Obituary: FRED HARTZ DIES VERY SUDDENLY -
The people of the Rock Creek community were shocked last Friday noon to learn of the sudden death of Fred Hartz former merchant
in that city, which occured while he was about his duties at the postoffice. Acute nephritis caused his death.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Swedish Lutheran church at West Rock and interment was made
in the West Rock Cemetery. Rev. Samuelson of Rush City and Rev. Petersen of North Branch conducted the services.
Pall bearers were Eric Carlson, Gilbert Hyland Hamlet Johnson, Eric Holmberg, Henry Johnson and Fred Holm.
Fred Hartz was born at Manchester this state April 12th 1874 and spent his early boyhood in that section.
He was married June 24th to Miss Hannah Dahl at West Rock and of the union three children were born. Edna 14, Mildred 10, and Irene 4.
For about 11 years previous to locating at Rock Creek Mr. Hartz ran a store at West Rock. Three years ago he purchased the
Johnson store at Rock Creek and was proprietor of that place until about ten days before his sudden death when he sold to
Westberg and Hyland. He has been postmaster at Rock Creek since a short time after purchasing the store which office he held
up to the time of his death.
Fred had a host of warm friends in this section of the county who were grieved to learn of his death, and who extend to his
bereaved family their deepest sympathy.
Besides his wife and three children he leaves thee brothers, Conrad of Chicago, John of Albert Lea and Oscar of Rock Creek.
John was unable to be here for the funeral.
Out-of-town attendants were Conrad Hartz of Chicago, G. Hawkinson and wife and Mrs. G.O. Myron of Manchester,
Mrs. O.J. Madson of Hartland, Mrs. A.G. Johnson and Mrs. O.P. Everson of New Richland.
New Richland Star, 04 May 1923: p. 1: Fred Hartz Dies
Fred Hartz, who 17 years ago managed the Star creamery at St. Olaf lake, died very suddenly at his home at Rock Creek, Minn., last Saturday shortly before noon. Mr. Hartz had walked from the depot with a travelling salesman and the two were seated in his office talking business when the latter noticed that Mr. Hartz did not answer. As he looked toward Mr. Hartz he noticed that he did not appear well and shortly lost his strength and fell from the chair. The stranger helped him to his seat. Several customers had gathered at the shore and they assisted Mr. Hartz to a counter where he could lie down. A doctor was called from a neighboring town and he gave instructions for Mr. Hartz's care, but before he could reach him he had passed away. The news of his sudden death was like a bolt out of a clear sky to his sisters, Mrs. Ole Evenson and Mrs. A. D. Johnson at this place, for their brother had been in good health. Convulsions was the cause of death.
He leaves his wife and three daughters, Edna, age 14, Mildred age 10, and Irene age 4. He is also survived by five sisters, Mrs. Evenson and Mrs. Johnson of New Richland, Mrs. Ole Madson of Hartland, Mrs. G. Myran and Mrs. G. Haakenson of Manchester. Three brothers, Conrad in Chicago, John at Albert Lea and Oscar at Rock Creek, survive him.
Funeral services were conducted this week which all the brothers and sistes, except John of Albert Lea, attended.