Refle, Magdolena Maria (Stemmer) 1866 - 1940

REFLE, STEMMER, BEEH, BRINK, GISLESON, HOCHHAUS, YINGLING, FRIEND, MENGES, DIETRICH, AHRENDT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/28/2023 at 18:12:45

Clayton County Register, 27 Nov. 1940.

ELKPORT: Magdolena Maria Stemmer, the daughter of Matthew and Katherine, nee Beeh Stemmer was born Aug. 17, 1866 on a farm near Littleport, Iowa. At an early age she was brought to the Lord in Holy Baptism, and after due instruction was confirmed in the Emanuel Lutheran church of Elkport, on April 10, 1881 and on Feb. 25, 1892 she was united in marriage to Joseph A. Refle and to this union six sons and 3 daughters were born, two of the sons dying in infancy.

For many years she and her husband farmed near Elkport and since Mr. Refle's death, June 07, 1925, she has made her home with her children near Littleport.

Mrs. Refle was throughout her life a devoted member of this congregation being a charter member of its Frauen Verein, serving as president of that organization for many years. Sunday morning, Nov. 17 she was injured in an auto accident. It was thought that her injuries were not serious but Monday evening, Nov. 18, at 6 o'clock she suddenly and unexpectedly died, having reached the age of 74 years, 3 months and 7 days. She leaves to mourn her death her children Josephine now, Mrs. James Brink of Strawberry Point, Sarah of Dubuque, William, Harry and Walter, all of Elkport, George of Dubuque and Flossie, now Mrs. Henry Gisleson of Luana, also one brother, John of Elkader, a sister Mrs. Sophia Hochhaus of Edgewood and nine grandchildren, besides numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Hope Lutheran church with Rev. Kenyon officiating. Burial was made in the Union cemetery at Littleport.

Out of town relatives who attended the funeral were Miss Ruth Brink, Milwaukee, Wis., Mrs. Hattie Yingling, Lansing, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Harry Friend of New Hampton, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Menges of Alta Vista, Mrs. Mary Menges and Esther of Arlington, and Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Dietrich and Mrs. Annie Ahrendt of Dubuque.