Gmelin, Sophia (Alt) 1850 - 1922

GMELIN, ALT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/3/2020 at 10:33:34

Elkader Register, Thur., 26 Oct. 1922.

Sophia Alt was born at Vienna, Austria, March 25th, 1850, and passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 22nd, 1922, at 8:15 o'clock at the home of her son Henry and family, with whom she had made her home since March 26th, 1918, at the age of 72 years, 6 months and 27 days.

On August 16th, 1872, she was married to Dr. Rudolph Gmelin and the following year, on October 29th, came to America. They resided in different cities, including Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Guttenberg. About 43 years ago they came to Elkader, remaining here about six months, after which Fountain City, Minn., and LaCrosse, Wis., was their home for about five years and then four years at Garnavillo. In January, 1888, they removed to Elkader, where she has since resided; her husband having passed away August 3rd, 1909.

To Dr. and Mrs. Gmelin three sons were born, Robert, the oldest passing away at the age of eight years, Max R., of Clinton, Iowa, and Henry C., at Elkader, Iowa. Besides the two sons three granddaughters, Maxine, Gladys and Helen, and other relatives survive.

Mrs. Gmelin was a devoted wife and loving mother, who in years gone by had been of great help to her husband, kind and affectionate to her children. She was a woman with considerable vocal talent, taking part in operas and entertainments as well as singing in church choirs at the various places. She was a faithful member of the Evangelical church and the Frauen-Verein, and as long as she was able to come, she would regularly attend the divine services and various meetings. She was a woman of pleasant disposition, always having a smile, a word of cheer or a flower for some one in need. She will be missed in the days to come.

Funeral services, conducted by her pastor C. H. Franke, were held at the home and in the Evangelical church on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 24th. The Frauen-Verein attended in a body. Interment was made in the East Side Cemetery.