Oltmanns, Gerd 1896-1936

OLTMANNS, FRERICHS, PAGELER

Posted By: Janet Schuldt (email)
Date: 5/6/2020 at 14:12:56

Le Mars Globe-Post, Le Mars, Plymouth, Iowa Monday, October 26, 1936, Front Page

Gerd Oltmanns Taken By Death
Former Craig Businessman Died Young

Gerd Oltmanns was born on January 11, 1896, in Oldenburg, Germany. He was the oldest son of his parents, Bernard and Katherine Oltmanns. He was baptized in the name of the Triune God on March 3, 1896.

On January 6, 1908, at the age of 12 years, he came to America with his mother, brothers, and sisters and settled two miles east of Craig in Grant township. He remained at home and worked on the farm until he was confirmed in Christ church, Grant, township, by the late Rev. J. D. Meyer, on March 20, 1910. The next fall he left for St. Paul Luther college, St. Paul, Minn. He had in mind to become a minister of the gospel, but later a year in school he was forced to give up this cherished thought, because of ill health.

About 13 years ago he purchased the billiard hall in Craig and for 10 years he personally conducted this piece of business. Because of failing health, he was forced to rent out his business place.

After he was in Craig a few years he was joined in bonds of holy matrimony on Dec. 15, 1927, with Meta Frerichs, with Rev. Theo. Meyer, of Preston Township, performing the ceremony. God blessed this union with one daughter.

For the last four months, he was forced to remain in bed as his strength was slowly failing. On Wednesday morning, October 21, 5 minutes after four-o'clock he quietly and peacefully fell asleep. He reached the age of 40 years, 9 months, and 10 days. He leaves to mourn his widow, one daughter, Charlene, 8 years old; his mother, Mrs. Katherine Oltmanns, three brothers, George, Henry, and Adolph; one sister, Mrs. Gesina Pageler and two nephews, Alvin Pageler and Wendel Oltmanns. He also leaves his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Margaret Frerichs of Preston township and many other relatives and friends,
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Hannemann at the Craig church on October 23. The service were held from the house at 1:30 o'clock. Interment was made in the Craig Cemetery.