Sumner Gazette - May 9, 1929 Page 1

PIONEER FARMER IS STRICKEN AS HE FIXES FENCE

Wm. Kilcher, Stapleton Township, Found in Field Saturday Evening

Wm. Kilcher, 73 years old, prominent Chickasaw county farmer died from a heart attack suffered Saturday afternoon while fixing fence on some pasture land in Fayette County. Mr. Kilcher's absence aroused the apprehension of his family and after a search he was discovered dead at the scene of his labors. His last act was to prepare a brush pile for burning and when found was holding a bunch of dry grass as if to kindle a flame.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Lutheran church in Stapleton township, of which he was a member, and burial was made in the cemetery there. Rev. Fr. Ide, pastor of the church, officiated.

Mr. Kilcher was born on May 24, 1856 in Stapleton township, the son of Jacob Kilcher and wife, Salome, nee Willman. Whe he was 14 years old he was baptized by Rev. Buhrer at Fairbanks. On February 3, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Haus. Twelve children were born to this union, 1 son dying when he was three years old.

The family lived on the old homestead in Stapleton township for 44 years. On March 1st of this year they retired and were preparing to go soon to Canada for a visit with their son, Arthur. Upon their return they expected to determine upon a location.

Mr. Kilcher is survived by his wife, six sons, five daughters, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and 31 grandchildren. The surviving children are Mrs. George Niewoehner, Mrs. Arnold Schlatter, Elmer Kilcher and Walter Kilcher, of Richfield; Arthur, of Canada; Wm. Jr., and Reinhardt, of Stapleton township; Mrs. Agnes Perry of Waucoma; Mrs. Fred Millbrandt, of Waucoma; Arnold, of Hawkeye and Verna, at home. The sisters are Mrs. Rev. Buhrer, of St. Ansgar; Mrs. Frank Tessmer, of New Hampton; the brothers are Jacob of Lawler and John of Fredericksburg.

Many thanks to Find a Grave Contributor, dlk #48279606 for providing father link.