BERGMANN, Johannes M. 1829-1912

BERGMANN, SCHNIR, HEITLAND

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/11/2017 at 17:42:30

Life's Labors Are Over

Last Tuesday morning March 26th marked the passing of another aged resident of Grundy county, Johannes Meyer Bergmann whose soul took flight just as the king of light shot his first shafts to proclaim the birth of a new day. Grandpa Bergmann died at about seven o'clock, death being due to old age. The last number of years he had spent in rest and peace in a comfortable cottage at Fern. Though at times in feeble health, yet during the past winter he had been strong enough to be around until about three weeks ago his health began to fail and he himself felt that his end was near. His wife did all for him that was in her power but to no avail, and no sweeter memory can live in her heart than the memory of her untiring devotion to the one who has just left her.

Johannes M. Bergmann was born at Rankeback Kries Leer, Germany, on January 9th, 1829. When but a small boy his father died and he was compelled to earn his own living. He commenced his career as a miller which occupation he followed for about twenty-five years. Later he started a general store and in that business he remained until 1891 when he emigrated to this country to join his oldest children who had come over several years before.

He was married to Martha Schnir in 1860 and this union was blessed with four sons and four daughters of which the two youngest died in infancy. In 1881 his life companion was taken from him and the following year he was again united in marriage with Gerhardina Heitland. To this union were born three daughters. He leaves to mourn his departure a loving wife and nine children who with the exception of one are all residents of Grundy county. They are Jacob from near New Hartford; John of Steen, Minn., Frank of Stout, Temmo, merchant at Buck Grove, Mrs. O. Klosterbur, Mrs. George Rademaker, Mrs. Theo Klunder, Mrs. Engelke Doeden all living in and around Fern and Jennie who is still at home.

After the deceased was fully aware that his end was near he began in earnest to prepare himself to meet the Lord when ever his appointed hour would strike and many an hour he spent in earnest prayer. He was of a quiet disposition yet his christianity was apparent in every day life. In his younger years he united with the Reformed church and remained a member of that denomination until death. We believe and feel assured that he has gone to a better land where there will be no more suffering or pain. So weep and mourn not for your aged husband and father, his labors are over. Moses the man of God says; The days of our years are three score years and ten, and if by reason of strength they be four-score years, yet is there strength, labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away.

Funeral services conducted by his pastor, Rev. Siemson were held Friday at 11 o'clock from the house where a short sermon was given. His earthly remains were then taken to the German Reform church west of Fern and laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the church. After the interment services were continued at the church by his pastor whose text was "The Lord is my Shephard, I shall not want."

Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were his son from Steen, Minn. and grandson John Klosterbur from Dubuque.

Passing out of the shadow, into a purer light
Stepping behind the curtains, getting a clearer light
Laying aside a burden, this weary mortal coil
Done with the worlds vexation, done with its tears and toil.
Tired of all earths burdens, weary and ready to sleep
Ready to bid our friends farewell, wondering why they weep
Passing out of the shadow, into eternal days:
Why do we call this dying, this sweet going away.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 4 April 1912