Obit: Ayers, Claude G. (1904 - 1969)

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Surnames: AYERS MARCO THOMA HOPKINS BERTZ HYMAN WILLIAMS WILBAND

----Source: Clark County Press, page 2, April 17, 1969

Claude G. Ayers (1904-1969)

Claude G. Ayers, 65, of Olympia, Wash. died April 10. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. from the Georgas funeral home, with the Rev. Jack Grether of Neillsville officiating. Military rites were conducted at Neillsville Cemetery, where burial was made.
Mr. Ayers was born March 12, 1904, in Neillsville, to Charles And Elizabeth Marco Ayers. He received his education in Neillsville, graduating from high school in 1922. He then enlisted in the National Guard and served in the 128th Infantry.

In 1940 he went into federal service and served in World War II in the Pacific theatre. he returned here in 1945 and re-joined theguards, and was an active member until his 60th birthday, when he retired with a rating of Warrant Officer.

Mr. Ayers was interested in guns and operated a gunsmith shop here and in Oregon. He also was a licensed embalmer and at one time was employed by the old Lowe funeral home here. He also worked in the Naedler garage and the B F machine shop.

Mr. Ayers was married September 21, 1928 to Florence Thoma who died September 19, 1961, in Iowa. He was married to Carol Matheson Hopkins April 20, 1964. They moved to Oregon in December of that year.

Survivors include his wife two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Joan) Bertz of Loyal and Mrs. Albert (Charlotte) Hyman of Charlotteville, Va. three sons, Donald of Neillsville, Wendell, of Gresham, Ore., and Melvin of Oshkosh two sisters, Mrs. Elmer (Gladys) Williams of Mound, Minn., and Mrs. Ed (Irene) Wilband of Lucerne Valley, Calif. and 20 grandchildren.

Pallbearers were: Chester Diercks, Delbert Struble, Earle Siebert, Heron Van Gorden, Louis Mainholdt and Albert Holt. Two hymns, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Rock of Ages" were sung by the Rev. Jack Grether, accompanied by Mrs. Maried Grether.

People from out of town attending included: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bertz and family, of Loyal Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hyman family, Charlottesville, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Ayers family, Oshkosh Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Heitz, Kenneth Heitz, all of Mound, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Herb Garbisch of Eagle River Mr. and Mrs. Henry Becker of Wisconsin Rapids Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bogdonovich of Greenwood, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Rosenberger of New Lisbon Mr. and Mrs. N.G. Endel and family of West Allis, and Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Endel and family of Madison.

Also present were three state patrol officers: J. W. Winjum of Fairchild, Howard Kilday of Black River Falls, and Thomas E. Puffer of Eau Claire.