Gruetzmacher, John Henry died 1907

GRUETZMACHER, KLUTH, AHRENDT, GERLOFF

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/9/2019 at 09:04:54

Elkader Register & Argus, 12 Sept. 1907.

John Henry Gruetzmacher was born in Farmersburg twp., Clayton county, Iowa, Jan. 27, 18__. When he was quite small his parents moved to Clayton Center and afterward to Garnavillo. At the age of thirteen he began to serve an apprenticeship as a blacksmith and has worked at that trade during his lifetime.

He was married on April 4, 1893, to Wilhelmina Kluth. To them was born one child which died in infancy. The mother also died June 28, 1896. April 28, 1898, he was married to Miss Ida Ahrendt. To them were born two children, the oldest dying when but eight days old. He is survived by his wife and one son, Maloy, six years old, two brothers, A. J., of Estherville, Iowa, and William, of Bolan, Iowa; also two sisters, Mrs. Henry Gerloff and Miss Mary Gruetzmacher, the former living a few miles north of town, and the latter in Garnavillo.

The deceased had been in good health until a little more than a year ago, when he was afflicted with stomach trouble for a time and was at the Sanitarium at Prairie du Chien a week or two.

He returned seemingly well and continued at his work as usual. On Monday, Aug. 2_th (looks like 26 or 28), after working at his trade during the day, he was taken sick with appendicitis. Dr. Hudek was called and advised an operation, but Mr. Gruetzmacher thought it best to wait at least until he was able to go to the hospital. He was quite sick for a few days but had almost recovered on Thursday and it was thought that he would be able to resume his work in a day or two. Early Friday morning he was taken suddenly worse. Medical aid was summoned and everything possible done to relieve him. It was found that a rupture of the appendix had occurred and there was very little hope for his recovery.

He grew gradually worse until 1:00 p.m. Friday when he passed away. He was a kind and indulgent husband and father and an upright, honest citizen, who enjoyed the highest confidence and respect of all who knew him, and he was known by practically every man in a radius of many miles of Garnavillo. He was an excellent workman and was crowded with work all the time. He was a member of the Garnavillo Social Turn Verein Society and of the M.B.A.. He carried $1000 life insurance in the latter. Mr. Gruetzmacher will be greatly missed, not only by his family, who have the sympathy of the entire community, but by the entire community.

Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 2nd at 1:00p.m., at St. Paul's church, Rev. Braun officiating.

The funeral was one of the largest ever held here and the many floral offerings showed the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Interment was made in the new cemetery. - Independent.