----Source: Unattributed newspaper clipping from family files

ERNEST BENJAMIN NITSCHKE

Ernest B. Nitschke passed away at his home in the town of Lynn, Friday, May 12, at 10:15 p.m. at the age of 81 years, six months and 18 days. He had been ill with diabetes for a year and a half, though not seriously sick until three weeks ago.

Deceased was born in Germany October 24, 1857, to Carl and Dorothea (Schrieber) Nitschke. His father passed away when he was two years of age and a few years later his mother came to America, leaving the little lad with relatives. He was for three years in the military service there, coming to America in July, 1883, and for 56 years he remained a resident of Clark county.

He was married to Ernestine Roder at the Lutheran chruch in the town of Grant, June 2, 1890. Five children were born to them, one son, Paul, passing away December 7, 1937. He is survived by his wife and the following children: Arnold, who carries on the home farm Mrs. Lydia Guenther, Lynn Mrs. Elsie Dux, Pine Valley, and Mrs. Lenora Vorpagel, Burlington, Wis., and a half sister, Mrs. William Wischuelke. Four grandchildren: Elmer Guenther, Marian and Lorraine Nitschke and Virginia Dux, also survive.

With the help of his loyal wife, he created a fine farm out of a wilderness and built thereon a beautiful home.

Mr. Nitschke served as school treasurer of his township for many years.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the home and at 2 o'clock at the American Lutheran church, Rev. J. J. Buth officiating. The remains were interred in the church cemetery.

August Reimer, Albert Bentz, Ernest Keuer, Theodore Breseman and Edward Wiesner acted as pall bearers and three grandchildren, Marian and Lorraine Nitschke and Virginia Dux, were flower girls.

Relatives from distant points in attendance at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scheider, Good Thunder, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Gruenwalk, Walter Gruenwald, Herman Staege and Miss Meta Staege, all of Random Lake, Wis.