Engelhardt, Reka (Schmidt) died 1935

ENGELHARDT, SCHMIDT, JARMS, KURTH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:26

Clayton County Register, Thur., 13 June 1935. Monona column.

Reka Engelhardt, nee Schmidt, was born in Lippen, Pomerania, Germany. At the age of five years the deceased, together with her parents and two sisters, immigrated to America, settling at Garnavillo, Iowa. On June 6, 1861, at the age of 14, she was confirmed at Clayton Center by the Rev. Seifert, who also officiated at her marriage to Mr. Henry Engelhardt on March 7, 1874. Twelve children were born to this union, four of whom, together with her husband, preceded her in death.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Engelhardt lived in Wagner township near St. Olaf. In 1917 they retired to Farmersburg where they were permitted to live together for ten years when her husband was taken by death. A little over a year later the deceased fell, fracturing her hip, causing her to remain an invalid for the remainder of her life. She was then taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Jarms, who faithfully cared for her mother until her death, which occurred at 7:40 on Wednesday evening, May 29, at the age of 79 years, five months and 26 days.

She leaves to mourn her death eight children: William of Lime Springs; Mrs. Hattie Jarms, Rudolph, Albert, of Monona; Mrs. Emma Kurth, Farmersburg; Frank of St. Olaf; Mrs. Amanda Schmidt of Elkader; and Arno of Monona. Also 22 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Wm. Schmidt of St. Olaf.

The deceased was a member of the Frauen Verein of Farmersburg, which organization was present in a body to pay its last respects to their departed member.

Burial was made at the Clayton Center cemetery.

Her children will always remember her pride of family and her indomitable spirit which would not admit defeat. They deeply mourn their mother whose passing breaks the last tie which held together the "old home."