grave import

Obituary

Charles Blaul, president of the Cedar Rapids branch of the John Blaul’s Sons company and vice president of the home firm in Burlington, died at his home, 800 North Sixth Street, at 9:30 last night after an extended illness.
In his passing Burlington loses one of its leading businessmen – a man who had had more than fifty years of active participation in commercial and community affairs here and one who was socially prominent as well. His heart was in Burlington and he did his full share toward contributing to the needs of the city.
Three years ago, while on a vacation trip in California, Mr. Blaul suffered an attack of influenza and he failed to entirely recover from the effects, having been in failing health since that time.
Charles Blaul was born in Burlington, the son of John Blaul, who passed away in 1885, and he lived his whole life in this city. Educated in the public schools and an attendant at the Graff school, he first entered the business world in 1875 in the retail grocery store which was conducted by his father on Jefferson street, and later directed his efforts in the wholesale grocery business which his father had founded and which is now one of the outstanding businesses in the middle west.
Experience was his teacher in the wholesale grocery world and his services were employed in various capacities in connection with the growth of this business, including a period of eight years as a traveling salesman and as a buyer.
When John Blaul’s Sons Co. was incorporated in 1902, Charles Blaul was made vice president, and his knowledge of coffee, teas, and grocery products were valuable assets, which, combined with a natural executive ability, stamped him as one of the outstanding figures in the conduct of the business. He was recognized as an expert on tea and coffee and his knowledge of blends gained him a high reputation in this branch of the commercial world.
His major commercial interests were here, where he has been associated with his brothers, and here also he was socially well known and well-liked.
His home on North Hill has been the scene of many social functions where he was a most genial host and his personality was such that he was held in high regard by those of his acquaintance in all walks of life. In 1886, he married Jessie Stevens who resided near Wapello, Ia., and his home life was ever pleasant.
Unassuming, of a quiet geniality, a man whose keen sense of humor was characteristic, Charles Blaul made many lasting friendships and his strong character was at all times apparent. Despite his many activities and his business responsibilities, he was essentially a home lover and his personality there was beautiful.
He was attached to the great out-of-doors and was a believer in outdoor sports where he was a congenial companion, a true sportsman, and a student of wildlife.
Charles Blaul is survived by his widow, Mrs. Jessie S. Blaul, and one daughter, Marie, wife of NL Howard, who is general manager of the Union Station Company in Chicago, Ill. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Burlington, a member of Post G., Travelers Protective Association, the Crystal Lake Hunting and Fishing Club, and the Hawkeye Natives.
In addition to the wife and family, Charles Blaul is survived by three brothers, John, Theodore, and Louis, all of this city, and one sister, Miss AmeliaBlaul, also of this city.
The funeral will be at 2:30 Saturday afternoon from the home. Friends are invited to these services. Services at Aspen Grove will be private.