Berns, Peter J. 1855 - 1936

BERNS, SCHMELZER, NIELAND, VOSS, KEPPLER, HINSENBROOK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/15/2023 at 18:34:15

Clayton County Register, 06 Jan 1937. Guttenberg column.

Funeral services for Peter J. Berns, life-long resident of Clayton county, were conducted by the Rev. J. A. Dupont at St. Mary's Catholic church here Thursday morning, after which the body was taken to Garnavillo and laid to rest in St. Joseph's cemetery there. Rev. H. Scharphoff of Garnavillo officiated at the grave.

Mr. Berns died at his home in Guttenberg the evening of December 28, 1936, at 10:30 o'clock, at the age of 81 years, ten months and one day. He had been ill for some time previous to his death. Mr. Berns was born on a farm in Jefferson township, Clayton county, Iowa, on Feb. 27, 1855. On Feb. 06, 1877, he was married here to Josephine Schmelzer, after which the couple settled on a farm in Garnavillo township, later moving to Garnavillo. They came to Guttenberg March 11, 1918.

Besides his wife, he is survived by four daughters: Mrs. Mary Nieland and Mrs. Christina Voss, both of Guttenberg, Mrs. Frances Keppler of Monona, and Mrs. Rose Hinsenbrook of West Union; five sons, Otto of Danville, Pa., John of West Union, Anton and Louis, both of Garnavillo township, and Leo of Guttenberg; 37 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Herman Berns, of Garnavillo.

The funeral was very largely attended by relatives and friends from far and near. Mr. Berns was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic church and the Holy Name society, of Guttenberg.