Finner, Charles Ernest 1861-1919

FINNER, SCHMITZ SCHMIDT, LEMPKE LEMKE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/30/2011 at 19:29:08

The Grinnell Herald; March 21, 1919

OBITUARY.

CHARLES ERNEST FINNER.

Charles Ernest Finner was born at Gromaden, Germany, January 31, 1861, and died at his home southwest of Grinnell on Monday, March 17, 1919, after a serious illness of five weeks.

With a sister he landed in New York City, August 20, 1881, the trip across the ocean having taken three weeks. They came at once to Independence, Iowa, where their three brothers lived. In 1885 he was united in marriage to Rosa *Schmitz. To this union were born two children -- one son, Otto, of Malcom, and a daugther, Mrs. Henry **Lempke, of Grinnell.

Their early married life was spent at Cedar Rapids where for seven years he worked in the B.C.R. & N. car shops as a machinist.

They then moved to Grinnell and for six years he was foreman of a large farm for Mr. Averill. In 1906 he purchased the present farm south of town where he has been known as a successful farmer.

He was a member of the Lutheran church, having been confirmed when 14 years of age. He was a kind and loving husband and father and was much esteemed by friends and neighors. Four brothers and one sister were present to sympathize with the family in this hour of sorrow.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. J.M. Brown of the Methodist church. The body was brought to Hazelwood cemetery for burial.

Transcriber Note: *Spelled "Schmidt" on obituary for Rosa Schmidt Finner.
**Spelled "Lemke" in obituary of her mother, Rosa Finner.