Stemmer, Elizabeth (Dittmer) 1855 - 1909

STEMMER, DITTMER, RUEGNITZ, HALLETT, ELVERS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/30/2021 at 09:58:51

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 14 Oct. 1909.

As we went to press last Thursday it was stated that Mrs. J. C. Stemmer was in serious condition and that Dr. Guthrie, of Dubuque, was here in consultation with Dr. McGrath. An operation was deemed the only means of relief, and upon being attempted it was found that nothing could be done, the patient being beyond hope.

Previous to the operation Mrs. Stemmer, conscious of its uncertainty, called her family about her and calmly gave them what would be her desires and parting advice in case she was called away. At this time Rev. Franke, her pastor, administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Mrs. Stemmer passed away Friday morning, Oct. 8th, at 9:30, at the age of 54 years and 24 days.

Elizabeth Dittmer was born near Hamburg, Germany, on Sept. 14th, 1855, came to the United States with her parents in 1858 and located in Cox Creek township, on a farm.

She was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran church at St. Sebald in the year 1868 and on May 29, 1873, was united in marriage to J. C. Stemmer and they have since resided in this city. Five children were born to them, one, Jacob Stemmer, dying in childhood, and she is survived by her husband and four children, viz: Mrs. B. A. Ruegnitz, of Dubuque, Mrs. Earl Hallett, of Sterling, Ill., and Lina and Harry at home, also one sister, Mrs. Adolph Elvers, of Cox Creek township, and two brothers, Sheriff Martin Dittmer and Herman on the old home farm in Cox Creek township, and her aged mother who is past 85 years of age, one grandchild, Robert Ruegnitz, and other relatives.

The passing away of Mrs. Stemmer is a great loss to her family to whom she was a devoted wife and mother. In fact the entire community suffers. For years she had been President of the Ladies' Cemetery Association, in whose interests she was an active worker. As the President of the Frauen Verein of her church she gave the organization the best of her thought and labor. As an officer in Charity Chapter No. 152, O.E.S., she was ever prompt and faithful. She was also a member of the Elkader Homestead of the Yeoman. Of a quiet and genial disposition she loved to labor for the uplifting of others and it is not strange that she was loved and respected by all.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon, a short service being had at the house and the service at the German church. People were here from different parts of the county and in spite of the unfavorable weather not half were enabled to get into the church building. Rev. Mr. Franke spoke in German and English, taking his text from the 16th psalm: "The lines are fallen unto me in plesant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."

The floral tributes were very large, containing many beautiful pieces, everybody in some way endeavoring to express their love and esteem for the one that had departed.

Messrs. H. D. Brown, Robt. Rienow, C. G. Schmidt, C. F. Meier, Wm. F. Kleinpell and W. W. Davidson served as pall bearers.

Our sympathy goes out to our friends in their great sorrow. May He that doeth all things well sustain and comfort them.