SMIDT, Rieke 1858-1939

SMIDT, TELLINGHUISEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/9/2012 at 09:58:06

Rieke Smidt Dies At White, South Dak.

The following obituary of Rieke Smidt, well known to Wellsburg people was taken from the columns of the White, South Dakota, Leader.

Rieke Smidt was born in Germany on August 26, 1858. He came to America in 1882, and settled near Ackley, Iowa. In 1887 he moved to Sacred Heart, Minnesota. The country then was all prairie and he knew all about the hardships of the early pioneer.

On December 29, 1891, he was married to Justine Tellinghuisen, at Cleves, Iowa. Had Mr. Smidt lived until December 29, of this year, the couple would have been married forty-eight years. Their union was blessed with twelve children two of whom passed away in infancy and one son, Nicholas, died May 19, 1935.

In 1902, in October, Mr. and Mrs. Smidt moved to South Dakota, settling on a farm northwest of White. Here he lived the rest of his life with the exception of ten years when he lived in White.

Mr. Smidt was confirmed in Germany when a young boy and was always deeply religious. Upon coming to South Dakota he became a member of the German Methodist church. In 1920 he transferred his membership to the English Methodist church and he remained a constant member, always attending church regularly whenever possible. He loved the church and was always willing to do his best in furthering God's kingdom.

Mr. Smidt was a good neighbor and friend and his cheery greeting will be missed by all. He was a devoted husband and a good father.

Coming to this country when it was unsettled, he knew what it meant to work hard and long. In his dealings he was upright and honest.

On the evening of September 25, he became ill with what was thought to be flu. His condition gradually became worse and, in spite of loving care and medical skill, his spirit departed this life very peacefully on October 2, 1939, at 1:15 p.m. The immediate cause of his death was pneumonia. At the time of his going from us, he had reached the age of 81 years, 1 month and 6 days.

Besides his bereaved wife, Mr. Smidt is survived by nine children; Wiard, of Allison, Iowa; Mrs. H. Boomgarden, of Wellsburg, Iowa; Rieke, of White, South Dakota; Mrs. Jake Boomgarden, of Eldora, Iowa; Mrs. Alvin Ulrich, of Trueman, Minnesota; Dick, of White, South Dakota; Mrs. Allen Schutjer, White, South Dakota; Mrs. Vernon Enevoldsen, of Brookings, South Dakota, and Mrs. Clark Woodward, of White, South Dakota. There are also eleven grandchildren. There are no brothers or sisters surviving as Mr. Smidt was the last member of his family.

Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday afternoon from the Methodist church in White and commitment made in Fairview cemetery. Rev. H. H. Arms officiated and Evans & Evans had charge of the arrangements.

--Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 11 October 1939