JOHN LABINSKY  (d. 1918)

INFLUENZA CLAIMS J. LABINSKY WHOSE WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN 
ARE ALSO ILL OF DISEASE
Influenza and complications caused the death of John Labinsky, 1231 
So. Seventeenth street, who passed away at the hospital last night 
after a ten day illness. He was 27 years of age and was born at 
Milwaukee, coming here to make his home some years ago. The funeral 
will be held from St. Mary’s church Saturday morning. Mr. Labinsky 
was removed to the hospital several days ago when it was learned 
that the entire family, father, mother and three children were ill 
of the flu and unable to care for themselves. Labinsky’s condition 
became serious and efforts to save him were unavailing. Mrs. Labinsky 
and three children are still seriously ill and in need of help.
Manitowoc Herald News, Thursday, December 12, 1918, Page 4


MARY LANDOWSKI

Mrs. Mary Landowski, 68, died Thursday afternoon at St. Mary Home 
for the Aged in Manitowoc following a short illness.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the home's chapel. 
The Rev. Casmir Stee, O.F.M., will officiate and burial will be in 
St. Mary Cemetery.
Mrs. Landowski was born in February of 1884 in Poland. She came to 
this country at the age of 20. She settled in Chicago and moved to 
Manitowoc 14 years ago. Mrs. Landowski, the former Mary Gaberek, 
was married to Gregory Landowski in 1904. He died in 1917.
Survivors include one daughter, Sister Mary Theresilla of Chicago; 
and five sons, Stanley, Frank, John, and Joseph of Chicago and 
Andrew of California.
Friends may call Saturday evening at the home's chapel. The Pfeffer 
Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. Friday, June 19, 1953 P. 21


CHILD LEVENDESKI

From Der Nord Westen, 01 Apr. 1897:
Death on Tues. of the 5-mo. old child of 7th Ward resident John Levendeski,
of whooping cough. Burial took place this morning at the Polish Cemetery.


JOHN LEVENDUSKY (d. 1926)

Third Stroke Claims Life of J. Levendusky
Suffering his third stroke within a year late last evening, 
John Levendusky, aged 56, passed away at this home at 1213 
South Twentieth street. The first attack was suffered little 
less than a year ago, the second one last Thanksgiving day 
and the stroke that took his life came last night.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning at nine from 
the St. Mary's church with burial in the adjoining cemetery. 
Father Kubiazewski officiating.
Deceased was born in this city September 12, 1870 and has 
made his home here all his life.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Violet, Esther 
and Elaine and four sons, John, Martin, Walter and Leo 
Mrozinski, step son. Two brothers, Jake and George of this 
city and one sister, Mary Kaufman of Milwaukee, also survive.
Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. Saturday, December 4, 1926 P. 4


MARTHA LEVENDUSKY

Mrs. Martha Levendusky, 89, a Manitowoc resident, died Monday morning 
at Manitowoc County Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Pfeffer Funeral Home 
and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Anthony 
Betley will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Levendusky, nee Martha Skorch, was born May 7, 1883, at Two Rivers, 
daughter of the late Anton and Mary Beich Skorch. She was married to 
Jacob Levendusky April 19, 1901. Her husband preceded her in death in 
1932. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
Survivors include three sons, Ben, Nick and Fred, of Manitowoc; two 
daughters, Miss Valerie Levendusky, of Whitelaw and Mrs. Russell (Lillian) 
Trastek, of Manitowoc, 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A wake 
memorial service will be at 8 p.m.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. August 15, 1972


BABY LEWANSKY

From Der Nord Westen, 22 Apr. 1897:
Death Tues. of the approximately 6-mo. old son of 7th Ward resident 
Adam Lewansky. The funeral took place this morning at the Polish Cemetery.


TILLIE LIPSKI

Mathylda (Tillie) Lipski, 78, of 1118 S. 19th St., Manitowoc, died Friday 
at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Leschke-Bergner Funeral 
Home and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Thaddeus 
Koszarek will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Lipski was born Sept. 6, 1893, at Manitowoc, daughter of the late George 
and Mathylda Mrotek Jagodinski. She attended schools in Manitowoc. She was 
married to Michael Lipski May 12, 1929 at Manitowoc. He preceded her in death 
in 1968.
Survivors include a daughter, a brother, Leo Jagodinski of Manitowoc; four 
sisters, Mrs. Josephine Tomchek, of Milwaukee, Mrs. Pauline Bonk and Mrs. 
Catherine Musial, of Manitowoc, and Sister Therese Jagodinski, of the order 
of St. Joseph in Stevens Point; and four grandchildren. A brother and a sister 
preceded her in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Sunday. Thre Rosary will be 
recited at 7 p.m. by the Rev. Thaddeus Koszarek.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. July 15, 1972


MAGGIE MACHOWSKY

Mrs. Maggie Machowsky, aged 65, died at the family home at 1602 Madison street 
Saturday. The funeral will be held from the late home tomorrow morning with 
services at St. Mary's Catholic church and interment at the church cemetery.
Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. February 23, 1920 P. 8
(Note: Either the stone was missed or there is no stone. Obituary says she
is in this cemetery.)


CLARENCE MARENDA

Clarence F. Marenda, 47, a lifelong Manitowoc resident, died Friday 
at Phoenix, Ariz.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Pfeffer Funeral 
Home and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. 
Thaddeus J. Koszarek will officiate and burial will be in the church 
cemetery.
Mr. Marenda was born Aug. 27, 1925, at Manitowoc, son of the late 
Felix J. and Rose J. Nitka Marenda. He attended Manitowoc schools and 
graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1942. He was a 
veteran of World War II. He married Winifred Haling in 1951, at 
Manitowoc.
(Survivors omitted for privacy.)
Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, where 
a memorial service will be held at 7:45 p.m.
Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Wis. July 2, 1973


ROSE MARENDA

Mrs. Rose J. Marenda, 77, of 1618 Marshall St., Manitowoc, died Saturday morning 
at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and at 
10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Robert Schiavone will 
officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Marenda, nee Rose J. Nitka, was born April 12, 1894, at Manitowoc, daughter 
of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nitka. She was married to Felix J. Marenda 
May 19, 1919, at St. Mary Church, Manitowoc. Her husband preceded her in death 
Jan. 10, 1968. Mrs. Marenda was a member of the St. Mary Rosary Society.
Survivors include three sons, Ervin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Clarence of Manitowoc 
and Att. Floyd of Milwaukee, two brothers, John and Joseph of Manitowoc, two 
sisters, Mrs. Victor Schultz and Mrs. Mathew Lambries of Manitowoc and two 
grandchildren, (Survivors omitted for privacy.)
Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday where a wake service 
will be held at 7:30 p.m. A Rosary will be recited by the St. Mary Rosary Society 
at 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. June 12, 1971


ANNA MARKOWSKI

The funeral of the late Mrs. Anna Markowski, who died at her home 
on the West Side Sunday evening, will be held from the family home 
with services at St. Mary's Catholic church and interment at church 
burial grounds. Deceased was 48 years of age and is survived by her 
husband and a family of children.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wednesday, December 31, 1919 P.3


PETER MARKUS

From Der Nord Westen, 17 June 1886:
Death on 15 June of Peter Markus, a blind veteran of the 87th Ill. Reg. who lived
in Town Eaton. The deceased was receiving a pension of $30 a month, and now his
wife will receive $12 a month.


GAY MARTELL

Gay, four months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. (private) Martell, died 
Thursday afternoon at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Leschke-Bergner Funeral Home, 
Manitowoc. The Rev. John Pawleski will officiate and burial will be in St. 
Mary Cemetery.
She was born Sept. 21, 1959 at Manitowoc.
Survivors include the parents, three brothers, maternal grandparents, paternal 
grandparents (Survivors omitted for privacy.) and paternal great grandmother, 
Mrs. Donna Martell of Sturgeon Bay.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 o'clock this Friday evening.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. February 5, 1960


HERMAN MEYER

Herman M. Meyer, 40 of Manitowoc, died Thursday at the home
of his father-in-law.
Funeral services were held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc.
Burial was in the church cemetery.
Survivors included a wife, mother, six brothers, five sisters.
Herald Times Reporter, September 25, 1952


JOHN F. MIX

JOHN F. MIX DIES AT NOON
Funeral Services Probably Will Be On Thursday
Taken suddenly ill Sunday afternoon at his home, 1129 South 21st street, 
and rushed to the Holy Family hospital, John F. Mix, 57, died shortly 
before noon today. Death was due to complications.
The deceased moved to this city from Menasha 28 years ago and since that 
time had been employed at the Rahr Malting company here.
He was born in Germany in 1876 and came to this country in 1889, the 
family locating at Menasha. The deceased was married there in 1898 to 
Josephine Okonski, who survives him with one daughter, Mrs. Anton Kazda, 
city, three sons, Harry, Francis and John Jr. all of this city, three 
brothers, Anton and Frank of Menasha and Joseph of Aberdeen, Wash., and 
four sisters, Mrs. Frank Dombkosky, Menasha, Mrs. Mary Fischer, DePere, 
Mrs. George Kloepfel, Appleton, and Sister Irene of Stevens Point.
Mr. Mix was a member of St. Aloysius society, the Catholic Order of 
Foresters and the Malsters' Union.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed but will probably be held 
on Thursday from the St. Mary's Catholic church.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, January 9, 1933 P.2


P. MJCHALSKA  (PATRONELLA)

From Der Nord Westen, 05 May 1904:
Death late Sun. night of 66-yr. old Mrs. Patronella Michalski. 
The funeral was held yesterday morning at the Polish Cemetery.


AGNES MROTEK

From Der Nord Westen, 18 Feb. 1892:
Death Sun. from the grippe of Mrs. Agnes Mrotek (nee Jagodzinski), wife
of 7th Ward resident Frank Mrotek. The deceased was born 06 June 1870 in
Town Newton and is survived by her husband and two small children. Burial 
was Tues. in the Polish Cemetery.


ANDRZEJ MROTEK  (ANDREW)

MROTEK FAILS TO SURVIVE
Injured man Passes Away at Hospital While in Comatose State.
Unable to withstand the shock and the amputation of his leg which at a 
conference of the five physicians in attendance, was determined necessary, 
Andrew Mrotek, the unfortunate man who was so badly burned at the Gas Co. 
plant on Monday afternoon died at the hsopital (sic) about 7 o'clock. 
Mrotek recovered consciousness just after he was taken from the operating 
room but was not allowed to talk about the terrible happening.
Mrotek retained consciousness for several hours telling the nurse that he 
was cold which showed him to be rational and that he was numb which was 
natural from the fact that the nerve ends had all been burned. At 
4 o'clock he passed into a comatose state aand (sic) did not again revive 
and died without suffering, three hours later. At the hospital the agony 
and distress of the members of Mrotek family was pitiable in the extreme 
and those who witnessed it were moved to pity for the unfortunate one.
Mrotek was 38 years of age and parents, a widow and four small children 
are left, one a three months old babe. He was a member of St. Joseph's 
society and the funeral will be held from St. Mary's to-morrow at 
9 o'clock a.m. The decedent was a hard working steady and industrious man. 
He had been employed at the Gas Company for four years and at all times 
manifested an interest in his work that made him an invaluable employe. 
He was sober and a family man noble in character and his demise is a sad 
blow to the bereaved ones whom he leaves to mourn his untimeley end.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tuesday, March 7, 1911 P.1


ANNA MROTEK  (d. 1915)

DEATH’S CALL TO SOUTH SIDE WOMAN SUDDEN
Heart Attack Claims Mrs. P. Mrotek at Age of 77
Death’s call came to Mrs. Peter Mrotek, a well known South Side woman, 
suddenly Saturday night when she succumbed to a heart attack and passed 
away in a few minutes. Mrs. Mrotek had been suffering from asthma for 
some time. Decedent was a pioneer resident of the city, having come here 
in the early 50’s. She was 77 years of age. The funeral of Mrs. Mrotek 
will be held tomorrow morning at 9 from St. Mary’s church. A family 
survives.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tuesday, January 26, 1915, Page 8


ANNIE MROTEK

The funeral of the late Mrs. Andrew Mrotek, a pioneer resident of 
the city, who made her home here for 59 years, was held from St. 
Boniface church this morning. Mrs. Mrotek made her home on South 
Fifteenth street where her death occurred. Deceased was 77 years 
of age and was born in Germany, coming to America in 1858. She is 
survived by four sons and two daughters.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Friday, Sept. 21, 1917, Page 3
(NOTE: I believe this is where this obit goes)


ANTONIAN MROTEK

Mrs. Mrotek Dead
Death came to Mrs. Fred Mrotek at her home, 1124 South 21st street, 
early today, being due to pneumonia. Mrs. Mrotek was ? years of age 
and had resided in this city for 46 years. Besides her husband she is 
survived by seven children, Anton, Mathilda, Katherine, Charles, Adam, 
Helen and Eva. The funeral will be held at St. Mary’s church Tuesday 
morning.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Saturday, February 03, 1917, Page 8
(Note: Tombstone says d. Feb. 13. May have been misread)


FRANK MROTEK

From Der Nord Westen, 18 July 1907: 
Death at age 49 on Sunday of 7th Ward resident Frank Mrotek. 
He leaves a widow and 5 children. The funeral was held Tuesday 
morning from the Polish Church.


JOZEFA MROTEK

SHOT FATAL TO GIRL
Gun Accidentally Discharged Mortally Wounds Miss Josie Mrotek
LIVED BUT A FEW HOURS
South Side Girl Met Death While Making Call at Neighbor’s Home 
Sunday—Tragedy is Sad Story
Wounds inflicted by the accidental discharge of a shot gun in the 
hands of Edwin Andrasczyk resulted fatally for Miss Josephine Mrotek, 
a South Side girl Sunday, death following within two hours of the 
accident which occurred at the Andrasczyk home on South Seventeenth 
street shortly after noon. The weapon was loaded with buckshot and 
the entire charge entered the victim’s left thigh passing through the 
right and severing the large arteries of the leg, the girl bleeding 
to death from the injuries, never regaining consciousness after the 
accident. Death took place at the Holy Family hospital where the 
young lady had been removed for medical attendance. There can be no 
doubt but that the tragedy was the result of an accident and no blame 
is attached to the young man. 
Miss Mrotek had called at the Andraszczyk home for a visit with the 
daughters of the family during the afternoon and the party was in the 
parlor upstairs when the sad affair happened. Edwin Andraszczyk and 
several companions had arranged to spend the afternoon in the woods 
and the young man entered the room to procure the gun which was hanging 
on the wall. Greetings were exchanged and the weapon taken from its 
place and it was while the youth was in the act of examining it that 
the explosion resulted. Miss Mrotek was within five feet of the young 
man and directly opposite him and the charge struck her on the left 
side just below the hip. 
Assistance was immediately given and a physician summoned and a call 
for the ambulance in. Dr. G.W. Patchen arranged for the removal of 
the unfortunate girl to the hospital but nothing could be done to 
save the life and shortly after arrival at the institution the end 
came. 
Miss Mrotek is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mrotek and was a bright 
young girl whose untimely death causes sincere sorrow to many friends 
of the family. She was studious and at home a favorite child. The 
Andraszczyk and Mrotek families live near neighbors and frequently 
visited together. The young man from whose hand the fatal shot was 
fired is 18 years of age and the two were close friends. 
[article goes on to discuss ambulance service, but most is illegible]
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, November 24, 1902, Page 1
**********
With the services at St. Mary’s Catholic church this morning the 
last scene in the sad life tragedy of Josie Mrotek was enacted and 
the unfortunate victim of Sunday’s accident was laid to rest in the 
cemetery of the church. There was a large attendance at the funeral 
and much sympathy was expressed for the family. Many of the youthful 
friends and life companions of the young lady paid their last tribute 
of love and expressed the keen sorrow that was felt in her untimely 
death. From many floral offerings were tendered and the casket was 
covered with the flowers that conveyed a message of sympathy to the 
parents. The services were brief and pathetic in the extreme.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tuesday, November 25, 1902, Page 1


MAGDALENA MROTEK

From Der Nord Westen, 29 Sep. 1904:
Death Sun. evening of 67-yr. old Mrs. Magdala Mrotek. 
The deceased came to Manitowoc from her Polish home 
in 1872 and has lived here ever since. She leaves 3 
children and 26 grandchildren. The funeral was held 
Wed. morning from the Polish Church.


STANISLAWA MROTEK

Mrs. Stella Mrotek, widow of Andrew Mrotek who met a tragic death 
at the plant of the Gas company four years ago when he was burned 
to death, died at her home, 1225 So. Twentieth street and the burial 
was held from St. Mary’s church this morning. Mrs. Mrotek was born 
March 5, 1878 and was 37 years of age. She is survived by four 
children, the oldest of whom is 14.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, April 21, 1915, Page 3
********
(No. 9. 1st publication Feb. 9, 1916.)
Order to Hear Petition for Final Settlement
IN PROBATE-MANITOWOC COUNTY COURT.
In the matter of the estate of Stalla(sic) Mrotek, deceased.
On reading and filing the petition of Joseph Revolinsky of the estate 
of said deceased for the adjustment and allowance of his administration 
account (and the assignment of the residue of said estate to such other 
persons as are by law entitled to the same);
It is ordered that said account be examined, adjusted and allowed at a 
special term of said court to be held at the office of the county judge 
in the city of Manitowoc, in said county, on Tuesday, the 14th day of 
March, A.D., 1916.
It is further ordered, that upon the adjustment and allowance of such 
account by this court as aforesaid the residue of said estate be by the 
further order and judgment of this court, assigned to such persons as 
are by law entitled to the same.
It is further ordered, that notice of the time and place of examination 
and allowance of such account, and of the assignment of the residue of 
said estate, be given to all persons interested, by publication of this 
order for three successive weeks, before said day, in the Manitowoc 
Daily Herald, a newspaper printed and published at the city of Manitowoc 
and state of Wisconsin.
Dated Feb. 9, 1916.
By the court, John Chloupek, County Judge.
Nash & Nash, attorneys.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, March 1, 1916 P.6


CLARA G. MUELLER

Mrs. Clara Mueller, 75, a resident of Manitou Manor, Manitowoc, died Sunday 
afternoon at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and at 
10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc, The Rt. Rev. Msg. John S. 
Landowski will officiate and burial will be in St. Mary, Manitowoc.
Mrs. Mueller, nee Clara Zalewski was born Feb. 25, 1894, at Manitowoc, daughter 
of the late Michael and Victoria Musial Zalewski. She was married to Joseph 
Mueller in 1924 at Manitowoc. He preceded her in death Feb. 6, 1952. She was 
a member of the Rosary Society at St. Mary Church.
Survivors include two sons, a sister, Mrs. A.C. DeVelice, of Fond du Lac and 
10 grandchildren. Four brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Tuesday where the Rosary 
will be recited at 3:30 p.m. by the Rosary Society and at 7 p.m. by the 
parish.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. February 23, 1970
**********
Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Mueller, 75, a resident of Manitou Manor, 
Manitowoc, who died Sunday afternoon at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, 
will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and at 10:30 a.m. at 
St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rt. Rev. Msg. John S. Landowski 
will officiate and burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Manitowoc.
Mrs. Mueller, nee Clara Zalewski, was born Feb. 25, 1894, at Manitowoc, 
daughter of the late Michael and Victoria Musial Zalewski.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. February 24, 1970


FRANCISKA MUSIAL

From Der Nord Westen, 26 July 1894: 
Death Mon. evening, one hour after giving birth to a set of male twins, 
of Franziska Muschell, a resident of the 5th Ward. She was 35 yrs. old 
and leaves a husband and 7 children, including the new twins. The funeral 
was yesterday morning at the Polish Cemetery.
***********
From Der Nord Westen, 09 Aug. 1894: 
One of the twins, whose birth we reported week before last which led to 
the death of Mrs. Muschel, died on Mon. and was buried Tues. in the Polish 
Cemetery.
(Note: There is no stone for this child, so I put the obit with it's mother)


JULYANNA MUSIAL

The home of Mr. and Mrs. C. Musiel, 1339 So. 17th street, was 
saddened by the death of Julianna, the 9 year old daughter of 
the home. The child had been ill a short time. The funeral was 
held today.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Saturday, January 8, 1916 P.1


JENNIE NEDVECKI

The funeral of Mrs. Martin Nidwiecki took place this morning from 
St. Mary’s Polish church, South side. The deceased was but thirty 
years of age and had been in failing health for about a year. She 
leaves behind a husband and three little children to mourn her death.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, January 24, 1918, Page 2


MARTIN NEDVECKI

Martin M. Nedvecki, 83,of 805 S. 26th St., Manitowoc, died Saturday 
at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, where he was a patient eight 
days.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home 
and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rt. Rev. 
Msgr. John S. Landowski will officiate and burial will be in the church 
cemetery.
Mr. Nedvecki was born Nov. 8, 1885, in Posen, Germany, son of the late 
Albert and Mary Osesck Nedvecki, and emigrated to the United States, 
settled in Chicago and later moved to Manitowoc. He married Jennie 
Gorychka in 1905. She died in 1918. Aug. 2, 1920, he married Mrs. 
Kathryn Kowalski Nespor at St. Ann Catholic Church, Francis Creek. 
Prior to retirement in 1957 he worked at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Inc. 
He was a member of Boilermakers Local No. 443.
Survivors include his wife; a son, (private), four daughters,(private); 
19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home where at 7 o'clock this Monday 
evening the Rosary will be recited.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, February 10, 1969 P. 7


WLADISLAW NESPODZIANY

Resident here Many Years, Dead
Edward Nespodziany died at the home of his sister, Mrs. John Felton, 
1315 South Seventeenth street, Monday morning following a short 
illness due to dropsy. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning 
with services at St.Mary's Catholic church and burial will be at 
St. Mary's cemetery. Deceased was forty six years of age and was 
born in this state. He made his home in this city for many years 
and was married here, his wife preceding him in death several 
years ago. He is survived by several sisters. For a number of years 
Mr. Nespodziany was employed by the C. Reiss company at the lake 
front docks and the company's flag was flown at half mast in his 
honor.
Manitowoc Herlad News, Wednesday, June 28, 1922 P.8


JOSEF NICKEL

From Der Nord Westen, 15 Aug. 1901:
Death on Mon. of well-known Washington St. resident, innkeeper 
Joseph Nickels from dropsy. The deceased, who was 58-yrs. old, 
was born in West Prussia. He came to Manitowoc in the 70's, 
worked for a while with the railroad, and then established an 
inn which he operated for 13 yrs. until his death. He leaves a 
widow and 8 children.


EMILY NITKA

Mrs. John A. Nitka, 72, of 1318 S. 16th St., Manitowoc, died late Saturday 
evening at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and at 
9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Thaddeus J. 
Koszarek will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Nitka nee Emily S. Mushel, was born Oct. 13, 1898, at Manitowoc, the 
daughter of the late Anton and Mathilda Burry Mushel. She was married to Mr. 
Nitka Nov. 26, 1917, at St. Mary church. A resident of Manitowoc all her 
life, she was a member of the St. Mary Rosary Society and the Catholic Women's 
club and had been active with the Manitowoc Apostolate.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Francis (Dorothy) Hein and 
Mrs. Milton (Diane) Kitzerow; two brothers, John and Anton, and a sister, Mrs. 
Clara Vnuk, Manitowoc, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Two 
brothers and a sister preceded Mrs. Nitka in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 o'clock this Monday evening. A 
rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. by the Rosary Society and at 8 o'clock by 
members of the parish and the Catholic Woman's Club will recite the Rosary.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. July 19, 1971


LEON NOVAK

Leon (Leo) R. Novak, 61, of 1907 Hamilton St., Manitowoc, died Monday at Holy 
Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Leschke-Bergner Funeral Home 
and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Thaddeus 
Koszarek will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mr. Novak was born April 3, 1910, at Milwaukee, son of the late Joseph and 
Catherine Ciszewski Novak. He was educated at Manitowoc. He was employed at 
Northern Wisconsin Produce for 20 years and at Aluminum Speciality Co. for 16 
years until his retirement in 1965 due to illness. He was a charter member of 
the St. Mary Young Men's Club.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, a daughter, two brothers, Edwin, of 
Milwaukee and Adam, of Manitowoc; and five grandchildren. A daughter and a 
brother preceded him in death. (Survivors edited for privacy)
Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Wednesday where the Rosary 
will be recited at 8 p.m. by Father Koszarek.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. November 30, 1971
*******
Funeral services for Leon (Leo) R. Novak, 61, of 1907 Hamilton St., Manitowoc 
who died Monday at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, will be held 10 a.m. 
Thursday at Leschke-Bergner Funeral Home, Manitowoc.
Mr. Novak married Helen Becker Aug. 23, 1937, at Manitowoc.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. December 1, 1971


MICHAEL NOVAK

From Der Nord Westen, 23 Jan. 1902:
Following an illness of several years 23-yr. old Michael Novak 
died Mon. of dropsy. The funeral was held Tues. morning at the 
Polish Cemetery.


WALTER J. NOWAK

Three Local Men Killed as Auto Crashes Freight Train
Fourth Is Seriously Injured In Accident At Bellevue, Brown County
Three Manitowoc men lost their lives and a fourth was seriously injured early 
this morning in an automobile-freight collision at Bellevue, Brown county, as 
they were returning from a district meeting of the Eagles at Green Bay.
Hugo Butz, 54, of 1212 South 16th street, prominent in Eagles activities, employe 
of the city street department.
John Daron, 53, of 1601 Washington street, for 27 years the inner guard of the 
Eagles aerie here, employed at the Kingsbury Breweries company.
Walter J. Novak, 50, of 1013 South 23rd street, employe of the Aluminum Goods 
Manufacturing company.
Injured:
Henry Vogt, 32, of 1912 South 14th street, owner of the car, who suffered a 
fractured leg and possible internal injuries.
Butz and Novak were almost instantly killed. Daron died shortly after 9 a.m. 
today in a Green Bay hospital. Vogt is expected to live, physicians said.
Butz, Vogt and Daron were members of the Eagles degree team which took part 
last night in a district meeting held in Green Bay in honor of John A. Abel, 
national president of the Eagles.
William Kustka, 1112 Manila street, also a member of the degree team, was to 
drive to the meeting with Vogt but at the last moment made other arrangements 
and so escaped the accident.
At 1:50 A.M.
The crash occurred at the railroad crossing in Bellevue on Highway 141 at 1:50 
this morning when the car smashed into the front end of a Chicago and North 
Western freight engine as the train was pulling from a siding onto the main 
track on its way to Green Bay.
Engineer Joe Petroski, pilot of the freight train, said he saw the automobile 
approaching the crossing when it was a block away. He set his whistle and 
emergency brakes, he said, and the train stopped almost as the crash occurred. 
The car crashed into the front end of the locomotive, bending the cow-catcher. 
The front of the automobile was telescoped, and the motor completely crushed 
and pushed into the front seat.
The freight train, No. 169, had been waiting on the siding for No. 212. The 
freight was late on its northen run because it was held up in Manitowoc waiting 
for a ferry.
As the machine hit the train Vogt, who apparently was driving, was thrown out 
the left side of the car and under the train. Wheels of the train, however, 
did not pass over him. Daron was thrown out on the pavement on the right side 
of the car.
Inquest Planned
Butz and Novak were in the back seat when authorities arrived. Both were 
apparently living when they were taken from the car but were pronounced dead 
upon entry to a Green Bay hospital. Daron, who suffered critical head and 
internal injuries, was given little chance to live when doctors examined him 
and died several hours later.
"The car appeared to pick up speed between the point where I first saw it, 
coming around a curve, and the railroad crossing." Engineer Petroski told 
authorities. "It hit the right front corner of the locomotive."
The car was against the train, facing south, as the freight came to a stop.
Coroner Orlan Miller of Brown county, said he was making plans for an inquest 
into the cause of the three deaths.
The tragedy early today is not to interfere with the Eagles meeting at the 
clubrooms tonight, according to President William Kustka. The speaker will be 
John A. Abel of Marion, Ohio, grand worthy president of the order, who spoke 
last night at Green Bay. The meeting will be confined, however, to the speaking 
program.
Butz Rites Saturday
Hugo Buts, 54, a past worthy president of the Manitowoc aerie of Eagles, was 
born in this city in 1885, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Engel-
(Continued on Page 18, Col. 5)
(Continued from Page 1)
bert Butz, and always resided here with the exception of two years spent at 
Grand Rapids, Mich. He was educated in the schools of the city and for years 
was employed as a foreman in the plant of the American Seating Company. When 
the plant moved to Michigan he went to Grand Rapids and remained two years 
when he returned to Manitowoc.
In recent years he has been employed with the Manitowoc Street Department. In 
addition to serving as former president of the Eagles he was a member of the 
degree team of the order and was recording secretary of the Catholic Order of 
Foresters.
He is survived by his widow, the former Ingabor Sather, who he married in 1927; 
daughter, Marie, at home; son, Frederick, at home; mother, Mrs. Katherine Butz 
of this city; two brothers, Reinhardt and Edwin, both of this city; two sisters, 
Mrs. Joseph Prchal of Chicago, Mrs. Warren Gamble of this city.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:45 a.m. from the Pfeffer funeral 
home and at 10 from the St. Boniface church. Burial will be in Evergreen 
cemetery.
The body may be viewed from Friday morning until the hour of the services.
Birthday Was Sunday
John Daron, of 1601 Washington street, was 53 years old, having observed his 
birthday last Sunday. Born in this city in 1886 he always resided here. He was 
employed for many years in the plant of the Kingsbury Breweries company.
He was one of the veteran Eagles of the Manitowoc aerie, having served as 
inner guard for 27 years.
He married Miss Mary Kujawsky in 1910. She survives with two sons, Lester and 
John Jr., both of this city; brother, August, of this city; four sisters, Mrs. 
Alex Herman, Mrs. Oscar Wendorf, Mrs. John Woytal, Mrs. John Komorawski, all 
of this city; and a grandchild (Survivor omitted for privacy.)
The body may be viewed at the funeral home from Friday morning until the hour 
of the services.
Walter J. Novak, 50, of 1013 South 23rd street, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton 
Novak was born at Newton and spent most of his life in this city. He was 
employed for the past 15 years at the Aluminum Goods Company plant. In 1920 
he married Catherine Wilczek at Chicago.
Survivors are the widow; two sons, Eugene, 13, and Edward, 18; brother John, 
of this city; six sisters, Mrs. John Czekala, Mrs. Mary Markowski, Mrs. Frank 
Masiak Tillie, all of this city; Mrs. Veronica Peterman of Milwaukee, Mrs. 
Charles Dedrichs, of California.
Burial will take place Monday at 9 a.m. from the St. Mary's Catholic church, 
the Rev. John Landowski officiating. The body is at the Leschke funeral home.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. Thursday, October 19, 1939 P. 1 and P. 18
(Note: There are photos of the 4 men and one of the car with the article)


JOSEPH ORCHEKOWSKY

Joseph Orchekowski, 63, of 1128 N. Eighth Street, Manitowoc, died 
Saturdaymorning at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, following a 
two-week illness.
Funeral services will be at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mittnacht Funeral
Home, Manitowoc, and at 9 a.m. at Holy Innocents Catholic Church,
Manitowoc, the Rev. Anthony Stefl officiating. Burial will be in
St. Mary Cemetery, Manitowoc.
Mr. Orchekowski was born Sept. 11, 1896, at Manitowoc, son of the
late John and Gertrude Broune Orchekowski. He was educated at 
Sacred Heart Catholic grade school and was forty years employed by
Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., retiring in 1954. He was a member of
the Holy Name Society of Holy Innocent parish and a member of Boiler
Makers Local 443 until his retirement.
Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. John Kaminski and Mrs. John 
Block of Manitowoc; and 12 nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Monday until the
time of services. The Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Monday by
the Holy Name Society.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Saturday, July 09, 1960  page 7


MICHAL OSESEK

BODY OF LOCAL MAN WHO DIED WHILE SERVING TIME AT 
WAUPUN IS BROUGHT HERE FOR BURIAL
The body of Michael Ossessik (sic), who died at Waupun prison while 
serving a two year sentence imposed by Judge Kirwan in circuit court 
a year ago, was brought here for burial last night. 
Ossessik was convicted in circuit court of a charge of attacking a 
woman in the Seventh ward whose home he was alleged to have entered. 
Reports from Waupun say that Ossessek had been in poor health for 
sometime. He is survived by his parents and brothers and sisters.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, June 20, 1917, Page 5


JOSEPH OSSIECK

Joseph Ossieck, 72, of 1229 S. 22nd St., Manitowoc, died Monday afternoon 
at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and 
at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Thaddeus J. 
Koszarek will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mr. Ossieck was born March 11, 1899, at Manitowoc, son of the late Thomas 
and Anna Glisch Ossieck. He attended St. Mary Parochial School. He sailed 
as a seaman on ocean freighters since 1919 and retired in 1964. Mr. Ossieck 
was a member of the National Maritime Union of America.
Survivors include a brother, John, two sisters, Mrs. Julius Wergin and Mrs. 
Anton Nowak, of Manitowoc and nieces and nephews. A sister and six brothers 
preceded him in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday where a 
Memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Wis. January 4, 1972


CHARLES PEKULIK

Charles A. Pekulik, 69, of 1109 S. 24th St., Manitowoc, died Thursday morning 
at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and at 
10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Thaddeus J. Koszarek 
will officate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mr. Pekulik was born Feb. 16, 1902, at Manitowoc, son of the late Thomas and 
Veronica Becker Pekulik. He resided in Manitowoc all his life. He had been 
employed at Wisconsin Malting Co., retiring seven years ago.
Survivors include three daughters, four sisters, Miss Nellie Pekulik, Mrs. 
Michael (Josephine) Stryzewski, Mrs. Victor (Helen) Ratajczak and Mrs. Robert 
(Cele) Jagodensky of Manitowoc and seven grandchildren.
(Survivors edited for privay)
A brother, Gordon, preceded him in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday where a wake 
service will be held at 7 p.m.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. April 1, 1971


GORDON PEKULIK

Gordon Pekulik, 60, of 1109 S. 24th St., Manitowoc, died Saturday at 
Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, where he was a patient two weeks.
Funeral services will be at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home 
and at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. 
John S. Landowski will officiate and burial will be in the church 
cemetery.
Mr. Pekulik was born March 30, 1907, at Manitowoc, son of the late 
Thomas and Veronica Becker Pekulik. He was a life-long resident of 
Manitowoc where he was employed for many years by Musial Hauling 
service.
Surviving are four sisters, Miss Nellie Pekulik, Mrs. Michael (Josephine) 
Stryzewski, Mrs. victor (Helen) Ratajczek and Mrs. Robert (Celia) 
Jagodinsky, and two brothers, Frank and Charles, of Manitowoc.
Friends may call at the funeral home where the parish rosary will be 
recited at 7:30 o'clock this Monday evening.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. Monday, July 3, 1967 P. 9


PAULINE E. PETROSKY

DIES TUESDAY AT FARM HOME
Mrs. Pauline Petrosky Was Lifelong County Resident
Mrs. Pauline Petrosky, 73, lifelong resident of the county, died yesterday 
at the farm home in the town of Liberty. She was the last surviving member 
of the Jahn family.
Born Pauline Jahn in the town of Newton in 1862 she was married to John 
Petrosky in 1888 and they located on the homestead farm in Liberty near 
English Lake.
Survivors are the widower; two daughters, Mrs. John Kalasa, Liberty, and 
Mrs. Apolonary Korlesky, Newton; two sons, Frank, city, and Theodore, 
Liberty; and two grandchildren.
The body is at the Leschke funeral home. Funeral arrangements will be 
announced tomorrow.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. Wednesday, November 13, 1935 P. 2


JAN PIKULEK

John Pikular(sic), ? South Twenty fifth street, an old resident of 
the city, died at his home yesterday at the age of ? years. He is 
survived by a widow and family. The funeral will be held from St. 
Mary’s church tomorrow morning.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Friday, May 04, 1917, Page 3


TEODOR PIKULIK

From the Manitowoc Pilot, November 23, 1905:
Theodore, the 10 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pikulik, Twenty-
fourth street, died of membranous croup last Sunday. The funeral was
held Tuesday afternoon from St. Mary's church.
*********
From Der Nord Westen, 23 Nov. 1905:
A 10-yr. old son of 24th St. resident here, Thomas Pikulik 
died Sun. of diphtheria and was buried Tues. morning.


VALERIA PIKULIK

From Der Nord Westen, 11 Mar. 1909:
10-year old Valeria Hikulik (sic) died last week of diphtheria.


MICHAEL PLOTKA

Michael Plotka, 79, of 1317 S. 17th St., Manitowoc, died unexpectedly 
Friday night at his home.
Funeral services will be 8:30 a.m. Monday at Leschke-Bergner Funeral 
Home, Manitowoc, and at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, the Rt. 
Rev. John S. Landowski officiating. Burial will be in the church 
cemetery.
Mr. Plotka was born Aug. 15, 1882, at Manitowoc, son of the late Mr. 
and Mrs. Joseph Plotka. He was married Nov. 10, 1904 to Constance 
Sitkiewitz at Newton.
He was a plant superintendent of Chilton Canning Co., where he was 
employed 45 years and worked for W. Rathsack and sons Hardware Co., 
Manitowoc, in his later years.
He was a member of St. Mary Holy Name Society.
Survivors include a son, Charles of Manitowoc; a daughter, Mrs. Frank 
Sheraski of Manitowoc; three grandchildren and a great grandchild. 
His wife preceded him in death in Feb., 1959.
Friends may call after 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home where the 
Rosary will be recited by the parish at 3 p.m.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. Saturday, March 17, 1962 P. 14


ANNA POKORSKI

Mrs. Anna Pokorski, 71, a former Manitowoc resident, died Saturday 
at Phoenix, Ariz.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Pfeffer Funeral Home 
and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. 
Thaddeus J. Koszarek will officate and burial will be in the St. Mary 
Catholic Cemetery, Manitowoc.
Mrs. Pokorski, nee Anna Kowalsky, was born April 17, 1901, at West 
Kewaunee, daughter of the late Albert and Mary Bonk Kowalsky. She was 
married to Edward L. Pokorski May 18, 1920, at Two Rivers. Her husband 
preceded her in death June 2, 1953. Mrs. Pokorski was a member of the 
Germania Society of Manitowoc.
(Survivors omitted for privacy.)
Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 9 o'clock this Monday 
evening where a Memorial service will be held at 7:15 o'clock.
Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Wis. March 26, 1973


LYDIA POKORSKI

Lydia, two year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pokorski, 
1217 S. Sixteenth street, died yesterday after a brief illness. 
The funeral will be held from St. Mary’s church tomorrow morning.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, June 07, 1917, Page 3
(No stone)


JENNIE POKORSKY

Mrs. Joanna Pokorsky, 86, who resided with her daughter and son-in-law, 
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hill, of 543 West Lawn Blvd., Manitowoc, died Friday 
morning at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 Monday at Pfeffer Funeral Home and 11 a.m. 
at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The Rev. Thaddeus J. Koszarek will 
officiate and burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.
Mrs. Pokorsky, nee Joanna Ziarnik, was born July 19, 1887, at Manitowoc, 
daughter of the late Michael and Veronica Mueller Ziarnik. She was married 
to Michael Pokorsky Aug. 30, 1909, at Manitowoc. He preceded her in death 
Apr. 4, 1965. She was a member of St. Mary Rosary Society and the Catholic 
Women's Club.
Survivors include a son and two daughters; and five grandchildren. A brother 
and three sisters preceded her in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, where the 
Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. by St. Mary Rosary Society and a wake 
service will be held at 7 p.m. by the Catholic Women's club and friends.
Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Wis. October 12, 1973
*******
(22 Jul 1887/Oct 1973/SSDI)


ANNA POWALEK

From Der Nord Westen, 19 Mar. 1903:
Mrs. Anna Powalek, quite possibly the oldest resident of our county, 
died Sat. at the age of 101. Mrs. Powalek came to Manitowoc with her 
late husband about 40 yrs ago and has lived here ever since. She is 
survived by one daughter here and another in Poland. In addition, she 
has 29 great-grandchildren here and 16 in Poland. The funeral took 
place Tues. at the Polish Cemetery.


FRANK POWALISZ

Frank Powalisz To Be Buried Monday Morning
Frank Powlisz, 66, 1225 South 18th street, passed away Thursday 
afternoon at 4:30. Funeral services will be held from the home 
Monday morning at 8:30 and at 9 o'clock from the St. Mary's church. 
Burial will be made at the St. Mary's cemetery.
The deceased was born Nov. 20, 1867 in Poland. He came to Manitowoc 
45 years ago. In 1897 he was married to Anna Zagrodnik of this city 
who survives him. He has been in the employe of the Aluminum Goods 
company for the past 20 years.
Survivors include his widow; two sons, Victor and Francis of this 
city; two brothers, John of Poland and Joseph of Milwaukee; three 
sisters, Mrs. Joseph Mrotek, Mrs. Mary Derla, and Mrs. Katherine 
Sobieszczyk, all of Manitowoc.
The body will be taken to the home today at 5:30 p.m. from the 
Shimek and Schwartz funeral home.
Unknown Paper Unknown Date


SUSAN RATHSACK

From Der Nord Westen, 08 June 1905:
Consumption claimed the life Fri. of Susie Rathsack, daughter 
of widow Nellie Rathsack here. The deceased was born and lived 
here her entire life. The funeral was held Mon. from the Polish 
Church.


MICHAEL REVOLINSKY

Michael Revolinsky, 56, of 1121 South 24th street, died Sunday night at the 
Holy Family hospital following a lingering illness.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at the St. Marys Catholic 
church, the Rev. John Landowski officiating. Burial will be in the church 
cemetery.
He was born in 1890 in this city, and was employed at the Manitowoc Portland 
Cement company.
He is survived by his wife, the former Mrs. Martha Herrick; step-daughter, 
Mrs. Elmer Greicar of West Allis; sister, Mrs. Rose Price of Milwaukee; and 
a grandson.
The body may be viewed at the Leschke funeral home after 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. January 6, 1947 P. 2
(Note: b. date on tombstone doesn't match obituary)


PAWEL REWOLINSKI

From Der Nord Westen, 01 Mar. 1900:
Death of 17-yr. old P. Revolinski Sun. of consumption. The funeral was 
held yesterday morning from the Polish Church.


FRANTISZEK REZEK /RATHSACK / RECEK

(See note at the end of news articles)

STABBED TO DEATH
Fearful Result Of A Quarrel At Half-Way House.
As the result of a drunken carousal last Saturday night one brave, industrious
boy, just entering upon the stage of manhood has gone to fill an early grave
another lies confined in a lonely cell in the county jail with the terrible
charge of murder hanging over his head; sorrow and shame have been brought to
two erstwhile happy and peaceful homes and our city has been disgraced as
being the scene of another outbreak of lawlessness and bloodshed.
The trouble occurred at the disreputable resort between here and Two Rivers
known as the Halfway House or Klondyke. The principals engaged were Frank
Rathsack and Jos. Novak.
It is difficult to find out the exactly true story of the affair as there
were many persons present and their accounts vary considerably.
A coroner's inquest was held before Justice Markham. The jury selected on
the case was: Henry Borcherdt, G.W. Kennedy, Eugene Sherman, John Herzog,
Frank Sorge and P.S. Tillson. Testimony commenced to be taken at about
10 o'clock Monday morning and the verdict was returned about eleven o'clock
Tuesday. The verdict was that Frank Rathsack had come to his death at the
Halfway House on Saturday night, November 19th caused by a wound from a
sharp instrument in the hands of Joseph Novak.
No one can be found who will testify that he actually saw the stabbing.
Only two have testified that they even saw a knife. One of these was
Sadowski. He said that when he entered the hall Novak was in the corner
with a crowd surging toward him. He heard Novak say: "Well, here goes,
Jim." He saw a flash of steel and appealed to Olson to seperate them
for which he received a blow in the face.
The only other man who saw a knife was Geo. Beyer, who happened to be at
the house to see about putting up of a windmill. He did not see the knife
until after the stabbing was done and then could not tell who it was that
had it. He testified also at the inquest that it was his opinion that
there were three or four fighting against Rathsack at the time of the
stabbing.
Sunday evening Novak made a statement in the jail. According to his story
Rathsack and his five companions attacked him and Rathsack struck him 
several times but he never returned the blows. He endeavored to get away
from them but was finally cornered in the juncture. Thomas Burnes, the
proprietor of the house stepped between them and endeavored to force them
to stop fighting. Rathsack persisted and Novak escaping ran into the
dancing hall. He was followed by Rathsack and his companions. Here the
stories begin to conflict, and it is difficult to ascertain just how it
all happened but in a few seconds Rathsack had been stabbed. Novak came
running out into the bar room chased by several of Rathsack's friends.
Novak ran behind the bar and was soon overpowered by his opponents,
who brought him to Manitowoc, where he surrendered himself to 
authorities.
Rathsack, after he was stabbed, walked out into the barroom and fell
dead on the floor.
From the testimony that was taken at the inquest the story of the stabbing
must have been about as follows.
Novak, in company with Joseph Sadowski and Joseph Zarnik drove out to the
Halfway House Saturday, arriving there at 8:20 o'clock. They began drinking
freely. At a little after nine o'clock Frank Rathsack, Gus Olson, Jim
McCulley and three others arrived. They had had several drinks before
leaving the city and immediately upon arriving took several more.
There had been an old grudge between Rathsack and Novak and it seems that
as soon as they met Rathsack made threats of giving Novak a pounding.
According to all reports the trouble began outside the house. Novak
appears to have started to go home but was followed up by Rathsack.
Who said the first word or struck the first blow will probably never
be known. They soon returned into the bar room and the fight was on.
Novak was backed into a corner and Rathsack was hitting him. At this
juncture Thomas Burnes, the proprietor of the house stepped between
them and endeavored to force them to stop fighting. Rathsack persisted,
and Novak escaping ran into the dancing hall. He was followed by
Rathsack and his companions. Here the stories begin to conflict and it
???? in the jail. According to his story Rathsack and his five companions
attacked him and Rathsack struck him several tims but he never returned
the blows. He endeavored to get away from them but was finally cornered
in the dance hall where he thought he would be killed. He then remembered
he had a knife in his coat pocket and drew it to protect himself. He
worked his arm up and down to defend himself and had no intentions to 
kill or injure anyone. He claims he was so frenzied by excitement and
fear that he does not know what happened and was not aware that he had
killed Rathsack until after he was in jail.
He was brought before Judge Craite Monday morning and plead "not guilty"
to the charge of murder. His examination was set for Friday, Nov. 25.
Frank Rathsack was a boy eighteen years of age. He was a painter by trade
and until quite recently he was employed by Walter Green & Co. He was a
quiet and industrious youth and fully trusted by his employers. But a
short time ago he fell in with evil associates and commenced drinking.
He lost his position and was going the downward road at a break-neck
speed when his youthful life was brought to an abrupt end by Saturday
night's tragedy.
He was stabbed three times, once over the right shoulder blade, once to
the right of the sternum between the second and third ribs and the last
and fatal blow was in the neck which severed the jugular vein.
(sent in by researcher/see contributors page)
****************
The Milwaukee Journal, November 21, 1898, pg. 2, col A
Fatal Fight at Manitowoc 
FRANK RATHSACK STABBED TO DEATH BY JOSEPH NOWAK. - HE LED A GANG FOR THE PURPOSE
OF CLEARING OUT THE PLACE. - AFTER BEING BADLY BEATEN NOWAK USES A KNIFE.
Manitowoc, Wis., Nov. 21.-
Frank Rathsack was stabbed to death by Joseph Nowak at a road house near here
last night. About 11 o'clock a number of boys were assembled in George Brey's
saloon in 214 North Eighth street, where a grand opening was being held. They
drank freely and soon one said:
"Boy, let's go to the Halfway House and clean out the house."
Several declined to go, but about a dozen went. Among them was Frank Rathsack.
When they got there they met Joseph Nowak and his friends. Now this (?) Joseph
Nowak had before two or three times, with the help of two companions, whipped
Frank Rathsack and his friends. Nowak and his friends had been drinking freely.
They got Nowak outside of the house in some manner and began beating him. He
fell to the ground and cried for help, but his enemies did not give up. He got
up and ran into the house, crying, "I've got enough, boys." They followed him
into the house. Here they set upon him again. He retreated into a corner and
drew a knife.
Stabbed Six Times
Frank Rathsack then advanced and Nowack(sic) stabbed him six times. The first
time in the left breast, then in the neck, cutting the jugular vein; then in
the back, on the right shoulder; then in the left hip, and slashed his hand
and face. Rathsack ran across the room, fell, and soon died. Then Rathsack's
companions caught and bound Nowak, and one by the name of Gustav Olson
brought him to town and delivered him to the sheriff. The body of Frank
Rathsack was brought to Undertaker Frazier. Those who had witnessed the murder-
Gust. Olson, frank Gilbrath, Ant. Zarnik, O. Terguson, J. Hanson, Frank Zedosky-
were held as witnesses.
Frank Rathsack left a mother, his father having died some years ago. He also
has three brothers, George, one of the members of Company H; John and Joseph.
Rathsack's Uncle a Murderer.
It was his uncle, Albert Rathsack, who killed his wife about four years ago,
and is now in Waupun, being sentenced for ninety-nine years.
This man having spent all his money asked for some from his wife, who earned
it by washing, and she refusing it, he took up an ax and started to sharpen
it. His wife asked him why he was sharpening the ax, as she had wood cut for
the next day. He did not say anything. She became alarmed and ran for the door,
but he, seeing this, struck her twice and killed her. He then took $15 which 
she had in her pocket, and got drunk and was soon caught and sentenced to 
ninety-nine years in state's prison.
Joseph Nowak has parents living, also one brother and two sisters, Frank 
Rathsack was 18 years of age and Nowak is 28 years old. Nowak is now in the
county jail and nobody is allowed to see him. There is considerable hard
feeling against Gust Olson, as he was the one who proposed the escapade. This
halfway house is renowned for its fights, especially between Manitowoc boys
and Two Rivers boys. Several men have been seriously hurt there.
Olson Testifies at Inquest
The inquest was held this forenoon before Justice Markham. Olson was the 
principal witness. His testimony was not very clear. He stated that the two
men had several fights during the night, and each time they were separated
by friends. After the killin of Rathsack, Olson and others caught Nowak and
started with him for Manitowoc. Several times Nowak is said to have begged
his captors to kill him, or allow him to kill himself. Other witnesses with
the Rathsack party were placed on the witness stand, and testified to about
the same as did Olson.

  


********
From Death Certificate:
v.6, p.116 record 502
Frank Ratzak
painter
age 18 yrs. 3 mo. 17 da.
born: Manitowoc Co., Wis.
died: Nov. 19, 1898
buried: Manitowoc Co., Wis.
father: Joseph Ratzak, born Poland
mother: Agnes Ratzak, born Poland
********

His death certificate only says he was buried in Manitowoc co. 
The first account was sent in by a researcher. No newspaper 
name cited. Ellen sent me the second news article. There are 
also drawings at the end of the articles taken from the first 
article.
(Note: I was able to place him here using the following information
from 2 researchers:
I've been studying Receks and related family names in Manitowoc
County for a few years, and what I tend to find is that they go
by the name "Rathsack" (or "Radsack", etc.) on civil records
(census, gravestones), and by the name "Recek" on church records
(which, generally speaking, tend to preserve the original ethnic
spelling of an immigrant's surname better than other records do).
In other words, for all of the Receks that I know about, I have
church records of baptism, marriage and death, and corresponding
records of birth and marriage from the state, and from census
records and so forth.  I am convinced that these surnames are
equivalent.
I later found out that this didn't apply to "my" Rathsacks who were 
from Prussia or Mecklenburg, not Poland; spoke German, not Polish; 
and were Lutherans, not Catholics. Personally, I believe that the 
Manitowoc RECEKS used the name RATZAK or RATHSACK simply because 
it slightly resembled their own and because it was already prevalent 
in Manitowoc County.)


STELLA ROZUMALSKI

Mrs. Stella Rozumalski, 76, 1333 S. 20th St., Manitowoc, died Sunday 
morning at Holy Family Hospital following a short illness.
Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Pfeffer 
Funeral Home and at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. The Rev. John 
Landowski will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Rozumalski, the former Stella Krolikowski, was born in November, 
1876, in Milwaukee. She moved to Manitowoc 30 years ago. In 1919 she 
was married to John Rozumalski who died in 1934. Since the death of her 
husband, Mrs. Rozumalski had lived with her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Borusky. 
She was a member of the Holy Rosary and Altar Society of St. Mary Catholic 
Church and also a Gold Star Mother.
Survivors include seven daughters, four sons, one sister, Sister Mary M. 
Sabina of Elm Grove; 20 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A son, 
Frank, was killed in action June 11, 1945.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Monday. The rosary will 
be said at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Gold Star Mothers will conduct a short graveside 
ceremony.
Two Rivers Reporter, March 30, 1953


ANASTASIA RUGOWSKI

Mrs. Matt. Rugowski, mother of Ex-Alderman Edward Rugowski, died at 
an early hour today at her home on Eighteenth street from an illness 
that had caused her sufferings for two months. Death was due to 
hemorhages. Deceased was 51 years of age and had lived here many years. 
A husband and eleven children survive. The funeral will take place 
Friday.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, March 23, 1904 P.1
**********
From Der Nord Westen, 31 Mar. 1904:
Death here Wed. evening last week of Mrs. Mathew Rugowski 
at age 51 from a lung illness. In addition to her husband 
she is survived by 11 children. The funeral was held Fri. 
at the Polish Cemetery.


BERNICE RYDZEWSKI

Bernice Rydcewski, three year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin 
Rydcewski, died at the home of her parents at Rapids Tuesday and 
funeral services were held from St. Mary’s church this morning.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Thursday, April 04, 1918, Page 3


CLARA RYSTICKEN

Mrs. Clara N. Rysticken, 85, of 902 S. 24th St., Manitowoc, died 
Thursday at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Pfeffer Funeral 
Home and at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. The 
Rev. Thaddeus J. Koszarek will officiate and burial will be in 
St. Mary Cemetery.
Mrs. Rysticken, nee Clara Sydow, was born Jan. 12, 1889, at 
Sheboygan, daughter of the late John and Kathryn Korlesky Sydow. 
She was married to Anton Rysticken June 10, 1912, at St. Mary 
Catholic Church. He preceded her in death April 18, 1965.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. David (Alice) Pollack, of 
Manitowoc; three brothers, Albert and Leo, of Manitowoc and Harry, 
of Milwaukee; three sisters, Mrs. I.G. Michalek and Mrs. Charles 
Backus, of Manitowoc and Mrs. Ernest Bockisch, of Elmhurst, Ill.; 
three grandsons (Survivors omitted for privacy.) and four great 
grandchildren. A son, Harry, a brother and two sisters preceded 
her in death.
Friends may call at Pfeffer Funeral Home from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 
where a wake memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Herald Times Reporter, Friday, June 14, 1974 P.14


ANNA RYSZTIKON

SIX SONS ARE PALL BEARERS AT MOTHER’S FUNERAL
The funeral of Mrs. Anna Rysteken (sic), held from St. Mary’s 
Catholic church yesterday, was unique in that six stalwart sons 
of the deceased acted as pall bearers, bearing all that remained 
of their beloved mother to her last resting place. 
Mrs. Rysteken was 62 years of age at the time of her death, last 
Sunday, and came to this country with her husband 45 years ago. 
She was a native of Poland. Deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis 
seven months ago and was unconscious for 42 hours preceding her 
death. Mr. Rysteken died three years ago. Thirteen children were 
born to the couple of whom twelve, eight sons and four daughters 
are living. They are Mrs. Peter Myschefske, Mrs. Joe Jagodenski, 
Mrs. Joe Kneip and Miss Anna Rysteken, who lived with her mother. 
The sons are Martin, Frank and Stanley of Milwaukee and John, Alex, 
Anton, Joe and Peter of this city. Interment was in the Polish 
cemetery. 
Manitowoc Daily Tribune, Thursday, February 24, 1910


FRANCISZEK RYSZTIKON

From Der Nord Westen, 22 Nov. 1906:
68-year old Frank Rystikon died Tuesday last week leaving 
his widow and 12 children. The funeral was Thursday.


MARYANNA RYSZTIKON  (d. 1915)

OLD RESIDENT OF CITY DIES; WAS LONG ILL
Mrs. Mary, widow of the late Chas. Rystickin(sic), a long time 
resident of the city, died at her home on South Nineteenth street 
Saturday at 4 o'clock. Mrs. Rystickin had been ill for several 
months and had failed rapidly of late. Had she lived until Wednesday 
she would have been 75 years of age. 
Decedent was a native of Germany and came here 35 years ago. She is 
survived by two daughters and one son, all residents here, Mrs. I. 
Andrastak, Anna Rystickin and Michael Rystickin. The funeral will be 
held Wednesday from St. Mary's church.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, August 09, 1915, Page 8