----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Wis.) 06/23/1921

Orth, John Sr. (11 OCT 1844 - 29 JUN 1921)

John Orth Sr., was born in Germany on Oct. 11, 1844, and at the age of ten years came to America with his father, settling on a farm at Manitowoc, Wis. On Oct. 11, 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Regina Eisart and seven years later they came to Colby and purchased a farm in the town of Colby, Clark County, Wis., where they made their home until the spring of 1913, when they sold out and moved into the city.

Twelve children were born to them, Mrs. John Pflanzer, deceased; Mrs. Charles Elchlepp, Phillips; Mrs. Albert McKinnin, St. Paul; Mrs. Paul Teamer, Mrs. Otto L. Baumgart, Mrs. Theo. Steinwand, Colby, Peter of Lugerville, Mathew of Unity, John, Conrad and George of Colby, and Charles, who received the message announcing his father’s death too late for him to reach here.

On Oct. 11, 1920, Mr. Orth and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, at which time he was in very good health for a man of his years. It was but a few months after this happy event that he was taken ill, and, although everything possible had been done to better his condition he gradually failed until the end came on Wednesday, June 19, 1921.

John Orth was one of our most honored and respected citizens and in his death the community suffers a great loss. His bright, sunny nature, his honesty in dealings with his fellowmen and great devotion to his family are some of the things that will long be remembered by many who were fortunate in being acquainted with him.

Besides the above named children, he is survived by a widow, one brother, Nick Orth of St. Wendel, Manitowoc Co., and a sister, Mrs. Kemp of Cecil, Wis.

The funeral was held from St. Mary’s Church in this city last Saturday morning at 9:30, Rev. H. Lachnit officiating, and was largely attended by sympathetic and sorrowing relatives and friends. The interment took place in the Colby Catholic Cemetery.

The relatives from abroad who were here for the funeral were: Nick Orth, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Harry of Marshfield; John Kaiser, Stratford; Mike Lackas, Woodland; Adam Stein and Mrs. Peter Stein, Valders; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Ohlinger, Stevens Point; Allie Ohlinger and Miss Kate Pflanzer, Phillips.