Oelke, Caroline Louisa 'Lena' (Smalfeldt) 1847-1934
OELKE, SMALFELDT, SCHMALFELDT, PALAS
Posted By: Judy Moyna (email)
Date: 9/14/2015 at 18:21:27
Obituary:
Mrs. W.H. Oelke, born Carolina Schmalfeldt, first saw the light of day in a little village in Germany in the Province of Mechlinberg Schwerin on the 19th day of September, 1847, passing her 86th birthday last September.
In the spring of 1851, when she was three and half years of age, she accompanied her parents to America, landing eleven weeks later in New Orleans in the verdant month of June. Then boarding a steamboat, arrived at Guttenberg three weeks later on the fifth of July.
A little later her father acquired from the government the old Wm. H. Oelke farm, one mile east of Farmersburg, where. during those trying pioneer and experiences, she toiled with those sturdy German parents and grew to womanhood.
On October 26, 1866, she was married to Wm. H. Oelke, a young man whose parents were neighbors, and also had migrated to this land of promise on the same sailing vessel on which Mrs. Oelke's parents come. For the next thirty years Mr. and Mrs. Oelke resided on this farm, and in 1900 retired to their present home in Farmersburg. Here she lived until she went to sleep in Jesus last Friday night, Feb. 2, 1934. It was the privilege of this worthy couple last fall,to have celebrated their 67th anniversary.
Mr. and Mrs. Oelke have since their childhood been members of the Lutheran church. first St. Paul's at Garnavillo, and later at St. John's in Farmersburg. Mrs. Oelke also was a valuable memeber of the local Aid Society and when her health permitted, rarely was absent from a meeting.
Her husband survives her, but because of his extreme age, and weakened condition, was unable to attend these services. She is also survived by her eight living children, two daughters, and the six sons acted as her pallbearers. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
She was up and about her usual duties until the minute she was stricken, then went peacefully to sleep, thus ending a long and useful live of service to her family and community.
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Posted by S. Ferrall 9/14/2015:
Mrs. Wm. Oelke passed away at her home here [Farmersburg] Friday evening at the age of 86 years.
Ewald Oelke of Mitchell, S.D., Arthur Oelke of Fremont, Nebr., and Dr. and Mrs. Emil Oelke and son of Wheaton, Ill., arrived Saturday and Sunday to attend the funeral of their mother, Mrs. Wm. Oelke.
Mrs. Amelia Oelke and Clara of Audubon, Iowa and Bode Oelke of Fort Dodge came Monday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Wm. Oelke.
Sheriff and Mrs. L.J. Palas attended the funeral services for Mrs. William Oelke which were held at Farmersburg Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Oelke is an aunt of Mrs. Palas.
~Clayton County Register, Thursday, February 8, 1934; pgs 5 & 8
Note: There is family information in the obit of her husband, who also died in 1934. Link below:
(views: 1153)Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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