----Source: COLBY PHONOGRAPH (Colby, Wis.) 10/10/1918

Spitzenberger, Herman J. (22 Augl 1896 - OCT 1918)

Our community has again been shocked by the sad news of another of our boys, Herman Joseph Spitzenberger, has made the supreme sacrifice, the cause of death being Spanish influenza contracted while training at Sweeny Auto School in Kansas City, Mo.

Deceased was born Aug. 22, 1896 at Chippewa Falls, Wis., where he had made his home until about two years ago. On Oct. 10, 1917, just one year from the time of his untimely death, he was married to Miss Mayme Vanderhyden and had up to the time of going into the service taken care of the farm property of his wife's mother. On Aug. 14, 1918 he entered training in the auto school, leaving before his call in the draft was served and was scheduled to become a truck driver. Later it was discovered by the officers that the young man was an able musician, which earned him the rank of company bugler.

Besides his wife he leaves to mourn his honorable death his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Spitzenberger of Chippewa Falls; four brothers: Leo, at present in an aviation camp in Florida, Frank of Minneapolis, Theodore and Joseph, both at home. Two sisters: Mary who is in a convent at Menasha and Anna also at home.

The body of the deceased was shipped from Kansas City Sunday morning, arriving at Colby, Wis. Monday afternoon and was met at the depot by the Colby home guards, a squad of whom accompanied the remains to the home, where it lay in state until Wednesday morning when funeral services were held at 9:00 and 10:00 from St. Mary's Catholic Church. Father Kastigar officiating. Funeral services were in charge of the C. O. F., of which organization he was a member, and the Home Guards. Both organizations marched in a body to the Thierbach corner and awaited the arrival of the funeral procession and accompanied it to the church. After the services at the church the remains were again escorted to the cemetery, where a brief service was held before the young hero was lowered to his last resting place to the sound of "taps."

Mrs. Spitzenberger had gone to Kansas City the latter part of the week in response to a telegram stating that her husband was very low, but arrived too late to see him before his death. She with Sgt. H. A. Sykes accompanied the remains to Colby, Sgt. Sykes having charge and attended to all details on the safe arrival of his fellow comrade.

A floral pall composed of red, white and blue flowers made up into the shape of an American flag was given by members of the Colby War Relief Association, an organization composed ob businessmen and citizens of Colby, which was organized about a year ago. The floral offerings given by neighbors and friends were also many and beautiful.