Steen, Bertha Minnie 1872 - 1936

STEEN, BAARS, KOTTMAN, EHRHARDT, SEIFERT, NIELSON, LIVINGSTON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/13/2023 at 01:37:35

Clayton County Register, 23 Dec. 1936.

Mrs. John F. Steen, a life-long resident of this county, died last Sunday evening at 7:30 in her home here at the age of 64 years, one month and five days, due to a stroke.

Bertha Minnie, the daughter of Henry and Lena (Baars) Kottman, was born November 15, 1872, in Cox Creek township, this county. The entire span of her life was spent between that township and Boardman township. In the latter township she resided on a farm with her husband until the year 1914 when the family removed to Elkader to make their home.

July 14, 1896, here in Elkader, the deceased was united in marriage with John F. Steen and theirs was a happy wedded life until July 10, last year, when Death entered the family circle to take away the husband and father.

Mrs. Steen received her education in the rural schools of the county. She devoted her life to her family and her friends. She enjoyed the companionship of all her acquaintances but cherished most the companionship of her husband and her family and with such a close companionship it is only natural that she felt, deeply, the loss of her husband last year.

She was affiliated with the Frieden's Evangelical church and its Frauen Verein and took as active a part as her health would permit. Even though members of her family and close friends observed a failing in health after the death of her husband the stroke attack of a week ago last Friday came as a shock. all efforts to prolong her life here on earth failed and death relieved her last Sunday evening.

Her death is mourned by four daughters: Mrs. Henrietta Ehrhardt, Oelwein; Mrs. Alvina Seifert, Elkader; Mrs. Florence Nielson, and Mrs. Mabel Livingston, Cedar Falls, as well as two brothers: Henry Kottman of Monona and Lois Kottman of Volga City. Two sisters preceded her in death. Surviving also are eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were held this afternoon at the late home and in the Frieden's Evangelical church with burial on the family lot in the East Side cemetery. The Rev. P. Kitterer, her pastor, officiated.

Casket-bearers were: C. J. Meyer, John Hook, M. J. Roach, G. A. Sabbann, Otto Gusta and Lloyd Nelson.