Lentz, Catherine 1848-1904

LENTZ, GROTH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 10/29/2014 at 08:22:04

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
April 19, 1904

CATHERINE LENTZ, NEE, GROTH was born in Rarbenholm, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 10th of April, 1848. About the year 1874 she came to America to live with her uncle near Toledo, Ohio. Here it was that in the year of 1877 she became the wife of Mr. John Lentz, and at the same time the mother of his mother-less daughter. Two daughters were born to them, who with their father mourn the great irreparable loss of a faithful mother. After their marriage they moved to Davenport, Iowa, whence in the following year, 1878, they moved to Sheridan township, Poweshiek county, which since then has been her earthly home. The deceased always was a faithful member of the German-Lutheran church, a diligent attendant of the divine services. Here she worked with her husband to build up their home. Her own daughters having grown up, she took to her heart and into a mother's loving care the infant daughter of her husband's daughter by a first marriage, who had suddenly died, leaving a babe besides her older children.

She had a large circle of friends who mourn their loss with her relatives. For seven years she had been suffering with diabetes, and bravely bore her burden, which was heavy indeed. She soon saw the inevitable end, and looked forward to it with Christian resignation, and at last with longing.

Having been feebler this winter, so that she had been nearly altogether confined to her home, yet it was not till last week that the insidious disease, which she had been fighting so long, reached an alarming stage and threatened immediate danger. She prepared for the end by receiving holy communion together with her loved ones. She professed perfect willingness to leave this world, denying all fear in the face of death as she trusted in her Redeemer who had died also for her sins. After some days severe suffering, augmented by pneumonia added to her other disease, on the evening of April 13th she was relieved and as we confidently believe, called home by her heavenly Father.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at the German-Lutheran church of Malcom township by the Rev. J.F. Reinsch.

Mr. Lentz and family wish to extend thanks to their friends for their timely aid and sympathy.