Grau, John Michael "Mike" 1866- 1935

GRAU, GANDY

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/29/2013 at 12:13:38

Hawarden Independent of Feb 14, 1935

J. M. Grau Died Suddenly Saturday

The whole community received a severe shock Saturday when the word spread that J. M. Grau was called suddenly in death. That morning as had been his custom, he went down town for his mail, went to the barber shop and from there into the drug store. At the latter place, talking with friends, he told of a pain in his chest which he ascribed to carrying wood at his home.

A further stop or two was made and he went home, three blocks again. When he reached his home he suddenly collapsed and was gone before medical aid could reach him. Mr. Grau had not been in the best of health for years and a few years ago went to Rochester, Minn., where he obtained relief and soon began regaining his strength and since that time has taken a more active interest and part. In his many years on the farm where he worked hard, success crowned his efforts and he was the possessor of many acres of Sioux county soil with well equipped buildings. He was always interested in the affairs of his country, national, state and local, expressing himself freely on all matters.

He will be missed from the community and the wife, who for nearly 47 years has traveled life's road with him, as well as the children, have the sympathy of all in their loss of husband and father.

The funeral was held from the home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Harper in charge. Burial was made in Pleasant Hill cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Large numbers of neighbors and friends joined' the relatives in paying their last respects to the memory of the departed.

John Michael Grau, son of Leonard and Mary Grau, was born April 7, 1866, near Montour, Tama county, Iowa, and died at his home in Ireton Feb. 9, 1935, aged 69 years, 10 months and 2 days. He obtained his schooling in the old home community. Here he was married March 16, 1888, to Miss Edith Gandy. They immediately began farming and continued to live near Montour until tbe spring of 1904, when they moved to Sioux county where they have since resided. They located on a farm seven miles north of Ireton where they lived until the fall of 1916, when they moved to Ireton which has until now been their home..

To Mr. and Mrs Grau were born seven children, A son and daughter preceded him. in death. Those surviving are four sons, Ora, Roger and Asa of Ireton and Deane of Sioux City, and one daughter, Mrs. Helen Mitchell of Ireton. There are also nine grandsons, six granddaughters and one great granddaughter. There are four brothers, George of Ireton, Leonard and Lawrence of Long Beach, Calif., and Karl of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There are four sisters, Mrs. Anna Clay of Bancroft, S. D., Mrs. Lizzie Allgier of lake Andes, S. D., Mrs. Bettie Winders of Toledo, and Mrs. Christie Clement of Ames. There are many nephews and nieces.

The deceased was well and favorably known both in this community and beyond it. While not a member of church, he had the greatest respect for the Christian religion. He was a regular supporter of the church. He •had 'a. warm 'heart and consequently many friends. In all matters that arose he continually sought what seemed to him a right solution. His sudden passing is great shock to all, especially to those who were nearest and dearest to him. But as we would rather suffer ourselves than see those whom we love suffer, there is great reason for gratitude that in the manner of his going he was spared the pains that so many cannot avoid. May the God of all grace sustain and comfort those who remain.