Sam Zerke 1852-1936

ZERKE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/6/2010 at 20:53:20

Sam Zerke Passes
Intense heat claimed its first victim here Monday [July 13, 1936] when Sam Zerke, 84, became overheated while doing some light chores and passed away from the effects of the extreme weather. Death came a few hours after he was overcome. This, we believe, is the first death in this community due directly to the heat.

Mr. Zerke was a long time resident of this county and for years we have known him personally. He was a fine character and in the past we have had many pleasant visits with him. He was not a man to make friends quickly, but was beloved by those friends he did have.

Mr. Zerke was born in Germany on April 20th, 1852. He was united in marriage in Germany and with his family moved to this county. There were ten children born to this union, eight of whom survive with his beloved wife.

The funeral services will be from the home Thursday afternoon at 1:15 and 2:00 o’clock from the German Lutheran Church of which he was a member. Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, July 15, 1936)