Meyer, Matilda M. 1867 - 1935

MEYER, HARTWICK, WESSEL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/16/2017 at 11:19:06

Clayton County Register, Thur., 17 Jan. 1935..

Funeral services for Mrs. William Meyer of Giard, one of the Giard community's outstanding farm women, were held a week ago Monday afternoon. Her death occurred the Saturday before, after a short illness. The obituary, which was read at the funeral services, follows:

" Matilda M. Meyer, oldest child of John and Christina Hartwick, was born May 16, 1867, at Giard, Iowa, in which community she spent her entire life.

She attended the public school, the Sunday School and church from early youth. She united with the Giard M.E. church when nine years of age during the pastorate of Rev. A. M. Brenner. She took a sincere interest in all the activities of the church. She served as organist for a number of years, was connected with the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, and at the time of her death was a member of the McGregor and Prairie Evangelical Society. She also took a deep interest in the Women's Christian Temperance Society.

On March 24, 1887, she was joined in marriage to William A. Meyer. Their wedded life was most congenial, in reality they lived for each other. Their home was blessed with five sons. Happy as their home life was it was not without seasons of deepest sorrow. In 1889, their oldest son, Otto, was taken from them, which brought deep sorrow to the parents. When our country became embroiled in the World War, Ewald, their second youngest son enlisted and did not return until July 1919. There were two anxious years for the parents. When he returned he greeted his mother with these words: "Mother, I have come home to die." In March, 1923, he was relieved of his suffering.

Two years later their third son, Clifton, was stricken and passed away after a few days' illness, leaving a beloved wife and four children. Only the grace of God was comfort to these parents in their bereavement.

Again in June, 1927, the death angel rapped at the door of their home and after a few anxious days the husband was transferred to his heavenly home, and today we have met again at the same home to bear the remains of the wife and mother to place it among the mounds of those who have preceded her, while her two remaining sons, Gilbert and Irvin, with their families, as well as her aged mother, her only sister, Mrs. Wessel of Dows, and her only brother, Theodore Hartwick of this place, bow their heads in submission to Him who is the source of all life.

Those who knew her best will bear her testimony that she was a good mother, a congenial neighbor, a great lover of flowers, a devoted Christian and that in all these things the words of Jesus are applicable to her. "She has done what she could." She and her husband were members of the Monona M.E. church."

After a few days of illness, she passed away last Saturday, Jan 5th, at the age of 67 years, 7 months and 20 days. Funeral services were held from the home on Monday afternoon, the Rev. L. H. Joslin officiating, assisted by Rev. Feller, Rev. Noeding and Rev. G. Wessel. Burial was made in the Giard cemetery.

Among those from away who attended the funeral were: Rev. and Mrs. George H. Wessel, daughter Lurena and Mrs. Chas. Hoffman of Dows; Mrs. George Bowers, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Klamp, Mrs. Chas. Ingersoll of Algona; Mrs. Clara Fluhrer of Charles City; Mrs. _. Upmeyer, John Griffen of Garner; Mrs. Elva Chase of Mason City; Albert Lange, Louis Griffen, Mrs. Amelia Arnold, Fred Arnold, Elmer Arnold and wife of Klemme; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Irmscher of Colesburg; Rev. and Mrs. H. J. Doeding of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Roland Brandt of Decorah; Mr. and Mrs. Will Meyer of Castalia; Mrs. Milda Meyer and children, Mrs. Anna Glesne and Melvin, of Elkader, and many relatives from Postville.