John Ortlepp


 
 
John Ortlepp, son of John and Elisabeth (Busch) Ortlepp, was born in Hanover, Germany, May 14, 1841, and died at this home in Roberts, Ill., ?? November 16, 1919, aged 78 years, 6 months, and 2 days.
He came to America in 1871 and settled in Livingston County. The next year, 1872, he came to Roberts, which has been his home since. When he arrived in Roberts there were only two business buildings in the village, which was just starting on the then Gilman & Springfield Railway, which was built the year before. For many years he conducted a meat market in Roberts and later a general store.
On the 28th day of June, 1883 he married Miss Emma Tornowski of Melvin. Unto this union twelve children were born, six of who preceded him in death.
Roberts has had few, if any, citizens more widely known than Mr. Ortlepp. During the years he was in business here he was known throughout all the neighboring country. He was a man of strong physique, and his great strength and endurance, as well as his ability in other lines, made him a man to be noticed and remembered. Coming to Roberts as a young man of only 31 years of age, his life here of nearly fifty years has done its part in taking Roberts where it is today. His strong determination and will has been a power in the history of our village. He was a close friend to those whom he considered his friends and a man who would stand for what he considered his rights against all who opposed him.
The deceased is survived by his wife and six daughters -- Mary, Emma, Geraldine, and Evelyn at home. Mrs. William Frederking of Beltram, Minn., and Mrs. Fred Kemena of Springfield, Ill. One granddaughter, June Harwood, also has lived at the home here since the death of her mother, Elizabeth, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ortlepp. One other granddaughter, Arlene Harwood, lives in Crescent City. He also leaves other relatives and many friends who join the bereaved family in sorrow.
The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday, Nov. 19th, 1919, at 10:30 a.m., Rev. William Schumacher, pastor of the Lutheran church, officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Lyman Cemetery.

--Roberts Herald.  26 November 1919.

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