Downing, Mary (Bonzer) 1856-1934

DOWNING, BONZER, SCHIFF, DYKE, LOVE

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Mary Bonzer, the daughter of Mathias and Anna Bonzer, was born in Giard township, Clayton County, Iowa on August 25, 1856 and departed this life on Sunday, January 21st, 1934 at Earhart, Minnesota at the age of 78 years, four months, and 21 days.

In 1877 she was united in marriage to John Downing. To this union were born ten children. They settled on a farm near Monona. Several years later they moved to S. Dakota, later back to Iowa. In 1912 they returned to South Dakota, then moved to Minnesota where she made her home until the time of her death.

Mrs. Downing devoted her life to her home and her children, and was a kind and loving mother. Her husband preceded her in death on January 6, 1914, and four children at other times: Maude Schiff, William, who was killed in the world war; Charles and Mayme.

Those who remain to mourn her passing are one daughter, and five sons: Mrs. John Dyke, Postville, Ia.; Fred, Orient, S. Dakota; Frank, Wisconsin; Art, Independence, Iowa; Vern, Waukon, Iowa, and George at home, who cared for his mother after the death of the father. Also one sister and four brothers: Mrs. John Love, Charles City, Iowa; Peter Bonzer, Nashua, Iowa; Jake, Marshalltown, Iowa; Tom, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and Joe, at Monona, Iowa. 28 grand children and 13 great grandchildren, also nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted on Friday, January 26, 1934 at the Schultz funeral home, Monona, Iowa at one o'clock P.M. by the Rev. Louis H. Joslin, of First Methodist church, Monona, Iowa. Interment was made in the city cemetery, Monona, Iowa.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, February 1, 1934