Gertrude Miller Peterson 1851-1913

PETERSON, MILLER, WIENGART, LIEKEM

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/21/2011 at 21:59:08

Sudden Death
Mrs. Gertrude Peterson Dies of Gastritis This Morning at McKinley, Illinois
This community was shocked this morning by the news of the sudden death of Mrs. Gertrude Peterson, which occurred at McKinley, Ill., where she was visiting. She had been ailing for some time but was not considered in serious condition and the announcement of her death came as a distressing blow to her children, Miss Bessie, Frank, Clem, Charles, Ernest and Joe, of this city.

Mrs. Peterson had been a resident of Estherville for thirty years and was dearly beloved by all who knew her. She was sixty-two years of age.

The body will be brought to Estherville and funeral services held from the Catholic church Saturday of this week at one o’clock and interment made in the Catholic cemetery by the side of her husband.

Obituary will be published next week. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, July 16, 1913)

Died at McHenry, Ill.
Mrs. Gertrude Peterson Passed Away Suddenly This Morning
Clem Peterson of the Peterson Brothers Grocery Company received a telegram announcing the sudden and sad death from heart failure of their mother, Mrs. Gertrude Peterson.

Mrs. Peterson has been in poor health for some time and a short time ago she decided to make her sister a visit at McHenry, Ill. A few days ago she wrote the boys she was about to return home and her daughter, Miss Bessie, left for McHenry to accompany her mother home. As it would be a few days before Mrs. Peterson would start for home. Miss Bessie stopped off at Cedar Rapids for a short visit. Mrs. Clem Peterson left for Cedar Rapids this morning to be with Miss Peterson when she is notified of her mother’s sudden death as it is known it will be a sever shock to her.

Mrs. Peterson is sixty-two years of age and has been for a great many years a resident of our city. She was a mother that was devoted to her family and her home. Not so much however, that she did not at all times have a constant thought for the welfare of her neighbors and friends. It always seemed to be her aim to “do unto you,” and with this one aim in view she always lived in peace and contentment with all with whom she came in contact.

The remains will be brought to Estherville Saturday and the funeral will be held at the Catholic church on Sunday. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, July 16, 1913)

Mrs. Clem Peterson went to Cedar Rapids Wednesday morning to break the news to Miss Bessie Peterson of her mother’s death. Clem and Frank Peterson went to McKinley, [McHenry], Ill., Wednesday evening after the remains. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, July 22, 1913)

Death Angel Pays Visit
Mrs. Lawrence Peterson Answers the Final Summons
Died at McHenry, Illinois
Was Visiting at the Home of Her Sister When Stricken Down on Wednesday, July 16th
Mrs. Lawrence Peterson entered into rest last Wednesday, July 16th, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Wiengart, in McHenry, Illinois, where the deceased had been visiting for the past five weeks. Her death was very sudden, and on receipt of the intelligence in this city all who knew her – and that comprised almost the entire citizenship – could scarcely come to a realization that this lovely old lady, who counted her friends by the list of acquaintances, had passed into the Great Beyond. But in the midst of life we are in death is vividly brought home to us almost daily, and yet the blow always falls when we are unprepared. It is so hard for us mortals to give up those who are near and dear to us, but an Allwise Creator has so willed it, and all that we can do is bow our heads in meek submission.

Mrs. Peterson was 62 years and 28 days old when her Lord and Master issued the summons that called her into rest eternal. She was born in Mayen, Germany, her maiden name being Gertrude Miller. When she was fourteen years of age her parents came to this country and settled at Gross Point, Ill., where in 1873 she became the bride of Lawrence Peterson. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Peterson removed to this city, which had since that date remained their home. Mr. Peterson preceded his wife to the Better World some eight years ago. To this union were born seven children – six boys and one girl, six of whom are still living to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent mother. A son, Louis, died in his 26th year. The living children are: Clem N., Frank, Chas. H., Ernest J., Jos. A., and Miss Bessie, all of whom reside in this city. Of the original family that emigrated from the Fatherland there remain but two sisters, Mrs. Wiengart, of McHenry, Ill., and Mrs. Peter Liekem, of Kenosha, Wish.

The remains were brought back to this city Saturday morning and funeral services held in the Catholic church, of which she was a devout member, at ten o’clock by Father Murtagh, after which she was laid beside her husband and son in the Catholic cemetery, there to await the Resurrection Morn. Out of respect for the memory of this good woman the business houses of the city were closed between the hours of ten and eleven o’clock during the funeral services.

Mrs. Peterson was a woman of earnest, zealous Christian character. She loved her home and her family with an intensity that was little short of remarkable, and her sudden demise has left an aching void in the hearts of her loved ones that it will take the hand of time many, many years to fill. She was possessed of that rare magnetic personality that irresistibly draws the chance acquaintance and makes of them permanent friends, and thus to know her was to love and honor her. Death had no horrors for this devoted mother, for her daily walk was such that, at peace with her Maker and all the world, she fell asleep in Jesus. Surely a warmer heart was never stilled in death’s cold embrace.

To the sorrowing children and other relatives we join a host of friends in extending condolence in their bereavement, and hope that He who in His infinite wisdom plucked this flower from the earthly garden and transplanted it in the immortal heavenly plot, will guide and comfort them in their dark hours of affliction. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, July 22, 1913)