SCHMIDT, Renko 1866-1939

SCHMIDT, MAMMEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/7/2012 at 16:44:05

Renko Schmidt Dies At Holland Tuesday

Renko Schmidt, aged 73, an old-time resident of Grundy county, died after an extended illness, from complications arising from asthma and dropsy. Mr. Schmidt leaves his widow and eight children, besides three brothers, these being Fred, of North Dakota, George of Holland and Charles of Wellsburg.

As we go to press no funeral arrangements have been made.

--Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 25 January 1939

-----------------------------------------------

Final Rites Are Held For Renko S. Schmidt

Funeral services for Renko S. Schmidt, age 72, who died Wednesday morning at his home six and one-half miles southeast of Wellsburg were held Saturday afternoon at the Schmidt home and the Colfax Presbyterian church, east of Wellsburg, with the pastor, Rev. S. W. Swalve, in charge, assisted by Rev. J. E. Drake, of Cedar Falls. Pallbearers were John Schmidt, Leonard Schmidt, George Schmidt, Fred Schmidt, George F. Schmidt, and George Harms, all nephews of the deceased.

Burial was in the cemetery adjoining the church.

--Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 1 February 1939

-----------------------------------------------

Many Attend Last Rites For Renko Schmidt, Saturday

There was a very large attendance at the funeral services for Renko Schmidt, which were held at the home at 1 o'clock Saturday and later at the Colfax Presbyterian church. The services were conducted by the local pastor, Rev. George Swalve, assisted by the former pastor, Rev. J. E. Drake. Rev. Swalve delivered the sermon in the English language and Rev. Drake spoke in German. Burial was in the family lot in the church cemetery.

The pallbearers were nephews of the deceased. They were Leonard, John, George and Fred Schmidt, George Schmidt from Grundy Center and George Harms.

Relatives from a distance who were present at the funeral service were Fred Schmidt, Pierre, S.D.; George Schmidt, and daughter Leona and Woert and his wife and daughter from George; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ahnen, Mr. and Mrs. Heye Bruggemann and Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Dopp from Harris, Ia.; Dick Siefken and daughter Stella and son Omar and Lena Siefken from Sioux Rapids; Mrs. Caroline Hemple, Ackley; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foster and Albert Siefken from Marshalltown.

Obituary
The following obituary was read at the church service:
Renko Schmidt was born on the first day of April, 1866, in Godens, East Friesland, Germany. He came to America in the year 1878 and settled here in Grundy county, where he has resided ever since.

On March 12, 1913, he was united in marriage to Henrietta Mammen. This marriage was blessed with nine children, two sons and seven daughters. One daughter preceded the father in death on March 5, 1917, at the age of four months. On March 12, 1938 the parents had the privilege of celebrating their silver wedding anniversary.

After a lingering illness Mr. Schmidt passed away at the family residence early Wednesday morning, January 25. He attained the age of 72 years, 9 months and 24 days.

He leaves to mourn his death, his bereaved wife, two sons, Renko Jr., and Carl, six daughters, Mrs. Henry Werkman of Holland, Lucy, Margaret, Esther and Irene. Also three brothers, George of Holland, Carl of Wellsburg and Fritz of Pierre, S.D. Besides two grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 2 February 1939, pg 9