John H Johnk 1859-1907

JOHNK, RHODE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/20/2007 at 22:01:18

Mapleton Press, Mapleton, Monona County, Iowa
16 May 1907

Saddest Death Of The Year
Best Known Citizen of Cooper Township Suddenly Called

Died- John II Johnk, at his home in Cooper Township, Monday afternoon, May 13, 1907 of paralysis, aged 47 years, 6 months and 11 days.
Words are inadequate to express the surprise and sincere regret of his wide circle of friends in this community when the news of the sudden death of John H. Johnk was passed from one to another on Monday afternoon. So popular was he among all his many acquaintance and being a man full of the vigor of life, it even yet, after his body has been returned to dust and his spirit wafted to the God who gave it, seems impossible that his life’s work is over and he will no more be seen by those who by long association had learned to love him well. As a citizen his station in life was an ideal one.

He enjoyed the full confidence of his neighbors and all who knew him, and by his generous, jovial nature had created a bond of friendship which even the hand of death cannot erase nor cause his worth to be dimmed in memory.
By many years association the writer found him one of the most companionable men he ever knew, and many hours we have enjoyed in his company, both in his home and elsewhere.

John H. Johnk was born at Camanche, Iowa, December 2, 1859, and came to Monona County with his parents in 1882. He was married to Miss Lena Rhode October 2, 1884. They went to housekeeping with his parents on the Imme place, where he has since resided and where within the succeeding few years his father, mother and brother died and were buried in the cemetery a short distance from their home. Ten children have been born to them, three of whom are dead. Four sons and three daughters survive to comfort their mother in the greatest trail of her life, and will be a source of immeasurable help in the coming years. The only other near relative of the deceased is a sister, Mrs. John Spaulding of Jordan township, who with her husband was visiting in Osage County, Kansas. They arrived Wednesday evening to attend the funeral.

The suddenness with which he passed away is most singular. He was apparently enjoying usual health up to the time he was stricken. On Saturday night he furnished music for the dancers at the Wiese party, and on Sunday attended to his duties about the farm without complaint. In the evening he spent an hour or more playing of his musical instrumental of which he was very fond, and after writing a letter retired for the night. At about 12 o’clock he was taken sick and soon lapsed into unconsciousness. A doctor was summoned, but was of no assistance. He lingered until near 3 o’clock in the afternoon without scarcely awakening, when he passed from earth. His death is attributed to paralysis.

Thus closes the life of an old friend, an agreeable neighbor, a kind and true husband and father. Of virtues he had many of faults but few. As we lay him tenderly away let us be benefited by the examples of honor and integrity which characterized his life, ever remembering that “Ye know not the hour when the son of man cometh.”

Funeral services were conducted this Thursday afternoon from the home by the Rev. O.S. Bryan of this city, the interment being in charge of the order of Modern Woodmen from Danbury, of which he was a beneficiary member.

Tombstone Photo
 

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