Benjamin Lieberknecht 1859-1908

LIEBERKNECHT, RONALD, WERNER, LANG

Posted By: Judy Kelley (email)
Date: 10/8/2012 at 18:39:51

Benjamin Lieberknecht was born December 2, 1859, on the old home place near Grandview, Louisa county, Iowa, and died March 27, 1908, aged 49 years. He was married to Miss Bertha B. Ronald June 7, 1888. He is survived by a devoted wife and three brothers: Lewis, of near Grandview, and William and Henry, of near Letts. Also by two sisters, Mrs. Chris. Werner, of Muscatine, and Mrs. Catherine Lang, of near Wilton. In all of his business relations he was scrupulously honorable. He was a man of quiet and unobtrusive manner and had the happy faculty of making many strong and enduring friendships. His character was of such a sterling and consistent type in its integrity that the community suffers an almost irreparable loss in his passing from earth to the city of God. He entered into the fellowship of God's people ten years ago under the ministry of Rev. Teal, and became a member of the Congregational church at Grandview, Ia. His interest in and devotion to the church were unceasing and his inflence and example corresponded with his profession of faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. His devotion to his wife was touching and beautiful, and in all of his family relations he was sympathietic and lovable.

"I cannot say and I will not say
That he is dead, he is just away.
With a quiet smile and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land;
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since he lingers there.
And you, oh you who the wildest yearn
For the old time step and glad return,
Think of him faring on as dear
In the love of there as the love of here.
Mild and gentle as he was brave,
When the sweetest love of his life he gave
to simple things where the violets grow.
Pure as the eyes they were likened to.
Think of him still as the same I say,
He is not dead, he is just away."

The funeral occurred Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Methodist church, Rev. W.L. Childress, of Letts, officiating. The music was furnished by the Congregational choir. Interment in the Grandview cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

W. LOMAX CHILDRESS, Pastor

Source: unidentified and undated newspaper clipping.