Bente, Margaretha (Kress) 1850 - 1923

BENTE, KRESS, ALTSCHULER, MEESE, ENGLERT, HESNER, MILLER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/7/2022 at 06:41:23

Elkader Register, Thur., 18 Oct. 1923.

Mrs. Margaretha Bente, nee Kress, passed away at the home of her son, Michael Bente, at Elkader, Iowa, Sunday, October 14th, 1923, about one o'clock in the afternoon, at the age of 72 years, 9 months and 20 days.

Mrs. Bente was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 24th, 1850. When five years of age she came with her parents to this country, landing in New Orleans after a long and stormy voyage. From there the journey was continued northward by boat on the Mississippi. On this trip her mother and little sister were victims of an epidemic and found their last resting place under a tree somewhere on the banks of the "Father of Waters." The remainder of the family finally landed in Clayton, Iowa, as the father found employment on a farm between Clayton and Garnavillo, the family lived there for some years. The only school education Margaretha received was during the time of her preparation for confirmation at Clayton Center. Being eager to learn, she made good use of the opportunity offered and became quite proficient.

On November 28th, 1866, she was married to William Bente and went to housekeeping on a farm in Cox Creek township. Though still very young she showed her willingness and ability as a true helpmate in the very sense of the word. Perhaps few people to-day realize what it meant for her to perform the manifold household duties, assist in the field work and raise a family of eleven children.

After the death of her husband, which occurred on April 26th, 1910, Mrs. Bente at first made her home with her son Michael on the home farm. Then she moved to Elkader with her youngest daughter Elizabeth. After the marriage of the latter to Morris Hesner, the mother went with the young couple to Strawberry Point, where she remained for some time. Although she had a good home there, she had a longing for Elkader and so returned and keeping house for herself. But the infirmities of old age and the effects of a paralytic stroke finally compelled her to give up housekeeping and again to make her home with her son and family on the old home farm until about a year ago, when she came with them to town to reside.

Although very feeble, she was able to be about until by another stroke of paralysis and a complication of diseases she was completely confined to her home. The children would change about in taking care of mother, in complying with her wishes and wants and giving her every possible comfort. On Saturday last she became very restless, having a desire to see her children, and she was visibly pleased and seemingly satisfied when her longing was gratified. From thence she began to fail fast, but still lingered on until Sunday afternoon, when the final summons came.

Her departure is mourned by nine children, five sons and four daughters; Henry, Louis, George, Frank and Michael of Elkader, Mrs. Mary Altschuler of Houston, Texas, Mrs. Anna Meese of Littleport, Iowa, Mrs. Katie Englert, of Chicago, Illinois, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hesner of Volga, Iowa. One son, Wm. preceded her in death in 1900, and a daughter, Mrs. Ida Miller of Chicago, in 1922. She also leaves 27 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, one half-brother in Nebraska, other relatives and many old-time friends and neighbors. She was a loving mother, always concerned about the happiness and prosperity of her children and grandchildren, a faithful member of the Frauen Verein and the Evangelical Church, and would attend meetings and services as often and as long as she was able to do so.

She will be missed in the days to come. She is gone, but not forgotten.

"Fold her, O Father, in Thine arms,
And let her henceforth be
A messenger of love between
Our human hearts and Thee."

Funeral services conducted by her pastor, Rev. C. H. Franke, were held Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 17th, at 1:30 at the house and at 2 o'clock at the Evangelical Church. The Frauen Verein attended in a body. Interment was made in the East Side Cemetery.