It is with sorrow that we are called upon to record the passing of one of our loyal friends, Fred Spies, whose death occurred Tuesday, August 3rd, 1937. The report of his death came as a shock to his family and friends over the entire community. In his death the community loses one of its best citizens, one loyal and honest to the core; his family loses a good provider, the wife a faithful husband, and his children an indulgent and loving father.

His death is a severe blow to his family and friends, but may He who wills it so, send to the loved ones the balm that heals all wounds, His love and protection and everlasting faith.

Fritz Spies was born August 4, 1873, at Hoheleye, Kreis, Wittgenstein, in the Province of Westphalia, Germany, as the youngest child of Wilhelm Spies and his wife Augusta, nee Dienst, a family of 10 children. At the age of two weeks he was baptized in the Lutheran faith by his great uncle, Pastor Wilhelm Florin. He received his education in the Evangelical school in Langenwiese, and was confirmed there at the age of 14 years by Pastor Heinrich Weber.

Following his graduation from school he decided to learn the blacksmith trade and worked with experts in the Provinces of Westphalia, Hessen, and Rheinprovince until 1893 when he came to the United States to Wheatland in Clinton County, Iowa, and later he went to Battle Creek in Ida County where he worked with his uncle, Adolf Dienst.

On December 22, 1901, he was united in holy wedlock with Miss Olgo Starck, the Rev. Berner of Arcadia officiating. To this union four children were born, of whom one passed away in infancy. The surviving ones besides the bereaved wife are, Frieda, at home; Ella, Mrs. George P. Hansen of Walnut; and Alfred, at home. He also leaves four grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Clara Grau of Arcadia and Mrs. Emma Dickel in Westphalen, Germany, and many other relatives and a large number of friends in this community and in Germany.

A few years ago Mr. and Mrs. Spies went to Germany where they visited for the summer and enjoyed the trip immensely.

Mr. Spies had been in fair health until a few years ago when his health began to fail. Family and friends were unaware of the fact that his condition was so serious. He passed away peacefully at the age of 64 years, lacking one day. His death came as a blow to his many friends. His neighborliness and kind deeds will continue to live in the circle of friends who in sorrow extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.

Following their marriage, the young couple rented a farm near Gray where they resided until 1913 when they purchased a fine 160 acre farm 2 miles east of Manning where they are residing today. Mr. Spies was one of the most industrious and prosperous farmers.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock at the Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. John M. Ansorge officiating. Interment was made in the Manning Cemetery. As pall bearers acted Ed Stuhr, Hubert Lamp, John J. Reimers, August Reichert, and Julius Rostermundt.

Relatives from a distance attending the funeral were Mr. and Mars. George Hansen and family of Walnut; Mrs. Emil Jahn, Mrs. Chris Wildhagen, Miss Theresa Bauman of Gretna, Nebraska; Mr. George Groth of Charter Oak; Miss Anna Dienst and Fred Dienst of Danbury; Adolph Dienst of Toronto; Miss Lizzie Ziegler of Wheatland; Mr. and Mrs. Careen Hansen, Mrs. Pauline Petersen, Mrs. Henry Hansen of Walnut; Andy Hogan of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pruter, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Pruter of Westside; Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Starck, Westside; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Grau, Mrs. H.D. Grau and Mr. and Mrs. Otto Jentzen of Arcadia.