EDER, Walter G. 1893- 1928

EDER, BLUM

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/10/2010 at 19:44:08

Walter G. Eder

FUNERAL WAS HELD SUNDAY

Walter G. Eder, aged 34, prominent farmer of three miles southwest of Rock Rapids, took his own life while at home alone last Thursday afternoon. Despondency over ill health was the reason he gave for his act in a note which he left.

Mr. Eder had been to Sioux Falls the first of last week to consult doctors regarding his health and did not seem satisfied with their report. On Thursday he went to the fields in the morning and ate his dinner as usual. After dinner he made a trip to Rock Rapids to make some purchases and while he was in town Mrs. Eder and two daughters went to the home of her husband’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Eder, who live on the next farm. When Mrs. Eder returned home she found the house locked and upon gaining entrance, by means of an extra key, she found her husband in an upstair bedroom.

Coroner A. H. Lockwood is of the belief that Mr. Eder took his life at about 2:30 o’clock and he was found at about 4:30 o’clock. In committing the act Mr. Eder used a small calibre shotgun. The charge was fired through the forehead.

Obituary of Mr. Eder, as written by Rev. E. H. Mueller, of the Immanuel Lutheran church and submitted to The Review, is printed below:

"It is doubtful whether this community was ever shocked before as it was by the news of the tragic death of Walter Eder by his own hand Thursday, July 19, 1928; but the sad news proved to be a sad fact. His death will ever remain a mystery as he was alone at the time of the tragedy. In a short note he left he gave as the cause his ill health and inability to work. In the same note he made some requests in regard to his funeral, even indicating the text on which he would like to have his funeral sermon preached. This, by no means solves the mystery, but only deepens it.

“Walter G. Eder, son of Mr. and Mrs.Geo. Eder, was born on a farm southwest of Rock Rapids December 13, 1893. He was baptized, instructed and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a faithful member of Immanel Lutheran church. On Feb. 18, 1920, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Blum, of near George. Two daughters were born to this union. They lived on a farm near the home place.

When home alone he took his life on Thursday, July 19. He reached the age of 34 years. seven months and six days. He leaves to mourn his untimely departure his bereaved wife, his two daughters, Mildred and Leona, his parents, his three brothers, Clarence of Owatonna, Minn., Elmer of Royalton, Wis., and Richard who is still at home, and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon. In a special note he requested Rev. E. H. Mueller to preach his funeral sermon. With Mrs. Mueller at the organ a mixed choir, composed of the following sang two appropriate hymns: Edna Schmidt, Hazel Kostman, Ella Griesse, Josephine Winter, Carl Borman, Loren Griesse, Walter Griesse and Wm. Petersen. The following were pall bearers: Carl Olson, Elmer Wohlers, Otto Wohlers, Art Griesse, Richard Schoeneman and Louis Borman. Interment was in Riverview cemetery."

(Rock Rapids Review July 26, 1928)