Lidtka, Lawrence Jacob 1849-1930

LIDTKA, SCHULTZ, MITHELMAN, DEEDRICK, SWATSCHUE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/5/2011 at 10:05:11

Newspaper obituary dated Feb. 4, 1930

LAWRENCE LIDTKA FUNERAL IS HELD

Lawrence Jacob Lidtka was born Aug. 1st, 1849 at Glucene West Prussia, Germany and passed away at his home in Malcom Sunday evening, Jan. 26th. He was the third child of his parents. His father died when he was very young. He was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

At the age of 21 years he came to this country. In the voyage he was 15 weeks crossing the ocean as the sailing ship was lost among the icebergs. He lived one year at Elmira, New York and then came to Poweshiek county.

He was united in marriage with Fredericka Schultz Aug. 4, 1878. She preceded him in death 18 months ago. To this union 5 children were born: Lena Mithelman, Mary Deedrick, and Fred of Malcom, and Joe of Grinnell. Louis, the youngest son, preceded him in death Nov. 25th, 1925.

He also leaves eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, also one half brother John Swatschue of Brooklyn and many other relatives and friends. For the last twenty-five years of his life he had poor health and for some time, seldom if ever, was able to leave his home.

He was a good father and neighbor and was respected by a large circle of relatives and friends who will miss him in his home.

The precious seeds of weeping
Today we saw once more;
The form of one now sleeping,
Whose pilgrimage is o'er.
Ah, death but safely lands him
Where we too would attain;
Our Father's voice demands him,
And death to him is gain.

Interment was made in Trinity Lutheran cemetery on the afternoon of January 28th. A large number of relatives and friends attended the last rites which were conducted by Rev. Mr. Schiffler of Tama. The Hymns "Rock of Ages," "My Father Knows" and "Abide With Me" were sung by Mrs. Henry Wichman, Mrs. Hugh McClure, Mr. Geo. Torrey and Mr. Henry Schultz. Music by Miss Pauline Doty. The bearers were two sons Fred and Joe Lidtka, two sons-in-law, Fred Mithelman and J.C. Deedrick, and two grandsons, Earl Lidtka and Truman Deedrick.