Torwelle, Otto 1894-1928

TORWELLE, LEEKER, VERRY

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/9/2013 at 15:58:01

Hawarden Independent July 26, 1928

Born: 1-27-1894
Died: 7-21-1928

Otto Torwelle dies suddenly. The community was greatly shocked when work spread that Otto Torwelle had died suddenly in the Hawarden hospital shortly before midnight Saturday night. The news from his bedside had been very encouraging to the last hour before his death and many could hardly believe that a sudden change closed his earthly career so soon. In the very prime of life, a short time ago seemingly sturdy as an oak, then an automobile accident in which he suffered an injury to his limb, necessitated treatment at the Hawarden hospital for a few days. Having seemingly recovered from the injuries sustained in the accident he returned home for a few days only to be taken seriously ill with appendicitis and was rushed back to the hospital for an operation which seemed to be successful and the patient was making a good recovery. Patient and attendants were hopeful and looking forward to the day not far distant, from all indications, when he could again return home to his wife and two children. But God's ways are not always man's ways and he was called to join his father, brother and sister on the other shore instead of his loved ones here. A death always seems sad, but the parting in this case strikes doubly hard to his young wife and little daughter and son and his aged mother, who was bereft of her husband only a short time ago as time is counted. Otto had many friends and was respected by all. He was a hard worker, a good provider, husband and father, who was devoted to his loved ones and ever anxious for their best welfare. The entire community extends sympathy to the sorrowing.

Otto Carl Torwelle, son of Henry Torwelle and Henrietta nee Leeker, was born at Ireton Jan. 27, 1894 and died at Hawarden July 21,1928, at the age of 34 years, 5 months and 24 days. His childhood and youth was spent in his parental home. He was confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ireton with the class of 1907. In 1919 he was united in marriage with Mabel Verry of Wessington Springs, S.D. This union was blessed with two children, Beverly and Deane. Two weeks ago Sunday on a road northeast of Hawarden he met with an accident, crashing into a parked car with his own in which his family and mother were the occupants. All but the five-year-old son Deane were more or less injured. The deceased had a severe gash cut on his leg. He, as well as his wife, who was also severely injured, was taken to the Hawarden hospital. He had been home from the hospital but a few days when he was stricken with a severe case of appendicitis, and he was rushed back to the hospital and operated on immediately. This was on Wednesday night of last week. His condition following the operation gave promise to speedy recovery and he was hopeful and cheerful. Late Saturday night while being waited upon by a hospital attendant, he was suddenly stricken with heart failure. An embolism likely produced by bruises received in the immediate cause of his death.

Otto was one of a family of eight children. One brother and one sister as well as his aged father, preceded him into eternity. There remain to mourn his departure his widowed wife, Mabel Verry Torwelle, with two small children, Beverly Helen and Russell Deane, his mother, Mrs. H. Torwelle, three brothers and two sisters with their families, Henry Torwelle of LeMars; William and Carl Torwelle, Mrs. Walter Hoogland and Mrs. Robert Greigg of Ireton; besides other near relatives, a host of friends and St. Paul's Lutheran congregation.

Funeral services were held at St. Paul's Lutheran church at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. It was necessary to change the hour because relatives from Idaho were expected on the afternoon train. Rev. J.E. Richard Schmidt, the pastor, was in charge of the services and spoke very comforting words to the sorrowing ones as well as to the assembled friends and neighbors. It was one of the largest funerals ever held here, people coming from far and near to take a last farewell and show their respect to the memory of the departed. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Burial was made in the Lutheran cemetery near the loved ones gone before.