WELL-KNOWN BLACKSMITH DIES IN NORTHROP AT 80
Conrad Wokasch, village smithy in Northrop for several decades following the turn of the century when that town came into being is no more. He died this morning at the age of 80.
Strong, silent and capable, Mr. Wokasch was a familiar figure in the Rutland township capital for more than half a century. It will be difficult for old timers for some time to come to visualize Northrop without him.
Though through circumstance denied “higher” education take by most people as routine, his opinions were respected. Though his words were few, when he spoke, friends listened.
Not only was Mr. Wokasch the village blacksmith, but for at least four decades he played for dances at the old Woodman hall at Northrop, and at barn dances in the area. He played the concertina or accordion, and it was said he could coax “sweeter,” melody out of either than any other man living. Not only did he have an amazing grasp of harmony, but he had an uncanny sense of rhythm which made dancing to his music an effortless pastime.
Mr. Wokasch provided music alone, or in an orchestra, which included the lat John Alm, proprietor of the “Palace” saloon and William “Bill” Miller, each of whom was master of the accordion and concertina in their own right. Occasionally the orchestra was augmented by Jimmy Crandall, who played either the “silver cornet” or the “fiddle.”
After “Jimmy” Crandall, Omaha depot agent left Northrop, Mr. Wokasch and his wife took over the duties of operating the NOrthrop telephone exchange. They alternated the board, and had the switchboard conveniently located so they might provide night service to patrons.
[ "Old Conrad" -- (he was called that even at the turn of the century) -- belonged to another age. He never quite caught up with this one. He probably never really cared, and his friends of bygone days, are glad he didn't... and now that he has joined that innumerable thron, his old friends have a deep feeling that :when the Great Scorer comes, to write against his name," "Old Conrad" is going to come out all right." ]
Born Nov. 9, 1877, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wokasch of Cleveland, O.
He came to Martin county around 1895. On Dec. 5, 1909 he was married to Ida Buckmeier in Fairmont.
For the five years following the couple lived on a farm near Northrop. They moved into Northrop and have lived there ereve since.
For a number of years he and William Buckmeier threshed in the Northrop vicinity.
He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Inez, Mrs. Clarence DoBoer of Ames, Ia; one son Harold, of Long Beach, Calif.; four grand-children.
Also surviving are two brothers. Henry and tom Wokasch of Fairmont.
[Funeral service will be held Tursday. Family service will be held at 12:45 pm at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Fairmont.]
Chuch service will be held at 2 pm at St. John’s Evangelical & Reformed church, th Rev. Winston Wernecke officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside cemetery.
Friends may call at the Funeral home from Wednesday noon until time of family service.