Gmelin, Martha Laura (Zahrndt) 1889-1924
GMELIN, ZAHRNDT
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/13/2017 at 10:12:05
Elkader Register, Thur., 21 Feb. 1924.
It was with the deepest sorrow that our community learned of the death of Mrs. Henry C. Gmelin, who passed away at her home here at 7:30 this morning. Mrs. Gmelin has been in poor health for several years and has been confined to her bed much of the time for some months as a result of heart trouble. She was thirty-four years old last December and leaves her husband and two little girls, besides her aged mother, a sister and two brothers, with whom all will have the greatest sympathy in their bereavement.
The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon, a brief service at the home at 1:30 followed by services at the Evangelical church at 2:00 o'clock. Rev. Franke will officiate.
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Added by S. Ferrall 6/13/2017:
The Death certificate index from the Iowa State Historical Society gives her name as Martha, born 12/09/1889, died 2/21/1924
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Added by Reid R. Johnson 6/15/2017:
Elkader Register, Thur., 28 Feb. 1924.
The death of Mrs. Henry C. Gmelin occurred at her home in Elkader at 7:30 o'clock Thursday morning February 21st. She had been in poor health for some time, her last illness covering a period of about sixteen months although she was able to be about her home for much of that time. The cause of her death is stated by attending physicians to have been an infection of the lining of the heart.
Martha Laura Zahrndt was the daughter of Louis F. and Augusta Zahrndt and was born at the old home in Cox Creek township, December 9th, 1889. Moving to Elkader with her parents when but a child she grew up here and was educated in the Elkader schools graduating from the Elkader High school as a member of the class of 1908.
Then she took up the work of teaching and taught in a number of the rural schools and for two years at Garnavillo. Everywhere her pleasing personality, high character and excellent work made her a favorite with both parents and school officials.
January 28th, 1914, she was married to Henry C. Gmelin of Elkader and to their home have come two dear little girls, Helen and Gladys.
Mrs. Gmelin was a devoted member of the Frieden's Evangelical church. She was confirmed in 1911, Mr. Gmelin being also a member of that class. She was a member of the Frauen-Verein and took an active part in all of the church work as long as she was able.
In addition to her home and church work Mrs. Gmelin found the opportunity to participate largely in social and civic affairs. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the Coterie, the Embroidery Club and other organizations. While health permitted she was always ready to work for anything that meant the betterment of our community.
Mrs. Gmelin is survived by her husband and two daughters; her aged mother; one sister, Ida; two brothers, Louis of Edgewood and Fred of Elkader. Her father and her youngest brother, Paul, died about four years ago.
Thus, briefly, we have sketched the life of a young mother, called when in the full flower of womanhood, to leave behind her loved ones who needed her devoted care; to cease useful activities for town and friends, all of whom sorrow at her passing. She went however, with the highest faith in the wisdom and mercies of the Devine Father.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Frieden's Evangelical church and the building was filled almost to capacity. Rev. C. H. Franke, who had confirmed Mrs. Gmelin in 1911 and had been her pastor for years, preached a strong sermon which seemed wonderfully suited to the occasion. Interment was in the East Side Cemetery.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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