The Washington herald., 1917-08-20
HUNDREDS in Line
in FUNERAL CORTEGE
Lewis Hoppenmaier's Death Mourn
ed BY Many in Capital.

The funeral OF Lewis Hopfenmalr'
held yesterday at his late residence,
34Ol n street. northwest. was one OF
the largest ever held in the District
Rich and poor from every state with
in a 1.5Oo-mile radius OF Washington
honored the memory OF this man who
came to America forty years ago. an
immigrant boy. friendless and penni-
less, and who died at the age Of 81
adopted country.
over sixty automobiles were in the
procession, and the floral offerings
were so overwhelming many Of the
1000 pieces had to be left outside dur
ing the ceremony Lodges. societies,
individuals. and many Of the humber
classes. who had been helped by his
unostentatIous charity sent flowers,
among the latter a wreath paid for
by a purse raised by the employees
in his factory. A police escort fol-
lowed the body to its final resting
place.
Gave Aid to Charity.
Mr.. Hopfenmaier was an Odd Fell
low, a Mason, member Of the Board
of Trade. Chamber of Commerce, Ma
tional Union and a member Of the
board OF the Georgetown hospital. be-
sides being affiliated with practically
every charitable organization In
Washington. His only son, Milton.
said yesterday. Even our family
didn't realize the extent OF fathers
charities. although one or two OF US
were aware that he always kept
private check-book for his gifts, as
his generosity was OF the quiet sort.
Priests. rabbis and ministers OF prac-
tically every Protestant faith united
in eulogies to him, and so wide was
his love OF humanity that little chill
dren Of the neighborhood came in 10
where the body was lying and grasp
ed the handles of the cofin, trying
to get a last glimpse Of the face Of
their dear friend"
The first job Mr.. Hofenmaier had
after coming to Washington from his
native home OF Byron. Germany, was
with a man who refused TO increase
his meager pay OF 81 a week to 50, say
ing he wasn't worth it." When he
died. Mr.. Hofenmaier had the exclu-
sive government contract for waste
paper, annually doing over" about
5,OOO.CO0 pounds and furnishing It to the
printing office. So great was the con-
fidence with which his integrity was
viewed by Officials, that he was never
required to give bond. and was on
more than one occasion given an un-
signed contract to ill on his own
terms. He was also heavily interested
in the tanning. hide and tallow trades,
and dealt in other commodities gem
orally called Junk" although his real
business was manufacturer of paper.
Educated Young Men.
Just a few weeks ago in referring
to his charities, he said. only keep
them up II 1 die, is all 1 ask"
At the funeral three young men
stood by, tears in their eyes. They
were strangers to the family. When
approached by young Mr.. Hopfen-
maier. they told him that they were
students at Georgetown University and
that his father had offered to pay
their tuition expenses for the educa-
ton which they were unable to pay
themselves. Another man. who came
from Richmond, told the family that
he had not seen Mr. Hopfenmaier
for many years, since Mr.. Hopfen-
maier had given the money for him
to start in business.
The deceased is survived by his wife
Henrietta Hopfenmaier. two daught-
ers, Mable and Helen and a son,
Lewis.