Elizabeth M. Ridler (1866-1943)

RIDLER, KUNKLE, VON LACKUM, FINCH, RISLEY

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/19/2006 at 11:51:51

Mrs. Elizabeth Mariam Ridler, wife of John T. Ridler, long time resident of Oelwein, passed away at her home at 24 North Frederick, Saturday, September 4, 1943, at 4:30 p.m. She was 77 years of age. She had been confined to her bed with a heart ailment since April 21. The body lay in state at the Hintz Funeral home until the time of services at the First Baptist Church which were held at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday. Rev. L. W. Hauter and Rev. E. W. Epps officiating. Burial is at Woodlawn.

Mrs. Ridler was born in Parnassus, Pennsylvania on July 5, 1866 to John and Catherine Kunkle. On June 22, 1889 she married John T. Ridler in Oelwein, and have made their home in this city since that time. Four children blessed their home, two daughters, Mrs. J. P. von Lackum of Waterloo, Iowa, and Mrs. Eslie Finch of Hazleton, Iowa. The two sons are Frank Ridler of Chicago and Rush Ridler of Maryville, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Ridler have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, John von Lackum, the third. The grandchildren are Beverly Ivadell Ridler, Ensign John Peter von Lackum, Jr. stationed at Columbus, Ohio, LeRoy Fredrick von Lackum, Howard Ridler Finch, Helen Louise Finch, Betty Jean Finch, Ivadell Ridler, Nell Jaqueline Ridler and Betty Ann Ridler. Howard Finch is an aviation reserve and third year medical student at Iowa City, Iowa. All the grandchildren were able to come home for the funeral service except Howard and LeRoy. Mrs. Ridler has two living brothers, Ward Kunkle of Oelwein, and John Kunkle of Hazleton, Iowa. One sister, Mrs. Blanche Risley and four brothers, Frank, Wallace, Fred and George Kunkle, preceded their beloved sister in death. Besides the immediate family, Mrs. Ridler leaves many devoted nieces and nephews.

Nearly forty years ago Mrs. Ridler was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church. She has been very active in its program since that time holding the office of deaconess for approximately 25 years. Her life was continually one of service out of a loving heart. For years she has held membership in the Eastern Star Lodge, and the Women's Relief Corps.

from Oelwein Daily Register, September 1943