William F. Gaunitz 1861-1934

GAUNITZ, STEIBER PETERS, DOBBS, WALTER

Posted By: A. Bruce Owens (email)
Date: 12/23/2008 at 21:32:22

WM. F. GAUNITZ DIES AT HOME IN LANSING
William F. Gaunitz, a pioneer of this community, was summoned to the Great Beyond on May 17, 1934, at 9:15 p.m. at the age of 73 years, 1 month and 24 days, after a period of illness of about four years duration.
Mr. Gaunitz was born in Lafayette township on March 24, 1861, the youngest son of William Frederick and Teresa Gaunitz. Here he spent practically all of his life. As a boy he attended the country school of that community. Early in life he gave his heart to God and joined the Evangelical Church, to which church he remained a faithful, loyal member to the end.
In the fall of 1891 he was married to Anna Steiber. To this union two children were born, Mrs. Selma Peters of Lansing, and another daughter who passed away in infancy. This union was to be enjoyed for only a few years for on Dec. 3, 1893, Mrs. Gaunitz passed on, to be with her God, leaving Brother Gaunitz and daughter alone.
On March 4, 1895, he was married to Lydia Steiber, and to this happy union seven children were born. They are: Martha (Mrs. Otto Peters). Charlie, Edwin, Florence, Will (of Chicago), Myrtle and Emmet. Two daughters, Florence and Myrtle, preceded him in death.
Mr. Gaunitz lived on his farm in Lafayette township for many years, where, with his family, he faced the hardships of pioneer life, as well as the blessings of more prosperous times. About four years ago he built a modern home here in Lansing, hoping to spend the evening of his life enjoying its comforts, but the home was not much more than completed when Brother Gaunitz was stricken with a paralytic stroke from which,he only partially recovered. Two years ago last August he was again stricken and from that time on he has been almost helpless. All that medical skill and loving care could do were to no avail in restoring health or to the relieving of his sufferings.
In recent weeks Brother Gaunitz has repeatedly made the statement that he was ready to go Home. On last Thursday evening, while sitting in his chair, seemingly feeling about as usual, he was called Home, and without a struggle or a word he went to be with his God.
He leaves to mourn his departure his sorrowing wife; two daughters and four sons, seven grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Ed. Dobbs of McDonald, Kansas, and a host of relatives and friends. Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

The funeral on Sunday at 2 p.m. was one of the largest ever seen in the city. Services were held at the Calvary Evangelical church, Rev. Walter officiating and burial in Oak Hill cemetery. The funeral cortege was entering the cemetery before the last cars had left the city.