Bahlke, Willhelmina (Gerke) 1836 - 1926

BAHLKE, GERKE, VOGT, HAMMON, HAMMAN, LUBE, LEMKE

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

Elkader Register, Thur., 21 Jan. 1926. Farmersburg column.

Willhelmina Bahlke, nee Gerke, was born March 22, 1836, at Lupolea near Neustadt Meklenburg Schweerin, Germany. She came to America and was married to John Bahlke by Rev. Kleine at St. Paul's church at Garnavillo in 1863. They lived in Read township on a farm nineteen years.

In 1882 her husband died, but she remained on the farm with her children. Eleven years after his death she then lived with her daughter, Mrs. Mina Vogt, for several years and then moved to her home in Farmersburg, where she lived until three years ago.

She was visiting her granddaughter, Mrs. Glendor Hammon when she had a light stroke. The grandchildren thought it better for her not to return to her home in Farmersburg so she stayed at Hamman's and it was better for her to do so, as she had the best of care. With tender love the grandchildren did everything they could for their beloved grandmother to make her happy and comfortable. The last eight months Mrs. Bahlke was in bed, but she was quiet and patient, and was satisfied with everything that was done for her.

As long as she lived she never was sick, so that she never needed a doctor until three years ago, when she had a stroke. But many were the sorrows and afflictions which she had to endure. She lost her husband when they had been married nineteen years, and six of her children preceded her in death.

It very seldom happens that when a mother dies not one of her children are present, all have gone to the world beyond except one son and he was not able to be present.

But now she is relieved from all earthly sorrows. She passed away at the home of Glendor Hamman, on Sunday morning, Jan. 10, at 8:30 a.m.

She leaves to mourn her death one son, John Bahlke; three grandchildren, Mrs. Glendor Hamman, Mrs. Chas. Lube, Mr. Fred Vogt; six great-grandchildren, one son-in-law, Will Lemke, Lac Crosse, Wis.

She lived to the age of 89 years, 9 months and 19 days.

(Note: The surname Hamman/Hammon was spelled both ways in the article, as presented here. Burial is in Zion Lutheran cemetery, Clayton Center.)