JOHN WILLIAM RUEDIG
The funeral of John William Ruedig whose death was mentioned in last week's Review took place last Saturday from his home in the village of Lowell, and was attended by a large number of friends and relatives. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. F.P. Franke, assisted by Rev. Diehm, of Waukesha, and Rev. Walenta, of Reeseville and the remains were interred in the Lowell cemetery.
These rites last Saturday marked the ending of a life that extended over a period of 82 years, the greater portion of which was spent in this vicinity. Mr. Ruedig was born on the 15th day of March 1824 in Hardert Germany. He emigrated to America in 1852, coming directly to Lowell, Wisconsin, which has been his home ever since. In 1855 he was married to Miss Katharine Whipper who survives him. He is also survived by four children two sons and two daughters. The sons are Philip of Watertown, and Louis of La Crosse and the daughters are Mrs. Orvil Perrigo, of Oshkosh, and Miss Ella Ruedig of Waukesha. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren.
The 54 years that Mr. Ruedig spent in this community composes a period of time, which has changed the hills and valleys of Wisconsin. In these early days Mr. Ruedig learned the cooper trade, when hundreds of cords of stave bolts were worked up into barrel and the country around was scoured for hoop-poles, and yet the industry to which he devoted his early manhood became a thing of the past, long before Mr. Ruedig's demise.
In political affairs in this vicinity Mr. Ruedig always took an active part, affiliating with the democratic party. He held many offices of trust and honor, including the office of town treasurer of the town of Lowell for two years, that was before Lowell or Reeseville were incorporated. During his later years he lived a quiet life in the village of Lowell, and always enjoyed good health until a few weeks ago, when he was taken ill. This illness continued until death finally relieved him from his earthly sufferings Wednesday April 11, 1906.