Wirkler, Emma Louise (Meyer) 1860 - 1923

WIRKLER, MEYER, KAISER, KREGEL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/20/2021 at 22:55:11

Elkader Register, Thur., 19 Apr. 1923.

Mrs. Joseph Wirkler passed away at her home here Monday morning, April 9th, at 6 o'clock, after a lingering illness. She had reached the age of 62 years, 7 months and 17 days.

Mrs. Emma Louise Wirkler, nee Meyer, was born Aug. 23rd, 1860, in Garnavillo township, as the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Karl Meyer. On March 5, 1879, she was united in marriage to Mr. Joseph Wirkler. This union was blessed with nine children, three of whom preceded the parents in death: William at the age 4 years, on April 1st, 1889: Joseph at the age of 14, on Jan. 14th, 1910; and Erwin at the age of 34, on Jan. 21st, 1914. The father followed his sons on Feb. 21st, 1918, at the age of 72 years. Those left to mourn are Mrs. Severa Kaiser, Alfred, Helmuth, Harvey, Herbert and Mrs. Carrie Kregel.

In the fall of 1919 Mrs. Wirkler left the farm west of town, which had been her home since 1886, and came to town to spend her declining years. She had been in declining health for many years. In 1911, Mr. and Mrs. Wirkler went to Wauesha, Wis., to find relief from diabetes from which they both suffered, and in 1918 she went again, although she received relief, she never fully recovered. In 1915 she also underwent an operation. Since November 1921 she had been unable to walk, spending the long and weary hours either in bed or in her wheelchair. Neuritis had set in and at times she suffered very intense pain. She received the best medical attention, and all that loving care from her children and her niece, Miss Carrie Meyer, could do, was done to alleviate a martyrdom of suffering of many years. She passed away under the prayers of her loved ones, guided by the words of the song,

"Safe in the arms of Jesus,
safe on his gentle breast,
There by his love o'ershadowed,
Sweetly my soul shall rest."

She is deeply mourned by her 2 daughters, 4 sons, 7 grandchildren, 5 sisters, 6 brothers and a large number of friends. She was a charter member of the Ladies Aid Society of St. Paul's church.

Funeral services were held at St. Paul's Church Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Braun officiating. Interment in the new cemetery. - Garnavillo Tribune.