Obit: Degenhardt, Henry (1899 - 1956)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: DEGENHARDT BERGEMANN KING RYAN BOWMAN UPDYKE MICHALSKI

----Sources: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) Dec. 1956

Degenhardt, Henry (6 Dec. 1899 - 7 Dec. 1956)

Loyal - Henry Degenhardt, 57, route 2, Loyal, father of 11 children, was found dead about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon in his truck in a ditch on a town road about half a mile north of Spokeville.

Clark County Coroner John Bergemann, Neillsville, said that death apparently was caused by a heart attack. Wheel tracks indicated that the truck gradually left the roadway before entering the ditch.

Mrs. Degenhardt told authorities that her husband had not been ill, and appeared to be in good health when he left home shortly before noon to call on a friend at Chili. He had observed his 57th birthday the day before his death.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. The Rev. Norbert King, pastor, will officiate. The body will repose at the Myre Funeral Home here beginning Sunday night.

Mr. Degenhardt was born in the town of Loyal Dec. 6, 1899, and received his education in the Loyal schools. He was married to Lavern Ryan on Dec. 29, 1926 in St. Anthony’s Church here. During the past 13 years the family has resided on a farm near here. Previously they lived on a farm near Colby and in the city of Loyal.

Survivors include his wife, seven sons, Edwin, Greenwood; Harold, Marshfield; Roman, Chicago, Ill.; Allen, James, Raymond and Ronald, at home; four daughters, Mrs. Edward (Elnora) Bowman, Alma Center; Mrs. Floyd (Jean) Updyke, Milwaukee; Carol and Arlene, at home; 16 grandchildren; three brothers, Leo and Frank, Loyal; Alfred, Pittsville; and two sisters, Mrs. Leo Michalski and Mrs. William Michalski, both of Marshfield.

Mr. Degenhardt was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society.