Feller, John 1875 - 1913

FELLER, WEST, BUNTING, COOLEY, HEDRICK, SHIED, VOSS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 16 Oct. 1913.

"This, only this, subdues the fear of death - a pardon bought with blood, with blood divine." It was not with fear, but rather with a sense of relief, that Mr. Feller met death. He knew its approach yet feared not its power, for he trusted in One who hath conquered Death and brought it into subjection to His Divine will. Such was the earthly departure of John Feller, who was the son of John and Magdelena Feller. He was born in Boardman township, April 11th, 1875, and has lived in Boardman and highland township all his life.

He was united in holy wedlock to Charlotte West Jan. 18, 1897, and to this happy union three children were born. The family moved to a farm, near Elkader, in 1906, where they made their home until ill health forced Mr. Feller to relinquish it. He went to Texas for one winter, in search of health, but returned the next spring showing very little improvement. He then decided to make Elkader his home. Since his residence here he has been on the decline, bronchitis assuming a more serious and aggressive form, the latter terminating in his death, which took place on the morning of Oct. 15th, passing peacefully away from pain and suffering into Eternal Joy at the early age of 38 years, six months and four days, the period known as the "prime of life."

The deceased leaves to mourn his departure, besides his wife, three children, Esther, William and Dwain, a baby: also three brothers, George, of Osborne; Charles, of Elgin; Henry, of Illyria; four sisters, Mrs. H. Bunting, of Elkader; Mrs. Chas. Bunting, of Michigan; Mrs. Cooley, of Turkey River; and Mrs. Hedrick, of Illyria; also a step-brother, Fred Shied, of Charles City, and a step-sister, Mrs. Henry Voss, of Dubuque.

Mr. Feller was a man of integrity, very quiet and unassuming, always looking for the best in everyone. In the two and a half years of intimate acquaintanceship the writer has never heard him say one harsh word against anyone. If anyone had intentionally or unintentionally wronged him he would invariably remark: "I won't judge him, we have our own faults." and thus the matter would pass. He was a true Christian gentleman, a lover of God's Word, his faith was implicit, his trust in God was strong. His was not a life of words, but rather of deeds, and one could not help but feel that he carried in his heart that secret power of the true Christian - the power of the Saviour. He suffered long and patiently and only when weary did he long for the end, expressing himself as "being ready." We know he was ready. Oh, that this might be said of every man and woman.

Mr. Feller and family were baptized and received into membership of the Congregational church under the present ministry and he has lived sincerely and well, attending the services under conditions of physical discomfort, though without complaint, glad that he could be present. He was also a member of the Woodmen lodge of this city. We can look back upon him only as a sincere Christian, a faithful and kind husband, a loving father, a true gentleman, and as James Whitcomb Riley suggests, "Think of him still as the same, I say, He is not dead - He is just Away !"

The funeral will be held at the late home tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m., with services at the Congregational church at 1:30, interment being in the East cemetery, Rev. R. G. Heddon officiating.