OFFERMAN, John 1867-1947

OFFERMAN, LAURES, REDLINGER, DUSTER, SHAW

Posted By: Dick Offerman (email)
Date: 2/8/2008 at 11:01:51

John Offerman Dies Suddenly

A heart attack proved fatal for John Offerman at his home east of town about 5:15 o'clock Sunday evening, March 2.

According to his son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Joe Laures, with whom he was making his home, he had been in excellent spirits all day and about 5:00 o'clock went out to the barn to help with the little chores he used to do. When Joe Laures, came to the barn a few minutes later, he found Mr. Offerman lying in the haymow. Before the doctor could arrive he was dead. He died quickly, quietly and without any pain as he had often expressed the wish to die painlessly.

Funeral rites were held Wednesday morning in St. Bernard Catholic Church here at 9:30 o'clock. The large attendance testified to the esteem in which this pioneer was held by his neighbors and friends. Rev. J. F. Wiehl read the requiem high mass and delivered an excellent sermon. He also officiated at Mt. Calvary cemetery where the remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife who preceded him in death by 9 years.

Pallbearers wore Albert Reicherts, Adolph Katz, Clem Recker, Garrett Hoverman, Joe Frantzcn and J. W. Weber.

Was 70 Years Old.

The deceased was the son of Johann and Susanna Redlinger Offermann and was born August 16, 1867 at Luxemburg in Dubuque County, Iowa. He grew to manhood in that community and on October 9, 1899 he was married to Rose Duster. They made their home on his parent’s farm near Luxemberg until the spring of 1910 when they came to this community and settled on a farm east of town. This was home to him until he died.

Mrs. Rose Offerman passed away on March 21, 1938.

Besides the children who survive he is mourned by one brother, Henry Offerman of Remsen, Iowa, one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Shaw of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ten grandchildren.

Fine Citizen.

This community has lost a fine citizen and a stalwart pioneer in the death of John Offerman. Just as a trademark is associated with the product it represents so the name of Offerman for years has been recognized as an integral part of this community. In his more active days Mr. Offerman was always prominent in community, church and social affairs and he was a successful farmer. His sincere and dutiful devotion as a husband and father is reflected in the fine children who mourn his passing. In his business dealings he was honest and upright and as a neighbor and friend he was considerate, co-operative, kind and helpful whenever and wherever ho could be of assistance. He was a practical and faithful member of the Catholic church and as citizen he enjoyed the esteem and respect of not only his friends but also his fellowmen. Until his death he was physically and mentally alert and to those closest to him his death, which came so suddenly, represents a great shock. He seemed in excellent health considering his age and he never complained. Because those who knew him can evaluate his real character and worth no extended eulogy is necessary. He lived the kind of a life that assured him of a rich reward in the world beyond to which he has been called. To his sorrowing family and relatives, the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended in their hour of bereavement.

The Alta Vistan section, New Hampton Tribune March 1947