Edward C. Abendroth
Born: April 23rd, 1890
Died: December 22nd, 1949
Obituary
The spirit of Santa Claus was disturbed in Burlington today, for the second time in 2 years, by the death of one of Kris Kringle's chief helpers. Edward C. Abendroth, 59, was found dead about 20 feet from the door of his home at 300 Winter street, West Burlington, about 9 a.m. Thursday. Death was attributed to a heart attack. he had been assisting Santa Claus for the last few weeks at the house at Fourth and Washington streets. Last year John Thomas Moyner, 68, who was acting in a similar capacity, died of a stroke Dec. 8. The special Burlington committee that arranged for the visit of the patron saint of children to Burlington announced toady that there will be no interruption however, in the schedule. Santa Claus will continue to be at the headquarters on the YMCA lot during the remainder of the week. Abendroth had left his home in West Burlington about 8:50 a.m. Thursday to board a bus for work in the business district. His body was found by a neighbor, Mrs. Joh Haugh, 317 Winter. He was wearing the jacket and boots used in his work. He wore an overcoar over the jacket. A native of near (sp) he was born April 23, 1890 and came to this community 20 years ago. Oct. 20, 1917 he married (sp) in Burlington. He was a veteran of World War I and a painter and paperhanger by trade. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical and Reformed church, West Burlington and Eagles lodge. Surviving are the widow; 2 daughters, Mrs. Edgar Lyon and Mr.s Herbert Zeher, both of Burlington, 4 brothers, a son was killed in World War II. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Giles funeral home.
Services for Edward S. Abendroth, 59, 305 Winter St., of West Burlington, one of Santa's helpers who died Thursday will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Giles funeral home with Rev. Ralph Hunger officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove cemetery with military rites by the American legion.