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OCONTO COUNTY
Wisconsin
FAMILIES and BIOGRAPHIES
Submitted by Robert F Pigeon
Descendants
of Robert Adolph Louis Schluenz
Robert Adolph Louis3 Schluenz (Christian Johann Fredrick2, Johann Heinrick Cristian1) was born March 22, 1871 in Kisserow, Schwerin, Mecklenburg, Germany, and died January 09, 1937 in Oconto, Oconto Co., WI. He married Sophie Elisabeth Schaedlich November 14, 1898 in St. Stephens, Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD, daughter of Gustar Schaedlich and Amalie Lohse. She was born September 10, 1874 in Chemnitz, Saxony, Germany, and died February 12, 1917 in Oconto, Oconto Co., WI..1900 Census Data: Oconto Co. Lena, 170/173: Schluenz, Robert, head, W M March 1871, 29, M2 Ger Ger Ger, 1893 2 years, Veterinary Surgeon. Elsie, wife, W F Sept 1874, 25, M2 Ger Ger Ger, 1898 2 years, Dressmaker.
Obituary R. A. SCHLUENZ, 65 DIES SUDDENLY AT HOME IN THIS CITY "Services for Robert Adolph Schluenz, 65, who passed away at his home on Saturday afternoon were held at the Gallagher funeral home on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mr Schluenz who evidently died from an heart attack was found dead by his daughter, Fritzi, when she returned home form work on Saturday evening. "The Rev. Starr H. Lloyd officiated at the services. Acting as pallbearers were R. L. Poterfield, Daniel Crooks, George Cuff, Ed. Gering, Henry Krueger, and Jack Peterson. Burial was in the Evergreen cemetery. Mr. Schluenz was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany on March 22, 1871, and came to America in 1898. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Schadlich at Baltimore, Md. soon after his arrival in this country. She preceded him in death on February 12, 1917. He came to Oconto county in 1898 and first settled at Abrams where he practiced as a veterinarian, later moving to Oconto. The deceased was a graduate of the University of Berlin in Germany and of the Veterinary Surgery school at Dresden, Germany. He was the possessor of B. A., B.S., Dr., and V.S. degrees. "Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Francis Pigeon, Ontonagon, Mich., who was present at the funeral; and Fritzi, at home; one grandson, Robert Pigeon, Ontonagon, and a brother, Richard, in Germany."
Robert is naturalized on August 27, 1906 in Oconto, Record No. 5202. There is no genealogical information in this record.
Notes for Sophie Elisabeth Schaedlich: Grand mother Baptism was in the Evangelical Lutheran Parrish, St. Jacobi. Her obituary states: "She was married in her native country about 20 years ago and five years later they immigrated to Abrams, this county, where they lived until they moved to Oconto several years ago."
Roberts obituary reports, "....and came to America in 1898. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Schaedlich at Baltimore, MD, soon after his arrival in this country. My (RFP) mother and Fritzi said they were married in Germany but Robert's family had it annulled because Sophie came from the wrong kind of family. Apparently they eloped, ran away, and came to America together. I wonder who is right.
OBITUARY MRS. SCHLUENZ DIED AT HOME ON MONDAY; Had Been Ill Several Months With Paralysis "Mrs. R. A. Schluenz passed away Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock at her home on McDonald street following a six months' illness. Death resulted from a paralytic stroke. The funeral was held at the house yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. E. W. Wright officiating, and interment was made in Evergreen cemetery. "Mrs. Schluenz was a native of Germany and was 42 years of age. She was married in her native country about 20 years ago and five years later they immigrated to Abrams, this county, where they lived until they moved to Oconto several years ago. They have resided here since. "Mrs. Schluenz is survived by her husband and two little daughters, Fritzie, aged 13 and Elsie, aged nine years. Mrs Schluenz was a kind, loving mother and her death is a severe loss to the family, who have the sympathy of all.
DIED MONDAY; Mrs. R. A. Schluenz After Six Months' Illness Mrs. Elizabeth Schluenz passed away Monday at her home on McDonald street, after an illness of six months, a cerebral hemorrhage causing her death. Deceased was born in Germany September 10, 1874. Her husband, Dr. R. A. Schluenz and two daughters, Fritzi and Elsa survive her. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock from her late home, Rev. E. W. Wright officiating and her remains were laid at rest in Evergreen cemetery.
Children of Robert Schluenz and Sophie Schaedlich are:
Fritzi Marie4 Schluenz, born February 06, 1904 in Abrams, Oconto Co., WI; died November 27, 1995 in Riverside Nursing Home, Oconto, WI. She married Ramond Rudolph Schmidt October 10, 1942 in Oconto, WI; born August 30, 1914; died March 02, 1974 in Hospital, Oconto, Oconto County, WI.
From a newspaper clipping "Oconto Librarian Mrs. Fritzi Schmidt has been named recipient of the Oconto Area Jaycees' distinguished service award. The Jaycees selection committee has this to say about the winner: Mrs. Schmidt was born in Abrams. Her family moved to Oconto when she was five. She started school in Oconto by attending "chart class". She was married to Raymond Schmidt in 1942 Her residence is at 416 Congress street. "Mrs. Schmidt was surprised when told of her selection. "There isn't much to say, I didn't have a glamorous past, I just plain worked," was her statement when asked of her past activities. Work has been a part of her past. Fritzi joined the library staff in 1929, being promoted to the librarian position of the Farnsworth library in 1946. To this date she has purchased approximately 37,000 books for Oconto area library users He library post includes extension of the library services to all Oconto county libraries. "Charter membership and a year as president in the Junior Women's Club and now a member of the Oconto Woman's Club take up some of her spare time. She has also served as a past president of the Woman's Club. Her church activities are carried on as a member of the First Presbyterian church in Oconto. Sunday School was made a little better by her presence for 26 years. She has also served as an Elder. The Oconto County Historical Society has received its fair share of Mrs. Schmidt's talent and energy for a number of years. She has been the society's secretary for 10 years and is a director of the organization. "Oconto is fortunate to have people like Mrs. Schmidt. The Oconto Area Jaycees are proud to recognize her with the Distinguished Service Award.
Obituary, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Tuesday, November 28, 1995 Fritzi Schmidt "Fritzi Schmidt, 91, 101 First St., Oconto, died November 27, 1995 at Riverside Nursing Home. She was born February 6, 1904 at Abrams to the late Robert and Elizabeth Schluenz. She married Raymond Schmid on October 1942. He preceded her in death March 2, 1974. Fritzi worked at Farnsworth Public Library for 57 years, many of those years as head librarian. She was honored by the Jaycees as a Outstanding Citizen in the mid 1970's. Fritzi was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Oconto County Historical Society and Oconto Women's club. "Survivors include a nephew Robert (Peggy) Pigeon, Ariz.; special friends John and Carol Wittkoph, Oconto and the family of the late Earl Rasmussen. "She was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Isle. "Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church, Oconto from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 1995, at the Church with Rev. Kevin Tarvid officiating and burial at Evergreen Cemetery. The Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto is assisting the family.
A TRIBUTE TO FRITZI SCHMIDT, NOV. 30, 1995, by Duane F. Ebert
Fritzi was my friend for nearly 50 years. It was when I was in sixth grade at St. Joseph's School that I first met Fritzi at the Farnsworth Public Library. Being from the country, I brought a bag lunch to school, and while the other kids went home for lunch, I walked to the Library and visited with Fritzi. Fritzi soon sensed my interest in history and old things. She encouraged me to read WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?, the history of Oconto County by Jimmie Hall which had just recently been published. Fritzi had a way of developing and encouraging one's interests. I began collecting "old things", todays antiques, In the late 1940's, most people thought of these "relics" as junk. But not Fritzi and I. Fritzi was always interested in fine china, glass and art, and collected cups and saucers. So, one day, O brought one of my acquisitions in to show her, a cup and saucer, which I carried in my coat pockets. Coming in from County Line on the school bus, this was quite an undertaking. I stilll have it ..... Fritzi was quit impressed.
It was Fritzi who introduced me to HOBBIES magazine, a publication for collectors of antiques, which was filled with ads for antiques. Then I realized that people actually bought and sold this old "junk".
As time went on Fritzi and I became active in the historical society. We spent many hours at Beyer Home working and planning for the preservation of Oconto County history and artifacts.Many evenings were spent at Oconto's "oldest duplex'' which we called Fritzi's home on Congress St. We enjoyed retelling the old tales of Oconto over a cup of tea, served from fine china cups.
Somewhere along the way, we learned Fritzi's father was a veterinarian for the Holt Lumber Company, known as "Doc Schluenz". Somehow, this led to one of our nicknames "Doc" for Fritzi, She was also known to us as "Mrs. Farnsworth". This came about because a young Ocontoan thought because it was the Farnsworth Library, Fritzi must be "Mrs. Farnsworth". Many letters were addressed to "Mrs. Farnsworth" at Oconto, and reached their destination.
I have many happy memories of Fritzi. She was so pleased with whatever we would do for her. And, even though there were many hardships in her life, Fritzi was always optimistic, a valuable trait we can learn from her.
Fritzi's legacy lives on in so many of our memories.She was a real, honest-to-goodness lady. And, to me, she represented all that was fine, and beautiful, and gracious about Oconto, which she so dearly loved.
965 Bond Street; Green Bay, WI 54303 December 4, 1995
Bill Borneman, Editor Oconto County Reporter 648 Brazeau Ave. Oconto, WI 54153
Dear Mr. Borneman:
Oconto lost one of it most loyal citizens in the death of Fritzi Schluenz Schmidt Nov. 27, 1995. Fritzi was indeed "Mrs. Farnsworth", as librarian at the Farnsworth Public Library for 57 years. Fritzi was honored by many Oconto organizations through the years. At the time of her death, she was a director emeritus and life member of the Oconto County Historical Society. When I was in elementary school, Fritzi helped me select books I would be interested in, and encouraged my hobbies. Her interest in the children of Oconto, beginning with their first visits to the library, through the grades, into high school and doing college research, was inspiration and encouragement to all. Fritzi was ever ready to advise and assist the college bound high school senior and again, when he or she returned with college term papers to write, She maintained files of current topics for that purpose. Fritzi's interest in local history was evident when a grant was obtained to copy valuable old records in the possession of the Oconto County Historical Society. These copies are now in the library and are able to be circulated, where formerly they were too fragile to be used by the public. It was Fritzi's interest and assistance that made this possible. Fritzi's life was not easy. She worked thought the dark days of the Great Depression, when wages were too little and not assured. There were family problems and small town rivalries, but through it all Fritzi maintained a positive approach to life. she was a real lady. Fritzi was a loyal and true friend to all those around her, and, to Oconto. We will all miss her.
Sincerely yours,
Duane F. Ebert
Published December 13, 1995, under heading: OCONTO SUFFERED LOSS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZEN - FRITZI SHMIDT
Ilse Elisabeth Schluenz, born November 02, 1907 in Home, Abrams, Oconto County, WI; died March 03, 1954 in Memorial Hospital, Duluth, MN. She married Francis Charles Pigeon March 20, 1932 in JP, Menominee, WI; born August 02, 1907 in Home/Farm, Glidden, Ashland County, WI; died April 26, 1979 in Home, Ontonagon, Ontonagon County, MI.
Notes for Ilse Elisabeth Schluenz: Obituary, from the Ontonagon Herald "MRS. FRANCIS PIGEON PASSES AWAY MAR. 31 "Mrs. Francis Pigeon, age 46, passed away at 5:00 P.M. (EST) Wednesday, March 31, 1954 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. She had been hospitalized there for about three weeks and had been in failing health since January. "The former Ilse Elizabeth Schluenz was born in Abrams, Wisconsin on November 2, 1907 and moved with her family to Oconto, Wisconsin while she was a child. She was united in marriage to Francis Pigeon on March 20, 1932 and they made their home in Oconto until July of 1935 when they came to Ontonagon. "Mrs. Pigeon was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, A Charter member of the Ontonagon Woman's Club, Secretary-Treasurer and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church. For the past seven years she has been employed as the bookkeeper of the Gamble Store here. "She is survived by her husband and one son, A/2C Robert Pigeon of the U.S. Air Force, who is stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Raymond Schmidt, of Oconto. "The body was brought to the Driscoll Funeral Home. "Funeral services were held on Saturday with prayers at the Driscoll Funeral Home at 1:30 P. M. and at 2:00 P. M. at the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Roscoe T. Fulton officiated. "The casket bearers were William Rosemurgy, George Johnson, Carl O. Bay, P. A. Erickson, Joseph Dobbek and Jack Watt. "The body was laid to rest in the Riverside Cemetery. "Among those who attended the funeral were her son, A/2C Robert Pigeon, Mrs. Raymond Schmidt of Oconto and Mr. and Mrs. Erwin A. Bartelt and daughter Hope of Merrill, Wisconsin."
Newspaper clipping ANNOUNCE MARRIAGE Oconto, WI. - Announcement was made here today by Dr. R. A. Schluenz, Holt-Ave., of the marriage of his daughter to Francis Pigeon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pigeon of Glidden, WI. The ceremony was solemnized quietly in the Presbyterian manse at Menominee, Mich., March 20, but the marriage was kept secret. The Rev. R. H. Hannum officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Comyne of Menominee attended the bride and groom. Mr. and Mrs. Pigeon will reside at 522 Main-St.., here. Mr. Pigeon is associate manager for the local Gamble store.
The formal announcement reads:
announces the marriage of his daughter
Ilse Elizabeth
to
Mr. Francis C. Pigeon
on Sunday, March the twentieth
nineteen hundred and thirty-two
First Presbyterian Manse
Menominee, Michigan
at home after
the twentieth of September
522 Main Street
Oconto, WI.
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