Zimmerman, Mrs. R. A. (Gertrude) 1842-1929

ZIMMERMAN, GARRELS, NIEHAUS, STRUCK, GERDES, HAGGE, JANSSEN, MOELLER

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/28/2012 at 12:13:44

Hawarden Independent, Hawarden, Sioux, Iowa, USA Thursday, Sept 12, 1929

Death Calls Beloved Woman

Mrs. R. A. Zimmerman, familiarly known as Grandma Zimmerman, was suddenly called from this earth to the "mansion not built with hands," late Friday night. Although she had complained of not feeling well for two days, yet no one thought that her earthly pilgrimage was so near its close. She had not been strong for some time; age had been wearing on her physical being. Loving hands and the best of care was given at all times, trying to nurse back and hold her, but it was willed otherwise, so gently and sweetly she closed her eyes to earthly scenes with an abiding faith of being able to see and meet her loved ones over yonder. Mother Zimmerman was one of those home loving wives and mothers, who worked and wrought that her loved ones might enjoy. Kind words, accompanied by kind acts, were always uppermost with her and those who knew her best hear testimony of a well lived life. The aged husband, bereft of wife and helpmate, who traveled down life's pathway with him for almost sixty years, will miss her and the children, privileged to have mother with them these many years, will have fond memories of her. Her friends and neighbors will miss her but not forget All with one accord can say, "Rest in peace."

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from St. Paul's Lutheran church, with Rev. J. E. Rich. Schmidt officiating. Throngs of friends and neighbors were present to pay their last respects. Burial was in the Lutheran cemetery.

Gertrude Garrels Zimmerman was born at Buerden, Ostenfriesland, Germany, on the 13th day of August, 1842, and died at Ireton, Iowa, on the 6th day of September, 1929, at the age of 87 years and 24 days. Infancy and childhood were spent in the parental home at Buerden. She was confirmed n the Lutheran faith at Remmels, Ostenfriesland. When eighteen years old, in company with an elder sister, the late Mrs. Gerdes, she came to America on invitation of their brother, the late Luembke Garrels. The sisters made their home at Mt. Olive, Illinois. In 1871, at Mt. Olive, she was united in marriage with Mr. R. A. Zimmerman of Nokomis, Illinois. They lived together in happy wedlock almost 59 years. The first 13 years of their married life were spent in Nokomis, 111., where Mr. Zimmerman had established himself in business. In 1884 the family came to Ireton and in the same year established the home in which they lived these 45 years, a home in which, to the last, the children and their families, and friends and neighbors as well, always found a glad welcome. Mrs. Zimmerman was the mother of six children, all of whom, with the exception of Tena, the late Mrs. Martin Moeller, remain with the aged father to mourn her departure. They are: John Zimmerman, of Ireton; Matilda Niehaus,of Granada, Minn.; Hanna Zimmerman, .Ireton, Bertha Struck, of Fairmont, Minn.; Mary Hagge, of Ireton. Also she leaves to mourn her going one sister, Mrs. Hannah Janssen of Ruskin, Neb., 15 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a host of friends and acquaintances, and St. Paul's Lutheran congregation of Ireton, of which she was a charter member.