William J. Wertz Dies at 99 Years (Grand Rapids Press Michigan) 1935
Wertz, William J.
Grand Rapids Press
1-6-1935
Willilam J. Wertz Dies at 99 Years
William J. Wertz, 99, a resident of Grand Rapids and vicinity 53 years, died at his home, 1528 Cole-av., N.E. Sunday morning.He would have been 100 next May 28.
Until recently Mr. Wertz took daily walks about his yard and until two years ago lived alone and did his own cooking and housework.
A native of Wurttemberg, Germany, Mr. Wertz came to the United States in 1863.He lived in Ann Arbor a short time and then removed to Wisconsin, where he resided about 10 years before he came to Grand Rapids and settled on a farm on Leonard-rd., N.E., about three miles from the city.
He lived on the farm until 34 years ago, when he moved into the Cole-av. dwelling.He was the last survivor in a family of 11 children.
A cloth maker in his youth, Mr. Wertz possessed a suit made about 65 years ago of cloth that he had manufactured.He will be buried in this suit.
Always active and an ardent reader of books, Mr. Wertz always had read until about two years ago, when he was advised to cease reading as a precaution to save his eyesight.he always enjoyed his pipe and continued to smoke even in his last days.
He leaves six children, William F. Wertz, Mrs. Ada Ford, Mrs. Alvena Voss, Mrs. Charles VanSluyter and Edwin Wertz of this city and Arthur Wertz of Boston; six grandchildren and one great grandson.
The body was removed to Greenhoe's Home for Funerals, where funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.Burial will be in Fair Plains cemetery.
[There is also a picture of William with this article if anyone is interested]