| In the death of Fred Hartwig, Friday morning, Oct. 12, Medford lost an old
resident and highly esteemed citizen. Mr. Hartwig was born July 19, 1854 in Buffalo, N.Y., where he spent his young manhood and married Miss Augusta Schroeder there Feb. 25, 1884. Before his marriage, Mr. Hartwig had visited Medford and after their marriage brought his bride here. Here they lived and raised a family of 11 children, nine of whom survive Mr. Hartwig. Mrs. Hartwig passed away six years ago on Jan 9, 1922. By profession, an expert cabinet maker, Mr. Hartwig opened a furniture and undertaking establishment here in 1888. He was actively engaged in this business until 1906 when he sold out his interests to the present owners Pflughoeft and Hartwig. Since that time he was been retired. Mr. Hartwig was always an active and enthusiastic church worker. He was a charter member of the St. Paul's United Lutheran congregation and was one of its first presidents. He also served as secretary for several years. Mr. Hartwig will always be remembered as a great lover of music. His violin was his companion. For nearly 25 years he was the organist and choir director at St. Paul's until he gave up the work about seven years ago. He organized the first orchestra in Medford, which was widely known then as Hartwig's orchestra. For more than 20 years he was choirmaster of the Germania Saenger Verien. He was also a lover of the outdoors and of late years he could often be found working in his garden or out at his summer home on the lake, fishing or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. Mr. Hartwig was a man of hearty constitution and had never been really ill before until he was stricken with a stroke of apoplexy Friday, September 28 at the home of Mrs. Lloyd Comeau, his daughter, with whom he had made his home. Mrs. Comeau was not at home at the time and she returned to find her father lying on the floor in a semi-conscious condition. For two weeks little hope was held for his recovery although at times he seemed to gain in strength. He was a member of Pestalozzi society, members of which attended his funeral in a body and marched in the funeral procession. He was also a member of the Modern Woodmen. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the St. Paul's United Lutheran church. Rev. Motzkus officiated at the services. Interment was in the family lot at Evergreen cemetery. Short services for the family were held preceeding the church services at the Comeau home. Pallbearers were long-time friends of Mr. Hartwig. They were John Kuse, Martin O'Malley, Louis Carstend, Gustav Lupinsky, Herman Zeimer, and Fred Wirth. Mr. Hartwig is survived by three sons, six daughters, and by 16 grandchildren. All of his children were here for the funeral. |