John Schroefel

Obituary

The following article, published in the Lusk Herald, is courtesy of the Wyoming Newspaper Project.

John Schroefel, who was stricken with appoplexy on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 20th, 1914, and remained unconscious until the end came, died at the ranch home near Lusk last Saturday at 2:30 p.m., aged 75 years, 3 months and 15 days.

He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Oct. 9, 1838, came to America in 1853, a boy 15 years old, and went to work in a cracker factory in Philadelphia, Penna. From there he went to Indiana, where for a time he was employed in a soap factory, but later followed his trade as a baker. Shortly after the war broke out he enlisted at Vicksburg, Miss., and was wounded in battle at Seven Points. He was mustered out but remained with Captain Longstreet's division as army baker until the end of the war.

On Jan. 2nd 1869, he was married to Miss Clara Tracy of Manchester, England, the marriage taking place at Philadelphia. From this union two children were born, one of whom is living, Mrs. Clara Lorenzen of Lusk. His wife died in 1876 and on December 15th, of the following year he again married, his bride being Miss Louise Drechsel of Tamaqua, Penna., where the marriage took place. Three children were born to them of whom two are living, Charles T. and Edward H. Schroefel.

For a number of years he was engaged in the bakery business in Tamaqua, then coming west he settled with his family in Junction City, Kan. From there he came to Lusk, Wyoming, in 1887, and after looking over the country decided to go into the ranch and stock business, in which he was very successful. A few years ago he sold out his business to his two sons and had made his home with them up to the time of his death. He is survived by his widow, one daughter, two sons and four grandchildren.

Mr. Schroefel was a well educated, intelligent man; besides his knowledge of the English language, he could write and speak fluently both French and German. He stood high in the estimation of his friends and neighbors, was a fine example of good citizenship, and beloved of his family who have the sympathy of the whole community in their bereavement.

The funeral service was held at the Congregational church, in Lusk, the Rev. S. B. Long officiating, and the remains were interred in Lusk cemetary.

Note: The article is printed as published. However, the birth date used is 1939, which reflect his age stated above, and the gravestone.

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