Baars, Fred 1856 - 1925

BAARS, NEELS, HEITKAMP, PLAGMAN, KISHMAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/5/2020 at 10:59:48

Elkader Register, Thur., 31 Dec. 1925.

Fred Baars, son of Wm. Baars and his wife Fredericke, nee Neels, was born in Cox Creek township, Clayton County, Iowa, on October 18, 1856. Here he attended the district school and was confirmed at Clayton Center, at the age of 14 years. Then he assisted his father with farm work. On Feb. 4th, 1876, he was married to Rosalie Heitkamp. The young couple went to housekeeping on the farm of the groom's father. The mother having died four years previous to this time, it was up to the young bride to look after and care for the father and his children. Four years later the father died, but his son Fred and his family remained on the home farm until he retired from active farm work and moved to Elkader in 1911. Then for the next eight years, Mr. Baars was employed as superintendent of road work in Boardman township. Always active and anxious to do something he worked as long (Next several words blurred) until failing health compelled him to give up. For the last few years he was ailing more or less. For the last few months he was failing fast. Everything possible was done by his faithful wife, who was constantly at his bedside, and by his children, to give comfort and relief. At times the patient would rally, and would be able to sit up for a few hours. Even the last day he was ready to get up for dinner, when there was a sudden change in his condition, and within a few minutes his heart ceased beating. This was just at the noon hour of Thursday, December 24th. A devoted husband, a loving father and a kind neighbor had closed his eyes in the last sleep at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 6 days.

His departure is mourned by his faithful wife and companion, one son, William, on the home farm, in Boardman township, two daughters, Mrs. Augusta M. Plagman, of Edgewood, Iowa, and Mrs. Lizzie D. Kishman, of Monona, Iowa. One child, Margart, having preceded her father in death in infancy. He also leaves four grandchildren, three brothers, William Baars, of Eldorado, Ark., Adolph Baars, of Elsie, Neb., and John Baars, of Oldham, S.D., other relatives and many old time friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 27, at the Evangelical church with Rev. C. H. Franke officiating. Interment was made in the East Side cemetery.