The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-05-29
DEATH COMES
SUDDENLY TO
]. P. FRENzEL
Leader in Banking Circles
for Many Years; End
Shock to Friends.
GOOD MUSIC AS HOBBY
Appeared in Good Health,
and Visited Office as
Late as Friday.

John P. Frenzel. TO- one of Indi-
annapolis leaders in banking circles
for many years, died unexpectedly
at his home, 29O8 North Meridian
street, early today.
Mr.. Frenzel had been chairman of
the boards of both the Indiana
Trust Company and the Merchants
National bank since 1925. Prior to
that he had been president of the
Indiana Trust Company since its
formation, in which he was one of
the founders, in 1898
He had been engaged in the bank
ing business more than a half CEN
fury, having started in it as youth
Funeral Services Wednesday
He resigned the presidency of the
Indiana Trust Company to assume
the craftsmanship of that bank and
the Merchants bank upon the death
in 1925 of his brother, Otto Frenzel
Sr, then president of the latter
bank.
Death followed an attack of
arteriO scleroSis
Funeral services will be conducted
at 230 Wednesday at the home,
with the Rev Frederick R. DarieS,
Zion Evangelical church pastor, Off
ciating. Burial will be in Crown
Hill cemetery.
Born in Madison Ind, December
81 1853, the son of a locomotive
engineer on the indianapolis and
Madison railroad, Mr.. Frenzel came
to Indianapolis six years later with
his parents and lived in a house on
the present site of the Union sta
ton.
AS a boy, he attended the German
English school on Maryland street.
Entering college at the age of II,
he was the youngest student at the
old Christian university, forerunner
Of Butler university.
Started as Bank Messenger
His first business experience was
as an employee of a shoe store, at the
age of II. The same year he became
a messenger for the Merchants Ma
tional bank. The late Volney T.
Mallot was cashier at that time.
Mr.. Frenzel had maintained his
connection with the bank ever since
that time, about sixty-seven years,
working his way up to the preSi-
dency, which he retained until 1893
when he organized the Indiana
Trust Company
He was married about forty-Seven
years ago to Philippine Benner-
Cheidt, who survives him. Other
surviving reltiaves include a brother,
Fred F. Frenzel, Long Beach, Cal,
and a sister. Louisa Frenzel. In
dianapolis, and several nephews and
nieceS.
Helped Organize Gas Company
He helped organize the old Con-
sumers Gas Company and the pres
ent Citizens Gas Company. and was
instrumental in the identification
OF the city street car lines
For twelve years 1882 to 1894, he
was a member of the indianapolis
school board, serving as president
several years. Mr. Frenzel was one
OF the strongest supporters of the
public school system and took ar
ardent interest in welfare OF the
city's teachers.
u -
combining his avocations to music
and art
Mr.. Frenzel was one of the cityS
most interesting and hkable char
acters. AS a banker, he bore a
widespread reputation for con-
servatism and sound banking.
He was exceedingly regular in his
habits of life, many interesting
stories being told by his friends
and associates Of this trait.
Noted for Punctuality
MemL RS of his two banks almost
could set their watches by his activ-
titles, because of his passion for
punctuality. One of his associates
recalled that every evening ne would
sit with his watch before him, wait
lng for the hour of ABS, when he
would send for one of his employees
VINO brought checks for him to sign.
Never would he perform this routine
duty a moment earlier than the
usual time, and never later.
Invariably, in leaving the Indiana
Trust company to go to his home.
be walked west on the south side Of
Washington street, never on the
north side, to the Illinois car line.
Almost always he patronized the
street cars. enjoying the opportunity
TO mingle with the crowds and
study human nature. He resented
the intrusion of the automobile,
never owned a car and rarely rode
in one.
Declined Federal Post