Obituary: Joseph W. DeKEYSER, 1 September 1937, Washburn Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nance Sampson 16 February 1999 ==================================================================== 02 September 1937 DeKEYSER, Joseph W. Joseph W. DeKeyser, well known and prominent citizen of Washburn County and banker of Birchwood, died yesterday morning (1 September 1937) at the Sacred Heart Sanitarium in Milwaukee where he had been for treatment for the past month. Mr. DeKeyser, who was president of the Citizens State Bank of Birchwood, was active in all civic and conservation affairs and his passing removes one of the most highly respected and influential citizens from our county. He was also a member of the county board of supervisors. Mrs. DeKeyser, who was at his bedside, returned to her home at Birchwood last night. N. F. Catman motored to Eau Claire to meet her. Funeral arrangements were not complete when the Register went to press. The Register and many friends of the deceased extend their heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. DeKeyser. --Taken from the Washburn County Register, Shell Lake, Washburn Co., WI, 2 September 1937 edition. The following obituary appeared in the next week's newspaper: DeKEYSER, Joseph W. Jos. W. DeKeyser, 61, prominent Birchwood banker, died at the Sacred Heart sanitarium in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Sept. 1, following an operation for gall bladder trouble, to which he had submitted on the Monday previous. Mr. DeKeyser had been in failing health for some time, relatives and friends alike hoping in vain that the operation might benefit him. In the passing of Mr. DeKeyser the Birchwood community loses a man prominent in its affairs, for he always took an active interest in civic matters, while Washburn county also suffers a distinct loss, as he was a member of the county board of supervisors and had served as president of the county conservation club for several terms. Deceased was born July 29, 1876, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard DeKeyser of Green Bay, Wis. He received his early education in the schools there, going to Sturgeon Bay when 20 years of age and entering the general store business with Frank LaMantagne. He remained there ten years before selling out and moving to Pound, Wis., where he engaged in the mercantile business for himself. Ten years later he moved to Birchwood and entered the mercantile business in that village, and about 17 years ago became affiliated with the Citizens State Bank, serving as president for many years. When the two banks at Birchwood were consolidated a number of years ago he continued to head the institution, having retired from the mercantile business about ten years ago. Mr. DeKeyser was married in 1899 to Anna Doherty at Sturgeon Bay, who survives him. One daughter, Dorothy Theresa, was born to this union, who died in December 1918, during the flu epidemic, at the age of 15. N. F. Catman of Birchwood, a nephew, is also a survivor. Deceased was a member of St. John's Catholic church of Birchwood, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Funeral services were held from St. John's church Friday forenoon at ten o'clock, a large number of people gathering there to pay tribute to the memory of the departed one. Following the services at Birchwood the remains were taken to Sturgeon Bay for burial. --Taken from the Washburn County Register, Shell Lake, Washburn Co., WI, 9 September 1937.