CHARLES F. FECHTER

C.F. FECHTER, PIONEER BOOK DEALER, IS DEAD
Passes Away Today After Illness of Few Months
Charles F. Fechter, well known business man of the city and proprietor
of the oldest book store in Manitowoc county, passed away at his home
on South Eighth street at 10:30 this morning after an illness which had
confined him only two weeks. Death was peaceful and Mr. Fechter passed
away with members of his family about him. The announcement of Mr.
Fechter's death while not wholly unexpected, comes as a shock to the
community in which he had been a resident for sixty-five years and was
widely known.
Mr. Fechter's health began to fail several months ago and he was forced
to leave his business for an extended rest but returned two months ago,
apparently much improved but the improvement did not continue and two
weeks ago he was forced to take to his bed and since that time his
condition has been unsatisfactory and he has declined until the end came
today.
Was Native of This City
Few men were better known than "Charley" Fechter and none enjoyed higher
esteem of the community. Born in this city September 10, 1857, Mr. Fechter
has always made his home in the city. He was the son of the late G.W.
Fechter and succeeded his father in business as manager of the Fechter
book store, one of the oldest business institutions of the city and for
a long term of years has personally conducted the business. A year ago
Mr. Fechter was awarded the contract for supplying all books of public
schools in the county, having worked with the committee in preparations
of a system for uniformity in supplies. He was known to every educator
and teacher in the county and to students, past and present in the
schools.
Leader State Skat Body
For many years Mr. Fechter has been identified with he (sic) Wisconsin
Skat League and served many terms as secretry of the league, later as
president and at his death was vice president and a member of the board
of directors. He was prominently identified with the Manitowoc County
Fair association previous to the time the county purchased the property
and for ten years or more years he served as secretary of the Fair and
later was its president. In both organizations Mr. Fechter gave himself
to the work with untiring effort and established a record for success of
both organizations that will live.
Charter Member of Elks
Mr. Fechter was a charter member of Manitowoc lodge Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks and had been active in the organization since its founding
in 1901. He was one of the familiar figures about the club, finding much
enjoyment in the privileges of his membership and was always ready to
lend a hand to promote the welfare of the lodge. He was also a member of
the Royal League and of the Royal Arcanum.
Leaves Family to Mourn
Mr. Fechter was married January 16, 1883 to Rose Guttman, the wife who
with two daughters, Mrs. Reinhardt Rahr, Jr., and Miss Blanche Fechter,
survive him. Two brothers A.E. Fechter, of Chicago and O.A. Fechter of
North Yakima, Wash., and three sisters Mrs. C.F. White of Seattle, Mrs.
Hugo Richter and Miss Louise Fechter of this city, also survive and there
is one grandson, Paul Rahr.
Funeral services will be held from the home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock
and the service will be conducted by the Elks lodge.
The death of Mr. Fechter will be keenly regretted in the community.
Manitowoc Herald News, Friday, May 4, 1923 P.1
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[bur 5-07-1923/cause: arterio sclerosis of brain/bur on Albert Guttman lot]