Obit: Umbs, John R. (1931 - 1980)

Contact: Janet Rogalski

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Umbs, Pak, Ploof, Scotch

----Source: Janet Rogalski Scrapbook

Umbs, John R. (16 MAR 1931 - 2 OCT 1980)

John R. Umbs, 49, was found dead in the garage of his home, 308 Court St., Neillsville (Clark Co., Wis.), on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 2^nd, 1980.

Authorities ruled that Umbs died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a successful suicide attempt.  When the body was found, the garage was closed and held a strong odor of exhaust fumes.  The ignition was turned on in his auto but the engine had stopped, apparently out of gas.

Funeral services were held on Saturday morning, Oct. 4, from the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville.  Burial was made in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery with the Rev. Joseph Henseler officiating.

The deceased was born on March 16, 1931 in Milwaukee and received his education in that city.  He entered the U.S. Army in June of 1952, seeing action in Korea.  From then until 1973, when he was discharged, he served in many places with the military in various enlistment periods.

On June 20, 1964, he married Ok Ju Pak in Seoul, Korea, ceremonies.

The couple and their family moved to Neillsville in 1974 where he worked at various jobs in the area.

Surviving him, besides his wife, are two daughters, Jean and Barbara, both at home; one son, LeRoy, also at home; two sisters, Mrs. Delores Ploof of Milwaukee and Mrs. Margaret Scotch of Abbotsford; and two brothers, Robert of Milwaukee and Thomas of Billings, Montana.