Utesch, Mrs. August (Wilhelmina) 1851-1929

UTESCH, PETERS, HAMANN, GRIFFROW, FORESTER, JANS

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/21/2010 at 11:02:18

Le Mars Globe Post, Le Mars, Plymouth, Iowa, USA THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1929

Mrs. Utesch Aged Pioneer, Succumbs

Funeral is Held This Afternoon For Respected Le Mars Resident

Wilhelmina A. Utesch, nee Peters, pioneer of this community, passed away at her home in Le Mars, Monday night, at the advanced age of 77 years, 6 months and 26 days. Old age, and infirmities were the cause of her death.

The funeral was held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, from St John's Lutheran church, Rev. J. J. Vollmar officiating. Burial was made in the Johnson township cemetery, with Beely's funeral directors in charge.

Wilhelmina A, Peters was born in Hamsert, Lotzneck, upper Pomerania, Germany, on July. 5, 1851, where she grew to womanhood and received her schooling. In the year 1873 she was united in marriage to August Utesch, in Germany. Three weeks after the wedding Mr. and Mrs. Utesch came to the United States and settled at Sterling, Illinois, where they took up farming. They lived here for several years and then came to a farm in Benton county, Iowa. In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Utesch purchased a farm in Washington township, where they were successful, however, they had to endure the hardships this were thrust upon the pioneers of those early days.

Sixteen children were born to this union, 11 preceding their parents in death. The remaining five who mourn the loss of their mother are: Charles, Paul, Will and Bert Utesch, all living in this county and Mrs. Rose Jans, of Red Bluff, Calif. August Utesch, the husband and father, passed away in 1925.

Besides these, the deceased is survived by 37 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Carl Peters of Le Mars and Adolph Peters of Merrill; three sisters, Mrs. Hamann of Merrill; Mrs. Wm. Griffrow of Le Mars and Mrs. Annie Forester of Sterling, Illinois. Mrs. Utesch was a familiar figure to many Le Mars residents and she will be missed by her many friends.