Wilwert, Mrs. Philip 1857-1929

WILWERT, DISBURG

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer
Date: 1/15/2010 at 20:47:42

The Alton Democrat, January 3, 1930

RESIDENT OF SIOUX COUNTY MANY YEARS
Mrs. Philip Wilwert of Alton Died Last Friday at Her Home Here

The mother of ten children, two of whom died in infancy, Mrs. Philip
Wilwert, a resident of Alton for 22 years, died Friday, Dec. 27, 1929, from
the effects of anemia.

Madeline Disburg was born at Holy Cross, Iowa, July 12, 1857. There she grew
to womanhood and in the Holy Cross Catholic church on September 19, 1882,
she was married to Philip Wilwert. The young couple turned their faces
westward and for some years farmed in Minnesota and White Lake, S.D., coming
to Sioux county about forty years ago and settling at Hospers on a farm.
Twenty-two years ago they came to Alton. They farmed a thirty-acre place on
the north side of town which they farmed until some fifteen years ago when
they retired and moved to a home in town.

They raised a family of eight children, two having died in infancy. They
passed through many hardships during the early days but were successful in
fighting through the difficulties and winning success by hard work and
perseverance. Many scores of friends here and in other communities where she
was known, mourn the loss of a dear friend and lovely character. Mrs.
Wilwert was a faithful member of the Rosary society of St. Mary’s church and
a large number of the members of the society paid their respects to the
deceased member by meeting at her home each afternoon at three o’clock and
saying the Rosary for her.

No sacrifice was too great for her to make for her children who repaid in
full measure her devotion for them and the entire community extends
heartfelt sympathy in the loss of their wonderful mother.

The children are: Peter of Taconite, Minn.; Mrs. Charles Hentges of Alton;
Mrs. John Frank of Caledonia, Minn.; Mrs. John Kaschmitter of Alton; Mrs.
Harry Kennedy, of Alton; Nick of Graff, Iowa; Mrs. George Hansen, of Alton;
Mrs. Leo Gengler of Caledonia, Minn.. She is also survived by two
sisters—Mrs. Peter Smith of Caledonia and Mrs. Hart of Dubuque. An only
brother died at his home at Holy Cross, Iowa, only a few months ago.

Funeral services were conducted Monday morning at St. Mary’s Church by the
pastor, Very Rev. M. A. Schemel, and interment took place at Saint Mary’s
cemetery.

All of the children were present at the funeral services, and also the
following from out of the county: John Frank, Leo Gengler, Mrs. Peter Smith,
Mrs. Margaret Hoffmann, and Mrs. Nick Frank, all of Caledonia; Mr. and Mrs.
L. G. Mai, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Boever, Mrs. Paul Rodesch, Mrs. Richard Meyer,
all of Remsen; Mr. and Mrs. L. Jungers, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stoil, of
Hospers.