Leonard J. Lohlein

L.J. Lohlein, 83, Pioneer of Lusk, Dies Tuesday a.m.

Leonard J. Lohlein, one of the oldest of the vanishing band of pioneers who played such an important part in opening the West, passed away at the Manring Convalescent Home in Lusk, Tuesday morning, his death being discovered about ten o'clock. He had apparently passed away during the night.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon from the Peet Mortuary, arrangements being in charge of Mr. Peet. Rev. P.H. Evans of the Baptist Church officiated at the mortuary, with brief commitment services at the grave. The pallbearers were Chris Joss, Jerd Lorenzen, Frank W. DeCastro, John C. Schmidt, W.W. Edmondson and Fred Root, all old time friends of Mr. Lohlein. Ford B. Kuns and Mrs. H.J. Templeton, accompanied by Mrs. Vogel, furnished the music.

Interment was made in the family plot at the Lusk Cemetery, beside his mother-in-law, Mrs. Horning, who died many years ago. Mr. Lohlein's wife passed away several years ago, but is buried in the East.

A daughter, Mrs. Hattie Watt, of Laramie, Wyo., was unable to attend on account of illness in her family.

As Mr. Lohlein was of a very reticent nature, little is known of his family connections.

Leonard J. Lohlein as born in Wisconsin, and was 83 years old last April. He came to Lusk in 1886, and as a carpenter and contractor, built many of the first buildings in the town, among them the Frank S. Lusk home, now occupied by the Peet Mortuary. Many years ago he owned a ranch about six miles east of Lusk, and was interested in fine horses. For many years he was associated with Al McFarlane in various building projects. During his time he made lots of money, but quickly invested it in various oil and mining enterprises, none of which paid out. He was one of the first locators in the Lance Creek field, and has numerous placer mining claims in the county.

During his lifetime, Mr. Lohlein was an industrious man, never drank, chewed or smoked, his only dissipation apparently being his complex for investing in any mining enterprise which happened to excite his fancy. For several years he had made his home at the Manring Convalescent Home.

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