MOLDENHAUER, Bertha H. (1863-1949)

MOLDENHAUR, KIRCHGATTER

Posted By: Karon S Velau (email)
Date: 12/28/2016 at 19:36:26

Bertha Helena Moldenhaur
(Feb 23, 1863 - Sep 20, 1949)

Corwith Herald, Corwith, Hancock County, Iowa, Thurs, Sept. 22, 1949, front page

Services For Mrs. Moldenhaer To Be Friday
Mrs. Bertha Moldenhaurer, 86, passed away at her home here at 7:15 Tuesday evening after a lingering illness. Funeral service will be held at the Lutheran church here Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. Mrs. Moldenhaurer was born in Germany and came to this country at an early age. Her husband, Ernst Moldenhaurer, passed away in 1930 and since that time she has made her home with her son, William.

Corwith Herald, Corwith, Hancock County, Iowa, Thurs, Sept 29, 1949, front page

Pioneer Resident Laid to Rest Here Friday
Bertha Helena Moldenhaurer, nee Kirchgatter, was born in Germany on February 23, 1863. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. August Kirchgatter. Early in infancy she was presented to the Lord in Holy Baptism, and as a young lady, upon having been duly instructed in the Christian Doctrine, was confirmed in the faith and became a member of the Lutheran church. She received her public school education in this country. With her parents, she came to America at the age of eight. They settled on a farm in Magor township, Hancock county. On October 15, 1882, Bertha Kirchgatter and Ernest E. Moldenhaurer were united in marriage. To this union God granted His blessing of four children, three sons and one daughter, all of whom survive their mother, save Ernest, who died early in life in the year 1896. In 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Moldenhaurer moved near Algona. After the death of her husband, who departed this life in 1930, Mrs. Moldenhaurer contined to reside in Algona until 1934 when she moved to Corwith. She has since made her home in Corwith with her son, William. Mrs. Moldenhaurer, especially in the last years of her life, was subject to many trials and afflictions as they affect mankind. More and more the ravages of time made their influence felt in the last three years of her sojourn here on earth, she suffered the complete loss of her eyesight. It was during these last years that the present pastor came to know her and we this day would bear testimony to the fact, that though she had lost her physical eyesight, she possessed an inner sight, a knowledge of an implicit childlike faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour, which sustained her amid all her trials and privations. There was an inner joy, which radiated from her, which was also her constant consolation. In the past weeks her condition became more and more critical, and on Monday of last week she suffered a severe heart attack. On Tuesday evening, September 20, 1949, at 7 p.m., her soul was released from the bondage of this life and she was translated from the darkness of this life into the glorious light of the presence of God. The deceased attained an age of 86 years, 6 months, and 27 days. There remain to mourn her loss, her children, Mrs. Henry Cramer of Henning, Minn; Mr. Robert Moldenhaurer and Mr. William Moldenhaurer of Corwith; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Mr. August Kirchgatter of Nora Springs and Mr. Fred Kirchgatter of Corwith; besides a host of friends and acquaintances. …..
The funeral services were held from the house and St. John’s Lutheran church here Friday afternoon, with Paul C. Lutz, pastor, officiating. The pallbearers were: Ed Frey, Lewis Escher, Robert Hartwig, Frank Meyers, Henry Steinlicht, and G. L. Severns. The internment was made in Magor township cemetery. Ellsworth funeral home was in charge.