#22 Deck

The Path to Bachelors Grove

Above: Bernie Deck with a Schmidt family member. Photo courtesy of Bob Schmidt.

1949-04-24
Chicago Tribune (IL)

Bernard F. Deck, passed away April 22, suddenly. Member of Pyramid lodge No. 887, A.F. and A.M. of Chicago. Funeral 2 p.m., Monday, at Hickey-Trulley chapel, 159th street and Cicero avenue. Interment Bachelor Grove cemetery.

Bernard Deck World War II Draft Card

Below: Bernard F. Deck

World War I Draft registration card

September 12, 1918

Joseph Niklas World War I Draft registration Card

September 12, 1918

Below: Joseph Niklas US Naturalization Record

October 29, 1892

Article Below from

Chicago Englewood Times, Chicago, IL

July 29, 1921

Article Below from Morning Star, Rockford, Il

July 23, 1921

The day after the accident

5. Bernard Franklin Deck

B: 24 June 1875

D: 1949

The matching dates on the Deck stone for Joseph and Jennie Niklas are believed to be where rumors of a set of twins that tragically died the same day originated. Joseph and Jennie are in fact husband and wife both killed in a violent crash when a train hit the car they were driving in. The article below from the Chciago Englewood Times gives some details on the horrific accident, including the fact that three other lives were lost, two of those little girls. So far the relationship of the Niklas' to the others killed is unknown.