John Vincent Koenecke 1905-1921

KOENECKE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/4/2011 at 00:02:51

The funeral of John Koenecke was well attended every body was sorry to hear the sad news of his death. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of their many friends. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 26, 1921)

Dunnell Items – Mr. and Mrs. Lew Forstrom and Mr. and Mrs. H. Moltzen attended Friday the funeral of a Koenecke boy who died from diphtheria. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 26, 1921)

John Vincent Koenecke
I hear a voice you cannot hear,
Which says I must not stay.
I see a hand you cannot see,
Which beckons me away.
John Vincent Koenecke was born March 16, 1905, and passed away at the age of sixteen years, seven months and three days. He leaves to mourn his untimely passing his father, mother, two brothers, Francis and Eugene, and one little sister Margaret. Beside the immediate family are his relatives and a host of friends. His funeral was held from the home to the Catholic cemetery where short services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. P. Conway, who spoke a few words of comfort to the assembled relatives and friends.

The entire community was filled with sorrow when it became known that Johnnie had passed away. Death always comes as a shock but when it follows such a very short illness it is doubly hard to bear. Until a week preceding his death he had been an active member of school and social circles, where he will be greatly missed. John was a very lovable lad, a general favorite at school – kind to fellow students and always courteous and helpful to the teachers. Just entering young manhood as he was he leaves a vacancy in circles outside which can never be filled.

Calm on the bosom of thy God,
Young spirit rest thee know!
Even while with us they footsteps trod,
His seal was on thy brow.
Lone are the paths and sad the bowers,
Whence thy smile is gone!
But oh! A brighter home than ours,
In heaven is now thine own.
--- Friends
(Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, November 2, 1921)