Lemke, Johann Juergen Wilhelm "Wilhelm" 1827 - 1911

LEMKE, BRENNER, LENTH, HAMANN, SCHMIDT

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

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 9 Nov. 1911.

The death of Wilhelm Lemke occurred at his home in Elkader, Sunday evening, November 5th, after a short illness from pneumonia. He was eighty-four years of age.

Johann Juergen Wilhelm Lemke was born in Teldan, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, June 27th, 1827.

In the spring of 1854 he came to America with a number of his compatriots and landed in New Orleans. From there he wandered northward and came to Clayton county. On November 13th of the same year he was united in marriage to Katharina Maria Sophia Brenner in Garnavillo and they made their home in Clayton Center. In 1858 they moved to a farm in Cox Creek township, living there for nine years, after which they moved back to Read township and lived for thirty-five years on the same farm.

In 1902, as their children had left them and established homes of their own and the advancing years was felt, they moved to Elkader. In 1904 they had the joy of celebrating the 50th anniversary of their wedding, assisted by their children, their grandchildren and friends.

About a year ago their son-in-law, Henry Lenth and his family, moved into their home to care for and assist them in their declining years.

Mr. Lemke is survived by his aged wife, seven children, thirty-four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Five children preceded him in death. One sister, Mrs. Maria Hamann, of Garnavillo, and a wide circle of friends and neighbors also mourn his death. The surviving children are: Henry Lemke and Mrs. Julius Schmidt, of Read township; Mrs. Wm. Schmidt, of Wagner township; Mrs. Joachim Lenth and Wm. Lemke, of Monona township; Mrs. Wm. Lenth, of Farmersburg; and Mrs. Henry Lenth of Elkader.

The funeral services were held Wednesday at the home in Elkader, conducted by Rev. Franke, and at Clayton Center, conducted by Rev. Burghardt, and he was laid at rest in the cemetery at Clayton Center.

His memory will long be kept fresh in the hearts of a large circle of relatives, neighbors and friends, who knew from his life the worth of his character.