Germany has given to Racine a large percentage of its citizens which number includes Gustave Bahnemann, who was born in that country on the 5th of January, 1860, his parents being Frederick and Christine Bahnemann, who were also natives of Germany and there spent their entire lives.
The son was reared and educated in that country and upon attaining his majority in 1881 resolved to try his fortune in the new world. He therefore made the trip across the Atlantic and penetrated into the interior of the country, settling at Milwaukee, where he remained until 1901. In the latter year he removed to Racine and became the partner and business associate of Adolph Weber in the ownership and conduct of a planing mill, the business being conducted under the firm name of Weber & Bahnemann until the Racine Puttyless Window Company was organized, when they sold out to the latter company and Mr. Bahnemann became its president, in which connection he has since continued. The development of this enterprise is attributed in large measure to his efforts. He readily understands the business situation, recognizes its opportunities and utilizes the advantages thus offered, and he has the power and ability to co-ordinate seemingly diverse interests into a unified and harmonious whole.
In 1895 Mr. Bahnemann was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Theda, of Germany, returning to that country for his bride. They now have one son, Frank, who is in business with his father. Mr. Bahnemann is identified with the Commercial Club and is interested in all that pertains to the city’s development, growth and improvement. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and politically supports the Republican Party, while his religious faith is that of the English Lutheran church. He is well known as a successful business man, ready to meet any emergency and guided at all times by a right conception of things that makes his course very honorable and reliable.