** Pekin Daily Times obituary, Saturday, 20 Dec. 1941, leading front page headline story:
Heart Attack Ends Long, Useful Career
Charles Frederick Gehrig
Active in business until the moment of his death was Charles F. Gehrig, almost 85 years old, who died suddenly late this morning at his wholesale and retail tobacco store at 316 Court street. Mr. Gehrig, one time leader of the famous Seventh Regiment band, also was a leader in civic, business and political affairs here for many years. His musical career brought him fame in many states and all parts of Illinois, and his honesty and ability earned respect and esteem for him in his home town.
Charles F. Gehrig, Pekin Business and Civic Leader, Suffers Fatal Heart Attack
Few deaths have occurred in this community with more suddenness and caused more expressions of surprise and regret than the death of Charles F. Gehrig who was seized with a heart attack in his cigar store at 316 Court street at 11:30 a.m. today.
Mr. Gehrig had suffered some from heart trouble and he had passed the age of four score and four years (sic), but remained active in his business. There were comparatively few days which did not see him in the store to greet his customers and friends in his sociable and agreeable way.
In Business Many Years
Few men have been more closely associated with Pekin business, civic and social affairs than Mr. Gehrig and there are perhaps few whose acquaintance extended farther. For 69 years (sic - at least 71, per the 1870 U.S. Census) there has been a Gehrig cigar and tobacco store in this city, the business having been established here by Charley's father, Edward Gehrig, the son becoming associated with his father and continuing it after the death of the elder Gehrig in 1903 (sic - 1901).
Prominent Musician
As in the cigar and tobacco business, the name of Gehrig is closely associated with music and bands and it was Edward Gehrig Sr. who formed Gehrig's band and orchestra way back in the early years of the city. Charles Gehrig succeeded to the leadership of the band upon his father's death and his career as a musician and band leader gave him a reputation as an outstanding musician which extended far and wide.
The best known of the Gehrig's bands was Gehrig's Seventh Regiment band, a band whose reputation extended to many part of the land and took them to many cities where their appearance attracted much attention and carried the name of Pekin to many states and communities. In the earlier years of this organization, its orchestra had few equals as a musical organization.
City, County Officer
Mr. Gehrig served as a member of the Tazewell county board of supervisors and later became one of Pekin's city commissioners. He was in charge of the old street car systems in this city and conducted it so that it was a paying proposition. Tho not seeking public office, people of Pekin selected him for the office of supervisor and city commissioner because of his ability, his conservative manner of attending to business and the confidence which the community had in him. Pekin had lost an honored, highly esteemed and good citizen in the passing of Charley Gehrig.
Born in Chicago
Mr. Gehrig was born at Chicago July 26, 1857 (sic - 1859). His marriage was to Anna Turner and occurred at Pekin Mar. 8, 1883, the couple observing their 58th wedding anniversary this year.
Beside the wide, Mr. Gehrig is survived by three children, Oscar T. and Robert E. Gehrig, both of Pekin, and Mrs. Ida Lou Dixon of Cleveland, O. There are six grandchildren.
The body was taken to the Noel Funeral home and this evening will be taken to the residence at 912 Washington street where friends may call. Funeral arrangements had not been completed by 2 p.m. today.
** Pekin Daily Times, Tuesday, 23 Dec. 1941, page 2 --
Many Attend Rites For C. F. Gehrig
Many friends yesterday afternoon filled the Noel Funeral home chapel as they attended the last rites for Charles F. Gehrig, civic leader, businessman and musician, who died suddenly Saturday morning of a heart attack.
Rev. F. S. Arvedson, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church, conducted the services.
The soloist was Leonard G. Renfer who sang "Silent Night" and "The Rock of Ages." Mrs. A. B. Shacklette was the organist.
Pallbearers were Edward F. Fox, C. L. Condler, P. A. D'Arcy, J. Ernest Velde, Charles Geisert and William H. Bailey.
Honorary pallbearers were W. E. Schurman, H. G. Ailts, P. J. Kriegsman, State Sen. M. B. Lohmann, Dr. F. C. Gale, O. D. Ehrlicher, W. A. Stockert, Charles Schaefer, Henry Birkenbusch, Fred Soldwedel Sr. and Hielo P. Rust.
The body was entombed in Lakeside mausoleum.
** Pekin Daily Times, Tuesday, 23 Dec. 1941, page 1 --
Tribute Paid To Charles F. Gehring By City Council
The city council last evening paid tribute to Charles F. Gehrig, former city alderman and city commissioner, adopting resolutions of respect and sympathy presented by Commissioner Moenkemoeller, by a rising vote.
In moving that the following resolution be adopted, Commissioner W. G. Fair said Mr. Gehrig had been one of the most conscientious, capable and conservative officials ever to serve in the city council:
Whereas, the untimely passing of our esteemed and honored citizen, Mr. Charles F. Gehrig, who rendered invaluable service to the city, both as alderman and commissioner; and
Whereas, the affectionate regard which the members of this council, and the people of the city generally, held for the deceased, render it appropriate and proper that we should place upon the record our appreciation of his unselfish public service and his high merit as a man; therefore be it
Resolved, that in his death the city has lost one of its most substantial citizens, who had a large part in the upbuilding of the community; and whose years of experience and knowledge of men and public affairs had given him a sound business judgment, which the people called upon him to exercise for the public good, and be it further
Resolved, that we extend to the members of his family our sincere sympathy in their bereavement, and offer them the consolation that may be found in the cherished memory of a devoted husband and father whose services were generously shared by an appreciative city; and be it further
Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this council, and that a copy under the certificate of the clerk be transmitted to the family, and that copies thereof be given to the press, and be it further
Resolved, that out of respect for his memory, the council do now adjourn.
J. Norman Shade, mayor.
Walter J. McClain, commissioner of public health and safety.
William G. Fair, commissioner of public property.
Paul P. Schermer, commissioner of streets and public improvements.
Fred J. Moenkemoeller, commissioner of accounts and finances.
Thank you to Jared Olar # 47701897
** Pekin Daily Times obituary, Saturday, 20 Dec. 1941, leading front page headline story:
Heart Attack Ends Long, Useful Career
Charles Frederick Gehrig
Active in business until the moment of his death was Charles F. Gehrig, almost 85 years old, who died suddenly late this morning at his wholesale and retail tobacco store at 316 Court street. Mr. Gehrig, one time leader of the famous Seventh Regiment band, also was a leader in civic, business and political affairs here for many years. His musical career brought him fame in many states and all parts of Illinois, and his honesty and ability earned respect and esteem for him in his home town.
Charles F. Gehrig, Pekin Business and Civic Leader, Suffers Fatal Heart Attack
Few deaths have occurred in this community with more suddenness and caused more expressions of surprise and regret than the death of Charles F. Gehrig who was seized with a heart attack in his cigar store at 316 Court street at 11:30 a.m. today.
Mr. Gehrig had suffered some from heart trouble and he had passed the age of four score and four years (sic), but remained active in his business. There were comparatively few days which did not see him in the store to greet his customers and friends in his sociable and agreeable way.
In Business Many Years
Few men have been more closely associated with Pekin business, civic and social affairs than Mr. Gehrig and there are perhaps few whose acquaintance extended farther. For 69 years (sic - at least 71, per the 1870 U.S. Census) there has been a Gehrig cigar and tobacco store in this city, the business having been established here by Charley's father, Edward Gehrig, the son becoming associated with his father and continuing it after the death of the elder Gehrig in 1903 (sic - 1901).
Prominent Musician
As in the cigar and tobacco business, the name of Gehrig is closely associated with music and bands and it was Edward Gehrig Sr. who formed Gehrig's band and orchestra way back in the early years of the city. Charles Gehrig succeeded to the leadership of the band upon his father's death and his career as a musician and band leader gave him a reputation as an outstanding musician which extended far and wide.
The best known of the Gehrig's bands was Gehrig's Seventh Regiment band, a band whose reputation extended to many part of the land and took them to many cities where their appearance attracted much attention and carried the name of Pekin to many states and communities. In the earlier years of this organization, its orchestra had few equals as a musical organization.
City, County Officer
Mr. Gehrig served as a member of the Tazewell county board of supervisors and later became one of Pekin's city commissioners. He was in charge of the old street car systems in this city and conducted it so that it was a paying proposition. Tho not seeking public office, people of Pekin selected him for the office of supervisor and city commissioner because of his ability, his conservative manner of attending to business and the confidence which the community had in him. Pekin had lost an honored, highly esteemed and good citizen in the passing of Charley Gehrig.
Born in Chicago
Mr. Gehrig was born at Chicago July 26, 1857 (sic - 1859). His marriage was to Anna Turner and occurred at Pekin Mar. 8, 1883, the couple observing their 58th wedding anniversary this year.
Beside the wide, Mr. Gehrig is survived by three children, Oscar T. and Robert E. Gehrig, both of Pekin, and Mrs. Ida Lou Dixon of Cleveland, O. There are six grandchildren.
The body was taken to the Noel Funeral home and this evening will be taken to the residence at 912 Washington street where friends may call. Funeral arrangements had not been completed by 2 p.m. today.
** Pekin Daily Times, Tuesday, 23 Dec. 1941, page 2 --
Many Attend Rites For C. F. Gehrig
Many friends yesterday afternoon filled the Noel Funeral home chapel as they attended the last rites for Charles F. Gehrig, civic leader, businessman and musician, who died suddenly Saturday morning of a heart attack.
Rev. F. S. Arvedson, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church, conducted the services.
The soloist was Leonard G. Renfer who sang "Silent Night" and "The Rock of Ages." Mrs. A. B. Shacklette was the organist.
Pallbearers were Edward F. Fox, C. L. Condler, P. A. D'Arcy, J. Ernest Velde, Charles Geisert and William H. Bailey.
Honorary pallbearers were W. E. Schurman, H. G. Ailts, P. J. Kriegsman, State Sen. M. B. Lohmann, Dr. F. C. Gale, O. D. Ehrlicher, W. A. Stockert, Charles Schaefer, Henry Birkenbusch, Fred Soldwedel Sr. and Hielo P. Rust.
The body was entombed in Lakeside mausoleum.
** Pekin Daily Times, Tuesday, 23 Dec. 1941, page 1 --
Tribute Paid To Charles F. Gehring By City Council
The city council last evening paid tribute to Charles F. Gehrig, former city alderman and city commissioner, adopting resolutions of respect and sympathy presented by Commissioner Moenkemoeller, by a rising vote.
In moving that the following resolution be adopted, Commissioner W. G. Fair said Mr. Gehrig had been one of the most conscientious, capable and conservative officials ever to serve in the city council:
Whereas, the untimely passing of our esteemed and honored citizen, Mr. Charles F. Gehrig, who rendered invaluable service to the city, both as alderman and commissioner; and
Whereas, the affectionate regard which the members of this council, and the people of the city generally, held for the deceased, render it appropriate and proper that we should place upon the record our appreciation of his unselfish public service and his high merit as a man; therefore be it
Resolved, that in his death the city has lost one of its most substantial citizens, who had a large part in the upbuilding of the community; and whose years of experience and knowledge of men and public affairs had given him a sound business judgment, which the people called upon him to exercise for the public good, and be it further
Resolved, that we extend to the members of his family our sincere sympathy in their bereavement, and offer them the consolation that may be found in the cherished memory of a devoted husband and father whose services were generously shared by an appreciative city; and be it further
Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this council, and that a copy under the certificate of the clerk be transmitted to the family, and that copies thereof be given to the press, and be it further
Resolved, that out of respect for his memory, the council do now adjourn.
J. Norman Shade, mayor.
Walter J. McClain, commissioner of public health and safety.
William G. Fair, commissioner of public property.
Paul P. Schermer, commissioner of streets and public improvements.
Fred J. Moenkemoeller, commissioner of accounts and finances.
Thank you to Jared Olar # 47701897
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