Jahnke, Sophia (Hespe) Kregel 1832-1921

JAHNKE, JAHNKEY, KREGEL, HESPE, ESMUND, ESMOND, RADEMACHER, TANGEMAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register, Thur., 17 Mar. 1921. Garnavillo column.

The funeral of Mrs. Jahnke, who died at her home here Thursday morning, was held Monday afternoon at St. Paul's church.

(Note: Appears to be a reference to Sophia Jahnkey shown in WPA records and the IGPP.)

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Added by S. Ferrall on 4/3/2018:

Mrs. Sophia Jahnke, whose maiden name was Sophia Hespe, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 14th, 1832, and in due time was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church according to the custom of her native land.

She came to America as a young woman and after living in Guttenberg about a year, settled on a farm in Garnavillo township in March, 1857, which was her home until her removal, in April, 1900, to the home in Garnavillo, in which she died.

She was married to Henry Conrad Kregel some time in the fifties, before coming to this township. This happy union continued until March 10th, 1870, when Mr. Kregel died and was buried in the old cemetery on March 12th. To this union were born five children: Alvina, who died when about four years of age and is buried near her father; Melusina, who was married to Geo. Esmund, died in St. Alphonsus Hospital, Boise, Idaho, on April 16, 1907, and was buried in the new cemetery here on April 24th; William Adolph; Christian Frederick and Mary, married to Ed. Rademacher.

In October, 1871, Mrs. Kregel was married to her second husband, Mr. William Jahnke. To this union three three children were born: Ferdinand J. Jahnke, now on the old homestead; Clara, married to Wm. F. Rademacher, and Louise, married to Geo. H. Tangeman. Mr. Jahnke died on February 15, 1913, and was buried in the new cemetery on Feb. 19th.

Mrs. Jahnke was unusually strong in mind and body, being ever industrious, and leading a noble life worth imitating. She was ever a kind and indulgent mother, laboring unceasingly for the welfare of her children and home. Like all early settlers and pioneers of this community, she was the soul of honor and would not wrongfully appropriate to herself what belonged to others.

Her health was seriously undermined by a severe fall on the ice on Feb. 13th, 1915. She died at her home surrounded by her children, Wm. A., Mrs. Mary Rademacher, Mrs. Clara Rademacher and Mrs. Louise Tangeman, on Thurday, Mar. 10th, 1921, at 10:15 A.M., death being due to old age and heart failure. She had reached the age of 89 yrs., 1 mon., 26 days.

Services conducted by Rev. K. Wm. Braun were held at St. Paul's Church on Monday P.M., March 14th, and burial made in the new cemetery, near her late husband, Wm. Jahnke. May she enjoy a well earned Rest in Peace.

~Garnavillo Tribune, Thursday, March 17, 1921