Justin Henry Wilhermsdorfer

Death Claims J.H. Wilhermsdorfer, Father of Local man, at Harrison Residence; Resident There 50 Years

Death claimed one of Harrison, Nebraska's oldest residents early Sunday July 31st, when Justin H. Wilhermsdorfer, approaching his 84th year, passed away at the family home at 2:30 a.m. Mr. Wilhermsdorfer had been in failing health for the past several years and during the last three months had shown a rapid decline. He had suffered a slight stroke about two years ago which forced him to abandon the active life of community affairs to which he was so long accustomed.

Concluding rites were conducted from the methodist church at Harrison at 2:00 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the services there and at the graveside in charge of the masonic lodge of Harrison. Interment was in the Harrison cemetery.

Surviving the deceased are his widow, Zua, of Harrison; one son, Moritz N., of Lusk, Wyo.; and one sister, Mrs. G.B. Baker, Ottumwa, Ia. One brother preceded him in death.

Mr. Wilhermsdorfer, a native of Illinois, was born at Kirkwood. When but a small child, he moved with his family to Iowa, where they resided until 1900. That year the deceased, with his wife moved to Harrison, which has since been the family home.

He was long affiliated with civic affairs in the Sioux county seat, serving as postmaster for seven years, as county judge during the years 1904-08 and from 1920 to 1947, when illness forced his retirement. During the early years of the automobile, he had the dealership in Harrison for Ford cars, also operated a harness and shoe repair shop and was considered an expert gunsmith.

Mr. Wilhermsdorfer was a charter member of the Odd Fellow lodge at Harrison, and of the Sioux County fair board, and for many years was affiliated with the Masonic order.

The high regard and esteem in which he was held by his fellow ciizens is attested in his public service as county judge in which capacity he served for more than thirty years.

The Lusk Herald
August 11, 1949
Rites Held for J.H. Wilhermsdorfer

Justin H. Wilhermsdorfer, 83 years of age, father of M. N. Wilhermsdorfer of Lusk, died at his home in Harrison, Neb., on July 31st. Judge Wilhermsdorfer was well known to many here, as he had often visited in the home of his son and wife here, and had many friends here. He was postmaster at Harrison from 1904 to 1908, and served as county judge there for nearly thirty years.

He was a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also was a long--time member of the Masonic Lodge and the Sioux County Agricultural Society.

Justin Henry Wilhermsdorfer was born October 16, 1866, at Kirkwood, Illinois, and the family moved to Iowa, where he spent his youth.

He was married to Zua Ettie Bowman on October 25, 1893, and they are the parents of one son, Moritz N.

In 1901 the family came to Western Nebraska, locating at Harrison, Neb., where Mr. Wilhermsdorfer and his wife have lived continuously since that time.

Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Church of Harrlson, on August 2, under the auspices of Sioux Lodge, A.F. & A.M., No. 277. Interment was made in the family plot in the Harrison cemetery.

Among the friends from Lusk who attended the services were Mrs. Henry Petz, Mrs. Bessie Bishop and Miss Leta Bishop.

This gravestone photo was found on nebraskagravestones.org.

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