Roewe, August 1856-1935

ROEWE, HINN, MATHER, DUBBERT

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2013 at 19:24:07

Laurens Sun, Laurens, Pocahontas, Iowa, USA Thursday, February 21, 1935

Respected Pioneer Resident Buried Last Thursday

The funeral services for August Roewe were held at the Methodist church in Laurens last Thursday afternoon conducted by the pastor, Rev. Chas. H. Seward. Burial was in the Laurens cemetery.

In his passing, the community lost one of its most substantial props during the formative or pioneer days. Scarcely had the railroad touched this part of the county, when as a young man he came and decided this was a good place to make his home. In 1883 he located on the farm just east of town and then went back to his old home in Wisconsin and brought his bride here the next year. Here they reared a family of children who are an honor to their parents and an asset to any community. Had he contributed nothing other than his family, he would have been a benefactor to the community. But his care in looking after the home and his joy in the success of his children, was scarcely second to his interest in the community and his delight in its advancement. He, never shirked his civic duties and held a number of local offices.

Mr. Roewe subscribed for the first issue of the Sun and had been a continuous subscriber and reader during the fifty years it has been published. There are very few of these fifty year
subscribers left. At the funeral, the following obituary was read:

'"On the first of September in the year 1856, August Roewe was born on a farm in Grant county, Wisconsin. Here he passed the days of childhood and youth. When a young man in his 20's he came to Pocahontas county, Iowa, and settled on a farm east of Laurens in the year 1883.

“The year following Mr, Roewe’s coming to Iowa, he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Hinn, of Fennimore, Wisconsin, on March 4, 18834. A year ago Mr. and Mrs. Roewe had the pleasure of celebrating the 50th anniversary of their wedding day. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Roewe, of whom four are living, three daughters and one son.

“Mr. Roewe continued to reside on the farm now occupied by his son Fred, until the spring of 1914, when the family moved into Laurens. About eight years ago, Mr. Roewe suffered a slight stroke and since then had been in declining health, but continued to be about until last fall. Since September he had not been dressed, and since Christmas he had been confined to his bed. He peacefully passed away Monday evening, February 11, 1935, at the ripe age of 78 years, 5 months and 10 days.

"Mr. Roewe is survived by his widow, his son Fred, and his daughters: Mrs. Ray Mather, Bertha, and Laura; a brother, Fred Roewe, of Greeley, Colorado; a sister, Mrs. Lottie Dubbert of Laurens; and nine grandchildren.

"Mr. Roewe was a member of the Methodist church, having united with the German Methodist church in Wisconsin before coming to Iowa. He enjoyed the services of the church when he was able to attend and in his home when unable to be at church was a reverent participant in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. And now that, his earthly pilgrimage is ended, we feel confident that he has arrived in that 'land that is fairer than day' to be for ever at home with the Lord."