August Willert 1844-1908

WILLERT, ARNDT

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 8/17/2016 at 07:50:24

25 September 1908 - The Lowden News

August Willert was born near Stavenhagen, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, on May 12th, 1844. He came to America in 1873, and was united in wedlock with Auguste Sophie Arndt his now sorrowing widow. After residing one year in Chicago, they came to Toronto, Iowa, and later bought a farm west of Toronto on which they resided up to four years ago, when they bought a house at Massillon, where they have made their home since. Mr. Willert was ailing some for about four years. His disease took worse form about four months ago, and death came to him Sunday morning, Sept. 20th, at four o'clock. He died of chronic heart trouble, at the age of sixty-four years, four months and eight days.

Two sons and two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Willert, one son died two years ago. Their other three children together with eight grandchildren and also two brothers and two sisters survive with the widow to mourn Mr. Willert's demise.

Funeral was held Tuesday afternoon with services in the Massillon church and interment in the Massillon cemetery. There was a very large attendance, Rev. Link of Wheatland conducted the services, and spoke in turn both German and English. The floral tributes were many and beautiful.

Mr. Willert was a loving husband and kind father, a friendly man, an honest and upright citizen, he had a large circle of acquaintances and a great many friends. All sympathize deeply with the bereaved family.

Deceased was during his active years in life, up to his retirement four years ago, a hard working man, who by careful management and saving, had accumulated considerable wealth, which insured him ease and comfort during the evening of his life. But, "Der Mensch denkt und Gott lenkt." He was taken away before the evening of his life had hardly commenced.

Deceased was also one of the heroes of the France-Prussian War of 1870-71. Having priorly completed three years of active service in the German army, he was called in and sent to the front as one of the reserves. He went through the hardships of that great war, and returned home safe and well, after almost a full years stay in France. He was with his regiment, when as returning victors, they on June 15th, 1871, jubilantly marched in through the gates of their home city, Rostock, celebrating their homecoming, and receiving the enthusiastic congratulations of their thankful and happy countrymen and women. The German nation will always honor these heroes and the world will always highly respect them.

The following verse was contributed and sent to us for print by Mr. Willert's children.
"Dearest Father, thou hast left us,
And our loss we deeply feel,
But 'tis God that has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.
Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled,
When in Heaven with joy to greet three,
Where no farewell tear is shed."