Tonsfeldt, John 1854-1924

TONSFELDT, HANSEN, MILLER, TESDELL, BARNSTEDT

Posted By: Linda Mohning (email)
Date: 4/17/2012 at 19:01:12

STROKE PROVES TO BE FATAL. John Tonsfeldt Succumbs to Illness of Only a Few Days Duration. WAS PROMINENT FARMER. Settled in Meadow Township Forty Years Ago.
John Tonsfeldt, for forty years a resident of Plymouth county, well known and successful farmer, died at his home in Remsen, Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock following a brief illness. Mr. Tonsfeldt suffered a slight stroke of paralysis two weeks prior to his death, but had recovered and was apparently regaining his usual health. A second stroke on the following Saturday proved to be fatal, and his death ensued within four days.
Up to the time he was stricken Mr. Tonsfeldt had enjoyed robust health and was remarkably vigorous and active for one of his years. He was 69 years, 7 months and 22 days old at the time of his death.
John Tosnfeldt was a native of Germany, and was born at Schulp, Holstein, July 25, 1854. He grew up and was educated in his native place. At the age of 18 he decided to emigrate and seek his fortune in new lands. Soon after landing on the shores of America he made his way to Keystone, Benton county, Iowa, where he worked on farms and at various occupations. On August 6, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hansen, and immediately after their wedding they went to farming near Keystone.
In 1884, attracted by reports of the opportunities to be gained in northwestern Iowa, Mr. Tonsfeldt, with his wife and two children, came to Plymouth county Remsen being their objective. Remsen at that time was in its infancy, but enjoying a healthy boom, many settlers being attracted by the thousands of acres of prairie land, then opening up for settlement. Mr. Tonsfeldt bought land in Meadow township , and his judgment and foresight were vindicated in later years, as land in that vicinity is some of the most fertile to be found in Iowa.
Overcoming obstacles and difficulties which beset the early settler, Mr. Tonsfeldt developed the land and was soon the possessor of a fine (illegible), he began to propser and added more land to his original holdings, and became known as one of the most successful famers in the community. He was ably assisted in his undertakings by his wife and children.
With due attention to his business Mr. Tonsfeldt took an active interest in the life of the community, and in public affairs and was a prominent figure at gatherings of all kinds, where his presence was always sought and welcomed. During his residence in Meadow township he filled a number of offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public.
He was an excellent citizen, a good neighbor, and made many warm friends. His home life was ideal and his hospitality was extended to many at all times.
Mr. and Mrs. Tonsfeldt moved to Le Mars in 1911, leaving the farm in charge of the younger generation, and lived in this city for a period of six years. In 1917 they returned to the Remsen vicinity to be nearer their children and grandchildren, and made themselves a home in the town of Remsen.
Mr. Tonsfeldt is survived by his wife and six children, who are: H. P. Tonsfeldt, of Le Mars; Mrs. A.G. Miller, of Elkton, S. D.; Mrs. B. L. Tesdell and Mrs. H. C. Barnstedt, of Des Moines; A.C. Tonsfeldt, living on the old farm in Meadow township and Miss Emma Tonsfeldt, of Remsen. There are twenty-one grandchildren. Mr. Tonsfeldt also leaves a brother, Henry Tonsfeldt, living in Germany, and a sister, Mrs. E. Voss of Albany, Oregon. Four brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.
The funeral will be held from the residence in Remsen today, at 1 o’clock, and services will be held in St. Paul’s Evangelical church, Rev. H. Jurgens officiating. – Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, March 21, 1924- page 1.