Surnames: DOUPHNER AMO BESTEL MERTENS

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 08/02/1928

Douphner, Felix (20 Jul 1834 - 29 Jul 1928)

Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock brought to a close the life of Felix Douphner, a highly respected citizen of the village of Withee, Clark County, Wis., when he passed into the eternal sleep at the home of his son, Albert Douphner, of that village. The deceased had been in failing health for a year or more, and for the past three months had been confined to his bed. Death was due to a paralytic stroke brought on by old age.

Felix Douphner was born in Montreal, Canada, July 20, 1834. At the age of 19 he went to Black River Falls, Wis., where he sought employment, and in March 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Amo. After their marriage they moved to Alma Center, at which place they resided for five years. In 1878 they moved to Clark County, Wis., settling on a farm two and one-half miles west of Withee, where they resided until 1894. Selling their farm at this time they moved into the village of Withee and entered the hotel business, which they continued until the business was turned over to their son a few years ago. Mrs. Douphner preceded him in death by five years.

Mr. Douphner was one of the early settlers of this section, coming here fifty years ago, and in that time suffered the hardships which all pioneers had to go through. He made an excellent farm from the virgin land which he purchased, and did much for the development of the township of Hixon. While a resident of the village of Withee he was held in the highest esteem by those who knew him. The floral offerings and words of tribute were many at the time of his funeral, expressing his high standing in the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Douphner were the parents of four children, two daughters and two sons, Mrs. Ella Bestel of Withee; Mrs. August Mertens, Los Angeles, Calif.; Albert Douphner, Withee and George Douphner, Salt Lake City, Utah, besides 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all of who survive.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Withee, preceded by a short prayer at the home, the Rev. Father McGuire officiating. Burial took place in the family lot at Riverside Cemetery.

Those from away who came to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Vern Douphner and Mrs. Barnum of Eau Claire; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Cook, and Mr. and Mrs. M. Tuttle, Campbellsport; Wm. Tuttle, Wausau; and Mr. and Mrs. George Burnett of Unity.