John Rechkemmer 1826-1916

RECHKEMMER, HONNIGE, BEECHER, LEONARD

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 7/1/2008 at 23:25:15

Fairbank, Feb. 7. - Another one of the old familiar faces has been laid away in the "quiet city of the dead". John Andrew Rechkemmer passed away at his home Sunday afternoon, January 30, 1916, at the age of 90 years, 7 months and 2 days. He was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, June 28, 1826, and remained there until the age of 28 years, In 1854 he came to the United States and located at Rochester, New York, where he resided three years. He removed to Independence, Iowa, in 1857 and in 1874 purchased the tract of land now known as the Rechkemmer farm, one and a half miles southwest of Fairbank. He was united in marriage May 19, 1855 to Miss Johanna Honnige, who died in 1907. Ten children were born to them --- five boys and five girls. Two boys and two girls preceded their father in death. The six remaining children are; Mrs. Mary Beecher of Oelwein, Mrs. Rose Leonard, John, William, Phillip and Miss Kate all residents of Fairbank. A few years ago he gave up the duties of the farm and with his wife and daughter, Kate, moved into town where he has since resided. Mr. Rechkemmer was an upright, industrious citizen, honest in all his dealings with his fellow men. The community is better for the influence he exerted during the fifty years he resided here. The funeral services were held from the Lutheran church Tuesday morning, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Mr. Steger. The church was far too small to accommodate the people who came to pay the last tribute of respect to one who had lived among us so many years. The body was laid to rest by the side of his wife.

Waterloo Evening Courier - 8 Feb 1916