Becker, John Christian 1883 - 1911

BECKER, BOEHM, BRANDTMAN, STRUBE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/20/2019 at 10:41:34

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 7 Sept 1911. Elkport and Vicinity columns.

John Christian Becker was born Dec. 21st, 1883, and died Aug. 25th, 1911. Thus at the age of 27 years, 8 months and 2 days closed the life of one of our youths, whose hopes, though fraught with heavy trials of disease, yet after each succeeding blow, would again win out and a new lease was placed on life. Always of a cheerful disposition, beloved by parents, sisters, brothers and many friends, life seemed one long day of Sunshine.

Deceased was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Becker, Sr., of Volga township. It was here at the dear old farm that his happy childhood was spent. According to the rituals of the Lutheran church, he was christened on Feb. 17, 1884, and confirmed at the church at Elkport, on April 3rd, 1898. He made several trips to the West, but always returned thinking "There is no place like home." A constant pain in the knee made it necessary to submit to an operation at Elkader, Nov. 22, 1909. Soon thereafter, in the month of Feb. 1910, he underwent another operation, this time suffering the amputation of the limb at the knee. Again did he rally and, when he was able, assisted his father in the fall at the work on the farm and finally decided to learn the harness-trade. With this idea in view, he went to Calmar, Ia., and he learned to love this work, when his health gave way once more and he came back to his home and could leave the same only once, and that being in quest of a physician's advice, until the day of his burial when he was carried from the home he loved so well, never to return again. Here again two other operations were performed and at last he was certain that his course was nearly run. Surrounded by those he loved so well and who did what they could to help him bear the burden he drew his last breath on Aug. 23rd, at 5:45 a.m.

He was a member of the M.B.A. Lodge at Elkport, which body preceded the long cortege to the church at Elkport and up to the Lutheran Cemetery there, where all that was mortal was laid in the grave with the limb which had been buried there.

He was willing to go and took the Sacrament from his pastor, and on the last days, prayed for deliverance and was happy to go to Him who was his Friend through Life. God give him rest !

Rev. Foelsch, of Elkport, conducted the last rites, and the church was filled to overflowing with sympathetic friends. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The choir, consisting of Mrs. Foelsch and daughter Irene, Mrs. C. Dietrich Beck and Messrs. Reuschel and Bushkofsky, rendered the funeral selections.

The pall bearers were Henry, Chas. and Herman Becker, brothers of the deceased; also Wm. Boehm and Chas. Brandtman, brothers-in-law; and Elmer Boehm, a nephew. "They're gathering homeward one by one." May all united stand where families and loved ones will be united forevermore.

Those who are left to mourn this death are the sorrowing parents, Mrs. Mary Boehm, of Volga Township; Mrs. Sophia Brandtman, of Elkport; Mrs. Etta Strube, of Estherville, Ia.; Henry and Chas. Becker, of Volga township, and Herman Becker, of Littleport.

Farewell ! sweet be thy Rest.
We loved thee very dearly
But Jesus, the friend of all,
He loved thee best.
Farewell, auf Wiedersehn.