grave import

Obituary

Charles F. Wehmeier, secretary-treasurer of the Churchill Drug company, prominent Mason and lifelong resident of Burlington, died at his home, 923 North Fifth street, Sunday night at 10:45 o'clock. Death which was due to pernicious anemia, came after several months of serious illness. Mr. Wehmeier was born in Burlington, November 6, 1865, the oldest son of Chris H. and Sophie Wehmeier. The elder Wehmeier was a pioneer grocer of Burlington. He was married, September 15, 1896, to Ernestine Strodel, who survives him. Mr. Wehmeier made his business start with the Hornung Candy company and later entered the employ of the Churchill Drug company, his destiny being linked with the latter firm before it took over the business of C.P. Squires and Company. He served faithfully under three generations of Churchills, being first employed with Warren Churchill's grandfather. This more than forty years of service had its rewards. At the time of his death he was secretary-treasurer of the company, a valuable aid in the conduct of this great drug house. He had the confidence of both employes and executives, both in the parent store an din the other establishments which make the Churchill Drug company and in addition he was well known and respected in a wide trade territory served by this enterprising firm. He was held in high personal regard by his employer and business associates and his passing is sincerely mourned by them and by hundreds of friends in all walks of life. He was active and prominent in Masonry and there is probably no Masonic body in the state of Iowa of which he is not a member. Included are Patriot lodge No. 650; Iowa Chapter No. 1, Royal Arch Masons, Zerubabel council No. 22, R. and S.M.; St. Omar Commandery No. 15, Knights Templar; Zarephath Consistory No. 4 of Davenport; Kaaba Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. of Davenport; E.C. Blackmar Chapter, O.E.S.; Palestine Shrine No 11, W.S. of J. and Murad Grotto of Burlington. In fraternal circles Charlie Wehmeier enjoyed the same esteem that characterized his business connections. He was a charter member of the Lions club and took great interest in this organization, performing much valuable service. He was fond of music and particularly skilled on the flute. He was a member of the Greater Burlington association and was an active member of the First Presbyterian church. Besides his widow, he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Ida Wheeler of Council Bluffs, Ia.; Mrs. Lydia Dodson of Nowara, Okla., and Mrs. Lucille Farguahrson of Covington, Okla.; two brothers John Wehmeier, of Guthrie, Okla., and George Wehmeier of Covington, Okla., six nieces and two nephews. His father and mother preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the home. Friends are invited to this service, but the interment at Aspen Grove cemetery will be private.