Gerke, William (1832-1914)

GERKE, BUSSE

Posted By: C. Tucker (email)
Date: 4/9/2017 at 04:42:08

Evening Times Republican
Marshalltown, IA [Monday 12-28-1914] p. 6

MINERVA FARMER DEAD

William Gerke, Old Resident of County, Dies of Old Age

Death Thursday claimed one of the early residents of Minerva township, in the person of William Gerke, who settled in the township in the '60s, and lived there ever since on the homestead on which he settled. Mr. Gerke's death was due to the infirmities of age. Mr. Gerke was a native of Sebaldhausen, Braunsweig, Germany, Jan. 11, 1832. When he was 27 years old he made the journey to America in a sail boat, the trip requiring thirteen weeks. He landed at New Orleans, and from there worked his way to Elk Grove, Ill., where he remained for several years. It was there he was united in marriage with Miss Dorothea Busse, Jan. 29, 1863, and a few years later brought his wife with a team and covered wagon to this county. Mrs. Gerke died fifteen years ago. Mr. Gerke is survived by four children - L. C., Henry, August H., and Rosette Gerke, all of whom live in the same neighborhood. W. H. Gerke, another son, died five years ago, and a daughter died in infancy. There also survive Mr. Gerke, twenty-five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held today at 12 o'clock from the residence and at 1 from the French Grove Lutheran church, Rev. Henry Markworth officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.