Wirkler, Rocelia (Schierholz) 1877-1965

DICKMANN, SCHIERHOLZ, WIRKLER, BETHEL, MILLER

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 4/29/2007 at 20:32:25

Mrs. Wirkler Services Held

Funeral services for Mrs. Arthur (Rocelia) Wirkler, 88, were held Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 12, at 2 o'clock at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran church with Rev. R. E. Langholz officiating.

The body lay in state at church from 1 o'clock in the afternoon until the time of the services. Burial was in the Monona City cemetery.

Mrs. Wirkler had not been feeling well for the last year. About six weeks ago, she was taken to the Postville hospital where she died Sunday morning, Oct. 10.

As Rocelia, she was born the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth, nee Dickmann, Schierholz, Aug. 16, 1877, in Monona township near Hardin. She was baptized at Peace Lutheran church at Clayton Center by Rev. F. W. Siefert.

She was confirmed at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran church in Monona by Rev. Johannes Graening, April 5, 1891. She attended the rural schools of her home community.

She was married to Arthur J. Wirkler, Feb. 20, 1902, at Luana. They lived in Monona, where Mr. Wirkler was in business from the time of his marriage until his sudden death in an accident, Oct. 5, 1933.

Mrs. Wirkler was a member of St. Paul Lutheran church from the time of its organization in 1884 until the present. She was a member of the Ladies Aid society and the Mission circle.

She attended services faithfully as long as she could and appreciated the calls of her pastors during her last illness.

Mrs. Wirkler was from the pioneer stock of this community. She was intense in her convictions and in midst of sorrows and joys held to her faith. She also loved gardening, and was a member of the Norther (sic) Clayton County Garden club.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband who died in 1933, her son, Reuben, who died Nov. 13, 1964; a daughter, Eleanor, who died in infancy; and two brothers, Henry and Elzer Schierholz.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. W. A. (Margaret) Bethel of Rome, Ga.; one sister, Mrs. Pauline Miller of Cedar Rapids; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Reuben Wirkler of Monona; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Music at the services was provided by Mrs. Roger Halvorson, soloist. Mrs. George Heins was the organist.

Pallbearers were: Don, Woodrow, Robert and Page Wirkler, and Milton and Irving Schierholz.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping, hand dated 1965, from my mother's obituary collection. Submitter has no further information.