Obituary

Harvey James Fritch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Fritch departed this life July 10, 1919, at Rochester, Minn. The deceased was born May 5th, 1887, on a farm three miles southeast of Viola, where he grew to manhood. He received his education at Greenbower school, since which he has devoted his entire life to farming. He has been manager of the home farm since the retirement of his father three years ago.
  On October 6th, 1914, he was united in marriage to Miss Grace Horan of Preemption, Ill. to this union were born three children, Alice, Leo and Mary Regina.
  Harvey had been in failing health for several months. Everything possible to restore him being tried and resulting in no improvement he was taken to Rochester, Minn. There he received the best attention of the Mayo specialists. Hope was entertained for his recovery but the will of God decreed otherwise.
  Always believing that he was going to get well Harvey never relinquished his hope. He was a most gentle patient sufferer, never once complaining. His death came quietly and peacefully when he gave his soul to God at 3:30 a. m. Thursday in the presence of his wife and youngest babe, his brother, Ed., who had been with him constantly since his removal to the hospital, also his brother's wife.
  Besides his wife and three children there remain to mourn his passing his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Fritch of Viola, three brothers and three sisters, Frank J., and Edwin C., of Viola, Louis M., of Paris, Ill., Mrs. Amelia Jinks, Mrs. Clara Kindlesperger and Mrs. Emma Garrett, all of Viola.
  Harvey's life was an example to be admired. His actions bespoke the Christian faith which he believe and professed from early childhood. He was a dutiful son, a loving husband and kind father. He was an honest industrious and respected citizen of his community. His early departure from this life will be keenly felt by a wide circle of loved ones, friends and business associates.
  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus; Sec. and Treas. of the Viola Farmers Grain and Supply Co., and a director of the Viola Mutual Telephone Company.
  Funeral services were conducted Monday at 10 a. m., in St. John's Catholic church by Rev. Father Welch who solemnized requiem High Mass. Six cousins of the deceased acted as pall bearers, Clarence, Robert, Frank and Harry Budeller, Harry Weltlin and Fred Roettler. Interment was in the Catholic cemetery, Viola.
  Relatives and friends from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Budeller, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Budeller and children, Clarence, Robert Jr., Frank Jr., and Rose Budeller, all of Wilton, Iowa, Mrs. Gust Budeller and son, Harry, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Weltlin and Miss Leota Weltlin, Mrs. Frieda Cox and daughter, Bessie, Mrs. Lucy Park, Mrs. Willard Park, Mrs. Frank Park, Mr. and Mrs. M. Compton, and Mr. Fred Eichie, all of Rock Island, Mr. F. D. Gehant of West Brooklyn, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Matt Frederick and daughter of Galesburg, beside a score of relatives from surrounding towns and county.
(Adams County Free Press, Thursday, July 17 1919, p. 11)