GEMAEHLICH, Gerhardt John "Max" 1906-1978

GEMAEHLICH, BECHMANN, BUBLITZ, BOTTIN

Posted By: Kermit Kittleson
Date: 4/15/2006 at 10:47:37

Gerhardt John "Max" Gemaehlich

Funeral services for G. J. (Max) Gemaehlich, 71, who died here Friday, May 26, were held Tuesday, May 30 at the Immanuel Lutheran church with the Rev. Norman Betke officiating.

Gerhardt John Gemaehlich was born December 31, 1906 in Kensington, Kan., the son of George and Emilie (Bechmann) Gemaehlich. He was baptized January 4, 1907 at St. John’s Lutheran church, Kensington by the Rev. Hainke.

He grew up in the country near Athol, Kan. And attended rural school there, and he was confirmed by the Rev. Mueller at St. John’s Lutheran church in Athol June 19, 1921.

Having relatives in this area, he moved to Iowa as a young man seeking employment here. While here he met and married Irma Bublitz at Emmanuel Lutheran church of Grafton February 3, 1929 with the Rev. C. Landdeck officiating. Four children were born to them.

The Gemaehlichs made their home at Popejoy then moved to Kansas and southern Nebraska, finally coming to Iowa in February of 1938 and to St. Ansgar in October of 1941 where Max was employed as mechanic for the L. R. Falk Const. Co for 31 years, retiring in 1972.

They became members of Immanuel Lutheran church, St. Ansgar, in 1941 and Max remained a member throughout his lifetime. He was also a member of the Voter’s Assembly.

Mr. Gemaehlich served his community as a volunteer fireman for 14 years, constructing the first ‘tank wagon’ for the firemen. He served as a deputy sheriff for a dozen or more years.

He is survived by his wife, Irma; two daughters, Mrs. Lawrence (Janet) Walk, Lyle; Mrs. Lee (Margaret) Cowell of St.. Ansgar; two sons, Duane of Cedar Rapids and Leon of Charles City; 18 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Hardy of Phillipsburg, Kan. And Louis of Smith Center, Kan.; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Bottin of Wenatchee, Wash. And Mrs. Ed (Hilda) Schultz of Pendleton, Ore.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lydia.

Burial was in the St. Ansgar cemetery with Rev. Betke in charge of committal services.

[St. Ansgar Enterprise, St. Ansgar, Iowa; June 1, 1978]