Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 May 1907 — RALPH FENDIG DEAD. [ARTICLE]

RALPH FENDIG DEAD.

Old and Respected Jewish Citizen Passes Away. Ralph Fendig, whose critical condition hap been mentioned from time to time in these columns, died at his home on Sooth Van Rensselaer street Sunday night at about 9 o’clock. He had been siok for several months, and while his death was looked for at most any time, yet the summons came suddenly when it did come, and a few moments before he died talked with his wife and seemed no woipe than he had been. In faot Jie had appeared bo much better Sunday afternoon that his daughter, Mrs. Tillie Borchardt, who had been here for some time, . departed for her home at Tampa, Florida. Mr. Fendig was born in Bavaria, Germany, in July, 1836, and was therefore almost 71 years of age at the tiipe of his death. He came to Amerioa in 1854 and resided at times in New York City, Connecticut, Alabama, Georgia and in the city of Chicago, settling in Rensselaer in 1870, where he has since lived. In 1869 he was married to Frederika Ruger, in Milwaukee, who with five ohildren —Mrs. Tillie Borchardt and Lonie Fendig of Tampa, Fla., Albert of Brunswick, Ga., and Ben and Samuel of Rensselaer, survive him. He had always enjoyed good health until some two years ago, since whioh he has suffered more or less from Bright's disease which oaueed his death, and the family have had little or no sickness to contend with for many years. Deceased was an active member of the Masonic lodge here for many years and held the offioe of treasurer of his lodge for over a quarter of a century. He was also a member of the jewish benevolent order Bnai Brith, of Chicago for upwards of forty years. The funeral was held Wednesday at 2:30 p. m., from the residence, conducted by Rabbi Morganstern of Lafayette, ami inter.

ment made in Weston cemetery. The Masons marched to the cemetery in a body and had oharge of the impressive burial ceremonies, which were dismissed by the Rabbi with tho Jewish burial prayer. All the children were here to the funeral except Mrs. Borchardt, who was on her way home when her father died and did not receive word of his death until her arrival home. It was then too late for her to return to the funeral, of course.