Becker, Mollie Barbara (Schmidt) 1874 - 1913

BECKER, SCHMIDT, FALKENHAINER, BLANCHAINE, SOLL, KAHLER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 8 May 1913. Local News columns.

On Tuesday morning the sad news of the sudden death of Mrs. William F. Becker was passed from neighbor to neighbor throughout our community.

A little over a year ago Mrs. Becker suffered a partial stroke of paralysis but had gradually recovered and of late had seemed in nearly her usual good health, attending to her household duties and taking an active part in the work of the Frauen Verein. Sunday she attended the German church, of which she was an active member, and participated in the communion services. On Monday afternoon she visited with her mother, Mrs. Wolfgang Schmidt, and remained for supper. About an hour later she was again stricken with paralysis. Medical aid was immediately summoned but was unavailing and she passed away at 11 o'clock that evening in the same room and in the same bed where she was born.

She was married to William F. Becker on October 3rd, 1899, and to them was born a boy, a tender flower that was to frail for this life. March 9th, 1907, a little girl came to gladden their hearts and home. Mrs. Becker was a true and devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor, a good friend. She was domestic in her tastes and took pride in the duties of her household. Happy indeed was her home, until the grim reaper was cast upon it.

Her untimely death is mourned by her stricken husband and little daughter Mildred; her aged mother, Mrs. Pauline Schmidt; four brothers, Fred H. Schmidt and C. G. Schmidt, of Elkader; Wm. Schmidt, in Alaska, and Wolfgang Schmidt, of Wolbach, Neb.; five sisters, Mrs. Kate Falkenhainer, of Elkader; Mrs. Margaret Blanchaine, of La Porte City, Ia.; Mrs. Amelia Soll, of Elkader; Mrs. Lenora Kahler, of Inkster, N.D.; and Miss Carrie Schmidt, of Elkader; together with many other relatives and friends.

She was a member of a large class which was confirmed by Rev. Franke in 1911 and took great interest in the work of the church and the Frauen Verein. She was also a member of the Elkader High School Alumni Association and Charity Chapter of the Eastern Star. at this place.

Following a short service at the house funeral services occurred at the German Evangelical church this afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Franke preaching from Psalms 73:25, "Whom have I in Heaven but Thee ?" and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee," which was the verse he had used at the time of her confirmation. The pall-bearers were: George Wolf, L. J. Kramer, D. C. Hale, Martin Dittmer, F. J. Uriell, and G. H. Schulte. The services were largely attended by our townspeople and others, the Frauen Verein, the Alumni Association, the Eastern Star and her confirmation class being largely represented.

The floral tributes were many and very beautiful. Interment was in the East Side cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the sorrowing husband and friends.