Michael Libera

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Death Follows Fall Down Stairs at Home on May 10.

Started Work as a Laborer for Lumber Company Here in 1880.

Michael Libera, pioneer Winona merchant and prominent in business and civic affairs of the city, died at 10:30 a.m. today at the age of 68 after being confined to his bed since May 10 when he was seriously injured by a fall down the stairs at his home at 680 West Fifth street.

Mr. Libera had previously suffered from heart attacks and kidney trouble, but the fall was the direct cause of his death. He had been confined to his bed since then and had been in a coma since Memorial Day.

His life has been one of diligent work, starting as a laborer for a Winona lumber company in 1880 and ending with the recognition of a prominent merchant, bank director, owner of one of the largest apartment buildings in the city and stockholder in other businesses.

Mr. Libera had been in business as a West End merchant for almost 30 years. He first operated a store a block and a half below his present location at 682-686 West Fifth street, occupying this location for six years before taking over the old Beyerstedt store at his present location.

Served on Council.

Previous to his mercantile work in the West End, he was a resident of the Fourth ward and served two terns on the city council and at one time was a candidate for mayor.

Mr. Libera was born the son of Paul and Antonina Libera near Dodge, Wis., Sept. 29, 1865, and lived with his parents until 1880 when he came to Winona with his parents. He was employed by the Empire Lumber company for five years and then went to the Laird, Norton company, for which he worked for many years, most of the time as foreman of the molding department.

It was following the decline of the lumber industry in the early 1900's that Mr. Libera decided to go into the mercantile business which he build up to the present large business.

He was elected to the board of directors of the First National bank in January, 1930, and held the position until his death.

He was a member of the Polish National alliance, the Polish Legion Knights of Columbus, Modern Woodmen of America and Winona Athletic club.

Mr. Libera was active in affairs of St. Casimir's church and of Grocer's and Butchers association.

He is survived by one daughter and six sons, four of whom are affiliated in the grocery business of M. Libera Sons Co., Inc., of which he was present and treasurer. These four sons are H. L. Libera, W.E. Libera, Casimer M. Libera and Michael Libera, Jr.

His other two sons are Edward D. Libera, county attorney, and John G. Libera, assistant cashier of the First National bank. His daughter, Sophia Cummings, lives in St. Paul.

Mr. Libera married Mrs. August Trippe in September, 1932, who also survives him. His first wife, formerly Miss Julia Rolbiecki, whom he married in 1886, died April 8, 1931.

Besides his wife and children he is survived by two brothers, Momert Libera of Vashon, Wash., and Joseph R. Libera of Manitowoc, Wis., and three sisters, Mrs. Frances Snyder, Hobart, Ind., and Mrs. Jessie Potraz, Winona, and Sister Appollinaria, Milwaukee, Wis., and 25 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the home and at 9 a.m. at St. Casimir's Catholic church with the Rev. A. B. Grabowski officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's cemetery.

Winona Republican-Herald, June 4, 1934; page 1