Gavy, Charlotte (Striethorst) Lembke 1846 - 1926

LEMBKE, GAVY, STRIETHORST, AHRENS

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

Elkader Register, Thur., 22 Apr. 1926. Garnavillo News column.

Mrs. Charlotte Lembke-Gavy, nee Striethorst, was born at Aschendorf, Mecklenberg, Germany, in the summer of 1846.

At the age of 20 years she came to this country and located in Clayton county. In 1872 she was united in marriage with Joachim Lembke. To this union three children were born, one of whom preceded the parents in death. Mr. Lembke died in 1876.

Six years later the widow was married to Frederick Gavy. Eight children were born into the home, of which only three survive.

Mrs. Gavy enjoyed good health but was greatly handicapped by breaking her hip about 15 years ago. During the past few years her mind had become affected. In January she was taken to the sanitarium at Prairie du Chien, also to the hospital at McGregor for treatment. Her condition was not improved however, and she was brought back home to be again cared for by her sons, John and Fred. Every consideration was given her but she grew worse from day to day, in fact her mind became so deranged that home nursing proved inadequate. About three weeks ago she was taken to the Elkader hospital, where after a few days the authorities saw fit to commit her to the state hospital at Independence. On account of her age coupled with her greatly deteriorated mental condition, no hope was given by the state physician for her recovery.

She died on Easter Sunday at the age of 80 years. She is survived by four sons, John and Fred Lembke of this place and George and William Gavy of Spencer, S.D., and one daughter, Mrs. Herman Ahrens of Read township.

The funeral was held on Thursday with services at St. Paul's Lutheran church, Rev. K. W. Braun officiating. Interment was made in the new cemetery.