Kregel, Johann 'John' Diedrich 1825 - 1910

KREGEL, KAISER, DICKMAN, BANKER, BRUNS, MEYER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/8/2020 at 12:37:54

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 13 Jan. 1910. Garnavillo column.

This community mourns the loss of one of its oldest settlers, that of John Diedrich Kregel, whose death occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 4th, at the home of his son Herman.

Johann Diedrich Kegel was born at Kirchspiel Verden, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, on December 13,, 1825. In 1831, when about six years old, his parents decided to leave the old home and journey to America. After a long wearisome journey on the ocean, they arrived safely in New York. From New York they journeyed westward until they reached Chillicothe in the state of Ohio. This being when times were hard, they were compelled to move from place to place in order to find work to provide for the family. So, after a brief stay in Chillicothe, the family removed to Florence, Alabama. But here too, they remained but a short time and soon continued their wanderings and at this time settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their stay here was but a short one and their next move was to the northern part of Shelby County, Ohio, where they made their home for many years. Often would the deceased relate incidents of his earlier days and tell of the hardships the family underwent; how his father walked many miles each day to work at a canal, which was then being constructed in Ohio.

About this time Mr. Kregel, having reached the age of 21, left the old home, joining the many fortune seekers who were moving westward, and journeyed into the new country. He made the journey up the Mississippi River by boat and on April 9th, 1846, arrived at Guttenberg, Clayton County, Iowa. His wanderings continued however, and after a brief stay here, he moved onward until he reached Garnavillo. Here he purchased a piece of land from the government. He worked diligently and his efforts were well repaid. He lived for 63 years on his first farm, from the time he reached this country until the time of his death. Mr. Kregel was one of the first settlers in this vicinity, consequently did much toward the upbuilding of this country. Of a family of four brothers and two sisters, but one brother, Diedrich Kregel, of Garnavillo, remains.

On July 26th, 1851, he was united in marriage to Helena A. Kaiser, who, after 46 years of happy wedded life, passed away on March 13th, 1897. To this union eight children were born, six sons and two daughters, of which three preceded the father in death, namely - Gerhard, Louise and Heinrich. Those remaining are Johann Wilhelm, married to Pauline Dickman, living at Monona; August Heinrich married to Mary Banker, of Monona; Edward Wilhelm, married to Sophia Bruns; Herman Diedrich, married to Wilhelmine Meyer, both of Garnavillo; and Emilie Margaretha, wife of L. W. Meyer, residing in Clayton township. He was an active member of St. Peter's church and up to a short time before his death attended services. He enjoyed very good health until about two weeks ago, when he became afflicted with heart trouble, which caused him much suffering toward the last. His death occurred on Tuesday morning at 4:50, surrounded by his children, with the exception of his daughter who was at LeMars, Iowa, taking medical treatment. He had reached the advanced age of 84 years and 22 days.

There are left to mourn his loss his five children, brother Diedrich, twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild, besides a large circle of friends. The funeral took place Friday afternoon at St. Peter's church, conducted by Rev. Basholm, with interment in the new cemetery.