Frerichs, Marie "Mary" Gesine 1882-1958

FRERICHS, NANNEN, BORCHERS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/17/2013 at 18:29:13

Mrs. John Frerichs

Mrs. John D. Frerichs, a lifelong citizen of the Akron community passed away on Thursday, June 19, at 3:55 AM in the Akron Community Hospital. She had suffered a fall in her home in Akron, Wednesday, June 11 at 3:00 PM, in which she broke her hip. From this shock she did not regain consciousness and her condition grew weaker ever day. She fell peacefully asleep and the Lord took her from the vale of sorrow to Himself in heaven; and thus answered her prayer to bring rest to her weary soul, as she had been ailing for more than 4 years.

A brief service was held Saturday at 1:30 PM, at the home in Akron and the main funeral service was held at St. John’s American Lutheran Church in Preston Twp, with the Rev. Henry J. Dirks officiating. The brothers Ben and John Hillrichs sang 3 selections “In the Garden” “What a friend we have in Jesus” and “O Where is the Home of the Soul to be Found”. Miss Mariann Dirks was organist. She was laid to rest in the cemetery of St. John’s American Lutheran Church near Akron. The Lewison funeral Home of Akron was in charge of arrangements.

Marie Gesine Frerichs, nee Nannen, daughter of Johann Nannen and his wife Anna nee Borchers was born February 15, 1882 in the village of Schortens in Oldenburg, Germany. Here she was baptized and became a child of God and an heir of salvation. In 1883 at the tender age of one year she came with her parents to America and lived with them at first in Preston Twp. Plymouth Co., Iowa where her uncle and other relatives had settled some years before. In her childhood she was instructed in the way of salvation as taught by the Lutheran Church; after having been duly instructed in this faith she was confirmed at the age of 15 yrs., April 11, 1897 by her pastor the Rev. Theodor Meyer in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Preston Twp. Her confirmation verse was John 15:5; He who abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit; for without Me you can donothing”.

On Feb. 24, 1894 she was joined in holy wedlock to John D. Frerichs and moved with him to a farm in Portland Twp. near Akron; the marriage ceremony was performed by their pastor Rev. Th. Meyer. The Lord in His mercy blessed this union with 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls, Clara, Albert, Bernard, Louis, Edwin, Herbert, and Edna.

Mr. and Mrs. Frerichs left the farm in 1948 and went into retirement as they moved into a home in Akron where they have lived ever since. Then by the grace of God Mr. and Mrs. Frerichs were privileged to observe their golden wedding anniversary on Feb. 24, 1954 which she enjoyed in good health among a large gathering of their children, relatives and friends. They were thankful on this day for all the blessings received and rejoice in all the good things which the Lord had given them.

Mrs. Frerichs enjoyed good health the greater part if her life; but on April 20, 1954, she suffered a stroke and from that day on she was ailing most of the time. The after effects of this stroke were the cause of her physical weakness; and from then on she never fully regained her strength. Only one time she was able to attend services in her church after suffering this stroke; and often she deplored the fact that she was unable to attend services. She always enjoyed the visits of her pastor and she found delight in the Word of God which was her comfort and strength in her weakness. During her sickness she together with her husband often partook of Holy Communion. During the last few months her condition grew worse. On Tues. June 10 her pastor was at her bedside and brought her comfort from the Word of God; he used as one of his meditations the Word of Jesus; “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). The pastor used this text for the basis of his funeral sermon. Then on June 11, she suffered a fall in her home from which she did not recover.
Mrs. Frerichs reached the age of 76 years, months and 4 days.

Her passing is mourned by her sorrowing husband John of Akron, by the children, Mrs. Clara Satthoff, Chatsworth, Mrs. Edna Marshall, Akron by 5 sons, Albert, Akron, Bernard, Hawarden; Louis, Edwin, and Herbert all of Akron; one sister Mrs. Anna Kruse, Le Mars; 18 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and by many other relatives and friends.

Two brothers, 2 sisters, and 2 grandsons preceded her in death.

She was a charter member of St. John’s Ladies Aid and a lifelong member of St. John’s Luth. Church of Preston Twp. She remained faithful to her Lord and His Church all her life.

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us. “Be thou faithful unto death and I give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2, 10 & Rom. 8, 18.

In peace of this life departing to yonder realms I soar That I with Christ, my brother, may dwell forevermore.

My toils and cares are ended by troubles all must cease, For in Thy wounds O Jesus, my soul has found its peace.

Le Mars Globe Post
Thursday, June 26, 1958
Le Mars, Iowa