Obit: Huntzicker, Maria J. #2 (1867 - 1966)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Huntzicker, Nichol, Shouldice

----Source: Greenwood Gleaner (Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis.)   04/28/1966

Huntzicker, Maria J. #2 (10 NOV 1867 - 9 APR 1966)

Maria J. Huntzicker, wife of the late John Huntzicker, was born near London, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 10, 1867, and died after a brief illness at her home in Denver, Colo., on April 9, 1966.  Her father was John Nichol, of Scottish decent, and her mother, Ann Shouldice from County Cork, Ireland.

She was five years old when her father moved his family to the farm in the Town of Eaton now occupied by Mr. Alfred Rondorf.  It was here that she went to school, grew to young womanhood, married and became the mother of five children: Paul, Fred, Ruth, Grace and Bethel.

The family spent its early years on a farm south of Greenwood (Clark Co., Wis.), then eight years in Neillsville where Mr. Huntzicker served as County Clerk and as County Treasurer.  Here the family was active in the Presbyterian Church.

When Mr. Huntzicker became the first cashier of the newly opened Farmers and Merchants Bank, he brought his family again to the home farm and later into Greenwood.  After his death in 1924 Maria J. Huntzicker and daughters moved to Boulder, Colo., where her son Paul was teaching in the Engineering School of the University.  Her second son Fred had already married and taken over the responsibilities of the farm.

Without worldly pretenses, "Polly" Huntzicker radiated a contented spirit, secure and confident in the goodness of God.  Homework ran smoothly for she was versatile.

After the children finished their work at the University, she made a home for students and found many ways to help them with their problems.  Not only students, but neighbors too, found their spirits lifted with a visit to this trusted friend, usually over a pitcher of milk and plate of homemade cookies.

A lot adjacent to the home was purchased and transformed into a flower garden known on University Hill of its beauty.  Hers was a vibrant love of nature.

Not until she was 84 years old did Mrs. Huntzicker move to Denver, nearer members of the family.  Here her circle of friends continued to increase.  It is good to know that here was a woman who never ceased to grow.  At the age of 98 years, her outlook, her attitudes, and her judgments were valued by people of all ages.  Her inquiring mind stimulated thought, on problem was considered hopeless; she believed in people.  She lifted, but never leaned; she led, but seldom followed.  Her response to life was warm and enthusiastic.

To such a one as she our Heavenly Father must have extended a welcoming hand last Easter Eve.