Fiegenbaum, Wilhelm Edward

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1892, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA
• Occupation: Between 1899 and 1955, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; jewelry and optical business
• Residence: Feb 1914, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Apr 1923, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Jan 1934, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Sep 1945, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1870 enumeration, William, born in January of that year in Iowa, lived with his parents, Frederick (age 39) and Louisa (age 37), and eight brothers and sisters, ages 17 years to 2 years.

Residence:
In November 1892, the Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri, reported a family reunion at the home of Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum and his wife. Attending the week long celebration was "Ed Fiegenbaum, lately of Chicago, who will spend the winter with his parents." This appears consistent with one of his obituaries which reported that after finishing his education at the Chicago College of Horology his mother prevailed upon him to live "at home" and he began practicing watch-making and repair at Oregon, Missouri for about five years.

Residence:
According to an obituary in January 1934, Benjamin Friedrich Fiegenbaum was survived by his brother, "Edward Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska."

Buried:
Burial was in Geneva Cemetery (lot 408), next to his wife. The grave of an infant son is also in this cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for William Edward Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 13 January 1955 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska.

     William Edward Fiegenbaum, the ninth child of Rev. Frederick William and Louisa (Otto) Fiegenbaum, was born at Des Moines, Iowa 5 January 1870. The family moved from Iowa to charges in Missouri and Kansas. William Edward joined the church at the age of 13 at Wathena, Kansas after taking catechetical instruction from his father. He graduated from the high school at Lawrence, Kansas in 1890. After serving an apprenticeship with a Kansas jeweler and optometrist, he finished his education at the Chicago College of Horology. His father now being stationed at Oregon, Missouri, his mother prevailed on him to remain at home, and he began watch-making and repairing at Oregon, where he remained five years. It was here he met Miss Maude Mary Montgomery, and after she finished her education, they were married 8 October 1901. In the meantime Edward visited his brother Louis, a pioneer druggist at Geneva, Nebraska, and was persuaded to move his jewelry store to Geneva, where he operated a jewelry and optical business, at first in his brother's drugstore. After a short trip, Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum came to Geneva and occupied a cottage on the corner later known as 442 North 11th Street. In 1912 the cottage was replaced with a commodious home where they continued to live. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Geneva 7 October 1951. On 6 September 1953 Mrs. Fiegenbaum passed to her eternal home. After a brief illness Mr. Fiegenbaum joined her in the celestial world 5 January 1955 on his 85th birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were the parents of three children: Frederick Robert who lived just five months; Frances Montgomery now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln; and William Edward II of Geneva. There are five grandchildren: Mrs. Gretchen Klein Turner of Lincoln, Mrs. Nancy Klein Hopkins of Albuquerque, New Mexico; William Edward Fiegenbaum III, Susan Louise Fiegenbaum and Michael Frederick Fiegenbaum of Geneva. There is also a great grandchild Karen Turner. Ed, as he was know to all, was active in civic, lodge and church circles. He had served as secretary to the Republican County Central Committee, was president of the Geneva Commercial Club years ago at the time it instituted the first united effort for better roads for Fillmore County. He was for 25 years secretary of the Local Modern Woodmen of America. He became a Mason at the age of 24 in Oregon, Missouri. After locating in Geneva, he demitted and joined Geneva Lodge No. 79. He also received the degrees of the Royal Arch and the Council. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were life-time members of the Methodist Church. During their more active years they served their church in many official capacities. Mr. Fiegenbaum had held the offices of secretary, treasurer, and chairman of the board. During his chairmanship of the board he instituted the idea of a Memorial Fund which has gathered momentum through the years. He was regular in his church attendance, a good listener, and greatly enjoyed the organ and choir music. Mr. Fiegenbaum was always a great supporter of Geneva High School athletics. He attended all the games and was interested in the welfare of the players. Like all true fans he hated to see the home boys lose, but gave due credit to their opponents. The town baseball team always held his interest. Years ago when the big lodge picnics were held in Geneva, Ed was usually on the arrangements committee. His hobby was golf, which he had played for years, enjoying the game up to a few days before his death. Mr. Fiegenbaum's illness was of only a week's duration. He was at his place of business Wednesday, 29 December, entering a Lincoln hospital the next day. His condition became rapidly worse. Services were held at the First Methodist Church Friday afternoon, 7 January, at two o'clock. Mrs. H. A. Rosenau sang his favorite hymn, "Be Still My Soul," with Miss Gayle Walton at the organ. The tribute was given by Dr. F. F. Pfoutz, minister. Masonic services were conducted at the cemetery, with Guy A. Brown giving the oration. The pallbearers were Joseph Bixby, George Cruse, Robert Bailey, Howard Hamilton, John Edgecombe and Tyler Edgecombe. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery.

Wilhelm married Montgomery, Maude Mary 8 Oct 1901, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA. Maude (daughter of Montgomery, David and Davis, Hannah) was born 28 Oct 1878, Buchtel, Athens County, Ohio, USA; died 6 Sep 1953, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, USA; was buried 8 Sep 1953, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth:
The day of the birth has been reported as either the 14th or the 15th. The middle name has been given as either Robert or Wilhelm. The first given name has been spelled Frederic, Frederick and Fredrick. In the absence of an authoritative record, I have chosen to use the name which appears on his gravestone, Frederic Wilhelm, assuming that this form comes closest to the intention of this child's parents.

Buried:
He was buried in Geneva Cemetery. The stone was inscribed: "Frederic W. | Fiegenbaum | 1902 - 1903"

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Frederick Robert Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 15 May 1903 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska.

     DIED: At 6:00 p.m. Friday 8 May 1903, Frederick Robert, only child of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum, aged four months and twenty-four days. The little one had been sick but a day or two. Its death was very unexpected and was a great blow to the parents. The cause of death was not fully established. The funeral service was private and was conducted at the family residence at four o'clock Sunday afternoon by Rev. E. M. Evans. On account of the downpour of rain the interment of the body was deferred until two o'clock Monday afternoon. The Methodist choir sang at the funeral service. Friends sent many beautiful flowers.

Other Events:

• Occupation: the supervisor of music in the high schools at Geneva and Crete, Nebraska.
• Census: 1910, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration of the home on State Street, Francis, age 5 (born in Nebraska) was living with her parents, William E. Fiegenbaum (age 40) and Maude M. Fiegenbaum (age 32).

Frances married Klein, Lloyd Frederick 3 Aug 1926, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Lloyd (son of Klein, Frederick Karl and Walrod, Lulu May) was born 21 Jun 1900, Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska, USA; died 14 Oct 1968, Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Education: Oregon, USA; at Oregon State University
• Census: 1930, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Graduation: 1940, Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska, USA
• Moved To: 1955, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Education:
William earned a master's degree in education and taught at the Children's Farm Home until his retirement in 1980.

Military Service:

     William enlisted in the Army on 14 March 1942 at Fort Crook, Nebraska. According to his obituaries, William served in the US Army, 96th Division, during World War II and was also in the Korean Conflict.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration of 442 North 11th Street, conducted by Maude M. Fiegenbaum, William Edward, age 11 (born in Nebraska), was living with his parents, W. Edward (age 60) and Maude M. (age 51) Fiegenbaum.

Graduation:
According to one of his obituaries, "Mr. Fiegenbaum...graduated in 1940 from Kearny [sic] Teacher's College in Nebraska. He taught for a short time in Burns, Wyo., before joining the U.S. Army."

Buried:
The cremated remains of William and his wife were inurned in Willamette Memorial Park (glass niche #430, unit #2).

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary for William Fiegenbaum II which appeared in the Albany Democrat-Herald, of Albany, Oregon on 15 October 1991.

          William Fiegenbaum II

     July 3, 1918 - Oct. 15, 1991
     William E. Fiegenbaum II, 73, of The Dalles, died Tuesday.
     Mr. Fiegenbaum was born in Geneva, Neb., and graduated in 1940 from Kearny [sic] Teacher's College in Nebraska. He taught for a short time in Burns, Wyo., before joining the U.S. Army. He served overseas in the 96th Division during World War II.
     He married Alice Louise Steffgen on Nov. 15, 1943, in Medford, and they moved to Albany in 1955. His wife died in 1982.
     Mr. Fiegenbaum earned his master's degree in education from Oregon State University and taught at the Children's Farm Home until his retirement in 1980.
     He collected jazz and swing records from the 1920s, '30s and '40s.
     Surviving are sons W. Edward III of Eugene; Michael and Patrick, both of Portland, Martin of the Dalles and John of Albany; daughter Susan Salveson of Tucson, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.
     A sister died before him.
     Burial of cremains will be at Willamette Memorial Park. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at AAsum Funeral Home with the Rev. Patrick Walsh officiating.
     Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

     The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for William Edward Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the article had appeared on 17 October 1991 in The Dalles Chronicle, of The Dalles, Washington.

     William Edward Fiegenbaum, a resident of The Dalles and formerly a longtime resident of Albany, died at his home here on Tuesday 15 October. He was 73. Mr. Fiegenbaum was born 3 July 1918 in Geneva Nebraska to William E. and Maude (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum. He was raised and graduated from high school in that community in 1935. He then attended the Kearney State Teacher's College, now the University of Nebraska, at Kearney, graduating in 1940. After college he served in the U. S. Army during World War II, returned home, and then later served during the Korean Conflict. He married Alice Louise Stefgen in Medford, Oregon on 15 November 1943. Together they lived in several communities until moving to Albany in 1955. In 1960 Mr. Fiegenbaum began teaching at St. Mary's Academy in Albany, then moved to the Farm Home in Albany and taught there until he retired in 1980. His wife preceded him in death in February of 1982. He lived in Albany until moving to The Dalles in 1990 to be near his son. Survivors include five sons Martin of The Dalles, William, Michael, Patrick and John all of Portland; one daughter, Susan Salveson of Klamath Falls and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at the Aasum Funeral Home in Albany Saturday at 1 p.m. Disposition was by cremation. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

William married Steffgen, Alice Louise 15 Nov 1943, Medford, Jackson County, Oregon, USA. Alice (daughter of Steffgen, Henry William and Spohn, Clara Marie) was born 22 Sep 1923, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; died 15 Feb 1982, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA; was buried , Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA. [Group Sheet]

Frances married Turner, Melvin Clayton (son of Turner, Harry and Burton, May) [Group Sheet]

Frances married Leenerts, Gerald Richard (son of Leenerts, George Harms and Eisenmenger, Esther) [Group Sheet]

Nancy married Hopkins, Louie Baus (son of Hopkins, Lloyd and Baus, Louise) [Group Sheet]

Susan married Salveson, Michael (son of Salveson, Vernal and Kildebeck, Vita) [Group Sheet]

William married Brady, Linda Katherine [Group Sheet]

William married Mercier, Michelle [Group Sheet]

Michael married Connors, Diane (daughter of Connors, Walter and Bucko, Helen) [Group Sheet]

Martin married Robertson, Jean Lori (daughter of Robertson, Robert James and Gross, Helen Lois) [Group Sheet]

John married Schaeffer, Amanda [Group Sheet]

Karyn married Karbo, Steve. (son of Karbo, Joseph and Lewis, June) [Group Sheet]

Gerald married Landers, Kimberly. [Group Sheet]

Gerald married Gordon, Jolene Rene (daughter of Gordon, Donald and Hurley, Vivian) [Group Sheet]

Sara married Bennewitz, Dallas Henry (son of Bennewitz, Paul and Beelen, Maria) [Group Sheet]

Azure married Watson, Frederick. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.