grave import

Obituary

August H. Starker passed away Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at his home, 216 South Gunnison street. He was 76 years of age. He had been in ill health for several months suffering from a heart ailment. Mr. Starker, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Starker, was born on a farm in Washington township, Des Moines county, Sept. 15, 1859. His family was one of the pioneer German families of Des Moines county, his father having settled near what is now Yarmouth, Ia., in the forties of he last century. Mr. Starker was reared on the farm and at the age of 17 years came to Burlington, where he attended the old Bryant and Stratton Business college. Later he returned to Yarmouth, Ia., and engaged with his brothers in the general mercantile business for a period of 18 years. On Sept. 20, 1887 he was united in marriage to Anna Marie Weinrich. in 1899 he came again to Burlington to reside, and identified himself with the business of Hyde & Starker-Paper Company. This business was later sold. Mr. Starker then founded in 1901, along with the late William R. Wolf, Herman Weinrich and others, the present organization of the Northwestern Cabinet Company. He became general manager and secretary-treasurer of this company at the time of its inception and continued in these capacities until his death.
The company originally was a small factory occupying a single building on Lucas avenue. Over a period of years, however, it grew in size and importance, until today it is one of the largest factories of its kind in the country and an important unit in the furniture industry.. One of the major reasons for this success is to be found in Mr. Starker's devoted and careful guidance of the company's fortunes, and in his excellent business judgement and salesmanship. Many times during the precarious early days of the company, on his frequent trips to the west, it was his inate ability to sell that spelled the difference between success and failure. Mr. Starker was well known to men in the furniture industry from coast to coast. his passing will be of deep regret to them as well as to all of his associates and employees at home. Some of the latter, who started with him when the business began, are still with the company, and among all of the employees he was regarded not only as a just employer but as a real friend. Aside from business, Mr. Starker was always interested in civic affairs. From 1919 until 1925 he was a valued member of the board of education. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Hawkeye Natives society, and of the Chamber of Commerce.
Personally Mr. Starker was a man of the kindliest nature and neighborliness. This was the essence of his character. He had a host of friends in all walks of life to many of whom he was familiarly and affectionately known as "Gus". All of his friends will miss his cheerful smile and friendly greeting. he was a man singularly devoted to home and family life. His family and his friends all mourn the loss of this man of such fine character and splendid achievements. He is survived by his wife and three children Elsie, Ernest and Henry all of Burlington, and by numerous nieces and nephews. Three brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held from the home, 216 South Gunnison street, at 2 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.