Erwin Knuth (1907-1929)

KNUTH, MEYER

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 2/28/2016 at 09:14:20

Irwin William Otto Philip Knuth [sic throughout] was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Knuth. The father, Mr. R.B. Knuth, is one of the teachers at Germantown and in that position, he has faithfully served the congregation for thirty years. The mother, Mrs. Anna Knuth, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hartwig Meyer of Paullina.

Irwin was born August 18, 1907, at Germantown, Iowa. He attended the Christian Day School of the church. Having completed the prescribed course of the school in both the religious and secular branches, he was by the sacred act of confirmation, received into communion membership of the church under the pastorate of the Rev. F.W. Potratz. Ever conscious of his solemn confirmation vow, he proved to be a faithful member of the church. His place in the pew was never vacant without a valid reason, and his entire conduct evidenced his sincerity. His interest in the church he also proved by cheerfully supporting it according to his means and taking an active part in the work of the choir and of the band.

His ambition was to become a real farmer. But even before his fatal sickness, it was apparent that his ambition could not be realized. Some years ago, he suffered an attach of rheumatism which left him with a weak heart and made it impossible for him to perform heavy labor.

His love for the farm, however, was unabated. Unable to be active in the measure he desired, he was at least going to apply himself to the work he loved in a limited degree. He acquired a span of horses and had planned to take care of the outside work on the property of his parents in Germantown. Though that was farming on a miniature scale, it afforded him much pleasure and his plans, which were complete even to the minutest details, would undoubtedly have led to success.

The plans of the Lord, however, were different than his. According to the wise but unsearchable will of the Lord, Irwin was to have only the joy of planning. Early this spring his health again began to fail. Medical advice was sought, and he was placed under the care of a competent doctor.

Endocarditis developed and the doctor ordered him to bed for three months. Two weeks ago a registered nurse was employed that he might have the best care possible. However, human help was of no avail. Thought at times there seemed to be an improvement in his condition, the relapses which occurred ever more frequently were too much for his weakened resistance. After a rather painful sickness, he passed to his eternal rest at five o'clock Monday morning at the age of 21 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Though according to our human way of thingking his death was premature, we find comfort in the confidential hope that his end was a blessed end, the beginnings of eternal life.

His eternal demise is mourned by his grief stricken parents, four brothers, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Hartwig Meyer, and other relatives.

The funeral services, which were held Wednesday afternoon, were in charge of the local pastor, Rev. H. Steger assisted by Rev. J. Hartmeister of Paullina. After a brief service in the home, the mortal remains were taken to the church where his pastor preached a German sermon and Rev. Hartmeister and English sermon. The choir, of which Irwin had been a member rendered an appropriate selection under the direction of Mr. F.W. Rochlitz. The body was laid to rest in St. John's Lutheran cemetery.

Paullina Times, Paullina, Iowa, June 6, 1929, p8