Lois Magdefrau - 1882 - 1909

LUELLEN, MAGDEFRAU

Posted By: A.M.W. (email)
Date: 4/29/2004 at 21:44:50

WAYLAND NEWS – July 7, 1909

Lois Luellen was born near Merrimac October 14, 1882 and died at Ottumwa June 25, 1909. She was married to A. B. Magdefrau November 27, 1901. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1901 and remained a faithful and consistent member until her death. She wa a true helpmate to her husband in every sense of the word. Not only did she make his home tasty and comfortable, but rendered him great assistance in his business, having a great reputation as a saleswoman in the store and many persons have spoken to us of her cheerful, agreeable disposition at home, in the store, or wherever she appeared in social life. She was a worker in the church and Sunday School, Ladies’ Aid, and Epworth League. The last night before she was taken sick, she attended teachers’ meeting at the M.E. parsonage. Her life, though brief, ended well. Last spring her husband, who was in very poor health, concluded to give up the store and take a trip eastward. She accompanied him and always talked of the fine time she had. But a great change was in store for her, for on Dec. 19 she was taken with a terrible cold. Other complaints followed and though she made a brave fight for life, she gradually sank under the weight of afflictions. Six weeks ago she was take to the hospital at Ottumwa for an operation. This was not considered advisable when she arrived, as the surgeons and physicians saw that the end was in sight. She continued cheerful and hopeful to the last, clinging to life as young people always due. She retained the use of her faculties to the end, knew her husband when dying, and bade him farewell. She leaves a devoted husband, father, mother, grandmother, two brothers, four sisters and many friends, relatives, and acquaintances to mourn her departure. The four sisters are Emma, Mable, Ella, and Jael and the brothers are John and Charles, all now living at home here in Wayland.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. church on Wednesday afternoon, June 30, conducted by the pastor Rev. R. Collier, assisted by Rev. S. M. Musselman, pastor of the Mennonite church, and were largely attended.

The floral decorations were beautiful. Among them were: a wreath with Sister inscription from the family; an anchor of sweet peas from Mrs. Elizabeth Rittler and family; a cross of roses and carnations from the Ladies Aid Society; a large bunch of carnations from the Epworth League; a large bunch of roses and many other beautiful flowers.