Reinhardt, Bertha H. (Witt) 1864 - 1940

REINHARDT, MUELLER, WITT, TAAKE, HARTMAN, KATSCHKOWSKY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/14/2023 at 16:51:34

Clayton County Register, 19 June 1940.

Mrs. Jacob Reinhardt, daughter of John and Dorothea (Mueller) Witt, died early Saturday morning, June 15th, at the age of 75 years, nine months. Mrs. Reinhardt is the last child to survive the John Witt family, early and prominent residents of Elkader, and charter members of Friedens Evangelical church. Mrs. Reinhardt was born in Prieman, Kreis Anklam Germany on the 15th day of September 1864 and came to America with her parents in the year 1868, first settling in Garnavillo, Iowa.

Mrs. Reinhardt received her education in the rural schools of the county and the local public school.

On October 23rd, 1884, the deceased was united in marriage with Jacob Reinhardt at Clayton Center. Seven children were born to this union. George and William preceded their mother in death. the five surviving children are: Mrs. George Taake, Mrs. Henry Hartman, Mrs. Wm. Katschkowsky, Henry Reinhardt and Violet all of Elkader, Iowa. Her husband preceded her in death Jan. 05th, 1939.

After her marriage she and her husband farmed on various farms in Clayton county and for a number of years in Kimball, S.D.

Mrs. Reinhardt experienced many of the hardships of the early arrivals in this country. The trip from Germany on a sailboat required six months. After leaving England the ship sprung a leak and had to return for repairs. A second start was made and again had to return for repairs. The family then decided to take an American ship and finally reached the American shore.

The deceased also experienced much hardship while farming in Dakota. Unfavorable weather conditions seemed to prevail while she and her family were there and therefore, to secure the necessities of life became very difficult.

Her last days on earth were filled with much physical suffering. For the past few years she has been in failing health. She sought relief for her trouble, but her ailment was of such a nature that little could be done for her by medical science. But she did have the comfort of having her children at her bedside all the time and above all the faith and assurance that "To them that love God, all things work together for good." She leaves to mourn her departure, besides the aforenamed children nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 1:30 at the late home and at 2:00 at the Frieden's Evangelical church. Burial was made in the East Side cemetery, the Rev. P. Kitterer officiating. Casketbearers were: Arthur and George Hochhaus, H. J. Conrad, Milton Uecker, Eldo and Arthur Meyer.

Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the services included: Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Meyer of Blairstown, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Reinhardt, Mt. Auburn; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Reinhardt, Victor; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dennler, Elgin; Mrs. Christ Schweinefus, Castalia; Mrs. Henry Schweinefus, Clermont; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Fuller, Monona; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Matt, St. Olaf and Harry Schiefelbein, Farmersburg.