Seifert, Mary Barbara Margaretha Kathrina1872 - 1913

SEIFERT, SEEMAN, FUELLING, ZAHRNDT, VOGT, GLAWE, BUCHHEIM

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/26/2019 at 09:47:12

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 2 Jan. 1913.

Mary Barbara Margaretha Kathrina Seifert was born Feb. 25th, 1872, in Read, Clayton County, Iowa, and was a daughter of Rev. F. W. Seifert and wife, both deceased. She was confirmed April 3, 1887, and her confirmation version: "Christ has suffered for us and left for us a model that we might follow in His footsteps." was to a certain extent symbolical of the subsequent years of suffering in her career. The deceased was a sufferer since youth, her ailment was of a most malignant character and extreme obstinacy, which baffled all science and medical skill and therefor we can well understand the patient's continued pleading in the last years of her life: "I am made to suffer and my pain and anguish are continually with me." Nevertheless she was ever diligent and untiring and took it upon herself to tend to the household duties, providing her sufferings were not too great and, as her physician oft times remarked, she prolonged her life and partially kept up her energy and fast-failing vitality through her perseverance. Her marvelous grit and her indomitable will-power, efforting itself to cast aside all material weakness. But of no avail, slowly but surely the Grim Reaper was doing its deadly work, the inner core and the vital functions of life eventually had to give way to the relentless power of the Destroyer and, after having been bed-ridden last winter for eight weeks and again all of this fall and winter, which was attended by almost unbearable suffering, her only relief being ministrations of morphine, she died on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th. The Lord had answered her moanings and relieved her from all earthly sorrows.

The deceased was a faithful adherent to the principles of her faith and a follower of our Saviour. She liked to hear the word of God and gladly attended church services when able. She often partook of the Lord's Supper to strengthen her belief and though at times her patience was severely tested, the trend of her heart was toward God. Long years of sickness had made her penitent and she had one wish, to be relieved of all pain and to be home with her Redeemer. Her wish, not to celebrate Christmas on this earth, was answered. She was allowed to partake in the angels' rejoicing, whose jubilation in Heaven continues unceasingly. May she receive the reward promised to the patient and peaceful ones, who shall be called the children of God.

The deceased is survived by her three brothers, Fred, Otto and Ernst, and six sisters, Mrs. R. F. Seeman, Mrs. Wm. F. Fuelling, Mrs. F. W. Zahrndt, Mrs. F. W. Vogt, Mrs. George Glawe and Mrs. John Buchheim. Her parents and two brothers, who died in infancy, preceded her in death. She closed her earthly career at the age of 40 years and 10 months. The funeral was held on Friday, Dec. 27th, amidst a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends. Rev. Burkhard preached an impressive funeral sermon, particularly fitting the career of the deceased. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. May she rest in peace.