Charles F. Sonnkalb 1869-1911

SONNKALB, LEUI, MEYER, HEIRIGS, HUBACHER, HOY

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 8/17/2003 at 19:55:26

CHARLES F. SONNKALB Was born in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, Iowa, May 14, 1869, and died at his home in Postvllle, Iowa, at 12:30 o'clock on Wednesday morning, August 16, 1911, aged 42 years, three months and two days. On Sept. 7, 1892, he was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Leui, which union was blessed with five children, Nellie, Paul and Elizabeth surviving, two having died in. infancy. In March 1896 they retired from the farm and came to Postville to reside, Mr. Sonnkalb being employed by Wm. Leui in the farm implement business for 3 1/2 years and then bought the business himself and, has conducted it continuously since. About five months ago his latest illness laid hold upon him and from the first it was recognized as a case of dubious if not serious outcome. All that medical science and surgical skill could do for him was done; all that loving hearts and tender care could do for him was done; and friends without number hoped and 'prayed that he might be able to weather the storm, but all to no avail. Heroically and uncomplainingly he bore his suffering, day by day he weaker grew, till at last wearied with a weight he could no longer carry, he laid his burden down and "fell into that dreamless sleep called death which kisses down his eye lids still." Charley Sonnkalb was ever an honorable, upright manly man and good citizen. He made friends and he kept them. In public service, as a member of the city council and the school board, he guarded the people's interests with the same fidelity as he did his own, and in all respects he measured well up to the full stature of a man. His home life was always of the pleasantest, and his happiest moments were those spent within its sacred precincts, He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters, his mother, three sisters, a half-brother and numerous relatives. The deceased was a devout Catholic the funeral being held from the Catholic church in this city at ten o'clock last Friday morning, conducted by Rev. Father Hogan of Monona, assisted by Rev. Father Felder of this city The Monona choir sang requiem mass and Mrs. Agnes Carroll of Monona beautifully rendered the solo "Face to Face." Every business place in Postville was closed during the funeral, which was the largest gathering of its kind perhaps ever held here. As Father Hogan well said, it would be superfluous for him to say anything in praise of the deceased, for the large audience present to pay their last tribute of respect to his memory was a more elo-quent and fitting testimonial as to the splendid character of the departed than mortal man could frame words to ex-press. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Interment was made in Grand Meadow cemetery. Those present from a distance were Mrs. J. O. Meyer. of Belle Plaine, Iowa; Frank Heirigs of Parkston, S. D; Mr. and Mrs. John Hubacher of McGregor and Mrs. Jas. Hoy of Cresco. Deceased was a beneficiary. member of the A. O. U. W. and M. W. A. fraternities. The sympathies of all are with those bereft, and while hearts must bleed until time shall heal the wounds, there is a comforting thought in the knowledge that it is well with him, for when the summons came to him his house was in order.

Postville Review 8/25/1911