Hans G. Rohlfs (1878-1933)

ROHLFS

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/10/2008 at 22:09:01

HANS G. ROHFLS 1878-1933
Hans G. Rohlfs, son of Theodore and Nancy Rohlfs, was born near Avoca, Iowa, June 11, 1878 and died at the Jennie Edmundson hospital, Council Bluffs, November 16, 1933, age 55 years, 5 months, and 5 days.

Funeral services were held in the Congregational church in Avoca, Sunday at 2 pm with Rev Paul Davis of the Silver Creek Evangelical church. Burial was in the Avoca cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hausear of Council Bluffs also attended.

Most of his early life was spent with his parents in and around Avoca and at the age of 15, he chose his life work of painting and paperhanging. In 1903, Mr. Rohlfs joined the United States army and was stationed in the artillery division of the coast guard on the Pacific coast for three years. Being honorably discharged, he again took up his chosen work.

At the age of 21, he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No 220 of Avoca, Iowa, which membership he held until death.

The deceased was united in marriage on April 13, 1910, to Miss Emeline Bleich of Avoca. This happy union was blessed with three children: Helena, Frederick, and Edward all at home. He was a good husband and a kind and loving father, withholding nothing he was able to give for the welfare of his family.

In his early teens, Mr. Rohlfs gave his heart to the Lord under the pastorate of Rev. Will Reed. He united with the First Congregational Church of Avoca and later transferred his membership to the Second Congregational Church of that city. He was loyal to his church and faithful to his God. When physically able he took his family and worshipped regularly with God’s people.

His implicit faith was much in evidence during his last illness, which dates back to August 8, 1933, with an attack of yellow jaundice. Although Mr. Rohlfs has been in failing health for the past three years, his decline during the last four months was very rapid in spite of all that medical skill and care could do. Four weeks ago, an operation was performed in hopes of relief from the malady, but nothing seemed to help and the end came in peace to relieve his suffering body. An autopsy revealed an obstructed pancreatle duct, probably caused by painter’s lead poisoning.

Throughout all his illness, our departed brother placed his case in God’s hands and patiently trusted that however it came out, it was God’s will. A beautiful service was held in his hospital room three days before his death as the family gathered about his bedside for their last family worship together---a fitting close to a good Christian life.

Besides the devoted wife and children, he leaves to mourn his departure, an infirm and aged mother of 84 years; 4 sisters: Mrs. Imo Greene and Mrs. Jennie Stafford of Atlantic, Iowa; Miss Fannie Rholfs and Mrs. Marguerite Foote of Avoca; two brothers, Edward and Theodore of Seward, Nebraska; many relatives and a host of friends. His father and a brother preceded him in death.
Dedicated to Hans Rohlfs
Passing of Night
Into the shadows dim and grey,
A loved one slipped from us one day,
To enter the land where we never grow old.
Into the city with streets of gold,
Away from this harsh world’s woe and care,
To the “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, Somewhere.”
If we could but see beyond the fair gates,
The home of the soul where our Saviour awaits.
To free us from bondage of this world of sin,
The joy over grief on our heart’s would win.
If we could now the happiness there
We never would want our loved ones to share
Again the hardships and sorrow
But bid them stay—in that golden tomorrow.
By Anna Peterson

AT REST
They have folded his hands and laid him away.
Patient dear father in his casket of gray.
With a smile on his lips and his heart free from care.
He’s wearing a crown in heaven up there so bright and fair,
Fragrant flowers on his coffin were strewn,
Would that he might have seen them they were so fair.
Perhaps he did, who can know the breath of the chasm twixt here and here?
Sleep on dear father and take your rest.
His hands folded peacefully on your breast.
God knew he was tired, so he called him home,
Where angels care for him in heaven.
From Aunt Hulda Stuhr

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald