pres. – Mrs. Dorothy Saller
Secretary – Mrs. Martha Knuth
Treasurer – Mrs. Rose Hunte
Publicity – Mrs. S.R. Stites and Mrs. C.H. Letterer
Flower Committee – Mrs. Arthur Boysen and Mrs. Walter Boysen.

Following the business session, a delicious luncheon was served, after which cards were enjoyed.


April 12, 1978 – OBITUATRIES – SERVICES HELD FOR ETHEL HACK

Ethel Hack ObitFuneral services were conducted by the Rev. Dean Plassmann Tuesday, April 11, for Ethel E. Hack, who died Sunday, April 9, 1978, at Peotone-Bensenville Home. Burial was in the Beecher Mausoleum.

Ethel Hack, nee Wehmhoefer, was born March 23, 1898, in Beecher, and has lived in the area her entire lifetime.

She was a member of St. Luke Mary-Martha Circle, St. Luke Women’s Guild, Post 67 Amvets Auxiliary, and Women’s Welfare Club.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Philip (Geraldine) Imholz, Beecher; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, and two brothers.

Pallbearers were Landis Wehling, Kenneth Wehling, Oliver Claus, Wayne Reichers, Harold Scheiwe, and Roger Stoeven.


Ethel’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:
Husband: Arthur Hack
Father & Mother: Henry C. Wehmhoefer & Augusta J (Wehling) Wehmhoefer
Uncle & Aunt: Edward J. Wehmhoefer & Charlotte (Thiesfeld) Wehmhoefer
Cousin: Edwin D. Wehmhoefer
(Husband’s) Uncle & Aunt: Charles J. Hack & Anna (Schroeder, Schmaedeke) Hack
(Husband’s) Uncle & Aunt: Herman Hack & Eva F. (Ruge) Hack
(Husband’s) Uncle & Aunt: Henry Hack & Mary W. (Bielfeldt) Hack
(Husband’s) Cousins: Dr. Edmund Hack & Margaretha B (Schwarz) Hack

CHARLENE GRAHAM

CHARLENE GRAHAN

Age: 45 years, 9 months, 18 days

CHARLENE GRAHAM
(nee SALLER)

DOB: November 6, 1926
Illinois, USA

DOD: August 24, 1972
Beecher, IL USA

 

 

Daughter of Herbert C. and Dorothy (Bahlman) Saller

Sister to: William T. (Rosemary Teske), Herbert F. (Melrose J. Rhode) Saller

Wife of Arthur Graham, married November, 1945.

Mother to: Susan Kay (Ronald L. Clausing), Charles Arthur Graham (Susan unknown), Nancy (Jack Fenske) Graham


November 22, 1945          “POPULAR COUPLE WED IN CHICAGO”

Graham-Saller Wed 1945Miss Charlene Saller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Saller, and Mr. Arthur Graham, son of W.S. Graham, were united in marriage, Saturday afternoon, in a ceremony performed by Dr. Williamson, former pastor at Chicago Heights and of the Beecher Community Church, at the residence of the pastor in Chicago.
The bride was attired in gray with black accessories and carried a bouquet of mums and pom poms. The couple were attended by Miss Shirley Cooper, roommate of the bride, and Mr. Richard Hiatt.
Mr. Graham operates the Graham Service Station on the Dixie Highway, and his bride, a former student at the U. of Illinois, is at present employed in Chicago.


Charlene Graham.resized


CHARLENE GRAHAM DIES;

FUNERAL HELD SATURDAY

Charlene Graham obitFuneral services were held yesterday for Mrs.Charlene Marilyn Graham, 602 Orchard Lane, who died Thursday, Aug. 24, in her home.

Services were held in the Hack Funeral Home, Beecher, and burial was in the Beecher Mausoleum. Mrs. Graham was born November 26, 1926, in Chicago Heights. She lived in the area all her life. She was a bookkeeper for the Bahlman Oil Company of Beecher.

Mrs. Graham is survived by her husband, Arthur; her mother Mrs. Dorothy Saller of Beecher; two daughters, Mrs. Ronald Clausing of Benton and Nancy who lives at home; a son, Charles of Beecher; two brothers, William of Beecher and Herbert of Crete, and three grandchildren.


Charlene’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Husband: Arthur Graham
Daughter: Nancy (Graham) Fenske
Father & Mother: Herbert C. Saller & Dorothy (Bahlman) Saller
Grandparents: Charles H. Bahlman & Sophia M. (Schweer) Bahlman
Great Uncle & Aunt: Henry F. Bahlman & Emma (Wehmhoefer) Bahlman
Great Uncle & Aunt: John H. Bahlmann & Anna L. (Wehrmann) Bahlmann
Great Aunt: Lena C. Bahlman
Great Uncle: William F. Bahlmann
Cousins 1x removed: Lillian (Bahlman) Wegert & Henry H. Wegert
Cousins 1x removed: Lora (Bahlman) Hinze & Arthur A. Hinze
Cousins 1x removed” Marguerite (Toleson) Bahlman & Henry W. Bahlman DDS
Cousin 1x removed: Carolyn M. Bahlman
Cousin 1x removed: Donald W. Bahlman
Cousins 1x removed: Ferne (Bahlman) Hildeman & William R. Hildeman

Other more distant family includes: Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fick, Freerking, Frobose, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Wilkening,

CLARA E. HAGER

CLARA E. HAGER

Age: 82 years, 11 months, 28 days

CLARA E. HAGER
(nee HORN)

DOB: December 30, 1888
Crete, IL USA

DOD: December 28, 1971
South Chicago Heights, IL USA
Suburban Convalescent Center

Daughter of Charles H. and Caroline/Lena (nee Kappmeyer) Horn

Sister to: Charles H. (Mae Howell), Walter L. (Lillian A. Bourg), Elsie (Robert D. Groenveld), Herbert Paul (wife unknown), Reinhold William, Loena, Arthur H. and Vernon R. (Helen M. Howland) Horn

Wife of Joseph A. Hager, married in 1918, the year her mother Caroline died
Mother to: Phyllis Hager Hensley(Joseph H.) Stewart


CLARA E. HAGER

Clara Hager obitFuneral services will be conducted Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Spindler-Koelling Crete chapel for Mrs. Clara E. Hager, 82 of Crete, who died Tuesday afternoon at the Suburban Convalescent Center, South Chicago Heights.

Mrs. Hager lived at 477 North Street in Crete.She was a lifelong resident of Crete, having been born there December 30, 1888. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Crete, the Ladies Aid of the church and the Crete Women’s club.

The Rev. A.T. Kretzman, pastor of Trinity, will officiate. Entombment will be in the Beecher Mausoleum. Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday and until time of the services on Friday.

Photo form a book "Crete Remembered" by Carol Triebold and Phyllis Monk

Photo form a book “Crete Remembered”
by Carol Triebold and Phyllis Monk

She is survived by her husband, Joseph; a daughter, Mrs. Phyllis Stewart of Gary, Ind.; a sister, Mrs. Elsie Groenveld of Joliet; a brother, Vernon R. Horn of Aurora; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

 

 


Joseph Hager obit

Neither Clara’s nor Joseph’s obituaries tell us that Clara’s brothers Walter, Charles, Arthur, Reinhold & Vernon lived with Clara and Joseph from 1918 thru 1940.

Walter was married in 1921 and left the family home.

Clara’s mother died in 1918, the year Clara married Joseph, and Clara & Joseph took over the care of the family.

Clara’s sister Elsie was married in 1914

Clara’s father Charles, the son of the first mayor of Crete, was tragically killed in a train crash in 1905.


Because Clara’s headstone, along with a large portion of the Horn family compartment within the mausoleum, was destroyed by vandals in the mid 1980’s, we are in the process of trying to obtain white Colorado Yule Quarry “Lincoln Gold Vein” marble needed to replace the missing panels.

More damage to the Horn Family Compartment.

Due to the damage, we aren’t certain which crypts contain the remains of Caroline, Arthur & Clara

 


Clara’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Mother: Caroline “Lena” (Kappmeyer) Horn
Brother: Walter L. Horn
Brother: Reinhold W. Horn
Brother: Arthur H Horn
First Cousins 1x removed: Caroline “Carrie” L (Kappmeyer) Struve & Arthur Struve

According to newspaper accounts, Arthur Struve’s wife, Caroline Struve (nee Kappmeyer) and Clara Hager’s mother, Caroline “Lena” Horn (nee Kappmeyer) were first cousins.

FRED E. HELDT

Fred Heldt

Age: 93 years, 2 months, 12 days


FRED E. HELDT

DOB: September 24, 1876
Beecher, IL USA

DOD: December 6, 1969
South Suburban Hospital, Hazelcrest, IL USA

Son of Ernst and Lisette (nee Stadt) Heldt

Brother to: William F. (Emma Blievernicht), Amelia (Henry Seehausen), Karl “Charles” (Charlotia Klemme), Emma (Heinrich Fick), Sophia Marie, Lisette Mina, Ernst Jr.(Elisabeth Rosenbrook), Ludwig “Louis” (Clara Bergmeier) , Robert (Louise Wolkow) Heldt

Husband of Ida Elizabeth Johanna (nee Peters) Heldt, married Dec. 16, 1900 in Beecher, IL

 

Father of Violet (Henry T. Meeter) Heldt ( Can you see Violet sitting on her mother’s lap?)


NOVEMBER 5, 1909 – BEECHER HERALD – IN SOCIAL CIRCLES

1909 Halloween postcardMr. and Mrs. S.R. Stites and Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Heldt entertained about 50 of their married friends at a Halloween party, Saturday evening. The party gathered at the home of Mrs. H. Bielfeldt at 7:30 o’clock and from there ambled around in an effort to locate where the function proper would take place. When they arrived at the Stites home they were directed through the dimly lighted rooms, following a narrow roped passage to the basement. Before reaching their destination, however, they heard weird and hideous noises that fairly made the cold chills creep up and down their spinal columns. The basement was in utter darkness, but a match was brought into play and jack-o-lanterns and lighted candles soon illuminated the room, when it was found tables were set with plenty of good things to eat that would even tempt a ghost. Unique and appropriate decorations adorned the tables. Large jack-o-lanterns were placed in the center of the tables, while at each plate there were small candles with carrots as candlesticks. Alongside of each plate were also small turnips filled with assorted candies. Even the paper napkins were adorned with a pumpkin face and a witch, appropriate to the occasion. After satisfying the inner man – at which the writer must confess we overdone it – 1909 Halloween Good Witchthe happy throng were escorted to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Heldt, where they found the rooms tastily decorated with corn stalks and autumn leaves. Here games, vocal and instrumental music, dancing and general merriment prevailed and each guest seemed to enjoy an equal share of the fun. At midnight the good witch made her visit with a kettle of sparkling grape juice just to put on the finishing touch, and shortly afterward the party dispersed, regretting that it had “got late late so early”. The ladies, Mesdames Stites and Heldt, are charming entertainers and are deserving of much praise for their party on Saturday evening, which was so successfully carried out.
Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Lake of Chicago were the only out-of-town guests.


January 1910, Fred resigned his position as rural mail carrier and was succeeded by his brother Louis E. Heldt.

May 1910 Fred E. and his brother Charles E. Heldt purchased the Cloidt grain elevator for $8,500. They also purchased the Cloidt residence for $5,000.

1915 to 1923 Fred managed the Farmers Grain Company.

He was also Justice of the Peace in the Beecher area for 15 years, a deputy sheriff of Will County for four years, a policeman in Lansing for two years, central committeeman for the Republican party for many years, first president of the area chapter of the Modern Woodmen of America, and president of the former Beecher Commercial Club.  Mr. Heldt also served St. John’s United Church of Christ in many capacities.


MAY 26, 1911 – BEECHER HERALD – RETURN FROM IOWA VISIT

Fred Heldt and Family Return From an Enjoyable Vacation

Gives Interesting Story of His Trip and Country, Visited

Fred Heldt Iowa visit 1911Fred E. Heldt and family have returned from a week’s vacation spent in Iowa. They report having immensely enjoyed their visit. Mr. Heldt relates his experience during his stay: “We left Beecher on May 13 and arrived at Waverly, Iowa, at 6:13 Saturday evening, where we were met by our cousin, C.C. Treaton, who is a noted farmer of Bremer County, Iowa. The following Monday we went with Mr. Treaton to a farmer’s creamery at Artesian, of which Mr. Treaton is secretary and manager. The creamery handled 540,000 pounds of milk last month and has 80 milk customers. They pay 89 cents for milk and receive 22 cents a pound for butter. From there we went to the homes of Carl, Louis and John Pries and August Thiemann, who are engaged in hog raising, They have from 20 to 60 brood sows each, and it is considered no trick at all to ship from one to fifteen cars of hogs a week by buyers at this point. On Friday, May 19, we left for Sumner to make a short visit with our uncle, Mr. Carl Priece, and on Saturday we left for West Union to visit our Aunt, Mrs. H. Schroeder, and cousins, Wm. Schroeder and Emil Heldt. The latter is well known in this community and sends his regards to all enquiring friends. The country at West Union, Fayette County, is more rolling than that at Bremer. Mr. Heldt and Mr. Schroeder are engaged in raising cattle and sheep. Crops looked good at all points we visited. Corn had already been worked once and oats, wheat and hay were knee deep. Prices for wheat was $1.05; corn .55c; hay $13; hogs $7.90; butter, 23c, and eggs, 13c.”                     Fred E. Heldt


JANUARY 25, 1923 – BEECHER HEARLD –

F.E. HELDT MANAGER OF NEW A&P STORE

ASSUMED HIS NEW DUTIES AT THE STORE ON MONDAY MORNING

MELVIN G. DURGY, FORMER MANAGER RETURNS TO BEARDSTOWN

Fred Heldt A&p 1923Fred E. Heldt, former manager of the Farmers Grain Company of Beecher, but who resigned as such several weeks ago, has accepted the position as manager of the A&P store in the Bockelman building on Gould street. He assumed his new position on Monday morning, and is rapidly becoming familiar with his duties.
Melvin G. Durgy, who assumed management of the store at its opening, returned, Monday, to his home at Beardstown, where he will resume his position of manager of the A&P

Photo from Beecher Quaquicentennial book, gentlemen in the photo are not Fred Heldt, but, Oscar Knuth and Arnold Knuth

Photo from Beecher Quaquicentennial book, gentlemen in the photo are not Fred Heldt, but, Oscar Knuth and Arnold Knuth

store there. Mr. Durgy made many friends during his short stay in Beecher. Mr. Heldt is too well known to our readers to need introduction. He has been engaged in various business in Beecher and the buying public will welcome his pleasing and courteous ways in his chosen vocation.


DECEMBER 21, 1950 – BEECHER HERALD –

COUPLES CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDINGS

Golden Wedding Fred & Ida Heldt 1950Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heldt celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Saturday, Dec. 16th. They received many cards, flowers and lovely gifts. The couple were the guest of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meeter and children, Patricia and Dudley, at a dinner in the Colonial Room Chicago 1950Colonial Room in Chicago. A quartet of costumed carolers rendered several Christmas songs at their table. As the dessert was served, a cake with lighted candles was placed before the honored couple while the organist played “I Love You Truly”, “The Anniversary Song” and “Because.”

 


 DECEMBER 11, 1969 BEECHER HEARLD

Rites Held in Beecher Tuesday for Fred Heldt

Rites for Fred E Heldt 1969Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Hack Chapel in Beecher for Fred E. Heldt, 93 of 705 Woodward Street, who died at South Suburban Hospital, Hazelcrest on Saturday. The Rev. Walter C. Coffey officiated and interment was in the Beecher Mausoleum.

Mr. Heldt who was born September 24, 1876 in Beecher, was Central Committeeman of the Republican party for many years, served as first president of the Modern Woodman of America and was president of the former Beecher Commercial Club. He was a policeman for two years in Lansing, deputy sheriff of Will County for four years and served as justice of the peace in this area for 15 years. He served in many capacities as a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Henry (Violet) Meeter, two grandchildren, Major Dudley Meeter of Omaha, Neb. and Mrs. Robert (Pat) Burgess of Springfield, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida, in 1962 and by five brothers and four sisters.


Fred’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Ida (Peters) Heldt
Father & Mother: Ernst Heldt & Lisette (Stadt) Heldt
In-laws: Martin Peters & Fridericka (Barmann) Peters
Brother & Sister-in-law: Rudolph Peters & Elizabeth (Eckhoff) Peters
Brother & Sister-in-law: William F. Peters & Helen (Wehling) Peters
Cousin: Henry Heldt Sr.

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Wilkening,