BIGALK, William 1856-1930

BIGALK, KRAMER

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 10/30/2010 at 08:37:14

Cresco Plain Dealer, December 26, 1930, page 8

Wm. Bigalk was born in Pomern, Germany Nov. 11, 1856. In the first years of his life his parents came to this country, settling in Dodge county, Wis., coming to Albion township, Howard County, Iowa by the wagon route settling on the farm now owned by Amiel Bigalk of Cresco when he was 11.

He was married to Anna Kramer Dec. 18, 1884. Three sons were born to them, Chas., Newton and Will. For 33 years they occupied the farm upon which their son Will is living before retiring to their home in Cresco.

For 53 years he has been a faithful member of the Evangelical church. He, with Aug., Walter and John Aegerter deserve special mention for the way they labored with their own hands to build the church in Cresco, standing by until it was dedicated Oct. 1924.

He never outgrew the Sunday school. It was his delight to be present and was seldom absent from any service.

In his prayers he always remembered the cause of missions and always included "the little church out north" as he chose to call it. In his home, family worship was observed every morning and evening; being a blessing to all who were present to take part.

Sunday evening, Dec, 7th he took part in his last public worship when attending the revival service at the Baptist church. It was his last contribution to the Lord's cause on earth. He expressed his approval of that service with a hearty "praise the Lord, that was a great service."

After a brief illness due to a stroke of paralysis Tuesday morning he passed away Thursday, Dec. 11 at the age of 74 years and 1 month. Kneeling at his bedside, herself now in broken health, was his life's companion praying to God to help each member of the family to so live that the family circle might not be broken in the home over there. With her there remain three sons and eight grandchildren, 2 brothers, Amiel and John, all of Albion township, one brother preceding him in death, 4 sisters, Caroline of Beaver Dam, Wis., Mary and Ida of Harmony and Minnie of Albion township.

He was a devoted husband, father and Christian brother. We shall all miss him but rejoice that a good man has been called home to a well deserved rest and reward.

Obituaries found in the Howard-Winneshiek Genealogy Society Library, Cresco, Iowa and contributed by Janice Sowers, 2010. Transcribed by an IA GenWeb Volunteer.