Obit: Block, Charley (1889? - 1964)

Contact: Pat braun
Email: braunp@tds.net

Surnames: Block, Fischer, Markinson, Iverson, Bass, Markinson, Iverson

----Source: Owen Enterprise (Owen, Clark Co., Wis.) 5/21/1964

Block, Charley (1889 - 15 MAY 1964)

Charley Block, age 75, passed away very suddenly May 15th at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he has resided the past 15 years. He was an active member of the First Congregational church and a member of the Blue Lodge (Oconomowoc) and Medina Temple (Chicago) of the Masonic Order.

Mr. Block, formerly of Curtiss, was postmaster and well known merchant there. At the 75th celebration of the founding of Curtiss, Mr. Block was chosen as principal speaker. His family background forms a rich historical heritage in the pioneer days of the area. In his speech, he referred to his relatives, the A. D. Bass family of Connecticut, who founded the Town of Curtiss and established the once flourishing lumber industry. In his chronological recital of the history of Curtiss, he told of his joyous boyhood days there. It was also proposed by Mr. Block that a suitable marker be erected on the village green to memorialize the pioneer spirit of the early settlers.

While in Curtiss he married Alice Fischer, daughter of former resident Conrad Fischer, and sister of Elwood Fischer, living south of Owen. In 1917 they moved to Minneapolis, residing there 15 years. After 21 years in Chicago and suburbs, they retired to Oconomowoc.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Charles Block of Waukesha, one grandson, Karl Block, two granddaughters, Sally and Susan Block, and two sisters, Mrs. Lawrence (Emma) Markison of Eau Claire, and Mrs. Irving (Margaret) Iverson of Oconomowoc.

Funeral services were held May 18th at the Congregational Church in Oconomowoc, followed by burial in the Hartland Cemetery.

 Photo courtesy of  Judith Cowell

Westside of Main Street, Curtiss, Clark Co., WI; about 1920.  Photo courtesy of Don Kraut.   Businesses, L>R: Charles Block's General Merchandise, O & N Lumber Company, Green Bros., barber shop, telephone exchange, restaurant in Green's building, Ecke Meat Market, Curtiss State Graded School, Ben Green residence & St. Paul's Kirche.