Keck, Mrs. Lillian 1879-1906

KECK, BAUER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/10/2019 at 15:12:26

LeMars Globe-Post
Wednesday, March 7, 1906

Biography of Mrs. Lillian Bauer Keck
The funeral of Mrs. Lillian Bauer Keck, of Washta, Iowa, was one of the largest attended at the Congregational church. The entire town and community for miles around paid their respect to the family. A young mother four little children to a lonely young husband to be cared for. The common sympathy for a stricken home was never more apparent.

The five months sickness of Mrs. Keck, which throughout was a struggle of and enfeebled woman with complications of sickness, finally ended in her death. Help and counsel, both professional and domestic, was in constant evidence; and the loyal and praiseworthy spirit of kind neighbors and friends was never more genuine and constant.

Mrs. Keck was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Bauer of LeMars, Iowa. She leaves one only brother, Mr. Frank Bauer. She was born on April 28, 1879, Compton, Lee county, Illinois. In 1887 her parents moved to Sutton, Neb., and afterward to Clay Center. When Western Union college of LeMars, Iowa, was founded in 1900, they moved to LeMars, for the purpose of educating their two children, and both entered the college as students.

She was converted in February, 1888, and was a consistent and faithful young Christian woman. On September 2, 1903, she was married to Mr. Vernon V. Keck, a graduate of the school of business of the above named college, and they both began life together under the fragrance of many well wishes from a large number of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Keck established their home at Washta, where he at once entered upon his business career. He is now manager of a large lumber yard at that place, and enjoys the confidence of the public.

Last October Mrs. Keck gave birth to triplets and ever since then, she has had a hard time of life. For five long months, she struggled on, her bodily strength wasted away, and yet throughout her painful sufferings she bore up with Christian courage and resignation. On several occasions her chamber became a veritable sanctuary and blessed with special divine experience she in turn encouraged her loved ones and expressed her deep joy in the knowledge of her salvation. The great concern was for her dear children, in whose behalf she expressed many fervent prayers. The deep religious life of this young wife and mother led her to have glimpses of glory, all, as it now seems, for the purpose of preparing her heart for the suffering that she must yet endure during her last sickness.

She died in the quiet morning hour on Tuesday, February 27, at 1:15 a.m., entering into another and better world with scarcely a sigh, she simply went to sleep and then awoke no more here. Her age is 26 years, 9 months, and 29 days. Prof. H. H. Thoren, President of Western Union college, and who in 1903 had performed their marriage ceremony, also served at the funeral, and after leading in devout prayer at the home, preached the funeral sermon at 2 o’clock on Thursday, March 1, at the Congregational church of which the family are members. He took as his text 2d Cor. 4: 17, 18. He was assisted by Rev. W. F. Luxford, pastor of the Congregational Church, and by Rev. V. Urbino, pastor of the United Evangelical church. The church choir rendered special music for the occasion.

Those present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Bauer, their son Frank, and Miss Mina Nafus, of LeMars; Geo. D. Bauer, Mrs. Geo. Keen and Mrs. Otto Schilberg, of Mendota, Ill.; E. M. Keck, of Sioux City, John Blue of Cedar Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. W. Powell, of Pierson, Io., Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Keck, Dwight Keck, J. P. Keck and family, L. C. Keck and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Kirkpatrick and family and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Baker.
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The Alton Democrat
March 10, 1906
WAYSIDE GLEANINGS

Mrs. Keck of LeMars died last week. In October she gave birth to triplets and has not left her bed since. The three little babies survive her. It is a peculiarly sad case and doubtless in many “mother” hearts there will be a longing to gather one of those little ones in her arms.
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