Pluss, Johann Rudolf (John) 1841-1931

PLUSS, HOCHSTRASSER, HACKSTRAUSS, HUNZICKER, HUNSICKER

Posted By: Janet Brown - volunteer (email)
Date: 8/3/2013 at 11:09:18

From the Thursday, December 3, 1931 Ireton Ledger:

LAST RITES FOR OLDEST RESIDENT HELD SATURDAY

Funeral services for the late John Pluss were held last Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Paul's Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. F. W. Bruch. The services were attended by a large crowd of relatives and friends who came to pay their last respects to the departed. Following the services the body was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery.

John Rudolf Pluss was born January 11, 1841, in Teufenthal, Switzerland. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Pluss. Having completed the elementary schools, he was apprenticed to a master butcher, learning his trade. When 21 years old, Mr. Pluss entered the military service, serving several months each year during his residence in Switzerland. In 1867, Mr. Pluss entered holy matrimony with Miss Rosetta Hochstrasser. Two children were born to them. But three years later, in 1870, Mrs. Pluss passed away leaving her husband a widower and her children orphans. For a number of years Mr. Pluss followed his trade.

In 1888 he married Bertha Hunsicker. Four children were born to this union. In 1903 the family came to America and made their home on the Zimmerman farm south of Ireton. In 1911, Mr. and Mrs. Pluss retired to Ireton, where they made their home.

Mr. Pluss was favored with good health except for the last few weeks of his life, when his strength failed considerable due to his advanced age. Amid the tender care of his family, he departed this life on the morning of November 25, arriving at an age of 90 years, 10 months and 14 days. He is mourned by his widow, his children, Emil of Switzerland, Fred of Hawarden and Bertha Houlton of Parker, S. D.; also 17 grand children, and 4 great-grandchildren: two nephews, E. A. Lindenman and J. A, Lindenman and one niece, Mrs. Elsa Moser of California.

The departed was a baptized and confirmed member of the Lutheran church. Although not as active a church member as many others due to an impaired sense of hearing, his thumb worn Bible indicates his diligent search and study of the Word of God for his salvation. He was a devoted husband, a kind father, and a respected neighbor, honored for his honesty and unassuming manner.

Poster's note: In "Ireton, A Proud Heritage, 1882-1982", p. 447, the spelling of the maiden name of John's first wife is given as Hackstrauss. His second wife's maiden name was spelled Hunzicker in her obituary and on her tombstone.

The maiden name of John's mother is illegible in the 1925 Iowa census microfilm; however ancestry.com transcribes it as Susan Monroe.

According to "Ireton, A Proud Heritage, 1882-1982", he was preceded in death by a daughter (from his first marriage), Elise (Pluss) Lindenman (Mrs. J.A. Lindeman) on Feb.21, 1905 in Ireton, Iowa; and a daughter, Bertha born October 17, 1890 and died in infancy in Switzerland.