Obit: Kersten, G. C. (1880 - 1941)

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Surnames: Kersten, Lang, Umhoefer, Schemmer, Frane, Schlimm, Feit, Niggemann, Kriplean, Bender, Pokallus, Sabler, Kraus, Farley, Schabach, Schmit, Jens, Meyer, Mauel

----Sources: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) 11/20/1941

Kersten, G. C. (23 June 1880 - 13 Nov. 1941)

G. C. Kersten, prominent Colby, Wis., business man since 1905, died at his home in Colby shortly after midnight last Thursday at the age of 61 years. Death followed a cerebral hemorrhage with which he was stricken Tuesday afternoon. Funeral services were held Monday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic church, Rev. L. J. Lang officiating. The body remained in state at the Lulloff Funeral Home in Colby, Wis., and burial was made in Milwaukee Tuesday.

Pall bearers were A. X. Umhoefer, Dr. A. L. Schemmer, L. W. Frane, John Schlimm, Ed Feit and Con Niggemann. Those in charge of the flowers were Rita Kriplean, Betty Jean Bender, Betty Frane, Mary Frane, Bernice Pokallus and Serena Sabler. The Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he was a member, attended in a body.

Mr. Kersten was born in Chilton on June 23, 1880 and came to Colby in the summer of 1905, when he entered the mercantile business with M. J. and C. J. Kraus. He later bought out the interest of M. J. Kraus, who moved to Fond du Lac, and continued in business with C. J. Kraus until 1938, when he dissolved the partnership and continued alone.

On Aug. 1, 1940, he suffered a paralytic stroke but recovered sufficiently this spring to continue with his work.

He was married to Miss Lucie Kraus in Chilton on Sept. 11, 1906. Surviving him besides his wife are three children: Arthur, Milwaukee; Paul, Eureka, Ill.; and Mrs. James (Genevieve) Farley of Milwaukee.

Five grandchildren, a brother, Herbert Kersten, Chilton; and two sisters, Mrs. William Schabach, of Chilton; and Miss Marie Kersten, of Appleton, also survive.

Mr. Kersten was president of the Holy Name Society at St. Mary’s Catholic church at the time of his death, as well as a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, Colby Fire Department, chairman of the Red Cross, and president of the library board.

The deceased was a kind and indulgent husband and father, a faithful member of St. Mary’s congregation and always took an interest in public affairs.

Those from away attending the services were the Very Rev. Theodore Kersten, Stockbridge, Miss Hannah Kersten, Stockbridge; Mrs. William Schabach, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Kersten, Chilton; Miss Marie Kersten and the Very Rev. E. J. Schmit, Appleton; Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Kersten, Forest Junction; Mrs. Harry Jens, Mrs. Lester Meyer, Lester Jens, and Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Mauel, Owen, Wisconsin.