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Edwin H. Kaercher
1893- 1939
Death Claims E. H. ‘Esky’ Kaercher at Age 46
Former Legion Head. Military Funeral Planned
10-27-1939
Edwin H. Kaercher, 46, residing at 910 Western Avenue, died this forenoon in St. Mary’s hospital. Death was due to septic poisoning following an operation for acute appendicitis which he underwent Thursday. Throughout the city he was known as “Esky” a nickname that had attached itself to him when he was a boy.
Mr. Kaercher, who was auditor and office manager for the G.B. Lewis company, was a World war veteran, serving with the original Company E of this city. He saw active service in France and participated in many of the important battles engaged in by the American armies. He was a past commander of the Sergt. Frank L. Pitterle post of the American Legion and was president of the Last Man’s Club made up of men in Company E.
His enlistment in Company E took place in June, 1917 and he served overseas with Company B, 120th Machine Gun Battalion as corporal.
Mr. Kaercher was a charter member of what is now Troop K, 105th Cavalry, Wisconsin National Guard, joining in 1929 and rose to the office of captain. He held that rank when he resigned in 1937.
Major J. W. Sproesser in a statement today said that Mr. Kaercher had an outstanding record as a soldier and as a member of the national guard. He added that few men have taken the interest in cavalry work and few have been so faithful in their work and association as was he. The major said that members of the troop feel a personal loss in his death and expressed his personal regrets at his passing.
In the American Legion, too, Mr. Kaercher was one of the outstanding members and workers and during his many years of service with the Legion he gave his time and attention to its objects and aims and was active in all of its undertakings. As an officer of the Legion post he achieved an excellent record.
He joined the office force of the G. B. Lewis company in 1912, the year he graduated from the high school and became its auditor and office manager. Associates there today joined in paying tribute to his abilities and his fine record.
Born in Watertown July 5, 1893, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kaercher, his mother being the former Mary Bergmann. He spent his entire life here as a resident. His marriage took place at Portage September 12, 1922. His wife survives and there are two daughters, Janice, 12, and Audrey, 5. His parents also survive, as do two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. E. F. Goecke and Mrs. Herbert Riedemann, and Fred J. Kaercher and Lester Kaercher, all of this city.
Mr. Kaercher was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran church.
His funeral will be held Tuesday from the Schmutzler funeral home at 1:30 p.m. with services at 2 p.m. at the church, the Rev. William A. Eggert officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill cemetery. Military honors will be paid him in which the American Legion will take part.
Friends may call at the funeral home to pay their respects Monday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday up to the hour of the service.
History of Watertown, Wisconsin