Zurcher, Elsie Augusta (Gilster) 1896 - 1924

ZURCHER, GILSTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/30/2017 at 11:38:08

Elkader Register, Thur., 29 May 1924.

Elsie Augusta Zurcher, wife of Emil Zurcher and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gilster, was born August 30, 1896, about a mile north of Farmersburg, Ia. When about four years old her parents moved to the farm about 1 1/2 miles north of Farmersburg which has been her home ever since that time.

She attended the public schools and also the parochial school of the Lutheran Church at Farmersburg where she received confirmation.

On March 24, 1915, she was united in marriage to Emil Zurcher. Their married life was, however, not to be of very long duration, being only a little over nine years.

In the fall of 191_ (looks like 1918) she with her husband united with the Prairie Evangelical Church on profession of faith, of which church she has been a member ever since.

In Jan. of 1916 a son, Clarence Henry, was born to them, and on the fifth of May 1924 a daughter came into their home to gladden their hearts, Marjorie May, who received Christian baptism this afternoon before the remains of her mother were removed from the home. They made happy at the coming of the little daughter, but only too soon their happiness was to be turned into sorrow.

After the birth of the child the mother seemed to be quite well, some trouble was noticed but nothing serious was expected from it, until last Saturday morning, she suddenly became unconscious. Everything possible was done to revive her but only for a moment, she spoke a word, inquired about the baby, and then passed away at about 6:30 o'clock May 24, 1924.

This came as a great shock to the relatives as well as to the community for no one had thought of anything like this. She reached the age of 27 years, 8 months and __days.

Mrs. Zurcher spent her life in rendering service to her family whose every need she tried to supply. She was hospitable to all who came there, had a kind disposition and had won many friends.

She leaves to mourn her sudden death, husband, a son 8 years old, a daughter 3 weeks old, father and mother whose only child she was, besides many other relatives and friends.

Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved husband and motherless children. It is one of experiences in life that are very sad and hard to understand. We can only say as our Lord said "Not my will but thine be done."

Services were held at the home Tuesday and in the Lutheran church. Rev. Pieper spoke in German and Rev. O. A. Hillman in English.