Klostermann, Frank J. 1849-1923

KLOSTERMANN, KRAMER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/28/2012 at 11:26:04

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, September 7, 1923

Was Pioneer Iowan
Brought Up In Log Cabin
Among First Settlers
Was Active In Civic And Local Affairs

Frank Klostermann, a Successful Farmer and Home Builder, Dies Very Suddenly at His Home in Remsen, Funeral Held at St. Mary's.

Death removed another prominent and highly respected citizen of Remsen when Frank J. Klostermann, for twenty-five years a resident of this community, passed away very suddenly at his home last Friday afternoon, August 31. Mr. Klostermann had been in failing health for several months although he was not confined to the sick room and the end came very unexpectedly. He was seventy four years old and is survived by his widow and six children. The funeral was held Monday morning, with interment in St. Mary's cemetery at Remsen.

Mr. Klostermann possessed a robust constitution and during his life enjoyed the best of health until last February when he began to complain. His decline was gradual, and although the best of attention failed to restore his health, he continued to lose ground and for the past two months was constantly close to home, having abandoned his daily trips downtown. However, his condition was such that he was able to arise at his usual early hour every morning up to the last day. Last Friday, he arose as usual, partook of his breakfast with Mrs. Klostermann at the customary hour, after which he retired for an hour's rest as was his want for the past few months. At 10 o'clock he rose and spent two hours reading the papers and chatting with his wife. Seated in an easy chair in the sitting room at 12:30 o'clock he reminded Mrs. Klostermann that the noon hour was at hand and she accordingly went into the kitchen to prepare the noon day meal. Scarcely had she reached the kitchen when she heard her husband gasp, and she returned immediately, only to find him lifeless.

Frank J. Klostermann came from a family of pioneers in eastern Iowa, his father and mother having been among the first settlers in Dubuque county where they located and [illegible] and built one of the first log cabins. They lived there for many years. Frank attended the first country schools in that territory and later attended school in the town of New Vienna. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-three years of age, having spent three years teaching school. On February 18, 1873, he was united in marriage to Mary Kramer, who was a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and who settled near New Vienna with her parents in 1857.

After their marriage, Mr. Klostermann purchased a farm near Petersburg, Iowa from his father, and the couple lived there for twenty-five years. During that time he took an active part in civic affairs and held the office of justice of the peace, also serving as secretary of the school board for eleven years. The family sold out in February 1898, and came to Plymouth county, settling in Marion township, four miles southwest of Remsen, where they lived until the spring of 1911. During that time, Mr. Klostermann was active in all civic and political affairs, his interest centering primarily in the improvement of 320 acres of the best Ply[illegible] of the schools. His land holdings at the time of his retirement Plymouth county land.

Mr. and Mrs. Klosterman were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are living to mourn with their aged mother the loss of a loving father and husband. The children are: Louise Kniep, Elkton, S.D.; Frank, Elkton, S.D.; Clem, Remsen; Charles, Elkton, S.D.; Andrew, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Emma, now Mrs. Mike Frank, Remsen.

Mr. Klostermann was a successful farmer and home builder, and as such won the admiration and respect of his many acquaintances.

He was a staunch member of the Catholic church, and did much toward the support of the local parish, with which he was affiliated for a quarter of a century. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective society in good standing at the time of his death and the following six members of that body were selected to act as pall bearers: Martin Hatz, J.P. Mersch, Dick Scholer, J.H. Ahmann, L.S. Homan and Nick Ernster.

The funeral was held Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock, with solemn services at St. Mary's Catholic church. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Father A. Hennekes, of Rollingstone, Minn., a nephew of the deceased. The services were very largely attended. Interment was made in St. Mary's cemetery.