Obit: Cole, Willard W. (1872 - 1946)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Cole, Dagen, Ormsby, Galster, Andrus

----Source: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark Co., Wis.) 08/24/1946

Cole, Willard W. (18 NOV 1872 - 9 AUG 1946)

Willard W. Cole, only son of Lester and Ellen (Dagen) Cole, was born in Dodge County, Wis., Nov. 18, 1872, and died suddenly of a heart attack at 5:45 Friday afternoon, Aug. 9, 1946, soon after leaving his home in Alma Center, after partaking of the evening meal.  He attained the age of 78 years, 8 months and 21 days.

He came with his parents to Humbird (Clark Co., Wis.) in 1875, and grew to young manhood here.  When the war with Spain came on and President McKinley called for volunteers, he, with four others from this section, enlisted in Co. A., 3^rd Wis. Vol. Inf. At Neillsville, in April 1898.  The regiment sailed from Charleston the latter part of July for Puerto Rico.  Mr. Cole had a pleasant, jovial disposition which he retained thoughout his days, and he soon became one of the best liked members of the company.  While on the island he was stricken with a tropical fever, and it was doubtful for several weeks if he would ever return home.

After mustering out he followed the barber trade at Alma Center, Ettrick and other places, the first named becoming his permanent home.  For several years he has been retired.

His first wife was Leda Ormsby, who passed away a few years after their marriage.  June 15, 1926, he married Mrs. Emma Galster of Beaver Dam, who, with his aged mother, survives him.  His father and an only sister, Mrs. Alice Andrus, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Alma Center on Teusday, Aug. 13, Rev. E.J. Sachtjen officiating.  Burial was in the Alma Center Cemetery, under auspices of the American Legion post of Black River Falls.  Henry Rundle, only comrade of the deceased present, was guard of honor.

Many friends attended the burial, those going from here were Mr. and Mrs. Rundle, Mrs. Zimmerman, and Lyle Martin.