Dobbert, William Frederick 1864-1923

DOBBERT, MESSELHEISER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/18/2015 at 11:46:46

Note: He is buried in Le Mars Memorial Cemetery.

WAS A PROMINENT CHURCH WORKER

W. F. DOBBERT LED A BLAMLESS LIFE AND WAS HIGHLY ESTEEMED

William Frederick Dobbert was born in Wisconsin January 29, 1864, and died in a local hospital Monday, December 16, 1923, at the age of 59 years, 10 months, and 11 days. The cause of his death was from the disease known as Huntington's chorea, from which he suffered for several years, its progress being slow but certain. Every effort was made to combat the encroachments of the disease, but all to no avail.

William Dobbert, at the age of six years, came with his parents to Plymouth county. They homesteaded land in Stanton township. There Mr. Dobbert grew up leading an energetic and industrious life, later coming into possession of the farm his father had acquired by hard and faithful efforts, assisted by his family. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Dobbert came to Le Mars to enjoy a well earned life of retirement, but even then his life long habits of industry caused him to be incessantly active. He always assumed a large reponsibility in every undertaking with which he was connected.

On March 17, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Christina Meselheisor, a member of a pioneer family in the same community. To this union were born four children, Glenn and Lloyd, living on the farm in Stanton township, Mrs. William Vanderhaar, of Sioux City. Wilbur, died in infancy twenty-five years ago.

Mrs. Dobbert, a faithful companion and devoted mother, preceded him in death, dying November 20, 1911. On April 19, 1913, he was married to Miss Emma Messelheiser, who survives him. She faithfuly cared for him during his long illness.

He also leaves to mourn his death one brother, FRank Dobbert, of Struble, and two sisters, Mrs. Lena Dralle of Yankton, S. D., and Mrs. Amelia Pfiester, of Newcastle, Neb., also two grandchildren, Lester and Lois Vanderhaar, and a large number of cousins, nephews and nieces and many sympathizing friends and neighbors.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon fro the home, 409 Second Avenue SE, and the services held in the Hildreth Memorial Chruch and were largely attended. Rev. J. W. Davis, the pastor, officiated, assisted by Rev. B. F. Zuehl, of Western Union College. The Western Union college quartette sang appropriate hymns in his remarks, Rev. Davis paid a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased saying in part.

"Mr. Dobbert was early in life genuinely converted to God and lived a devoted, consistent. Christian life, with increasing loyalty to the cause which lay closest to his heart. As a lay worker his was a model career. He served in both the Stanton Evangelical churches in turn, as well as the Le Mars Evangelical Church, as a faithful worker. The Lord's work was always first with him. In the busiest season of the year he willingly put aside his work for the prayer meeting and the revival. His services were always depended upon by pastor and presiding elder. Among the many offices in the church which he held at different time were: Sunday school superintendent, trustee, steward, class leader, and, in fact, almost every lay office in the church. His interest in the work and his concern for the lost were easily recognized by all who knew him, and continued without abatement until death. His last thought was for the many still unsaved. His last appearance in public was in attendance upon the revival services in his own church. He will long be missed among his many friends as well as loved one. "

Those from out of town at the funeral were: Mrs. amelia Pfister, of Newcastle, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dralle, Yankton, S. D.; Mrs. Frank Dobbert and sons, Ray, Arthur and Minard, and Mr. and MRs. Carl Wilde, of Struble: Miss Harriet Messelheiser, Chicago: Mr. Will Messelheiser, Meservey, Ia.; Ed. Messelheiser Britt, Ia.: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Zieman, Tornton, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Vanderhaar and children, Louis and Lester, of Sioux City.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Seninel
Friday, December 14, 1923
Le Mars, Iowa