Two Pioneer Citizens Answer Call to Great Beyond
John Wunder and William Puck both Residents of Manning Community Since 1888, Laid to Rest

A pall of gloom and sorrow settled upon the entire community when the news was circulated that William Puck had passed away about noon Friday, July 22, 1927. He had been in ill health for the last six or seven months but not even his family thought it to be serious enough to cause his death, hence his death came as a sudden shock to his family and friends. His passing is a distinct loss and severe blow to his wife and loved ones, upon whom he doted with fervor and devotion as only a father could love. But not only his family feels the loss, Mr. Puck was generally beloved. He had innumerable friends over the tour adjoining Audubon, Carroll, Crawford and Shelby counties, all of whom respected and honored him, valued his friendship, and general sorrow and regret is expressed throughout the community. Mr. Puck was a man of robust health and stature all his life and those familiar with his ailment never suspected his heart to be so weak to the extent that it should cause his sudden death. He passed away at his home three miles south of Manning on the old home place at the age of 63 years, had he, lived another day. He was a man of good character and ever ready to assist in kindness to his neighbors and wherever needed.

William H. Puck was born on the 23rd day of July 1861, in Pasahde, Holstein, Germany. In the tender age of one year he came with his parents to America, who settled on a farm near Davenport, Iowa. Here the deceased grew to manhood and worked faithfully in the parents farm until he came of age, when he decided to start out in life for himself and going west. He came to Carroll County and following his vocation as a farmer, working in this community on different, farms for several years.

In the year 1888 on the 18th day of July he joined hands in happy matrimony with Margaretha Joens, to which union 14 children were born, of which one son Bernard died in infancy and one daughter Laura at the age of 16 years.

The children who are left to mourn his death besides the bereaved wife and mother are: Seven sons, Peter, George, Albert, William Jr., Adolph, Harry and Edward; and five daughters: Alvina, Mrs. Henry Ewoldt of Manning; Minnie, Mrs. Henry Claussen of Atlantic, Iowa; Frieda, Mrs. Ralph Berkheimer of Botna, Ella and Maggie. He is also survived by six grandchildren and two brothers: E. J. of Manning and Emil of Center, Colorado, and many other relatives and friends.

After their marriage the happy couple settled down on a place three miles north of Manning where they resided for two years after which they purchased the old home place where they have resided continuously ever since. Here they reared a splendid family, held in common joy and sorrow, worked and toiled until the day when the grim reaper death parted them.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at his home, the Reverend Zimmerman of West Bend, Iowa, officiating. As pall bearers acted his sons, George, Willie, Albert, Adolph, Eddy and Harry. Interment was made at the Manning cemetery.The Monitor extends deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.