Obit: Hartl, Lorenz (1838 - 1913)

Contact: ken@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Lorenz Hartl, born in Austria, August 10th, 1838, passed away at the family residence, 113 West Second street, at 12:30 a.m., February 8th. In the closing scenes of his life his bedside was surrounded by those whom he loved dearest, the family relations having gathered to assist and comfort the one who in life they had learned to love and respect as a father. It was the ending of a peaceful life---the passing of one from the busy scenes of this world to the quiet and shrowded (sic) mysteries of the great beyond. No man in Marshfield was better or more favorably known that the one of whom we write, his good deeds and kindly intentions as a citizen and neighbor leaving with all who knew him a recollection of reverence and love.

Leaving his native country in the prime of life he came to America in 1881 and settled in Manitowoc where he remained but a short two months. Not satisfied with what he found there he came to Marshfield in July of the same year, since which time he has been a central figure upon its streets and in its business activities. In his native country, after a service of over 12 years as a soldier, he followed the occupation of operating a sawmill, meeting with success in his every effort. Then he became possessed of the spirit of America, and selling his mill, with his wife and family, sailed for the new world, a country to which he soon became a devoted citizen.

His 32 years residence in this city have been ineventful (sic) in so far as worldly matters are concerned. He never aspired to office and preferred a quiet home life, ever keeping a wise council with himself and always more deeply concerned in his own business than that of his neighbors. In that eventful time when Marshfield was destroyed by fire, like the many others, he lost everything. With only ashes to mark the spot where his home and business place once stood, he was one of the first to begin rebuilding and what is now one of the finest business blocks in Marshfield is the result of his energies. On November 17th, 1904, the wife who had accompanied him through life, passed away, since which time, with members of his family, he has lived beneath the roof of the old family homestead. His death was due to the infirmities of old age.

He is survived by a family of ten children, 27 grand-children, and five great-grand-children besides one sister, Mrs. Anton Krauforst of Fond du Lac. The funeral took place Monday from St. John’s Catholic church, the Catholic Knights of which he was a charter member having charge of the remains. He was also a member of the Krieger-Verein, whose members, in uniform, marched to the cemetery in honor of their dead comrade. The floral offerings from friends in and out of town, were never seen in greater abundance or more beautiful and seemed to speak in silent tones of admiration and respect in which the deceased was held by those who knew him as a father, citizen and neighbor.

The bereaved family have the sympathy of all in their hour of deep mourning.