Obituaries at kinexxions.com

Kinexxions Obituaries

Pond, Charles
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
The Republican – Whitley County, Indiana
Thursday September 28, 1865

Veteran of the War of 1812

Died. At his residence, in Thorn Creek township, on the 14th inst. Charles Pond, in the 69th year of his age. The deceased was one of the early Pioneers of Whitley county. He was one of the few surviving soldiers of 1812, who went at the call of his country to defend it from the encroachments of British power. He felt a deep interest in the preservation of this Union --- hoped he might live to see the rebellion crushed, and the Old Flag again wave over every foot of the American soil. He has lived to see it.
The deceased leaves a large circle of friends and relatives to deplore his untimely loss. His sufferings were of the most painful character, yet he bore it all with that resignation and fortitude that makes the truly christian man.

Pontzius, Robert Waugh
Posted December 31, 2006 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Relationship: Husband of 3rd Cousin 3 Times Removed
Columbia City Post, Whitley County, Indiana
June 24, 1976

     Robert Waugh Pontzius, 65, of 265 Riley Road in Thorncreek township, who for the past two years had battled a leukemia illness, died at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, to which he was admitted Monday, June 21. His illness had been controlled for the past year and a half. Two weeks ago he suffered a recurrence and hospitalization was required.
     Early in life Mr. Pontzius was selected as master dairyman and was president of 4-H Inc. at the time most of the 4-H Park buildings were constructed. He was very active in Kiwanis International and in 1962 was awarded the Kiwanis Individual Achievement Award, the highest award a Kiwanian can receive. He was a past president of the club and in 1965 was given the Golden Service Award.
     In 1974 he was recognized for 30 years service to Farm Bureau CoOp and in 1972 was declared an outstanding cooperative director by Hoosier Cooperative Clinic. He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church.
     He and his wife, Veril V. Goodrich Pontzius, whom he married on Feb. 24, 1934 resided in the Pontzius homestead. He was a farm owner-operator, engaging in general farming. Mr. Pontzius was a Whitley county native, born Dec. 19, 1911 in Thorncreek township to the late Ira Wayne and Susie May Waugh Pontzius. His entire life had been spent in Thorncreek township.
     Surviving besides the wife, resident of R 7, are two sons, Jon R., of Elkhart, presently in Canada on a business trip, and Roy W., of R 7; one daughter, Mrs. David (Ruth Ann) Husak of Hillsdale, Mich.; six grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Harold W. (Gladys) Beard, Fort Wayne. A brother, Chester, preceded him in death.
     The body is at the J. A. DeMoney & Son Funeral Home. Preferred memorials are contributions to the Leukemia Society. Services will be at the Columbia City United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Friday with Rev. James B. Willyard, pastor of the church, officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7-9 p.m. today and after 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be in Blue River cemetery.

Pontzius, Veril Victoria Shoemaker
Posted December 31, 2006 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Relationship: 3rd Cousin 3 Times Removed
Columbia City Post & Mail, Whitley County, Indiana
March 27, 2000

     Veril Victoria Pontzius, 87, died at 3 a.m. today, Monday, March 27, 2000 at Miller's Merry Manor where she had resided since suffering a stroke in 1984.
     A Whitley County native, she was born Sept. 22, 1912, in Thorncreek Township, a daughter of Frank and Nettie Shoemaker. She was the granddaughter of Samuel Shoemaker, the first white child born in Columbia Township who was born in 1838. Her maternal great-grandfather was Asa Shoemaker, the first settler in the township.
     A 1930 graduate of Columbia City High School, she attended the Manchester College. She was a secretary in the office of B. V. Widney, county agent, from 1932-36. On February 24, 1934, she married Robert W. Pontzius, and they resided all of their married life on Riley Road. He died June 23, 1976. She had resided on the same farm 64 years.
     A homemaker and farmer, she had traveled in China, Africa, South America and Europe and was an avid gardener and flower arranger. Mrs. Pontzius was an active member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, where she began attending at 12 years of age. She had been president of the United Methodist Women in Columbia City and vice president of the district United Methodist Women. She was also a past president of Whitley County Mental Health Association. Other memberships included Sorosis Club, Tri Lakes Garden Club, Farm Bureau women's leader, and she had been past president of county and township Extension Homemakers clubs. She was a volunteer at Whitley County Memorial Hospital, Bowen Center and as a Grey Lady for the blood bank and schools.
     Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ann and David Husak, Pinckney, Mich.; two sons, Jon Robert Pontzius and Roy and Betty Pontzius, all of Columbia City; grandchildren, Lisa Christen, Robert and Susan Husak, Cielia Pienkosz, Robin Kleiman and Dane Pontizius; and five great-grandchildren.
     In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Alton Goodrich and grandchildren, Lori Ann and Jay Edward Pontzius.
     The funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Visitation is 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial is at the Blue River Cemetery, next to the Pontzius farm.

Pook, Charles Frederick
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ GSWC Pioneer Families of Whitley County (031-PF)
Columbia City Post – Whitley County, Indiana
Wednesday September 28, 1932

     Death Claims Early Whitley Co. Resident. Carl Frederick Pook at Home of Daughter in Cleveland township Early Tuesday Morning – Well Known Resident Succumbs to Stroke of Paralysis – Funeral Friday.
     Carl Frederick Pook, 84, familiarly known as Charlie, succumbed at 1:40 o’clock Wednesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Bauman, in Cleveland Township. Death followed a stroke of paralysis. Mr. Pook was stricken a week ago Tuesday.
     The deceased was a former resident of Columbia City. He retired from active farm life in 1916 when he purchased a residence property in this city and resided on East Market St., until 1929 when he sold his property and went to live with his children. Mrs. Pook passed away in this city April 1, 1922.
     Mr. Pook was born February 25, 1848, in Herckendorf, Germany, and at the age of 18 he came to the United States. He settled in Whitley county and lived with the William Lickey family until his marriage to Miss Louisa Auer, daughter of Jacob Auer, a native of Germany, which occurred August 29, 1872.
     After his marriage Mr. Pook moved to the John Hollman farm where he lived for two years and then purchased an eighty acre farm, all timber land in Washington Township where he built a log cabin and a log barn. He cleared the land and bought it to a high state of fertility by his untiring labors. Later Mr. Pook erected modern buildings which still stand on the farm.
     In 1900, Mr. Pook made a trip to Germany to visit relatives and the scenes of his boyhood. He left this country in May and returned in August. This was one of the happy events of his life and he fully appreciated the opportunity of returning to his native land. After completing his visit, he was happy indeed to return to America where his family and close relatives had established themselves as useful and highly respected citizens of this community.
     The deceased was a highly esteemed and honored citizen. He directed his efforts to the development of his farm and the rearing of his family which has been brought to a high state of citizenship through his influence.
     Five sons and four daughters survive, namely August of Union Township; Louis, Ervin, and Edwin of South Whitley; Mrs. Henry Bauman of Cleveland Township; Mrs. George Bohenbarger of Noble county; Mrs. Chas. Zwick of Fort Wayne and Tillie Pook at home. Twenty-two grandchildren and eight grandchildren also survive.
     The deceased was a devout communicant of the St. Johns Lutheran church where the funeral services will be conducted at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, Rev. Val Hennig, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will be in the St. Peter’s church cemetery.

Post, William Emmett
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ From the files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Unidentified News Clip in "the Scrapbook"
Died July 9, 1887

[Abstract - view scanned copy part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 for full obituary]
     The town was thrown into an unusual state of excitement last Saturday when it became generally know that Will E. Post, deputy postmaster, had been struck by lightning and almost instantaneously killed. His popularity with his young associates and his pleasant and agreeable manner in meeting and transacting business with the people made him a great favorite in this place, and the news of his unlooked for death was a great shock to all. [Goes on to tell, in great detail, how Will had taken shelter from a storm by going into Mr. Reider’s store, sitting about 15 feet from the door, when lightning filled the room and Will fell to the floor. Others in the store at the time were Ed Reider, Otto Reider, Ed Hartson, Mr. and Mrs. Sauers, and Wm. McKinley.]
     When 12 years of age he came into the Post printing office to earn a living for himself and mother and to learn a trade. He was so small that he had to stand on a box to reach up to the case. After serving almost eight years in this capacity, he accepted a position at the postoffice.
     He was an esteemed member of the four “C” – a literary society – which organization attended the funeral in a body. He was born in this city, November 17, 1866; died July 9, 1887, aged 20 years, 9 months and 22 days. The remains were interred in the Masonic cemetery.

Powers, Fred Ranney
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Relationship: 2nd Cousin Twice Removed
Amherst News-Times, Amherst, Ohio
Thursday December 22, 1983

     The death last Friday of Fred Ranney Powers, beloved by many throughout the area and those who knew "Mr. Powers" during more than a half century in public education, marks the end of an era and a loss to so many.
     Powers, 95, was affectionately known as "Mr. Amherst," the undisputed father of the modern Amherst school district, having served as superintendent of schools in Amherst from 1918 through 1954 - longer than anyone in Ohio.
     In 1953, community affection for him evidenced by his "Man of the Year" distinction by the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Education naming the new elementary school in his honor: Powers Elementary School.
     Fred told his friends at the Amherst Rotary Club, a club he helped to organize, that he had planned to be a lawyer, but decided to go into education because of an offer to substitute teach a class. Of the change in occupation, he quipped, "That was their loss," then beamed his ever-present smile.
     Many of the programs used in Amherst today were adopted by others across Ohio and used across the country, including high math for grade schoolers, an ungraded primary education and foreign languages without textbooks. Even when he retired in 1954 as superintendent, he had another job waiting in the school named for him; as principal from 1954 to 1962.
     Born September 26, 1888, he moved to South Amherst and completed grade school there, but he wanted to attend Amherst schools. His father, Dr. Harry Powers, was South Amherst's first medical doctor. He explained recently how he made the move to Amherst. Fred explained his brother, in a grade higher, was having trouble with his studies, so Fred, like he did throughout his 95 years, helped him. The teacher found out and gave him a choice: stop helping his brother or move into this class. Fred jumped the grade and the family moved to Amherst in 1906.
     After beginning his teaching education in his boyhood home of South Amherst in 1908, Fred coached football and baseball then attended the College of Wooster and neighboring Oberlin College, graduating in 1913.
     His energy to all, even in the fall of his life, seemed unbounding. His enthusiasm for people is reflected today in the references to "Mr. Powers" by former students who now have grandchildren. His career in education spanned nearly three generations. His kind demeanor, thoughtful observations and ability to inspire others to do the best possible job at whatever they were doing brought laurels to him. In 1978, the community honored him with a city-wide September program of speakers who heaped laurels on their friend and confidant. It was hard to ever find Fred Powers complaining. He just didn't. Everything to him was a "good experience" that he used to help better define his role, his job or his life.
     On October 19, 1923 he married Beral J. Kuss and the couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Mary, a kindergarten teacher at the school named for him and an Amherst councilwoman; a son, Harry of South Pasadena, California and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
     After retiring from education, Powers began selling real estate for Ray Haff Realty of Amherst and sold his last house several months ago. He had served as president of the Ohio Association of Exempted Village Superintendents and was an emeritus member of the Ohio Association of School Administrators.
     He received his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College in 1913 and worked as the class agent to keep former students in touch for 70 years. In 1920, Powers received his master's degree from Columbia University and later attended the College of Wooster and the University of California.
     He was a member of the Amherst Congregational Church, Stonington Masonic Lodge in Amherst and Amherst Eagles and was a charter member of the Amherst Rotary Club.
     A memorial service will be held in January. A private family funeral was held this week with burial in Crownhill Cemetery, Amherst.

EDITORIAL - A Great Loss
     The magnitude of the loss this week of a quiet and gentle man from our midst should not and could not be overstated. His gift was himself. He gave it freely, openly, unashamedly and without expectation of repayment. Those who received him are today the wiser, the thankful and will forever hold his name in high praise and esteem. He touched thousands of lives in his deeds, his concern, his words of encouragement and praise and his concern for others.
     Even near death, he thought of friends - so many he had made in his brief span of 95 years on the Earth - and this week his family and friends knew "Fred didn't want to upset anyone's holidays - that's why the memorial service is in January. He was like that," said longtime friend Jim Abraham.
     Fred Ranney Powers was called home this week leaving a multitude of friends Earth-bound, yet we feel he must be certainly looking forward to his new eternal days with the enthusiasm of a youngster he inspired into so many here. Our friend, we miss you.

Powers, Harry
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Relationship: Husband of 1st Cousin 3 Times Removed
The Amherst News-Times, Amherst, Ohio
Friday January 20, 1939

     Amherst this week lost a familiar and leading figure with the demise of Dr. Harry Powers, 74, at his home on S. Main Street Monday Morning. Death followed a flagering illness after a stroke suffered three months ago. He had been confined to his bed since that time.
     Dr. Powers was widely known both here and in South Amherst where he started his practice. He was born in Lordstown, Ohio, but took up his profession in South Amherst in 1895.
     He came to Amherst in 1918 and immediately became one of Amherst's leading citizens. Active in Democratic circles, he served three consecutive terms on the village council before retiring three years ago. He was a member of the Amherst Congregational church, the Lorain county Medical Association, and the Knights and Ladies of Security.
     He and his wife, Mrs. Susie Powers, observed their golden wedding anniversary five years ago on November 30, 1933. They had four children, one of whom, Dr. Ralph Powers, was killed while with the Polar Bear expeditionary forces in Russia in January 1919.
     The other children are Fred Powers, superintendent of the Amherst Public schools; Mrs. Alice Ruth, Elyria, and Arthur Powers, South Amherst. He is also survived by a sister, Miss Jessie Powers, at home.
     Final rites were held Wednesday afternoon at the Congregational church with Rev. Kenneth Kuntz, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Ridgehill Memorial cemetery.

Powers, Ralph
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Relationship: 2nd Cousin Twice Removed
Amherst Weekly News - Amherst, Ohio
Thursday February 6, 1919

World War I Soldier Died of Wounds received in Action (possibly in Russia)

     A message was received by Dr. H. W. Powers Friday morning to the effect that his son, Lieut. Ralph Powers, died January 22nd from a wound received in action previous to that. The mother of the young soldier was absent visiting her daughter, Mrs. Ruth, of Columbus, Ohio at the time but will return home Saturday.
     Dr. Ralph Powers was last heard from at Shenkurak, Russia about December 15th. His family does not know whether he died there, or whether the army had held on or been forced to retreat. His company with about 5000 American and British soldiers landed in Archangel last fall and have been carrying on a winter campaign. All mail now comes by way of Archangel. For a long time practically no news came from the expedition, but it has been learned that they have been engaged in some bitter fighting against a force of men many times as large as theirs.
     Ralph Powers was about 25 years of age, a graduate of Amherst High School and of the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati with a class of 15, three or four of whom have already paid the supreme sacrifice for their country before him.
     Before enlisting in the army medical service he was employed about a year at the National Tube Co. of Lorain and was assistant to Dr. Wheatley. Later he went to Akron and was employed in the medical examination department of the Firestone Co. It was from there that he enlisted in the U.S. Service.
     He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Powers of this place, a sister, Mrs. Ruth of Columbus, Ohio and two brothers, Fred Powers of Amherst and Arthur Powers of South Amherst.

Powers, Susie Elizabeth (Greene)
Posted October 15, 2003 ~ From the Files of Rebeckah R. Wiseman
Relationship: 1st Cousin 3 Times Removed
Amherst News-Times, Lorain County, Ohio
Thursday January 22, 1948

     Funeral services were held at three o'clock Monday afternoon in the Congregational church for Mrs. H. W. Powers, who died last Friday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F.C. Ruth, in Elyria. She had been ill for the past eleven months, and died just nine years to the day her husband, Dr. H. W. Powers, passed away.
     Mrs. Powers, Susie Elizabeth Greene, was born in Rootstown in 1863. According to family history, her father, George W. Greene, was a direct descendant of John Greene, an English surgeon who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1635; her mother, Sarah Berlin Greene, was a descendant of the one for whom the city of Berlin was named.
     Dr. and Mrs. Powers came to South Amherst in 1895, with Dr. Powers, the town's first resident physician. In 1918 they moved to South Main Street, Amherst, where he continued his practice.
     Mrs. Powers was a member of the Congregational church in Amherst, a past matron of Stone City chapter, Order of Eastern Stars, past president of the Amherst Study Club, a member of the Elyria chapter of the D.A.R., an honorary member of the Amherst Business and Professional Women's club, and the Royal Neighbors, from South Amherst.
     She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Ruth, and two sons, Fred R. Powers, superintendent of the Amherst Public School, and Arthur M. Powers, of South Amherst. Her youngest son, Lieut. Ralph E. Powers, was killed in action in Russia, in 1919, during the first World War. She also leaves seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and three brothers, James W. and C. E. Greene, of Ravenna, and Harry B. Greene, of Indiana.
     Services were conducted by Reverend Ralph Albright and the Reverend Myron Hume, of Gowanda, New York. Rev. Hume is the husband of Mrs. Ruth's daughter. The Eastern Star service was also held in the church, with burial in Ridgehill Memorial Cemetery.
     Pallbearers were Warren Powers, Parker Miller, George Greene, Burton Jenne, Paul Scharff (senior class president), and John Jewett (student senate president). Sections of the church were reserved for members of Eastern Stars and the Study club who attended in a group.

OBITUARY SURNAME LINKS

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Kinexxions Home ~ Obituaries Home Page