Louise Ernestine Bertha (Scheel) Benzer 1861-1919

SCHEEL, STARK, TOPP, BENZER, ELINGS, HARTFORD, JURITZ

Posted By: Deb Van Sant (email)
Date: 11/30/2008 at 15:16:57

Obituary of Mrs Benzer

Who Died at the Home of Her Daughter, Mrs Harold Hartford

Mrs Gerhard Benzer, whose maiden name was Louise Ernestine Bertha Scheel, was born July 28, 1861, in Stargard, Pommerania, Germany.

Her parents were Johann Gakhilf Scheel and Fredericka, born Stark. Her childhood days were spent in Stargard, where she was also made a child of God through baptism Aug 11, 1861. Her younger years were spent in Daarz where she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith, Sept 26, 1875. In 1881 she came to America, settling near Sumner Iowa, where after three years she married William Topp. The marriage was blessed by seven children, three of whom have preceded their mother in death, the survivng children being, Minna, now Mrs Albert Elings of Des Moines; Otto Topp of Des Moines; Mrs Harold Hartford of Oelwein; Lydia, Mrs Henry Juritz of Maynard.

Mr Topp was cut down by sunstroke. After her husband's death Mrs Topp supported herself and children at Sumner until fifteen years ago, in December, she was united in marriage with Mr Gerhard Benzer. Since her marriage to Mr Benzer she has lived on a farm near Maynard and the last four years in Oelwein.

About three years ago, Mrs Benzer contracted a serious cold. Physician's skill could not cure her; as time went on her condition became more critical until the last months she was confined to her home. Last Tuesday morning her Good Shepherd called her to better and nobler realms, and without pain or struggle, she departed this life surrounded by husband and daughter.

Mrs Benzer is best known to her friends and relatives as a quiet, unassuming woman. Her deeds and words speak most elequently of her din and glamour of the outised world, but rather for the peace and comfort of her home. Her neighbors and friends will greatly miss her, for they know her worth.

She leaves to mourn her death, be- (obit stops here)