SUTTMAN, John 1852-1900

SUTTMAN, ROLFSON

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/12/2011 at 20:21:06

Gone to His Reward

John P. Suttman, Ex-County Recorder, Expires Suddenly Friday, June 8th.

Sudden death from heart disease came to John Suttman last Friday morning June 8. He was in the pen where he kept his pigs cleaning it out when the sad end came and without warning he passed into the other world within calling sound of his own door and family. He was found by his daughter who started to the garden for vegetables for dinner about half-past ten o'clock. The pigs in the pen had just discovered his body and in a few minutes would have had him torn to pieces. Fortunately only a few bruises were upon his face and friends removed his body to the house where it was properly cared for.

Deceased was an old citizen of Grundy Center having come here in early manhood and was married to Fannie M. Rolfson at the VanderLas church in this county, October 9, 1875, Rev. VanderLas performing the ceremony. They went to housekeeping in Parkersburg, where deceased was employed in a store and later returned to Grundy Center, where he embarked in business for himself. For a number of years he had been identified with the Baptist church and was a faithful attendant upon its regular services. In September he removed with his family to Brewster, Minn., where they remained till February of 1899, when they returned to this place and again took up their residence amongst their old friends.

The services were conducted from the Baptist church, Rev. Marsh preaching the sermon and the Odd Fellows having charge of the obsequies. The Reinbeck lodge also joined in conducting their deceased brother to his last resting place. The Rebeccah sisters were present in a body and all that social obligation could do to express their sympathy was done by these brothers and sisters with whom he had been associated for so many years. Deceased was 48 years of age June 2, 1900. He was born in Weener, Germany in 1852.

Rev. Marsh spoke consolingly and reminded the living of the certainty of death and the sudden call that comes to the soul at a time when least expected. Without pretentious eulogy he spoke of the good qualities of the deceased and of his faithful service in the work of the church and the manner of confidence the public had in him in bestowing upon him the office of county recorder some years ago. Rev. VanderLas also spoke in German a few words of sympathy. The deceased was also a kind and indulgent husband and father. His place cannot be filled in the home. He leaves to mourn his departure a bereaved wife and seven children as follows: Fred, who is in California, Theodore in Kansas, John, Rosa, Lillie, Paul and Ralph who are at home. He also leaves one sister Mrs. Ralph Veenkler of George, Iowa. They have the sympathy of all who knew them. The family wish to express their appreciation to the church people, the Odd Fellows and Rebeccas and other friends for their kindness and assistance in the burial of the father and husband.

The church was beautifully filled with flowers and many pieces of special design were presented by friends among which were a pink star from the Rebeccas, three links from Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Walker, a piece from the Odd Fellows, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wagner, Miss Grace Colvin, Mr. and Mrs. Warner and hosts of others.

The Odd Fellows closed the ceremonies at the cemetery in their usual fitting and appropriate services. The grave was lined with white and green made a restful receptacle for the dead. Mrs. Ralph Veenkler of George, Iowa, was the only one from away, who was present.
--Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 14 June 1900