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Walter Schmutzler

1881 - 1909

 

A Sad and Fatal Accident

Watertown Gazette, 10 08 1909

 

The people of Watertown were shocked last week to learn that Walter Schmutzler had been fatally injured at Culbertson, Montana, where he has made his home for several years.  He and several others had been on a hunting expedition on Sunday, September 26th, and on returning to Culbertson while handling a rifle it was accidentally discharged, and the bullet entered Walter's leg below the right knee and inflicted a severe wound that terminated in blood poisoning and death. 

 

On Monday, Sept. 27th, his parents, Ferd. Schmutzler and wife, left for Culbertson, and took their son to St. Paul, where his leg was amputated close to the body at St. Joseph's hospital on Thursday evening, Sept. 30th, in hopes of saving his life, and he died next morning at 8:30 o'clock. 

 

Walter at first remonstrated against having his leg taken off and he was anxious to reach his home in this city.  He and his parents started on the journey homeward, but on reaching St. Paul stopped to have the leg dressed when it was found blood poisoning set in and it was thought the only chance then of saying his life was to have his leg amputated, but he never rallied after the amputation, which took place at 7:30 Thursday evening and he died next morning at 8:30. He received the best of medial aid and had a trained nurse, but all to no avail. 

 

His body was brought here by his parents Saturday morning, and Monday afternoon his funeral was held from the home of his parents, 115 Washington Street. The interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery. The employees of the Dornfeld Kunert Co., of which Ferd Schmutzler is an officer and a stockholder, attended in a body.

 

Deceased was born June 28, 1881, in this city, and he resided here all his life till about five years ago, when he went west.  He was a universal favorite in Watertown.  Hence the news of his sad and sudden death was received here with much sadness, and in their bereavement the parents and family have the sincere sympathy of all our citizens. Walter was a young man of a genial, sunshiny disposition, was good hearted and generous with his fellow man, hence no one who knew him but loved and esteemed him, and were proud to call him their friend.