ELDON P. OWENS, 79, life long resident of Jefferson, Iowa, died
from the ravages of bone cancer on December 13, 1992.
A retired employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation,
Roads Dept., his career spanned from 1942 until his 1976 retirement
as a maintenance foreman. His career was interrupted by WW II
service as an aircraft mechanic in the Army Air Force.
It was probably that experience which lead to an interest in the
‘ole one lungers.’ His understanding of engine design and
operation, plus a great love and respect for the ‘rustic
iron’ lead to his collection of finely tuned, smooth running
engines.
Though he was not a big collector in numbers, his skills in
fabricating broken or lost parts produced products which prompted
many others to persue restorations of their own. His knowledge and
abilities were available to any and all who sought his advice for
help.
Besides his interest in area shows and swap meets, he also was
well skilled with woodworking tools. Many different projects from
furniture to toys and model building, were the result. He was
responsible for interesting people to many hobbies including one
lungers.
An ordinary, slight built man, he was a big, big man in
possession of knowledge and the manner in which his life had been
lived. His passing will leave a void but one of great memories to
his wife, Helen; son, Dick; daughter, Joyce; several brothers and
sisters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a countless host
of friends.
If there be any mechanical problems in the hereafter, Eldon will
be among those involved in seeking a solution. May he now rest in
Peace.
Submitted by Frank Light, (friend of a friend), Rt. 1, Box 92,
Callender, Iowa 50523.
RICHARD HUNT, SR., 74, of Holland, Ohio died December 6, 1992. A
retired tool and die maker, he was a WW II Army Master Sergeant,
and life long resident of Holland, Ohio.
Richard was an avid collector and restorer of antique engines
and equipment. He also liked to attend most local shows with his
favorite, his Waterloo 8 HP engine.
He was a long time member of the National Threshers Association
and a charter member of the Holland High-wheelers Engine Club.
He is survived by sons, Richard, Jr., Ronald, Robert, Rem, and
many grandchildren.
Submitted by Robert Hunt, 12378 Road 6, Delta, Ohio 43515.
PETER L. SCHMITZ, 38, of New Weston, Ohio, died in a tragic auto
accident December 21, 1992. His is survived by his wife, Sharon and
their son, Joseph O. Schmitz.
Most of Peter’s life was spent as farmer, electrical
engineer and restorer of antique gas engines and tractors. There
wasn’t an engine or transmission he wouldn’t try to repair.
If he couldn’t find a part, he would make it. He attended all
the local engine shows, auctions and swap meets. He was a charter
member of Tri-State Tractor and Engine Association and Greenville
Steam Threshing Association.
He will be greatly missed by his fellow members and friends, who
will remember him smiling, next to his show displays.
Submitted by Mrs. Peter Schmitz, 14938 Cochran Road, New Weston,
Ohio 45348.
LA VERNE JANOVSKY, 61, known as ‘Leggy,’ died suddenly
at his home December, 23, 1992.
Born on the home farm in LeSueur County on September 21, 1931,
to Albert and Mary Janovsky, he attended rural elementary school in
LeSueur County and Sherman High School in Montgomery,
Minnesota.
He was married to Evelyn Reak, May 5, 1951. She died in 1988. La
Verne farmed and drove a school bus for 32 years for the
Montgomery, School District. He also worked as a driver for We
sterman Lumber Company and Gemstone Cement.
Hs is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Kathleen and John
Segna, Bonnie and Steve Flicek of Montgomery; sons and
daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Karla Janovsky and Timothy and Sheila
Janovsky all of Montgomery; his mother, Mary Duffney and eight
grandchildren.
He was an active member of the LeSueur County Pioneer Power
Association. He will be remembered as the man with the llamas. He
enjoyed working and showing his llamas at various parades
throughout the county.
La Verne’s friendly smile and personality will be missed by
all his Pioneer Power friends.
Submitted by Betty Sticha, Director of LeSueur Co. Pioneer Power
Association, LeSueur, Minnesota.
Southern Ontario lost an ardent engine show supporter and
collector when WALTER ELLIS died on December 22, 1992. He was born
in Middlesex County not far from London, Ontario, in 1911 where he
lived all of his life.
He was co-founder of the Tri-County Heritage Club, and was a
very active member of many Southern Ontario shows and a lifetime
member of several others. Walter was a very imaginative, creative
man who came up with something unique and original every year. The
last project he worked on was the restoration of six Ellis engines
which were mounted on wagons built from scratch. Since then the
collection has grown to eight. This was the fulfillment of a dream
which made him very happy. Walter also wrote poetry, some of which
was published in this magazine.
Walter was a widower, and is survived by one son, Donald, and
was predeceased by his daughter Barbara. He had seven
grandchildren, and one great grandson. Walter will be deeply missed
by all his family and friends for he was one of those great people
you meet only at engine shows.
Submitted by Mrs. Alice Ferguson, 125 Raywood Ave., London,
Ontario, Canada N6C 1Y8.
