Smiedendorf, Arthur A.

Arthur A. Smiedendorf
Jan. 31, 1897-Feb. 2, 1932

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, February 3, 1932, page 1, col. 5 , continued page 2, col 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Arthur A. Smiedendorf, 35, Michigan Central railroad employe, and an ex-service man, died in Pawating hospital about midnight last night of a stroke of paralysis.  Mr. Smiedendorf was stricken while at work in the Michigan Central roundhouses.  Leaving the  home of his mother, Mrs. Augusta Smiedendorf, 1322 E. Main street, yesterday afternoon in time to get to the Michigan Central terminal to work on the 4 to 12 o'clock shift, he was apparently in his usual health.  About 8:30, as he was engaged in work in the clinker pit knocking fires, he complained of feeling ill, and fellow workmen advised him to rest for a time.  About 9 o'clock he suddenly became more seriously ill, but was able to walk into the roundhouse offices to await an ambulance to take him home or to the hospital. When it was realized that he had suffered a stroke of paralysis affecting the entire right side, he was rushed to the hospital. He soon lost his sense of speech and lapsed into unconsciousness from which he did not rally.
    Mr. Smiedendorf had been a resident of Niles for more than 2 years having come here after serving in the  World war with the navy. He was born in Michigan City on Jan. 31, 1897 and last Sunday his birthday anniversary was observed by the family.  He entered the employ of the Michigan Central railroad company in Michigan City as a mechanic's helper.  When the World war came he enlisted in the navy, and after returning from service he re-entered the railroad company's employ in the same capacity.  For the last few months he had been otherwise employed by the railroad comapny owing to adjustments in the crews of workmen.
    Mr. Smiedendorf is survived by his mother, Mrs. Augusta Smiedendorf, two sisters, Marie, of Niles, and Mrs. Oliver Olson, of South Bend, and one brother, Wilford, a Niles high school student.  The father of the deceased, William Smiedendorf died in Niles on April 18, 1928, at the age of 56 years.  He, too, suffered a stroke of paralysis but the stroke followed on illness. He also was a Michigan Central railroad employe for many years in Michigan City and in Niles, the family having moved here when the Michigan Central terminal years were opened.
    . . . . [illegible] . . .
    The funeral plans are not completed.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, February 5, 1932, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Friends who wish to view the body of Arhtur[sic] Smiedendorf may call at the Troost and Augustine chapel until the hour of the funeral services. The services will be held at 1:30 in the Troost and Augustine chapel and at 2 o'clock in the St. Paul's Lutheran church at Ferry and Seventh streets.  Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, February 6, 1932, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for Arthur Smiedendorf, son of Mrs. Augusta Smiedendorf, 1632 E. Main street, were held this afternoon in St.  Paul's Lutheran church. The pastor, the Rev. Theodore Leasch officiated. Michigan Central fellow employes of the the deceased, and members of the LaRue Messenger post fo the American Legion of which he was a member were pallbearers. Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery.