Kliefoth, Johann F.C. 'John' 1868-1938

KLIEFOTH, SIEFKES, GUESMER, MAHNKE, KRICKE, THOMPSON, NEVERMAN, KURTH, MUELLER, FUNK

Posted By: Patricia Morehouse (email)
Date: 3/6/2007 at 19:54:07

John Kliefoth

Mr. John Kliefoth's death occurred Tuesday morning September 20, 1938 at his home at 6:30. he was called away suddenly and without warning at the age of 69 years, 8 months, and 19 days. May He who in His infinite wisdom so abruptly brought the home and family into the shadow of bereavement and mourning, comfort them as only He can comfort.

Johann Friedrich Christian Kliefoth was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 31, 1868, to John Kliefoth and his wife, Sophia nee Guesmer. When he was only three years old, his parents emigrated to America and settled at Farmersburg. Rev. F. Seifert of Clayton Center instructed and confirmed him in the Christian doctrines as confessed by the Lutheran Church. The Confirmation certificate, still preserved, carries the date of March 18, 1883, and the Memory Verse 2 Chronicles 15:2, "The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you".

February 22, 1895, he was untied in holy wedlock to Johena nee Mahnke, at Clayton Center. The couple took up residence near Monona on the farm now occupied by their son John and his family. Mr. and Mrs. Kliefoth were blessed with eight children, the daughters, Filma (Mrs. Henry Kricke), Eltha, (Mrs. Archie Thompson), Olga, (Mrs. Emil Neverman), Hulda, (Mrs. Elmer Kurth, Elmer, Esther, (Mrs. Lester Kurth), John Jr., and Alice (Mrs. Herbert Mueller).

After living on the farm thrity three years, they retired and moved to town in November 1927. Enjoying average good health, his passing away was not at all anticipated. According to his exemplary custom, he occupied his place in the Church pew last Sunday morning. Mr. Kliefoth was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. Being of a retiring nature, his service was in the background, but nevertheless genuine. The place which the children take in the Church is a greater compliment to his Christian character than we can offer in words.

Those who mourn his death are his wife, his eight children, twenty-two grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Fred Funk of Monona, and the sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mathilda Kliefoth, and Mrs. Frederike Kliefoth, and numerous other relatives and friends. Two brothers, preceded him in death in strikingly similar manner.

Rev. H. W. Siefkes was in charge of the funeral services which were held last Thursday afternoon at the house at 1:15 and at the Church at 1:30.

Interment was made in the city cemetery.