John L. Bautch

The following obituary for John L. Bautch was printed in the Independence News Wave, 11 Jun 1942:

John L. Bautch died Wednesday of last week, June 3, at 8:10 a.m. at the Dr. Willian Snstorium at Hudson, Wisconsin from double pneumonia following treatment for cancer on his left hand. He was 88 years, 11 months and 22 days at the time of death.

Deceased was born June 11, 1853 at Poppeleau, Christopal, Germany, the son of Albert and Josephine (Skrzypietz) Bautch. In 1855, he sailed with his parents on a sailboat to America which required 63 days. They landed at Quebec, Canada. From there they went to N. J. then to Chicago, later to Milwaukee where they resided for about one year. There his father built the first wagon factory and a large tenament apartment house. Later they moved to Watertown where they again lived for about one year. His father built the first sawmill there. They moved to New Lisbon, Juneau County, where they were engaged in farming for about six years.

In May, 1863, they immigrated by covered wagon with all household goods and livestock, to North Creek, Town of Arcadia, Trempealeau County where they resided on a 520 acre farm. In 1870, they moved to New City, Town of Burnside and bought and operated a grist mill which they purchased from Ed Carpenter.

On June 27, 1877, at the age of 24, he united in marriage to Frances Pietrek of Arcadia, daughter of Andrew Pietrek and Frances (Susa) Pietrek. The newlyweds settled on a 280 acre farm at North Creek which he purchased from his brother. After farming several years, he decided to rent the farm to his brother-in-law, Andrew Pietrek (deceased) and moved to Independence where he was engaged in the hotel and tavern business with his brother Albert J. Bautch for about four years. Again he moved back to his North Creek farm, residing there for a period of four years.

In 1896 he bought the farm and mill from his brother, Albert J. Bautch, at New City. He continued to operate the farm and mill until 1917 at which time his son John Married and leased the farm. He then moved to a small place just east of his farm which is now occupied by the John Lyga family. There he lived until November 14, 1918. During the flu epidemic, his son Peter died and he was forced to move to Wickham Valley and take over the farm. He lived there for three years and then leased the farm to his son Lewis at the time of his marriage in October 1921. He then moved to Independence where he resided until death.

He is survived by his wife, Frances, and the following childen; Sister Mary of Stevens Point, John F. on the home farm at New City, Clara (Mrs. Jacob) Sura, Albert L., Frances (Mrs. Frank) Marsolek, Mary (Mrs. Albert) Korpal, Sophia (Mrs.) Kamala, Independence, Nellie (Mrs. Joe) Kulig, Anna (Mrs. Paul) Marsolek and Lewis C. of Wickham Valley, Helen (Mrs. Roman) Stelmach of Arcadia. Two children, Peter and Sister M. Annuciata, preceded him in death.

He also leaves 46 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters; Albert J. Bautch, Frank J. Bautch, and Mrs. Anna Kuka of Independence, and Mrs. Mary Brethauser of Oakland, California. Three brothers and one sister preceded him in death. They were Kasper, who died in 1885, Thos. who died in 1892, and Mrs. Julia Sygulla, who died in 1905 and Peter, who died in 1921.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 6, at 9:00 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in this city. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. L. J. Kufel officiating, assisted by the Rev. Francis Pryzybylski and the Rev. John Krasowski of North Creek. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were his grandsons: Jerome and George Bautch, Rufus and Anselm Marsolek, Adolph Korpal, and Harry Kulig. Flower carriers were four grandsons: Herman Sura, James Marsolek, Jackie Kulig, and Dickie Stelmach. Banner bearer was his great-grandson Eugene Skroch.