From the Coldwater Chronicle, 8 Feb 1918, Page 1:
John N. Wannemacher, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Coldwater, died at his home in this village at 6:15 last Tuesday morning of heart failure. He had been in declining health for the past several years but his last illness was of brief duration, having been confined to his home only a couple of days. His death came as a great shock to his legion of friends here.
Mr. Wannemacher was born at Ottoville, Ohio, on Sept. 10, 1877. He was a graduate of the St. Francis College of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and after his graduation he came to Coldwater about 15 years ago and for six years was connected with the public schools.
On August 8, 1906, he was united in marriage to Miss Odelia Raub in Holy Trinity church of this place, and to this happy union four children were born; namely, Gomer, Marcella, Carl and Mary, all of whom together with the wife and mother survive to mourn the death of a kind and indulgent husband and father. He is also survived by seven brothers and three sisters, namely, Andrew, George, Paul and Mrs. John Flatz, of Ottoville, Joseph, Charles, August, Frank, Anna and Mrs. Ferd Weichard, of Cloverdale.
He died well fortified with the last sacraments of the Catholic church, of which he was a consistent and faithful attendant.
For about five years he held the important position of treasurer of the New Idea Spreader Company, resigning his position on account of declining health, and together with his wife went to Arizona in 1913, where they spent a period of six months.
Returning to Coldwater he engaged in the musical instrument business, and considering the condition of his health he met with much success.
At the time of his death he was a valued member of the Coldwater board of education and took great interest in school matters. He was also treasurer of the village. Until his health began to fail he took an active part in everything for the betterment of his home town, and no man in this community was ever held in higher esteem. Everybody was his friend and all join in extending the deepest sympathy to the bereaved wife and children.
His home life was an ideal and happy one and no task was too great for him to undertake that would add comfort and happiness to his home. He was prepared for the end that comes to all and his only concern was for his family, and he expressed the hope that he could do more for them in that world to come by preceding them.
For nine years he was organist for Holy Trinity church and was a member [of] the choir when the final summons came. He was also a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio and an active and esteemed member of St. Joseph's Men's Society of Holy Trinity church.
Mr. Wannemacher was a clean, conscientious and upright citizen. He was strictly honest in all his transactions with his fellowmen, and this won him the respect and esteem of all who knew him. Although taken away in the prime of life it was no doubt God's will, and again reminds us that "Thy will be done." May he rest in peace and may his awakening be glorious.
Funeral services were held at Holy Trinity church this (Friday) morning and were largely attended. Burial was in Holy Trinity cemetery east of town.
From the Coldwater Chronicle, 8 Feb 1918, Page 1:
In recognition of the unfailing services and inspiring example of the late John N. Wannemacher, as a former teacher, member of the Coldwater Board of Education and friend, we, the teachers and pupils of the Coldwater public schools, do hereby express our deep sorry at his untimely death and our sympathy with the wife and children from whom the will of God has taken hime.
For the Coldwater public schools,
HUGO J. ANTONY, Supt.
From the Coldwater Chronicle, 15 Feb 1918, Page 1:
Mrs. J.N. Wannemacher and children desire to express their deepest thanks to all neighbors and friends for their kindness during the illness of their beloved husband and father and for the many expressions of sorrow at his death. They also especially thank Rev. Louis H. Yauss and Rev. Anthony Dick, of the Novitinto at Burkettsville, for their spiritual comfort, the members of the Holy Trinity choir, the donors of the beautiful flowers and spiritual bouquets, and those who furnished the conveyances for the funeral. To one and all they are deeply thankful.
From the Coldwater Chronicle, 22 Feb 1918, Page 1:
In testimony of our deep sense of grief and loss at the death of our coworker and friend, John N. Wannemacher, and in grateful recognition of his long and untiring services to our body, formerly as director and organist; and, in the days of his affliction, as our constant helper and inspirer, we, the director and members of Holy Trinity Choir, wish to express our sympathy with his bereaved family and our faith in his eternal reward for a life of good works and good will to all men.
Committee --
J.B. ALBERS,
OTTO GEISE,
HENRY BLAEBER.