----Source: Clark County Republican & Press (Neillsville, Wis.) 01/13/1916

Gerhardt, William (17 Feb 1854 - 10 Jan 1916)

William Gerhardt died at his home near Neillsville, Clark County Monday morning, Jan. 10, 1916, after over a week’s sickness from pneumonia, complicated with other illness.

Deceased was born near Farmington, Washington Co., Feb. 17, 1854. He started out from home at the age of 19 and went to work on a farm in Winnebago Co., after working there and at Randolph for a few years he came to Clark County, Dec. 20, 1878. He made his home at Thomas Reed’s on Pleasant Ridge, working on the farm in summer and going into camp in winter. On Jan. 1, 1883 he was married to Christine Dettman in Waukesha Co. They returned to Mr. Reed’s and soon after went upon his land in the town of Grant. Here he cleared up a beautiful farm and built a fine home. His wife died Oct. 7, 1901, leaving three sons, Willard and Walter, who live in Grant, and Oscar at home. On May 16, 1905 he was married to Mrs. Rose Gerhardt in Chicago. About five years ago they left the old farm in the town of Grant in the hands of their son Willard and bought what is known as the Page place, a small farm close to the south limits of the city. By his industry and energy he has fitted this place up and made it a comfortable and beautiful home.

Besides the sons mentioned, he leaves his wife and little daughter Ella, about three years old and two step-sons, Otto and Harold Gerhardt. He leaves also four brothers: Alvin in Colorado, Gus in Texas, Fred in Colorado and Louis in Chicago. Also three sisters: Mrs. Fred Drescher in Colorado, Mrs. Gus Buck, Milwaukee, and Mrs. Fred Emely of Batavia, Wis.

No man ever lived in this community who was more generally respected and loved than William Gerhardt. His absolute uprightness, his neighborly kindness, his true Christian spirit manifest in all his dealings, his sterling good sense and intelligence, all marked him as indeed a rare man. His going is felt by all who knew him, to be a loss greatest of all to the family, but great indeed to this entire community. But he has left to this children and to the youthful generation here, the example of a worthy life. It is surely well worthwhile for us all to note and emphasize for our own well being the beauty of such a life.

The funeral will be held today, Thursday, at 1 o’clock at the home and 1:30 at the Methodist Church. The Modern Woodmen will attend in a body.