The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1923-06-07
Body of Fritz Won ROggen-
dorf Found Floating in
Lake Michigan.
MISSING FOR MONTHS
Man is Believed to Have Com
nlitted Suicide by Drown
ing Months Ago.


decomposed from being long in the
waters of Lake Michigan, the body of
Fritz Won Roggendorf, said to have
been a member of the German no
bility before he came to America and
formerly the secretary of the German
American Club House association, was
found floating in Lake Michigan off the
south end of Eichelman Park just be-
fore four o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
William Podella, $50 Linden street,
and Joseph Miller, PA South West
Main street, two fishermen, discovered
the body about 500 feet from shore
and after towing it to shore notified
police officials.
Secretary of Police Emil Meissner
and Policeman Ernest Radatz answered
the call and lifted the body from
| the lake.
Coroner Truman T. Parker took
charge of the remains and at his d.
rection they were taken to the Hansen
morgue on South street, where they
were positively identified by several
of the present officials of the German
American club.
Missing for Several Months.
Fritz Won Roggendorf, who had lived
at 1915 Park street fer several years,
had been missing since January 3rd,
at which time the police were asked
to arrest him on a warrant charging
the embezzlement of a small amount
of money. The body gives every indi-
cation of having been in the water for
several weeks and it is believed that
the man in fit of melancholy drowned
himself He was a heavy drinker and
it is also possible that he may have
fallen off the pier while intoxicated.
Coroner Parker is making a thor
ough investigation of the finding of
the body and of the mans disappear
ance. 1t is probable that no formal
inquest will be necessary.
Was a German Count.
The finding of the body writes
"Finis" on a most unusual life story.
Won Roggendorf was usually most
reticent in discussing his past, but at
times in moments of dependency he
would make friends his confdantes and
dG SACl tlIlGp IlS bO4Q INV az VIC GAIIS
he had been a member of the nobility
in Germany, but according to his own
words, had left his native land be-
cause of trouble with relatives over
funds. His father, according to his
story, was a high state official in one
of the provinces. He was born in
castle and had been reared with the
nobility.
One of his stories declared that at
one time he attended a university
with a brother of former Kaiser Will
helm and that he had at that time
been a boon companion of the prince.
He also had stated that he was once
member of the Imperial Hussars.
Came to KenOsha Years Ago.
No one in Kenosha knows how long
Won Roggendorf had lived in America.
1t is known that he enlisted in the
American army in the Spanish
American War and that he served
throughout the duration of the war.
Fifteen years ago he came to Kenosha
and for many years had worked as
bartender in various saloons here. In
more recent years he had been en-
ployed as a clerk at the Simmons COM
lpany. He was very well educated and
was a capable workman.
Upon the organization of the
German American Club House associa-
ton he was elected secretary because
of his fuency in writing and under
standing both German and English.
He became negligent in caring for the
duties of his Office several months ago
and was/ replaced by another member
of the society.
In December, after his troubles with
the society had been smoothed out,
the police were asked to arrest him on
a warrant charging him with the en-
bezzlement of 500 worth of fruit pre-
serves which he is said to have sold
for William Senne, without making
any remittance for the same. This
warrant was signed by Senne.
Had Then Disappeared.
When the police started to search
I for Won Roggendorf on this warrant
he was nowhere to be found, 1t is
now believed that he committed sui
eide, having become respondent over
the turn in affairs.
Won Roggendorf had no relatives in
kKenosha. Friends stated today that
they believed that he had long ago
ceased to communicate with any Of
his relatives in Germany.
No arrangements have yet been
made regarding the burial of the re-
mains and definite announcement of the
funeral services will be made later