Lillian C. Russman (1901-1929)

RUSSMANN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/22/2008 at 12:50:11

Mrs. Lillie Heesch Russmann 1901-1929

Mrs. Fred W. Russmann, Jr., passed away at the Jennie Edmundson hospital at Council Bluffs, Saturday, March 23, at 5:35 am at the age of 27 years, 7 months, and 12 days. The remains were taken to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Heesch in Pleasant township. Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Tuesday March 26, from the First Evangelical Lutheran church in Avoca.

Lillie Catharine Heesch was born August 11, 1901 in Pleasant township, being the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Heesch. Being brought up on the farm, she loved farm life and was a valuable asset to the community in which she lived. Being the eldest among 10 children, she became efficient in house work in her early years and proved of great help to her mother. She received her education in her home school and was baptized in the Lutheran faith in early childhood. In recent years she found occasion to assist in other households and wherever she went she proved herself trustworthy and efficient.

The date for her marriage to Fred W. Russmann Jr. had been set for March 20, but before this date came, complications in the condition of her health occurred and it was deemed advisable to have the marriage ceremony performed on the 17th at Council Bluffs. The next day she submitted to an operation. Her condition was considered critical and only her determination to live did she hold out till Saturday.

She leaves her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Heesch of Avoca; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Siemsen of Minden’ her brothers and sisters: Arthur, Rudolph, Mrs. Clarence Piittmann, Herbert, Velma, Tillie, and Raymond, and a large number of relatives and a host of friends.

FAREWELL WORDS
During the last days of her illness Mrs. Lillian Heesch Russmann called her parents to her bedside and said to them “I am making the best fight I can to get well and will continue to fight. I want to live if only for a few short years. Father and mother, tell my sisters, brothers, and husband and all my friends I have loved them all. Don’t leave my bedside."

Mrs. Russmann was loved by all who knew her. No weather was too bad, no night too dark for her to go to the assistance of neighbor or friend. Her untimely death is a severe blow to the family and community. The funeral Tuesday was one of the largest ever held in Avoca.

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