Fissel, Mrs. John (Gertrude) 1821-1916

FISSEL, STORR, WINTER

Posted By: Janet M. Schuldt (email)
Date: 7/15/2021 at 11:12:21

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Le Mars, Plymouth, Iowa Friday, February 11, 1916 page 1

Death of a Pioneer

Mrs. John Fissel, one of the pioneer settlers of Plymouth County, died at her home on Howard Street at five o'clock yesterday morning. Her death was due to old age, she being nearly ninety-five years old. She was prob ably the oldest person in the county at the time of her demise.

Mrs. Fissel was remarkably active and healthy for a woman of her age and was able to get around and attend to her household duties almost to the last. Last Friday, suffering from a slight cold, she took to her bed and passed away peacefully on the following Thursday. She knew the end was near and told her sons she was ready and willing to go a few days before her death took place.

Mrs. Fissel was a native of Germany. Her maiden’s name was Gertrude Storr and she was born at Daltjesen, Hessen, Darmstadt, on May 28, 1821, where she grew to womanhood and was united in marriage with John Fissel in 1850. They lived together for over half a century and celebrated their golden wedding in this city in 1900.

Mr. and Mrs. Fissel came to America in 1856 to seek fortune in the new world and settled on a farm near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where they lived for ten years. In 1866 they came to Iowa and farmed in Allamakee County until 1871, when they came to Iowa and farmed in Allamakee, county until 1871 when they came to Plymouth, County. They landed her in February 10 of that year.

Mr. Fissel died on February 10, 1901, and fifteen years later his faithful wife passed away on February 10, 1916
The Fissels located in Hungerford township where they farmed until 1890, when they came to Le Mars to make their home. They were among the pioneers who helped develop the country and lived to see a garden of Eden where once was naught but wild and uncultivated prairie. They toiled through the hard times that beset the early settlers and were rewarded in their efforts in later years when they reaped the fruits of labor and were happy in the upbringing of, they children, in their honest work, and healthful recreations. To their union five children were born. One son John died in 21877 at the age of 26 years. The living who mourns a fond mother’s death are Chris Fissel, Will Fissel and Peter Fissel of this city and Mrs. Rosa Winter of Aberdeen, South Dakota. There are also sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren,

Since the death of her husband Mrs. Fissel and her son, William, resided together and he cared for his aged mother tenderly, anticipating every wish and solicitous of her comfort and happiness Incessantly. Her other sons residing here visited her almost daily to her joy and gratification. Mrs. Fissel was a home maker in the highest meaning of the word, a faithful wife, a devoted mother, a good neighbor and friend ever willing to lend assistance to those in sickness or less fortunate in worldly circumstances than herself. She was a member of the Lutheran church and her religion embodied practical work in addition to faith.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at St. John's Evangelical church at 2 o'clock. The pastor, Rev. M. J. Dommann, will con duct the services.