#1 Published in the Tribune May 23, 1918

Blair Citizen Dies of Stomach Cancer

After suffering greatly for several months with cancer of the stomach, death came to relief of Jurgen Von Lanken at his home in this city, Tuesday morning at 8 o’clock, the funeral being held this afternoon at 3 o’clock from the late home and at 3:15 at the German Lutheran Church, with Rev. A. W. Lambrecht in charge.

Mr. Von Lanken was born in Doepstedt, Holstein, Germany, December 29, 1851, and came to American in 1870, settling first in Tuscola, Ill. On December 27, 1874, he was married to Miss Catherine Stock, and with their family they came to Blair in 1899, Mr. Von Lanken opening the Racket Store now operated by his son-in-law, C. F. Kolterman.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Von Lanken, those living being Mrs. Anna Lorenzen, Mrs. C. F. Kolterman, Mrs. Henry Bruce, Mrs. Frank Linden and Miss Margaret. There is also an adopted son, Arlie, who is on board a hospital ship plying between this country and France. These, together with his wife and two sisters and two brothers are left to mourn his demise.

For years Mr. Von Lanken had been a sufferer with hay fever and every season since 1893 he has made the trip to Michigan or Minnesota for the sake of getting relief. Several years ago he slipped on a icy sidewalk and suffered a broken hip, since which time he was compelled to use a cane, but with all his suffering he was genial and kind and he will be remembered for a long time by his associates who were in the habit of enjoying almost daily visits with him. The Tribune joins the many friends of the family in extending the community’s sympathies.

#2 Printed in the May 22, 1918 Pilot

Death was a welcome visitor at the George VonLanken home at an early hour Tuesday morning. Mr. VonLanken had suffered everything for the past six weeks with cancer of the stomach and only the last twelve hours of his life were free from pain because he was unconscious. On April 2nd, an operation disclosed the cancer had advanced to such a stage that nothing could be done and only his wonderful vitality kept him alive since that time. The end, which he knew must come and that he had been ready for so long, came at ten minutes to 8 o’clock yesterday morning and with it the peace of death that smooths out the wrinkles of pain and suffering. The funeral will be held at the home at 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon and at the German church at about 3:15, his pastor, Rev. A.W. Lambrecht, officiating. Juergen VonLanken was born in Doerpstedt, Holstein, Germany Dec. 29th, 1851, and was therefore in his 67th year. He came to this country in 1870 and settled at Tuscola, Ill. He was married to Miss Catherine Stock at Arthur, Ill. Dec. 27th, 1874, and lived there until he came to Blair in 1899. He conducted the Blair Racket store for a good many years, and by his unfailing courtesy and good business ability, he accumulated an abundance of the world’s goods, turning the store over to his son-in-law, who later sold it to another son-in-law, Carl Kolterman. Mr. VonLanken had been suffering from hay fever for many years, but was otherwise very healthy and was always cheerful and friendly. The trouble that finally caused his death began last fall but its deadly nature wasn’t known until it was too late. Besides the widow he leaves five daughters and one adopted son, Arlie. Two sons died in infancy before they came to Blair, and one daughter, Emma, died in 1910 at the age of 23. The daughters are Mrs. Anna Lorenzen, Mrs. Henry Bruse, Mrs. Carl Kolterman, Mrs. Frank Linden and Margaret, all of this city except Mrs. Bruse, who lives at Madison, Nebr. The entire community feel that we have all lost a friend and are deeply sympathetic for the family who have lost the kindest and gentlest husband and father we have ever known.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska. ~~~

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