Frederick William Helmuth Kautz, whose rather sudden death occured on Friday, August 2, 1935, was born on October 2, 1860 at Boltenhagen, Pommerania, Germany, There he was baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran church of his native hamlet. When he reached the required age he served the prescribed three years in the national standing army.
On November 18, 1881 he was united in wedlock with Emilie Braun, who with ten children survive him. The children are: Paul and Otto Kautz of West Concord, Alfred and Fred Kautz of Cannon Falls, Mrs. Helen Hoefs of Cleveland Ohio, Mrs. Elsie Thurman of Minonk Ill. Mrs. Minnie Nelson of Hallock, Mrs Clara White of Cannon Falls and Arthur Kautz of Rochester. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Albert Kautz of Roxbury NY, Frank Kautz, Dodge Center, Rudolph and Herman Kautz in Germany and Mrs. Auguste Hoefs, Dodge Center and Mrs. Minnie Ellis, Halcott Center, NY Forty-two grandchildren and one great grandchild survive.
In march 1891 the Kautz family came from Germany to the United States, locating at Kasson Minnesota and altho Mr. Kautz had while in Germany persued the cobblers trade, he took up farming in this country. This occupation he followed until 1918. At this time the deceased while working as a section hand on a railroad near Hallock received an injury which resulted in the loss of one foot. After sufficient recovery he again took up his old trade of cobbling. For a number of years he was at Rose Creek.
Seven years ago he came to Elgin to make his home where he not only found work at his trade but also his church to which he was deeply devoted. His honesty and diligence was well known to all in the community.
The immediate cause of his death was heart trouble. He had been ill but a short time and confined to his bed only about a week before death came.
Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon from Trinity Lutheran church, Rev. C. A. Affeldt officiating, and his remains were taken to Dodge Center for burial.
Sister Minnie Koutz Ellis Memorial #101836428