LIGHTER, John 1848-1934

LIGHTER, WILHELM, STOVER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/22/2013 at 08:30:52

John J. Lighter, Grundy Pioneer, Dies At Conrad

Resided in Grundy County Continually 69 Years; His Death Was Due To Old Age

John J. Lighter, one of the oldest residents of Grundy county, died at his home in Conrad last Friday as a result of a general decline due to old age. He was a continuous resident of Grundy county nearly 70 years.

Funeral services were held at the home in Conrad Monday afternoon. They were in charge of Rev. C. K. Hudson, pastor of the Conrad Methodist church, assisted by Rev. Masemore of the Alice Church of God. Music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Phillips and Miss Minnie Daggett. Burial was in the Alice church cemetery.

Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ellis and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Kunnecke, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stauffer of State Center; Dr. Burt Rinehart and Mrs. Cora Livingood of Eldora; Dr. Lily Dale Lighter, Naomi Lighter, and Lawrence Sanner of Maynard, Minn.; Clyde Martz and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens of Grundy Center.

Obituary
John Jacob Lighter was born Nov. 25, 1848, at Lanark, Carroll county, Illinois, and passed away Sept. 21, 1934, at his late home in Conrad, Iowa, aged 85 years, 9 months, and 27 days.

He was the son of Solomon and Elizabeth Ann Lighter and was one of nine children, all of whom have passed on but one, a sister, Dr. Lily Dale Lighter of Maynard, Minn.

At the age of 16 years he came with his parents to Grundy county, Iowa, growing to manhood in southeastern Melrose township.

He was married January 2, 1874, to Susan Isabelle Wilhelm, who passed away November 19, 1904. To this union were born four children, Eunice Lighter of Independence, Ia.; LeRoy Lighter of Chicago, Ill.; Elma Lighter of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., and Mrs. M. D. Hughes of Conrad, Ia.

He was married Sept. 26, 1906, to Emma Stover, who with the one sister, the four children, and nine grandchildren remain to mourn his loss.

He was converted in early life, joining the Alice Church of God. After moving to Conrad in 1908 he united with the Methodist church of that place. Always zealous in the work of the Lord, he died trusting in Him, and eager to reach his heavenly home. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

--newspaper clipping, source unknown