The residence at 911 Northwood Ave., was for many years the home of
Charles C. Laufersweiler, well-known funeral home operator and son of a
pioneer Fort Dodge businessman. Laufersweiler acquired the home in 1918
and resided there until his death in 1941 at age 72. His wife continued
to make her home there until her death in 1943.
Mr. and Mrs. Welch Laufersweiler purchased the home in 1945 and have
since lived there with their family. The house has a red brick and
stucco exterior.
The present room arrangement on the first floor includes an entry hall,
sun parlor, living room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, half bath
and family room with fireplace and full bath. The second floor has a
hall, five bedrooms and bath; the third floor has a large bedroom and
walk-in cedar closet.
Mr. and Mrs. Welch Laufersweiler were parents of three daughters and
four sons—Mrs. James (Ann) Tornabane, Mrs. Edward (Jean) Micus, Susan,
Thomas, John, and Joseph. A son Mark died in 1971.
Charles C. Laufersweiler was born in Fort Dodge in 1868, the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Conrad C. Laufersweiler who established a furniture and
undertaking business here in 1856. He was one of ten children in the
family that included Mary, who was married to Gus Hilton, their son is
Conrad G. Hilton, the hotel magnate; Bertha, Kitty, twins Edith and
Elsie; William J., John, Albert and Frank.
[Illustration: The Charles Laufersweiler home
911 Northwood Avenue]
Charles followed his father in the undertaking business in 1893 and
William J. operated the furniture business. In 1914 the undertaking
business was moved from its Central Avenue location to a new three-story
building at the corner of First Avenue South and Eleventh Street. First
floor and basement were devoted to the mortuary and apartments were on
the second and third floors. The furniture store continued in business
until 1929.
In 1952 the Laufersweiler Funeral home erected its present large
building at Third Avenue South and Twelfth Street. Welch Laufersweiler
joined his father, Charles, in the funeral home in 1930. Since 1941 he
has been owner and operator of the business.
[Illustration: The Burnquist home
704 Crest Avenue]