BAHLMANN, JOHN (1857-1937)

BREMER, LEMBKE OR LAMKA, PIEPER, BAHLMANN, MUELLER, HAGEDORN, MALZAHN, WESTPHAL, JACKS

Posted By: Linda Hagedorn Finley (email)
Date: 8/10/2012 at 08:46:42

Source: Tripoli Leader - October 27, 1937

DEATH SUMMONS JOHN BAHLMANN
Dies at His Home in Tripoli; October 20, at the Age of 80

John Balhmann, well known citizen of Tripoli, died at his home Wednesday evening, Oct. 20, a 1:30 o'clock; after a prolonged illness. Death came as the result of infirmities relative to old age. He had reached the age of 80 years, 3 months, and 20 days.

John Karl Friedrich Bahlmann was born June 30, 1857, in Gross Woltersderd, Germany. He received his schooling in the old country and was confirmed in Luebow, Germany.

On November 12, 1880, he was united in marriage to Wilhelmine Moeller. Mr. and Mrs. Bahlmann emigrated to America settling in Bremer county, Iowa. They first took up their home in what is now known as Old Tripoli. Later they purchased a farm in LeRoy township, now occupied by their son, Ernest and family, five miles North of Tripoli. They followed the occupation of farming until 1912, when they moved to Tripoli. They have maintained their residence in Tripoli since.

While on the farm in LeRoy township Mr. Bahlmann helped in organizing the LeRoy Township Evangelical church, was active in building the church, and for a number of years served on the church board. After moving to Tripoli he affilliated with the St. Peter's Evangelical church.

Up to about two years ago Mr. Bahlmann enjoyed comparatively good health. In the past two years he has been confined to the house a great share of the time. For about the past five weeks he had been bedfast. On November 12, 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Bahlmann observed their golden wedding anniversary.

Surviving are his wife and the following children: Mrs. Frank Bremer, John Bahlmann, Ernest Bahlmann, Frederika township; Mrs. Fred Leege, Waterloo; Mrs. Wm. Grebien, Douglas township; Mrs. Ted Slack, New Hampton; Herman and Henry Bahlmann, LeRoy township; Emil Bahlmann, Withrow, Minn.; 34 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; one brother, Joachim, Tripoli, and one brother in Germany.

Our loss is his gain. Of him the sorrowing children can truly say:
"Sleeping sweetly, Father in your grave your soul has found a place among the angels gather round God's holy throne of grace. God wanted you at home with Him and you obeyed His call. We all loved you, but He loved you best of all. The light, the love, the light of home which we no longer know is gone forever since you died, in grief we're bending low. We miss your kind and willing hand, your fond and earnest care; the home is dark and dreary now for Father is not there. Oh, Father, dear departed one once full of service sweet, we miss you, but 'tis joy to know you walk the golden street; we miss your form, your voice, your face, your bright and happy smile; thank God, 'tis but a little while and we'll meet at the throne of grace."

The following is a poem written by Geneva Grebien in memory of her grandfather:

A road of many miles,
Was winding thru the land.
It had its happiness and trials,
Yet trusted a mighty hand.
Traveling had become a burden,
After the eightieth mile;
But relief came at last, when
He gave up the ghost with a contented smile.
Jesus extends to all his palm,
And let us remember the 23rd psalm:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24, at 1:30 o'clock at the house and continued at St. Peter's Evangelical church, Rev. Theo. Thomas officiating. Interment was made in St. Peter's Evangelical cemetery.