Schug, George Frederick 1881 - 1916

SCHUG, VAN BOGERD, FUEHR, BURTON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/22/2019 at 10:06:36

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 3 Aug. 1916.

Dr. Geo. F. Schug.

The following obituary and remarks are taken from the address delivered by Rev. L. A. Westenberger, of Hawkeye.

"George Frederick Schug was born in Strawberry Point on March 6th, 1881, and soon after was consecrated to our Blessed Redeemer through the sacrament of holy baptism. It was here that he spent the golden days of childhood, dreamed the happy dreams of youth. Here in the shadow and under the influence of a fair home the lad grew up to manhood. Here he loved to spend his vacations; here all that is mortal of him shall rest until the dawn of Resurrection Day. His parents, devout and God fearing people, complied with the Master's command, "Teach them all things that I have commanded," raised their son in the fear of God.

Though they were not rich in earthly possessions, they possessed the treasures which moths cannot destroy nor thieves steal, namely, the one thing needful, and this they faithfully endeavored to instill into the soul of their son. They were aware that true character can only result from love and fear of God. They realized they were building, not for time but for eternity, hence they took great care to build right. Whilst they remembered that George had an intellect, they never forgot that he had a soul. Besides giving him every opportunity to obtain the best secular education, they never tired in instructing him in God's Holy Word. And this good work was not in vain, for I cannot believe that time can wholly obliterate from the soul of man the deep impressions received in home, school and church, and the blessings of an early training must accompany us through life. At the conclusion of his religious training he was confirmed in the faith of his father, the faith of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a member.

Now followed years of study. At the age of twenty-two he matriculated in the medical department of the University of Iowa. He determined to be a physician and a good one. Rising up early and sitting up late, he gave him self to books. Obstacles could not daunt him; opposition did not discourage him. Once the goal was decided upon, he held firm to his course.

Having finished his studies, he took up hospital work for a while and practiced at Morristown, Pa., and Terra Alta, W. Va., later locating at Hawkeye, where he practiced his profession.

Here he wooed and won the hand of Miss Daisy Van Bogerd, and the happiest event of his life came on June 24th, 1908, when he was joined in holy wedlock to his present wife. Thereupon he moved to Williamsburg, where the ambitious young physician soon built up a large practice, faithfully ministering to the sick and nursing them back to health. Great is the number of ailing, who, next to God, owe their health to the art of our skillful friend. The doctor was extremely conscientious in his work and was possessed of a kind, sympathetic disposition. He consumed himself in the service of his fellowmen, never discriminating between the rich and poor. He served them with a true, glad, loyal heart. No wonder the circle of his friends widened and enlarged.

Some time ago he began ailing with stomach trouble, from which he found but temporary relief. He consulted specialists in Chicago, who advised him to submit to an operation, whereupon he went to Rochester, hoping the master hands of the Mayos might return him to health, but alas, it was not thus to be.

On Tuesday, July 18th, he came under the surgeon's knife. At first the operation seemed to be successful, but later on, complications set in which soon were to terminate his career. It became apparent that his hours were numbered. He felt death creeping closer and circling around him like a huge serpent winding nearer and nearer. Everything known to medical science was mobilized to save his life without avail. We may wind up the clock anew when it is run down, but no human wizard or giant of science can give the heart another beat when the hand of the All Wise has made it stop.

He leaves a grief-stricken wife and a little son, Howard Frederick, to perpetuate his name; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Schug; a brother, Rudolph, of this city; five sisters: Sophia, at home; Mrs. T. J. Fuehr, of Dundee; Minnie, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Mrs. W. J. Burton and Rosa, of San Francisco, Cal. His age was 35 years, 4 months and 15 days."

The funeral service was held in this city at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Schug, Monday afternoon, July 24th, conducted by Rev. L. A. Westenberger, of Hawkeye, assisted by Rev. Graf, of this city. The impressive Masonic burial service were used at the grave and were in charge of the Williamsburg Masonic Lodge, of which he was a member. There was a large delegation from Williamsburg Lodge to attend the funeral, and they were assisted in the service at the grave by a large number of Masons from the local lodge and from the lodge at Elkader. Rev. Tipton, Congregational minister at Williamsburg,, and member of the Masonic institution, delivered a short address at the grave, which touched the hearts of every one within the sound of his voice. In all there were thirty-eight people from Williamsburg who attended the funeral. Some of them drove as far as Cedar Rapids in cars and took the early train there, and several autoloads drove through, a distance of over a hundred miles.

The sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved ones. May God comfort them is our prayer.