Caroline Kuchenbecker Sillge 1838-1917

SILLGE, KUCHENBECKER, HANSON, ROGERS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/19/2010 at 15:18:01

Our community was extremely shocked last Thursday morning by the announcement that one of their pioneer citizens, Mrs. H. W. Sillge had passed away the night before. Mrs. Sillge, since the death of her husband has resided with her son, Edward who has always been a close companion and attendant to his mother. Mrs. Sillge has not been in the best of health during her declining years and has been confined to her home a greater portion of the time.

The remains were accompanied to their last resting place at Prairie Du Chien, Wis., by her sons, E. H. and H. O. and daughter, Mrs. George Rogers. Her son William of Wauzeka, Wis., and daughter, Mrs. Alvina Hanson of Chicago will meet them at Prairie Du Chein.

Caroline Kuchenbecker was born in Droguitz, Germany, May 27, 1838 and died in her home at Estherville, Iowa, at 6:05 p.m., July 4th, 1917 at the age of 79 years, one month and seven days.

She came to America with her parents in 1851. On the 4th of February 1856 she was married to Henry W. Sillge, at Prairie Du Chien, Wis. Six children came to brighten the home. W. M. Sillge, of Wauzeka, Wis., H. O. Sillge, Estherville, Iowa, Mrs. Alvina Hanson, Chicago, Ed. H. Sillge and Mrs. Odelia Rogers, Estherville, Iowa and Amelia Sillge who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Sillge came to Estherville in 1882 where they have since made their home. Mr. Sillge died June 26th, 1888, and was interred at Prairie du Chien, Wis. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Sillge has lived here among her many relatives and friends until called to her eternal reward.

Mrs. Sillge was united with the German Lutheran Church in early childhood and has lived trusting in the Lord, ready to go when He called.

The body was taken to Prairie du Chien to be laid to rest beside her husband’s in the family burying grounds at that place.

Mr. Sillge was a faithful member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows during his life. The funeral services of Mrs. Sillge were conducted from the home at 1:00 p.m. July 5th by the Rev. J. Frederic Catlin, pastor of the Union Baptist Church, who is also the Chaplain of the I.O.O.F. of Estherville.

Mrs. Sillge was a devoted mother, a faithful wife, a loving grand-mother, a good neighbor, and a firm friend. She will be missed by us all. She is not lost, but gone before.

“Life’s race well run,
Life’s work well done,
Life’s crown well won,
Now comes rest.”
(Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, July 11, 1917)