Otto Scheel, 1889-1918

SCHEEL

Posted By: Jeanie Belding (email)
Date: 12/26/2018 at 19:26:06

Otto Scheel

Source: Elgin Echo, April 4, 1918, pg. 1

SOLDIER LAID TO REST.

Elgin has laid to rest its first soldier of the present war, Otto Scheel, a young man and a South Dakota selectee, was brought to his home here for burial. He had passed away at the aviation camp at San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, March 29. He had been afflicted with Bright's disease for a long time and was sick when he obeyed the call of his country. He had not been well and had only been at the training camp three weeks when the summons came. Heart failure, caused by the steady inroads on his vitality by the disease from which he had suffered for a long time was the immediate cause of his death. He dropped dead while on duty.

For the past three or four summers he had gone to Parkston, South Dakota, where he worked as a blacksmith, and it was at that place that he registered for service in the National Army, and, he did not fail his duty when the call came although he was in very poor health when called.

The remains arrived here Monday noon, accompanied by Corporal Harrington as an escort of honor. A large number of our people were at the depot to meet the remains and the High School Band played "The Star Spangled Banner" as the train came to a stop. The funeral was held from the German Baptist church Tuesday when our citizens viewed the first remains of an Elgin boy clad in the uniform of a United States soldier, with the stars and stripes draped about the casket and the nation's emblem as a decoration for the church where the last sad rites were conducted by the pastor, Rev. H.W. Wedel. As the large concourse proceeded to the cemetery they were joined by the children accompanied by teachers, and all marched to the cemetery to lay the remains of the soldier to rest in the silent city of the dead to await the resurrection morn. The funeral of Otto Scheel was impressive and brings the fact of the great sacrifice which must be made closer to all Elgin people.

Otto Scheel, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Scheel was born on September 29, 1889, in Germany and died in San Antonio, Texas, on March 28, 1918, a soldier of the United States. In the year 1897 he came with his parents to America and was employed as a farmer around Elgin up to the last years which he spent in South Dakota. He was an ambitious young man of good character and had the best of recommendations from all those by whom he was employed.

He was an obedient son and true brother. One of his traits was obedience to his parents, his country and his God. He was called to the colors and obeyed the call of his country, but short was his service as he heard the "last call" and had to obey. He united with the German Baptist church in Elgin in 1905 and was a faithful member who read his bible daily and lived a good christian life.

As he died in Texas his body was escorted home by a soldier by order of the government and we express our thanks for this; also do we express our thanks for the flowers presented by the business men of the town and all sympathy and kindness shown to the bereaved family.

Otto leaves to mourn, his parents, three brothers - Albert, Frank and August, and one sister, Martha, and a great many friends. But our loss is his gain as he is at rest and receives his reward.