Karl Herman Aufderheide (1889-1956)

by Jim Graupner
[Based on an article by Hubert H. Walter, Contributing Editor, The Daily Journal, December 11, 1956.]

Karl Herman Aufderheide, born on 18 August 1889, was the third child of Fred and Elise Schapekahm Aufderheide. His siblings included: William (died at age 17, in 1900), Emma (Mrs. A.L. Boock), [Karl], Herman (married Esther Sannwald) and Hertha (Mrs. George Gieseke).

Karl passed away on December 10, 1956 and was interred in the New Ulm Cemetery 50 years ago, today (December 12, 1956). He was survived by his wife, Clara Weddendorf Aufderheide, and four children: Carl John (1913), John Herman "Jack" (1916), Robert George and Ruth Helen--twins--(1919), and eight grandchildren: Karl John "Casey" (1948), Steven John (1943), Kay Anne (1946), James Melvin (1949), William Robert (1957), Dale (1951), Diane (1955), and Susan (1954).

Karl attended the Lutheran Parochial School in New Ulm, completed a course at DMLC and later tooka business course at Mankato Business College. Early in life, Karl worked with his father, Fred (proprietor), and brother, Herman, at the New Ulm Brick & Tile Yards. In 1917, father and sons became partners; in 1924, the brothers pruchased their father's interest in the brickyard. In 1936, Karl took over his brother's interests. later, a corporation was formed in which Karl continued as president until his death.

[Photo from Jim Aufderheide; Karl H. and Clara Weddendorf Aufderheide at home in New Ulm, with Ruth and her twin, Robert (in front), John Herman "Jack" and Carl John "Carly"]

Karl was sports-minded; a founder of the Concordia Bowling Club; one of the original backers of the Brewer's Baseball Club, and he loved camping and hunting. Karl was an organizer of the Concord Singers, an avid photographer, served on the City Council for a number of terms, and an automobile enthusiast. He was an early advocate of paved roads. He is said to be the first in New Ulm to drive a car in winter.