RICHTER, Fredrick W. (1845-1928)

RICHTER, THIEL, KNOP, WOIWOOD, HOLLATZ

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 2/1/2020 at 18:50:48

Fredrick Wilhelm Richter

Passed Away At Garner Last Thursday - Funeral Held Sunday

Fredrick Wilhelm Richter died at his home in the south part of Garner Thursday, November 22, 1928, at about 11 o'clock a.m.

The above paragraph is a bare statement of facts, it tells of the passing of a great and good man, one who never knowingly injured a fellow man and whose pure, wholesome life has been an inspiration for better living to others. News of Mr. Richter's passing was particularly startling to his friends and relatives because he was not known to be ailing, and even up to an hour before his death he was about his home as usual.

At about 10 o'clock Thursday forenoon Mr. Richter informed his wife that he was going to the coal shed which is located a short distance from the house, for the purpose of breaking up some large chunks of coal that it might be made to burn in the kitchen stove. He explained to Mrs. Richter that he would be out about an hour. He did not come to the house as soon as she thought he should and she went to the shed to ascertain the cause. Instead of finding him alive and well as she expected to, she found his lifeless body. While engaged in the work of breaking the coal, Mr. Richter probably felt himself becoming weak and sat down upon a large chunk of coal to rest. When Mrs. Richter found him, he was sitting on the lump of coal with his head leaning against the side wall of the shed.

Hoping that his bestilled condition was but a fainting spell, she immediately called a physician. Her hopes were blasted as the soul of her husband had departed before the doctor's arrival.

For many years the deceased had been living on what is often spoken of as "borrowed time," as he was 13 years past the allotted time of man, three score and ten years. He was born in Molkenthin, Germany, on the 11th day of May, 1845. In his youth he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and all is life remained faithful to that church.

In the year 1874 he was married to Dorothea Thiel, and together they made for themselves a home in the fatherland. One child was born to them. That child is now Mrs. Albert Knop of Clear Lake. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Richter and their daughter came to America. The first home of the family in this land was at Joliet, Ill., where Mr. Richter found employment in a steel mill. Ten years later they came to Hancock county, Iowa, settling upon a farm about six miles northeast of Garner, just south of the St. John's corner. They continued to reside upon this farm until 1912 at which time they retired, coming to Garner to live.

Many and varied were the experiences of Mr. Richter during his long life span. In these experiences were intermingled pleasures and sorrows, but being blessed with a sunny disposition he could often see sunshine where to others, all seemed clouded and dreary. During the years 1870-1871, he served with the German army while at war with France. In the minds of many, the sudden death of Mr. Richter may appear as a catastrophe. However such is not the case. His life had been so spent that he was prepared to enter a condition more sublime that is to be found upon this earth, and he will be waiting "there" to welcome the sorrowing wife, daughter and other relatives and friends.

It is the aged wife who miss him the most. For 54 years they were companions, pals, sharing one another's joys and sorrows. Dismal indeed does the future look for her, but the implicit faith which she has in the all-wise God, will comfort and sustain her.

Relatives other than his wife whom he leaves behind are his daughter, Mrs. Albert Knop; four grandchildren; Mrs. Wm. Woiwood of Chicago, Mrs. A. Hollatz, who resides northwest of Clear Lake, the Misses Nettie and Ella Knop, who reside with their parents at Clear Lake; one great-grandchild, and two sisters in Germany.

Funeral services were held at St. John's Lutheran church Sunday afternoon, November 25 at 2 o'clock, in charge of his pastor, the Rev. H. R. Wrede. Interment was in St. John's Lutheran cemetery, northeast of Garner - contributed

Source: Clear Lake Mirror Reporter, 28 Nov 1928, page 8, column 5