Wolter, Sophia Caroline (Becker) 1847 - 1924

WOLTER, BECKER, STAHL, ANDERSON, FLIEHLER, BAKER, PEAK, FISK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Elkader Register, Thur., 2 Oct. 1924.

Mrs. William Wolter, one of the early pioneers of Clayton County, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Stahl, near Osborne early Monday morning, Sept. 22nd, 1924, at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 6 days.

Sophia Caroline Becker was born in Mecklenberg Schwerin, Germany, Dec. 16th, 1847. Having grown to womanhood she was united in marriage with William John Wolter on April 19th, 1869. Five days later the young couple set sail for America and came to Clayton County, which remained to be their home for the rest of their life.

Eleven children were born to this union, eight girls and three boys, two of the latter preceded their mother in death in 1883. The family lived at dufferent places in Clayton County and for a number of years made Elkader their home. After the children had grown up, and most of them had families of their own, the parents decided to give up housekeeping and make their home with their children, the greater part of the time with their daughter, Mrs. Fred Stahl, near Osborne. There the husband and father died April 2nd, 1913. Mrs. Wolter, in spite of her advanced years was able and enjoyed to visit back and forth with her children and families, having her daughter Sophia as her constant companion. While the latter was visiting with a sister in Edmonds, Wash., mother took sick. She received the best of care from loved ones, and there seemed to be no cause for immediate alarm. Even on Sunday evening the patient, who had evidently been feeling considerably better during the day requested of her loved ones who took care of her, to go to bed and rest. But when in the early morning hours one of the daughters looked to see how mother was getting along, or if there was anything she wanted, it was noticed that a sudden change had come in the condition of the patient. The other members of the family were called to her bedside; and within a short time, without any struggle whatsoever, she closed her eyes in the last sleep.

Her departure is mourned by eight daughters and one son: Mrs. Lena Anderson of Oldham, S. Dakota; Miss Sophia Wolter and Mrs. Carrie Stahl of Osborne, Iowa; Mrs. Ida Fliehler and Mrs. Minnie Baker of Strawberry Point, Iowa; Mrs. Rosa Peak of Elkader, Iowa; Mrs. Louisa Becker of Underwood, N. Dakota; Mrs. Emma Fisk of Edmonds, Wash., and Paul of Glenwood, Iowa. She also leaves 19 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Fred and August Becker of Oldham, S. Dak., and many oldtime friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, Sept. 26th, 1:00 p.m. at the home near Osborne, 2 o'clock at the Evangelical church at Elkader, with Rev. C. H. Franke officiating. Interment was made in Communia cemetery.