SCHAEFER, Edward J. (1862-1957)

SCHAEFER, SUCKOW, SCHNEIDER, RIDDER, SCHULDT, SCHULER

Posted By: Virginia Gentry (email)
Date: 5/3/2005 at 18:55:05

Edward J Schaefer, son of Christian Schaefer and Mary Schneider Schaefer, was born at Watertown, Wisconsin, May 24, 1862, and passed away at his home in Klemme, Iowa, June 20, 1957.

When he was 22 years old, he came to Iowa and broke the prarie sod for his farm home. He helped build the first Methodist Church in Liberty Township in 1885.

In 1888, he was married to Mary M. Suckow in Liberty Township, the year before Klemme was established.

They farmed in Liberty Township for thirty years and here their children were born.

In 1917 they moves to Klemme where Mr. Schaefer has lived since.

In 1938 they celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. Schaefer was a Christian man who was always interested in church activities and was a member of the Methodist Church all his life.

He served as church janitor in the Klemme Methodist Church for many years. When he was no longer able to attend church services he listened to radio ministers.

"Grandpa" as he was known loved music and wrote the words and music for many hymns even though he took only three music lessons.

He was much interested in birds and always had a house ready for the martins in the spring.

He was prededed in death by his wife, Mary, in 1848, a son, Benjamin T, who died while in training for World War I, and a son Elmer who passed away on June 4th of this year.

He is survived by his son, Roy, Of Klemme, a daughter, Mable (Mrs. Herold Ridder), of Nora Springs, two sisters, Mrs. Esther Schuldt of Garner, and Mrs. Lydia Schuler of Los Angeles, California, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Casket bearers were Calvin Schaefer, Donald Schaefer, Eugene Schaefer, Melvin Schaefer, Wavel Schaefer, and Emory Weaver.Organist was Mrs. Robert Schultz. Singers were Mrs. Carold Larson and Mrs. Melvin Miller singing "Jesus, Savior, Blessed Guide" and "When Work is Done", both written by E.A. Suckow. Interment was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme, Iowa