Obit: Warlum, Peter Magnus (1878 - 1944)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Warlum, Fahlgren, Haven, Hewitt, Krumery, Tourigny, Pollnow, Switzenberg, Hedman, Hart, Lowe, Yankee, Milton, Johnson, Solie, Allen, Lefstad, Schultz

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 7 Dec. 1944

Warlum, Peter Magnus (21 Aug. 1878 - 2 Dec. 1944)

Funeral services for Peter M. Warlum, 66, prominent Neillsville business man, were conducted Monday, December 4, at 2 o’clock, at the Jaster Funeral Home. The Rev. Floyd A. Fahlgren, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiated. Burial took place in the Neillsville Cemetery. Mr. Warlum died at 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 1944, at his home, 110 East 6th Street, Neillsville. He has been in poor health for about two years, and death was attributed to heart complications.

Peter Magnus Warlum, son of Hans and Eli Warlum, was born August 21, 1878, at L’Anse, Mich. When he was a very small child, his family moved to Minneapolis, and later to Willmar, Minn. Forty-eight years ago they came to Neillsville, and this city has been his home ever since. His father erected the brick house on East 5th Street, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Glen Haven, and there the family resided for several years.

As a child he was baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian faith at Willmar, Minn. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen, the Royal Neighbors, and Masonic Lodge Chapter and Commandery at Neillsville and the Consistory at Eau Claire. He was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, Co. A. 3rd Infantry in 1905-1911, with the rank of sergeant. He served the city as alderman for the Second ward, from 1910 until 1018, at that time being the youngest man ever to have served this city in that capacity. During the years 1917 and 1918, he was deputy sheriff of Clark County, serving under Sheriff Harry Hewitt.

In Mr. Warlum’s early days he worked as a logger in this community, drove the dray for Charles Krimery, and was fireman for a time on the railroad. Later he worked in the tinning and healing business for Denis Tourigny, buying out the business in 1912. He continued in this business for 32 years, until the time of his death.

Untiring industry and rare good humor were to of Mr. Warlum’s outstanding characteristics, and the names, "Peat" Warlum has come in this community to stand for good humor and kindliness. His long record of work and offices of trust which he held speak for his industry, and for the esteem in which he was held by his fellow men.

He was unite din marriage on November 15, 1906, to Alvina Pollnow, the marriage taking place at the home of her parent sin the town of Hewett. Four children were born to them, two having died in infancy. Surviving children, Roslyn, Mrs. Fred Switzenberg of Barron, Wis., and Elliot Warlum of Neillsville. There are two grandchildren, Ann Switzenberg and Michael Warlum. Two sisters also survive: Mandy, Mrs. Carl Hedman, Turlock, Cal.; and Ella, Mrs. Mal Hart, Santa Rosa, Cal. His parents, four brothers and one sister preceded him in death. His death was the fourth among his relatives since Labor Day.

Ole Lowe of Neillsville is an uncle of Mr. Warlum.

Pallbearers were six brothers-in-law: Walter, Ed, and Fred Pollnow, Arnold Yankee, James Milton, and Hans Johnson.

Relatives from out of town who were here for the funeral services include: Mr. and Mrs. Hans Johnson and daughters, Irene and Genevieve, Mrs. Susie Solie, Mrs. Robert Allen and son, Jimmie, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lefstad and son, Alger; and James Milton, Eau Claire; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schultz, Mrs. Henry Schultz, and Henry Switzenberg, Mondovi, Mrs. Fred Switzenberg of Barron was here over Thanksgiving and again since Tuesday of last week, assisting in the care of her father. Mr. Switzenberg and daughter, Ann, came Saturday.

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