Wessel, Herman Rev. 1848 - 1926

WESSEL, IRMSCHER, BROCKMEYER, KLAUS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/2/2018 at 12:58:46

Elkader Register, Thur., 29 Apr. 1926.

Rev. Herman Wessel passed away at his home in Elk township Thursday, April 22nd. The cause of his death was heart failure following an attack of influenza. He had reached the age of 77 years, 7 months and 17 days.

Mr. Wessel was born in Vechtel province, Hanover, Germany, September 5, 1848. His parents were members of the Lutheran church and he was educated and confirmed in that faith. In 1866 he came to this country with his oldest sister and some acquaintances and settled near Colesburg, where they found employment.

March 2, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Lea Irmscher. To this union was born one son and one daughter, both dying in infancy and on Nov. 11, 1878 the Angel of Death summoned the dear young wife from his side.

November 25, 1882, Mr. Wessel married Mary Elsie Brockmeyer and eight children were born to them, five sons and three daughters. One son died in infancy and another, Edward after he had reached the age of thirty-five years.

The first four years of their married life were spent by Mr. and Mrs. Wessel on a rented farm in Mallory township, but in 1887 they bought a farm in Elk township, where through hard work and economy they established a comfortable home, and brought up their children to manhood and womanhood.

On April 1, 1925, the Angel of Death came again and took the beloved wife and mother from the family circle.

Three sons and three daughters survive, they are: Albert, at Pittsburg, Pa.; Emil, Supt. of schools at Shipley, Iowa; Arthur, managing the home farm; Mrs. Sophia Klaus of Colesburg; Esther, teaching at Iowa Falls and Anna at home, who took care of her father. Six grandchildren also mourn their loss. All will miss him sadly but will have the happy memory and example of his worthy life.

In 1866 Mr. Wessel joined the Methodist Episcopal church and was a respected and faithful member until his death The church recognized his ability as a leader and worker and in 1878 licensed him as a local preacher. He was a teacher and worker in Sunday school for many years. A friend paid him the following tribute: "Mr. Wessel was a man who was faithful and diligent in performing the task committed to his hands. He had the confidence of the community and was highly esteemed by all who knew him; he was loved not only by men in the church but by men outside of the church as well. His was a life in which there was no guile. A noble Christian character, one of God's noble men. He was a faithful husband, a good father to his family, kind and considerate to all mankind. The influence of his life will extend far into the coming years."