Wertley, Julia (Stemmer) 1854 - 1934

WERTLEY, STEMMER, BAHR

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/2/2021 at 11:20:06

Clayton County Register, Thur., 01 Feb. 1934.

Mrs. Julia Wertley, nee Stemmer, died at the John Bahr home here Monday morning, January 29, at 2:30, at the age of 79 years, eight months and 26 days.

Mrs. Wertley was born at Soellingen, Baden Baden, Germany, May 3, 1854. At the age of six years she came to America with her parents, four sisters and two brothers, crossing the ocean on a sailing vessel, the trip requiring 30 days. With her parents, she settled in the Colony at Communia, and then on Nov. 23, 1870, the deceased was married to Gottlieb Wertley by the late Rev. F. W. Seifert.

She spent her whole married life here in Elkader, with the exception of several years when she resided on a farm near Belle Plain. Her life in Elkader reminds one of Tabitha, as people continually referred to her kindness and mentioned how tenderly she cared for the sick. All through her illness people would recall what she had done for them.

July 28, 1932, she fell for the first time and then again in December, breaking bones both times. After these times she was confined to her chair or bed until Saturday, January 20th, when she had another stroke, which paralized her. After this last stroke she did not again open her eyes nor move. During her confinement she received the tender care of loved ones, but missed more than any other thing the opportunity to attend church. She and her daughter, Mrs. John Bahr, were charter members of the Frauen Verein and the Evangelical church.

Her husband departed this life on Oct. 8, 1925, and her son John on Feb. 13, 1913, at the age of 38 years. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Bahr, and one brother, J. C. Stemmer. Other sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held at the John Bahr home at one o'clock and from the Evangelical church at two o'clock yesterday afternoon. Interment was made in the East Side cemetery, the Rev. P. Kitterer, her pastor, officiating.