Henkes, Dorothea (Wichman) Drahn 1851-1921

WICHMANN, DRAHN, HENKES, HARNACK, GOSSMAN, MEYER, WALTER, MOON, HOWARD, FUELLING

Posted By: Ken Johnson (email)
Date: 9/6/2004 at 13:04:42

Thursday, 9 November 1922, Elkader Register, Obituary. p2, c4:

DOROTHEA ELISABETH WICHMANN-HENKES

Dorothea Elisabeth Wichmann-Henkes was born in Grossbeeren, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, August 29th, 1851. She was received into the kingdom of her Savior by the Holly Sacrament of baptism when an infant. At the age of 14 she was confirmed in the faith confessed by the Ev. Lutheran church.

In 1867 she came to this country, settling in Iowa and here in Clayton county. The same year she was married to Fritz Drahn and the Lord belssed [sic] this union with three children: Lizzie, Mrs. Aug. Harnack of near Monona, Emma, Mrs. W. Gossman of Farmersburg and Fritz of Monona. They made their home at Postville. Only 10 years did they live together then mankind’s bitter enemy, death, parted them. In 1877 her husband, Mr. Drahn died. She stayed after this dreary event with her mother until 1881, when she was united into the bonds of matrimony with Mr. Gus. Henkes. They lived together on a farm in Wagner township. Five children came to bless this happy union; two boys and three girls: Arthur of Farmersburg, Ella, Mrs. Aug. Meier [Meyer] of Wagner township[,] Seward of near McGregor, Clara, Mrs. Ernest Walter of Farmersburg and Miss Effie at home. Mr. Henkes had five children by a former marriage: Annie, Mrs. Will Moon of Farmersburg, Maggie, Mrs. Frank Howard o McGregor, Haettie [sic], Mrs. Hy. Harnack of Miles City, Mont., and George of Farmersburg. One of these children preceded the mother to the eternal shore, “Tillie.”

Mr. Henkes was called from her side in 1893. She remained on the farm for some time with her children and afterwards moved to Farmersburg, where she has lived ever since.

She took sick about the middle of August with an infection in her right foot; it became necessary to remove her to the Postville Hospital, where she remained for six weeks. While she was there, a part of her infected foot had to be amputated. Senile gangrene had set in and made her condition critical if not hopeless. Everything was done to help and comfort here. About two weeks ago she had a longing to return home. The Lord released her from all suffering early Saturday morning, 3:30 a. m. Nov. 4th at the ripe age of 71 years, 2 months, and 2 days.

She leaves besides her children, eighteen grandchildren, one grandchild died last summer, one greatgrandchild and two sisters, Louise, Mrs. L. C. Fuelling and Miss Mary Wichmann, both of Farmersburg.

Mrs. Henkes was one of those grand women, who represented the highest type of motherhood, being a rare mother to 13 children, 12 alive, who all love and worshiped her. It was very touching when she was laying helpless at the hospital, to observe the keen interest she took in everything that was dear to her. She had great trust in God and a sincere love for the Savior, just a few weeks ago she received in great earnestness and a deep desire the body and blood of her Savior, when her minister gave her the Holy Communion. She has gone to her reward.

She was laid to rest on Tuesday, Nov. 7th, the funeral being conducted from the house to the Lutheran church, and thence to Gudden [Gooding] cemetery in Wagner township. Rev. G. F. Braun, assisted by Rev. Hillman of Monona officiating. The Monona Choir furnished very beautiful music.
Card of Thanks

We wish to express to all our friends and neighbors our most heartfelt thanks for all the aid and comfort they have given to our dear mother in the days of her affliction; also for the beautiful floral offerings and the kind words expressed to us during the funeral rites.

The children of Mrs. Dora Henkes.