Wilke, Henry William 1847 - 1922

WILKE, GOSSMAN, CONRAD, DICKBERND

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register, Thur., 01 June 1922.

On the 10th day of March, 1847, in Wester Kappeln, Germany, was born Henry William Wilke, and he passed to his heavenly home in his home in Elkader about 2:30 o'clock, Saturday morning, May 27th, aged 75 years, 2 months and 17 days.

His boyhood days were spent in Germany where he attended the public school and at the age of 14 years was apprenticed as a tailor, which trade he afterward followed for a number of years. In 1868 he came to the United States going direct to St. Louis, Mo., after which he spent some time in Chicago attending a Commercial College. He then settled in Lansing, Iowa, where he was employed in a mercantile business conducted by L. M. Pape.

In 1871 he came to Elkader and went into the mercantile business conducted by Carter & Mills. After a few years he acquired an interest in the firm, which was then known as Carter Mills & Co. In 1885 he bought out his partners and continued the business, later taking Mr. L. F. Gossman as a partner, the firm being known as Wilke & Gossman. In 1900 Mr. Gossman retired from the firm, Mr. Wilke taking as his partner his son, continuing the business under the name H. W. & G. H. Wilke. In 1913, Mr. Wilke's health not permitting the strain of active indoor duties, he retired from the business, selling to Foran & Monlux, after 42 years of efficient and helpful service in the business life of Elkader.

On May 3rd, 1873, he was married to Anna M. Gossman. Six children came to bless this union: Gus H., the present County Treasurer, Ella, Ina, Katie, Ida and Mrs. Jessie Conrad. All are residents of Elkader, except Ina and Katie who passed on before. Besides the wife and children there are four grandchildren Phyllis, Paul and Dorothy, children of Gus H. Wilke, and Edith, daughter of Mrs. Jessie Conrad, and one sister, Mrs. Catherine Dickbernd, of Old Monroe, Mo., besides friends which are legion.

To the people of Elkader it is not necessary to eulogize Mr. H. W. Wilke. He was gifted with a genial, optimistic nature and a positive character, yet without ostentation. He loved all that was good and beautiful in the world. In his home life with its comforts and surroundings he was ideal, ever thoughtful of those about him, and his patience and uncomplaining spirit during his years of illness were an inspiration to all who came to know him. He was a member of the Evangelical church and Brotherhood, and a most consistent Christian, always ready to do his part in the work for the kingdom. In all his dealings with his fellowmen, he was honorable and upright, following the teachings of the Golden Rule and ready at any time for the calling of the Master. He was a member of the B.A.Y. and of Elkader Lodge No. 72 A.F. & A.M., and a faithful friend and loyal brother.

Funeral services were held in the Evangelical church on Monday afternoon conducted by his pastor Rev. C. H. Franke, with prayer by Rev. Warner of the Congregational church.

All business houses were closed as a token of respect for the deceased.

The remains were interred in the East Side Cemetery with the burial services of the Masonic Order.

"I cannot say, I will not say
That he is dead;
He is just away -
With a cheery smile and a wave of
the hand
He has wandered into an unknown
land,
And left us dreaming.
How very fair it needs to be,
Since he lingers there
Think of him still, as the same, I say -
He is not dead, he is just away."