Stiefel, Christian 1832 - 1923

STIEFEL, MULLER, SCHNEPF, KINGERY, FRANK, CUTHBERT, KNOERNSCHILD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/22/2021 at 20:51:19

Elkader Register, Thur., 03 May 1923. Garber column.

Christian Stiefel who first saw the light of this world on Sept. 19, 1832, at Wurtenberg, Germany. His childhood was spent there and he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and doctrines.

At the age of 21 he came to America settling down in Philadelphia, Penn. He then went to Box county, thence to Wisconsin and finally returned to Box county, Penn., where he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony on Oct. 8, 1859, with Miss Marie Muller with whom he so happily lived until the Sickle of Death cut the earthly tie.

For fifty years of wedded bliss, they sailed hand in hand, thus, being accorded the privilege and blessing of celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary on Oct. 8, 1909, surrounded by their loved ones. Their boat again glided out on the sea of the future braving shadows and sunshine and it was not until Thursday, April 26, when at the good old age of 90 years, 7 months and 7 days he was called to his reward. Although ailing now and then, yet was he not called upon to become an invalid, as he was conscious and brave up to the last minute of his life's line.

On Sunday, April 29th, 1923, burial took place from the home, thence to Mt. Harmony cemetery, where all that was mortal was placed in the narrow bed, under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. Lodge of Guttenberg of which fraternity the deceased had been a member for the past 57 years.

"Jesus, Lover of my Soul', and "There is a land that is fairer than day,' were very beautifully sung by the following: Mrs. Wm. Braun and Miss Aug. Hohman and Mrs. C. D. Beck of Elkport, and Mrs. Wm. Beerman of Guttenberg.

Those left to mourn his death are his faithful and devoted wife, with his children, Mrs. Malinda Schnepf, of Garber; Mrs. Marie Kingery of Buhl, Idaho; Mrs. Caroline Frank, Chicago; Mrs. Lucy Stiefel Knoernschild, of Dubuque, with 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.