Surnames: Umhoefer, Pinion, Becker, Lyons, Weix, Steinwand, Gries, Foster, Brill, La Budde, Tennis, Bartik, Hackworthy

----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark Co., Wis.) 03/01/1962

Umhoefer, Anton Xavier (17 Jan. 1886 - 24 Feb. 1962)

Anton Xavier Umhoefer, a lifetime resident of Colby, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11:00 A.M. at the age of 76 years, a heart attack being the cause of his death. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning in St. Mary’s Catholic church, Rev. John B. Pinion officiating, and internment was made in the parish cemetery. Pall bearers were Wilbur Becker, Albert Weix, Joe Steinwand, Ray Gries, Marc Foster and Ed Brill.

Mr. Umhoefer was born at Cherokee, near Colby, on January 17, 1886. He married Mary Lyons in September, 1913, who died in 1916. In April, 1923, he married Bertha La Budde who survives. He graduated from Colby High School and also attended the University of Wisconsin. He taught school a few years; was associated in the lumber business with his brother, Emil, and his uncle, Joe Weix; then he entered into partnership with his father-in-law, James E. Lyons, in the flour and feed business, and later, was in partnership with his son, Paul, in the same business. He was appointed postmaster at Colby in 1935 and served in that capacity for 20 years, until his retirement at the age of 70 years. During this time, he served as president of the Wisconsin League of Postmasters. At the time of his death, he was serving as president of the Colby Library Board.

He was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s parish, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Lions Club and Colby Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving, besides his wife, are twin sons, Paul A. Umhoefer of Colby and James E. Umhoefer of Janesville; a daughter, Mrs. Bernard (Mary) Tennis of Unity; 17 grand children; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Bartik of Plainfield and Mrs. Alan (Theresa) Hackworthy of Madison. Preceding him in death were twin infants, Anton and Theresa; a brother, Emil, two sisters, Anna and Delia.

As a lifetime member of St. Mary’s parish in Colby, he served the congregation as trustee for many years. He is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus at Medford, Wis. For over 55 years he was actively associated with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He served as a local officer of the Foresters for many years. He was elected a state trustee of the Foresters, then served as vice state chief ranger. For the past 14 years, he has served as high trustee in the National Catholic Order of Foresters. In this capacity, he traveled through the state many times as a speaker at meetings and banquets.

Mr. Umhoefer was also much in demand as a speaker at other meetings and celebrations. For the past 30 years, he delivered addresses in various places in Wisconsin at patriotic celebrations and dedications.