Wendt, Emilina (Emmalina) 1855-1886

WENDT, SCHAFFER, HANKE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/20/2012 at 19:06:37

Died
WENDT – At her home in Newton, Iowa, on Good Friday, April 23rd, 1886, Emilina, wife of August Wendt, aged 30 years, 6 months and 24 days.

Mrs. Wendt was born in Freeport, Illinois, being the oldest daughter of Frederick Hanke Sr., who is still living but in very feeble health. She leaves a husband and four children, also four brothers and two sisters to mourn her untimely death. It is very seldom that death enters a house where the loss will be so severely felt, not only by the bereaved family, but also by the church of her choice, and the community at large. As a member of the community Mrs. W. was beloved by all who came in contact with her, she was always kind and considerate and averse to all kinds of gossip that tended towards the engendering of misunderstandings and animosities among her neighbors and acquaintances; to the poor she was always tender and sympathetic, and no case of real want was ever turned from her door empty handed.

In infancy her parents consecrated her through baptism, and at the age of 14 she was received into the church as a member. Was married April 14th, 1873 to August Wendt, and immediately came to Newton, since which time she has been one of the most active and zealous members of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church, exemplifying in her daily life and character the beauties of the Christian graces, making her religious life cheerful and happy. She was one of the most active promoters of all of the social and benevolent operations of the church, being especially active in forwarding the work of the Woman’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society.

She was always cheerful amidst the most intense and protracted suffering, never fretful or complaining during her painful sickness, and showed by her exemplary conduct, her sincere devotion to Christ as her Saviour.

Her sweet and gentle disposition made her home a place of joy and gladness to her children and of rest and content to her husband. Every member of her family received a cheerful greeting at their home-coming and smiles and good wishes followed their morning and noon leave-taking.

Her love for her family and closest friends was deep and tender, and had no place for doubt, so too her faith in Christ was complete, and acted as an anchor to her soul. Life and home to such a one was sweet and joyful and yet she could say: “He doeth all things well.”

The funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. A. Bell, and took place from her late home at 2 p.m., Easter Sunday. The house and extensive grounds were filled to overflowing with her numerous friends who took this occasion to show their sympathy with the bereaved family.

Mr. Ernest Wendt, of Canton, Dakota, August Hanke and wife, and Herman Hanke, of Freeport, Illinois, were present at the funeral.

Words are feeble to express the weight of obligation I feel to the friends and neighbors, and for their many acts of kindness to me and mine during the sickness that resulted in the death of my beloved wife. For the blessings you have bestowed, may unnumbered blessings be returned to you.

August Wendt ~ The Newton (IA) Journal 28 Apr 1886.

Transcriber note: The following is taken from Newton Union Cemetery Records; Wendt Emmalina 30 Friday, April 23, 1886 daughter of Frederick & Matilda (Schaffer) Hanke; 1st wife of August Wendt; sister of Mathilde (Hanke) Wendt; born 9/29/1855