Henry Asma
b. 7 November 1886, d. 7 January 1958
- Mother: Augusta Nagelhouse
- Henry Asma was born on 7 November 1886 in Sondel, Friesland, Netherlands.
- He was naturalized on 13 July 1912 at the Superior Court of Niagara County, Niagara Falls, New York.
- He married Elizabeth M. Koelle, daughter of Johannes Kölle and Mary Theresa Mayer, on 18 June 1913 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, with priest Felix Scullin officiating. The marriage was witnessed by Amelia Loretta Koelle.
- Henry Asma registered for the draft on 5 June 1917 in Niagara County, New York, while living with his wife and two children at 2473 Ontario Avenue in Niagara Falls, employed there as a painter contractor.
- Henry Asma died on 7 January 1958 at age 71 in Niagara Falls, New York.
- Elizabeth M. Koelle became a widow at his death.
- He was interred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, Niagara County, New York.
- The following appeared on 8 January 1958 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Henry Asma, 71, of 2475 Ontario Ave., died suddenly at home Tuesday (Jan. 7, 1958).
Stricken with a heart attack shortly before 4 p.m., Mr. Asma was pronounced dead by a physician who had been called to the home. City firemen, also summoned, administered oxygen for about 10 minutes before death was pronounced.
Born in Holland, he came to this city 53 years ago. He was a painting and decorating contractor for 30 years, retiring in 1942. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paper Hangers of America, the Building Association of Niagara Falls, which he served as president in 1927 and 1928 and secretary from 1944 to 1951, and the Holy Name and Ushers Societies of Sacred Heart Church.
He was also a member of the Rotary Club for 30 years and of the Knights of Columbus for more than 40 years, being for some time an honorary member of both. He was also a member of the Past Grand Knights Club, serving for two terms, from 1944 through 1945.
Mr. Asma is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; one son, Herman J. Asma, of Norwich, N.Y; five daughters, Mrs. Charles Rougeux, Mrs. Frank McWhorter, Mrs. Kenneth Staub, Mrs. Patrick Colpoys Jr., and Miss Catherine Asma, all of this city.
Also by five brothers and a sister, Herman Asma, this city, Bernard Asma, of Buffalo, and William, John and Jennie Asma, of Holland. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at home at 9 a.m. Saturday and at 9:45 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Members of Sacred Heart Ushers Society, Sacred Heart Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus will meet at 8 p.m. Friday to recite the Rosary. - The following appeared on 11 January 1958 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: The death this week of Henry Asma marks the end of another successful career in the great Americna tradition.
Coming to this city from Holland at the age of 18, Mr. Asma built a successful painting contracting business, from which he was able to retire after 30 years. He took an active role in church and civic activities and raised a large family.
His life was a model to advocates of free enterprise and accomplishments achieved honestly and ethically. He leaves many to mourn his death.
- Last Edited: 16 Oct 2013