Leu / Leui, Johanna Maria (Junk) 1843 - 1920

LEUI, LEU, JUNK, LINDROTH, HOLTZ

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/22/2022 at 16:21:17

Elkader Register, Thur., 04 Mar. 1920.

Mrs. Wm. Leu died at her home in Clayton Centre, Wednesday afternoon, February 18, 1920, after several weeks illness with lung trouble. Johanna Maria Leu, nee Junk, was born October 28, 1843 in the province of Pommern Germany. In 1862 she was united in marriage to Wilhelm Leu and this union lasted forty-six years, both sharing equally the joys and sorrows of life, until her husband died in 1907. In the year 1881 they left their home in Pommern and emigrated to the United States. They made Read their new home and all the years since her arrival in America until her death deceased has lived here. Disappointments however, were not spared them in their chosen land. Mr. Leu was unable to make use of his trade as a sculptor in stone, the art of which he had learned in Germany. Along in the eighties their only daughter died at the age of twenty-one years, but a little later to lessen her great sorrow the new deceased adopted the then nine year old Caroline Lindroth who expressed her love and gratefulness toward her mother through kindness and assistance, and lovingly cared for her to the last. Several years ago, during one winter, she stayed with her daughter now Mrs. Henry Holtz, and family on their farm near Guttenberg. There she received the best of care and was surrounded by all the possible comforts, yet she longed to return to her home here, to her friends and lifelong home connections. And this was not denied her.

The deceased lived a life of unselfishness and self denial, in fact her greatest joy in life was the doing of kind and friendly acts to friends and neighbors, and just a few days before her final day she made a long journey to friend's in ______ of ____ home tasks _____ as she was told by those near and dear to her, that her increasing age would really not permit this any longer, but of no avail, she insisted to continue to be as much concerned in the welfare of others as much as her own. Her always willing and helping hands will be sadly missed; hers was a life of service.

The funeral was held Friday, Feb. 20, from her late home and in the church and was largely attended. The pall bearers were Fred Seifert, Otto Seifert, Albert Breitsprecher, Charley Breitsprecher, Otto Buckhein and Fred Glawe. Rev. Arhenstaedt officiated at the services and the large congregation sang "In Christ I will surrender in peace __ may depart."

Mrs. Maria Leu reached the age of 76 years, 3 months and 21 days. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Henry Holtz and husband, four grand children and one great-grandchild.

An old and highly esteemed pioneer has gone to her reward.