Lemke, Katharine Marie Sophie (Brenner) 1830 - 1912

LEMKE, BRENNER, SCHMIDT, LENTH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/16/2023 at 11:39:42

Elkader Register, Thur., 09 May 1912.

Katharine Marie Sophie Brenner was born Feb. 07, 1830, at Zarnsdorf, Germany. In 1854 she came to this country, her destination being Clayton County, which has been her home ever since. On Nov. 13th of the same year she was married to William Lemke at Garnavillo. After the couple had lived at Clayton Center four years they moved on a farm in Cox Creek township. Nine years later the family returned to Read township to the farm, on which they made their home for 35 years. By this time the couple had grown old and they decided to spend the remainder of their days and years at Elkader, where they moved in 1902. Two years later the old folks celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in the presence of their children, grandchildren and friends.

For the last five years Mrs. Lemke had been ailing more or less. Everything possible was done by the children to make life's evening of the old folks pleasant. Almost suddenly Mr. Lemke was called hence on Nov. 05th, of last year. Since then the old lady was failing visibly, constantly wishing to soon follow her departed husband. Her wish was granted on Friday, May 03rd, at 11 o'clock in the evening, when she departed peacefully at the ripe old age of 82 years, 2 months and 26 days. Her departure is mourned by 7 children, 34 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 5 children having preceded their mother in death. The children still living are: Henry and Mrs. Emma Schmidt, of Read township; Mrs. Wilhelmine Schmidt, of Wagner township; Mrs. Lina Lenth and William, of Monona township; Mrs. Ida Lenth, of Farmersburg, and Mrs. Emilie Lenth, of Elkader.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 06th. Rev. Frank officiated at the house and Rev. Burghardt at the Clayton Center church and cemetery.