Wenner Held On First Degree Murder Charge For Robel's Death

Frank J. Robel, 38, village marshall of Marblehead, died early Friday morning, November 27, in the Marblehead hospital of bullett wounds received Thursday night, when shot by Lester K. Wenner.

The shooting occured at 8:40 Thursday night just north of the Lakeside & Marblehead railroad station. Not anticipating the need of weapons he left them at home when he drove away with his automobile to take it to the city hall, where he kept it in the fire station room.
Near the railroad station he was crowded from the road onto the track by an approaching auto. The driver of the machine stopped, got out and came back. Robel recognized the man as L. K. Wenner and just when he was stepping from his automobile Wenner shot him.
Robel dragged himself to the near-by residence of Arthur Hanon where he gave the name of his assassin.
Wenner, it was learned, had gone to the home of his father-in-law, so the house was guarded by a number of citizens until the arrival of Deputy Sheriff Melvin Minier, who arrested him and took him to the county jail in Port Clinton.
Robel was taken to the Marblehead hospital, where Dr. H. J. Pool, of Port Clinton, found his condition critical, the bullet having torn thru the liver, a kidney and lodged in a muscle of the spine.
The bullet found was from a 25-caliber Colts automatic. A gun of this kind was recently traded to Wenner and was identified by the former owner. It is believed that the_____ intention was to empty the _____ as the second cartridge was found jammed.
Wenner, 37, has held a grudge against Robel, having been arrested by him several times. Police say he was intoxicated when he made the attack.
When given a hearing Saturday morning, before Justice R. S. Galleher, Wenner pleaded not guilty. Charged with first degree murder he was bound over to the grand jury without bond.

The man charged with the murder is said to be a pleasant, likable fellow when sober. This is not his first mix-up with the law.

Marshal Robel was also constable of Danbury township, as well as a special police officer, and held a State commission as a dry enforcement officer. He was feared and hated by the bootleg element undoubtedly more than any other officer. He was absolutely fearless, using remarkable judgement in executing his duties and, in his official capacity, had proven himself an unusual man. He had a line on the bootleg business and followed his clues to all parts of the county.
He was re-elected marshal and constable at the election held November 3rd. This was his fifth term as marshal of the village of Marblehead.

He was a former deputy sheriff of Ottawa county and at the primary election of Aug. 8, 1922 was a candidate for the nomination of sheriff, on the Democratic ticket.
Funeral services for Frank J. Robel were held Monday morning from St. Jospeh's Catholic church, Marblehead. Dr. J. Sassen was the officiating priest.

He is survived by his wife, his father, brothers George and John, ________________ guards; William, Marblehead, Joe and Clara at home.

Taken from the Progressive Times a.k.a. Ottawa County Zeitung
December 2, 1925 - Front Page

Timeframe:  Clearly November & December, 1925.

How it fits:  Frank Robel is the son of George Robel and Mary Smogalla.  His brother, William, married Clara Christiansen.  Clara is the daughter of Redlef Christiansen & Augusta Miller.  Redlef is the son of Rickleff & Caroline Japsen.  Rickleff is the brother of Marie Johannsen (nee Christiansen).  Clara Christiansen & Julius Johannsen were first cousins, once removed.