Charles Gautschi

Charles Gautschi, Popular Young Boy, Succoumbs to Sudden Attack of Infection

12-Year-Old Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Gautschi Laid to Rest with Scout Honors; Playmates Mourn passing of Manly and Lovable Lad

The entire community was shocked and grieved Monday morning, when word flew from friend to friend of the death of young Charles Gautschi, 12-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Gautschi of Lusk.

It was known that Charles was seriously ill, from a general infection, but his host of friends, both old and young, had hopes that the fine young fellow would be able to withstand the effects of the disease and it was with great sorrow that the word of his death was received.

He had been in perfect health up until Monday of last week, when he remained away from school because of what was supposed to be a severe cold. Upon calling a physician later in the week it was found to be infection, presumable caused from an infected tooth, which spread rapidly through the blood to his heart, kidneys, joints and other organs.

Failing to rally from the malady, Charles passed away Monday morning, October 24th, at 7:30 o'clock, with his loved ones around him. He was 12 years and 8 months old at the time of his passing, and is survived by his parents and one sister, Mrs. Francis Marie Merritt of Billings, Mont., and one brother, Harold Leslie Gautschi of Lusk.

Funeral services were held in the Congregational Church on Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. Edwin F. Irwin officiating. The crowd was so large that many could not get inside the church, and the bank of flowers which surrounded the casket constituted silent witnesses of the esteem in which Charles and his family are held.

The brief sermon by Rev. Irwin was a beautiful tribute to a fine young lad, who was admired by every one who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Mrs. Edna DeCastro, Mrs. Templeton, Ross Howard and Alger Johnson, with Miss Alice Fowler as accompanist.

The pallbearers were Boy Scouts in their uniforms, all intimate pals of Charles, who were: Robert Johnson, John Cordell, Jr., Earl McKinnis, Lee Best, Francis Barrett, Dale Fernau, Walter Fernau and Jack Criss. Rex Archer and Gregg Kuhn sounded taps as the remains were laid to rest in the Lusk cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Peet Mortuary.

Charles was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Gautschi, and was born at Manville, Wyo., on February 23, 1920. he attended school there until he moved to Lusk with his parents on October 1, 1930.

At the time of his death he was a member of the Eighth Grade of the Lusk school, a member of the Boy Scouts, a member of the forestry 4-H Club and of the Congregational Sunday School. He was a general favorite in every organization with which he as affiliated, being an unusually manly boy and faithful to every task.

MANY FROM OUT OF TOWN ATTEND FUNERAL SERVICES

Among those from Manville who attended to funeral services for Charles Gautschi on Wednesday afternoon were Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Shoopman, C.G. Lindley and family, Fred Kettler and family, Mrs. Lee Welsch and children, Mr. and Mrs. George Schmer and Miss Dorothy Schmer, Mrs. Joe Panna, Mrs. Pete Bridge, Mrs. Ernie Hiatt and Corrinne, Bud Cantwell, Pauline Houchin, Mrs. George Sharp, mes. Dave Bryant, M.A. Fosher, Mr. and Mrs Harold Fosher, Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Card, Mr. and Mrs. Lon Tebbs, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Stoddard, Mr, and Mrs. O.M. Rasmusen and Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Patton.

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The place which Charles filled in the heart so his playmates is graphically illustrated by the following poem received by The Herald shortly after his death became known:

"CHUCK" GAUTSCHI
(By Lee Shrum, Jr.)

He was just a common kid, who was always full of pluck;

He always liked everyone and everyone liked "Chuck."

He always loved to play baseball on the old school grounds at night;

Or else he'd play football or he might go on a hike.

He wasn't a ladies' man nor the teacher's pet;

And he wasn't a rowdy kid or and alley roughneck.

He was just an ordinary kid, full of life and joy,

The kind whom every mother loves and is proud to call her boy.

But Charlie's gone and left us; he heard his Master's call,

and everyone will miss him when we pay some more baseball.

For we'll wish he were here with his old faithful glove--But he'll be there and watch us, or umpire from above.

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