ROBERT C. NITZSCHE, 57, 2308 28th St., Wausau, Wisconsin, died
Wednesday, January 6, 1988, at the Wausau Hospital Center. He was
born May 26, 1930, in Wausau, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil
Nitzsche. He married the former Marsha Mohr on November 5, 1955, in
Wausau. She survives.
Mr. Nitzsche was a heavy construction carpenter.
A U.S. Marine, he served in Korea. He was a member of VFW Burns
Post No. 388, Montgomery-Plant American Legion Post No. 10, and was
co-founder of the Northcentral Wisconsin Gas and Steam Engine Club.
He was an honorary member of the Union Threshermen Club of Central
Wisconsin and Carpenters Union No. 310 of Wausau, and past
recording secretary of that union.
Survivors, beside his wife, are his children, Mrs.
Lyle(Marcey)Nowak, John, Torey Nitzsche and Randy, all of Wausau;
two brothers, William, of Colorado, and Richard, of Rib Mountain;
and five grandchildren.
Submitted by Kevin A. Behnke,3325, N. 65th St., Wausau,
Wisconsin 54401.
ERNEST KESNER of Memphis, Michigan, a retired self-employed
electrician and plumbing and heating technician, died on January
11,1988. Ernest was a collector of antique gas engines.
Submitted by his wife, Esther B. Kesner,P.O. Box 611,
Memphis, Michigan 48041.
GEORGE S. CLARK, JR., 74, of 254 Pond Point Ave., Milford,
Connecticut, died after a brief illness on Monday January 18,
1988.
He was an avid collector and restorer, and submitted many
articles to GEM in the past. He loved going to all the meets and
shows. He enjoyed swapping and trading with all who knew him.
George was always willing to help with any problem one might
have in a restoration project. The more difficult the problem the
more he liked it. A superb machinist, he could fix and make
anything.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and especially
me.
Submitted by Todd Ryker,2 Clay Rd., Bethany, Connecticut
06525.
It was with much sadness that the family, friends, and many
acquaintances of DON DILLON, Wayne, Ohio, acknowledged and paid
tribute at his sudden passing on January 18, 1988 at the age of 81.
He was a lifetime farmer and very active participant in community
activities. Don was co-founder of the Ashtabula County Antique
Engine Club, and served diligently as President and gave generously
of his time, talents, and facilities. His farm served as the
Club’s show site for the past 6 years. He enjoyed collecting
steam and gas engines as well as early farm equipment. Along with
the restoration and display of his equipment there was always time
to help other collectors having difficulty or needing
assistance.
Don also owned and operated the Dillon Hardware, Plumbing and
Heating in West Williamsfield, Ohio, for many years. A founding
member of the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department, he completed 35
years of service, including several as fire chief, retiring in
1978. During his years as fireman, he was also a member of the
Ashtabula County Firemen’s Association, and served as President
for 4 years and as Coordinator of the County Fire School. As a 4-H
advisor, he was in charge of and leader of the Wayne Boys Club. An
active member of the Windsor Ohio Historical Society and also the
Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival Committee, his presence
and equipment displays were always centers of attention at the
Annual Bridge Festival each October.
With Don’s passing, Engine Club enthusiasts extend our
sympathy to his wife, Edythe, and family and we will cherish the
memories of the times we were privileged to share with him.
Submitted by Francis L. Day, Secretary,Ashtabula County
Antique Engine Club, Box 151, Andover, Ohio 44003.
EMORY M. FUNK of Manchester, Illinois, passed away October 5,
1987, at the age of 88. Mr. Funk was a lifelong resident of the
Manchester area. He was an active member of the Prairieland
Heritage Association Museum-The Jacksonville Area Antique Car Club.
He was a lover of antique machinery and farm related items, many of
which he had used during his lifetime. The joy of his life was his
collection of antique cars and trucks which he had restored. Most
of them were Fords. Mr. Funk was no stranger at many of the Old
Thresher Reunions in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri where he had many
friends.
Mr. Funk and I met about 20 years ago at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa,
while watching the Murry-Corliss Steam Engine exhibit its graceful
motion of power. We became the best of friends and have spent many
hours visiting together. His knowledge and experiences were
endless. Had I kept a record of the many accomplishments and
experiences we discussed, I could publish a book which would surely
be a best seller.
Submitted by Jack Folta,P.O. Box 147, Laddonia, Missouri
63352.
