Obit: Fradette, James H. #3 (1883 - 1953)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Fradette, Mack, Darling, Birch

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 11/19/1953

Fradette, James H. #3 (30 OCT 1883 - 13 NOV 1953)

James H. Fradette, Treasurer of Clark County since 1933, was found dead in the bathroom of his home early Friday morning by Undersheriff Ray Kutsche and other county authorities.  It is believed he suffered a heart attack sometime late Thursday night while preparing to retire.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at two o’clock from the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Neillsville, with Rev. William K. Koehler officiating.  Burial was made in the family lot in the cemetery at Greenwood.

Mr. Fradette lived alone at his home in Neillsville and when he didn’t show up at his office as usual Friday morning county authorities forced their way into his home upon the request of his daughter.

Mr. Fradette, who was 70 years of age, was born Oct. 30, 1883, in Greenwood (Clark Co., Wis.), and educated in Greenwood schools.  He was married at Greenwood Nov. 26, 1903, to Miss Jacolia Mack, who survives him.

He was a former city clerk in Greenwood and taught in a rural school there until his election in 1933 as Treasurer of Clark County.  Since then he had made his home in Neillsville.

Other survivors include two sons, Capt. Max Fradette, stationed with the armed forces in Japan, John Fradette, Rockford, Ill., a daughter, Mrs. (Lorraine) Fred Darling, Neillsville; one brother, Herman, Neillsville; a sister, Mrs. Bessie Birch, Poulan, Ill. 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Four sisters preceded him in death.

During his tenure as country treasurer he served faithfully and efficiently.  He was quite instrumental in the development of the county forest program and was always quite active in conservation practices.