Obit: Blum, Helmuth (1848 - 1935)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Blum, Wegner, Schroeder, Wendel, Reigel

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 19 Sept. 1935

Blum, Helmuth (13 Nov. 1848 - 17 Sept. 1935)

Helmuth Blum for many years a resident of this locality, passed away at his home in Neillsville, Wis. Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, aged 86 years, 10 months and 4 days. His death was due to a fall at his home just a week ? ? .

He was born in ?, Germany, Nov. 13, 1848. There he received a good education and learned the trade of brickmaker. On May 17, 1873, he was united in marriage to Caroline Wegner. In 1882, they set out for America, accompanied by their three children, Helene, Johanna, and Carl.

As it was, Mr. Blum’s desire to secure a farm, and having heard of the lands in Clark County, they came directly to Neillsville, Wis. As their means were limited, Mr. Blum found employment for a time in the stave factory of Hain and Meyer, thus securing enough to live on and also make small savings, soon being able to make a down payment on forty acres of land in Levis. At odd times he cleared on this land and built a small log house and barn. For a time the family lived on the farm, Mr. Blum walking back and forth to his work in Neillsville, Wis. This proving too hard they moved back to the city again, remaining here five years. Meanwhile he had saved enough to buy 80 acres more land adjoining his farm and then began farming on a larger scale. He erected good buildings and developed a fine farm. He was naturally very painstaking and kept his farm home and premises in fine order. There for some time he took an active part in community affairs, served as school treasurer and helped to establish the Day creamery.

In June, 1917 he sold his farm and moved to Neillsville, Wis. Three years ago his wife died, but he remained in the home, his daughter Johanna keeping house and caring for him until his death. Mr. Blum was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, helping to build the church when it was started. He was a man of high character in every way.

He is survived by six children: Helene, Mrs. Fred Schroeder, Neillsville; Johanna at home: Elizabeth, Mrs. Jacob Wendel, Chicago; Martha, Mrs. Henry Reigel, Owen; John in Owen, Paul in Neillsville, Wis. Carl was drowned near Portland, Ore., at the age of 21. He leaves also 25 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock.