Surnames: Kurtrh, Hasz, Cundy, Tuschscher

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 08/02/1923

Kurth, Erwin (19 March 1899 - 24 July 1923)

Erwin Kurth whose tragic death was recorded last week, was born in the town of Grant, March 19, 1899, being the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kurth.

When a boy he came with his parents to live in Neillsville. For a number of years, during his boyhood days his health was poor and he suffered much from tubercular trouble in the bones of one of his limbs, but he fought bravely for life and health, and though at times his parents and friends nearly despaired, he finally appeared to have regained his strength and the prospects looked bright before him. Through all his ill health he managed to catch up in his school work and graduated from Neillsville high school in 1920. He developed ability as an accountant and had experience in the Commercial State Bank and First National Bank in Neillsville, The Farmers State Bank at Granton, The State Bank at Chili and the Marshfield State Bank. When the new Cloverland State Bank at Marshfield was established he was offered a good position in it and had steadily gained in favor with the general public and the bank officials from the beginning of his work there. He was accurate, painstaking, courteous and honest, just the type of young man that is especially needed in the position he held. Cashier J. H. Cundy of the Cloverland State Bank said of him; "He was a splendid young man, capable in his work and extremely likable. He was chosen for the position in the Cloverland bank out of a great number of applicants for his striking personality, experience and character and the bank’s personal and all of its officers and director exceedingly regret his death."

He had been given a few days vacation and in company with Marshfield friends, Floyd Tuschscher and Mr. Tuschscher’s sister, had gone to Menasha to spend the vacation. He came over and got his father’s car and drove his friends to the camp grounds. On Tuesday they drove to Waupun to visit the State prison. The day was very warm and on their return they went out on the lake in a canoe, expecting to take a swim. Erwin dove from the canoe and came up. Suddenly his companions noticed that something was wrong and that he was apparently in danger of drowning. Mr. Tuschscher jumped in and went to his assistance, telling him to keep cool and he would be all right. Mr. Tuschscher reached him, but was unable to get him to a place of safety, at one time both being under the surface. Although the water was only about six feet deep the body was not found for over two hours. Physicians and assistants were at hand with a pulmoter, but of no avail.

He leaves to mourn his early death, his father, mother, one brother, Louis and three sisters, Hilda, Leona, and Dorothy, besides many other relatives and a host of friends. The funeral was held at the home Friday afternoon, Rev. Hasz of Granton officiating. The funeral was largely attended not only by people in the city, but by friends far and near especially those from about the old home in the town of Grant. There was profuse and beautiful contribution of flowers, all testifying to the esteem in which the young man was held and the deep sympathy felt for the bereaved family.