Becker, John W. 1841 - 1906

BECKER, STEMMER, TIEDE, ROGGMAN, KROUSE, HUDSON, MALL, EBERHARDT, WENZ

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/18/2017 at 14:05:36

Elkader Register, Thur., 12 July 1906.

The people of the town were shocked last Friday morning as the news circulated about that John W. Becker had suddenly passed away about 2 o'clock that morning. Although Mr. Becker had not been feeling well during the past few weeks, yet Thursday he appeared in his usual health and had been to Garnavillo that day. That evening he appeared as usual and retired at his usual time. About 2 o'clock in the morning Mrs. Becker was awakened by her husband's heavy breathing and endeavored to arouse him, but upon calling her daughters to her assistance and turning on the light it was discovered that Mr. Becker had gone to his rest without gaining consciousness. It is thought that he had suffered a stroke of paralysis.

Mr. Becker was born April 20th, 1841, in Altengrugalein, Mecklenburg, Germany. His early youth and school days were spent in the town of Eldnah. In July, 1853, he came with his parents to this country, the family locating first in Jefferson township. In a few years they removed to Garnavillo township and in 188_ (Looks like 1886.) Mr. Becker came to Elkader, which place has since been his home with the exception of four years, 1873-7, which were spent on a farm in this township.

In 1868 he was united in marriage to Carolina Stemmer, who, with four children, John F., William, Caroline and Amelia, survives to mourn his death. One brother, William, of Talmadge, Neb., and three sisters, Mrs. Fred Tiede and Mrs. John Roggman, of Orchard, Neb., and Mrs. John Hudson, of Garnavillo, are also living.

Mr. Becker was one of our respected citizens, a kind husband and father. Although for the past four years he had practically retired from business, yet he endeavored to be active in assisting his sons in many things about their store. He will be missed and mourned, not only by his family but by many friends.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Congregational church, Rev. F. Leonhard officiating in German, and Rev. A. S. Hock in English. It was one of the largest funerals that has been held in Elkader for several years. Friends of the family were present from different parts of the county.

The honorary pall bearers were H. Meder, Jans Tieden, Chas. Reinecke, H. W. Wilke, R. E. Price and J. H. Dohrer. The active pall bearers were M. Dittmer, W. F. Reinecke, F. L. Wolf, H. W. Uecker, C. G. Schmidt and W. W. Davidson.

Deceased was a charter member of Bismark lodge of Iowa Workman and was a member of the order at his demise.

The following relatives were present at the funeral: Wm. Becker, Talmadge, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Krouse, Sr., Klemme, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. John Hudson, Garnavillo; Mrs. Wm. Mall and grandson, Will Mall, Belle Plaine, Iowa; Mrs. Frank Eberhardt, Prairie du Sac, Wis.; Mrs. John Wenz, Elkport, Iowa; Mrs. Catherina Stemmer, Communia, Iowa.