ROELFS, Heit T. 1824-1911

ROELFS, HAYENGA

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/13/2017 at 08:02:31

Sudden Death of Heit Roelfs

Heit T. Roelfs, the subject of this sketch, was born March 7, 1824 at Manslagt, Ostfriesland, Germany, and died Feb. 10, 1911, at 6:30 p.m., at the age of 86 years, 11 mos., and 3 days, at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. John Goldhorn, one and a half miles northeast of Fern.

The death of Mr. Roelfs came very sudden and unexpected to those dear to him as well as to his many friends. He had been in his usual health and good spirits all day last Friday except that he had complained of his back feeling cold. After supper the younger members of the Goldhorn family left for a visit to the Ben Arends home and bidding them goodbye their grandfather still seemed to be in his usual good spirits when they departed. A short time afterwards at about 6:30 he put on his coat and went out doors for a few minutes as he was accustomed of doing before retiring, not returning as soon as he usually did his daughter, Mrs. Goldhorn stepped out to look for him and found him lying dead about 15 feet from the door. They at once carried him inside but no signs of life was left, the cause of death as stated by a physician was apoplexy of the brain. He passed away without a pain or struggle as the place where he fell in the snow showed no signs of a struggle.

In the year of 1848 the deceased was united in marriage at Manslagt to Gertje Hayenga who preceded him to the great beyond on June 4th, 1894. This union was blessed with four children, 2 sons and two daughters, one son and one daughter died in infancy. The surviving children are Mrs. J. Goldhorn of this township and Heit H. Roelfs of Renville, Minn., who together with their families mourn his sudden demise.

In the year of 1895 the deceased together with his daughter came to America and made his home with his son until about eight years ago when his son moved to Renville, Minn., and he then came to make his home with his daughter where he has been ever since.

Funeral services occurred Wednesday. Rev. Siemsen officiated and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the Reform church. Mr. Roelfs of Renville was here to attend the funeral.

H. H. Roelfs, Mrs. Heit Roelfs, Jr. and Mrs. Santjer of Renville arrived at Parkersburg Monday evening to be present at the funeral of the former's father Wednesday.

--Grundy County Democrat (Grundy Center, Iowa), 16 February 1911, pg 3