Gerling, Hedde J. 1861-1935

GERLING, OSTERKAMP

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 8/26/2014 at 00:24:01

Source: Hawarden Independent (12-12-1935)

Born: October 9, 1861
Died: 1935

Monday morning a little after 8 o’clock Ireton was again saddened when it became known that Hedde Gerling had passed away at his home. He got up as usual feeling in good spirits, did some of the chores about the house, then suddenly complained of severe pains in the heart region. He lay down on his bed and a few minutes later entered his last long sleep. A doctor was hurriedly called as soon as his condition was realized but he was beyond help, heart trouble being the cause of his death.

Hedde Janssen Gerling was born October 9, 1861, In Ostfriesland, Germany, and was confirmed there in the Lutheran Faith. He came to America in 1891. He was a carpenter by trade. While in Germany he was a soldier from 1878 to 1880. He spent his life in America in Plymouth and Sioux Counties. He was united in marriage with Kana Osterkamp January 23, 1896, and for nearly 40 years they traveled life’s pathway together, both happy in each other’s company. For seven years after their marriage they lived on a farm in Reading township, south of Ireton. Later, they purchased the farm 3 ½ miles north of Ireton in Eagle township where they lived for ten years. At that time they came to Ireton, purchased the Joe Byrne property and he resided there 23 years until death called him. He joined the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in 1896 and served as an elder in this church for 20 years. He lived his Christianity every day. His honesty, his fair mindedness and his tolerance were generally known to all. He was everyone’s friend and he will be greatly missed by neighbors and acquaintances because of his general good cheer and greetings for everyone. His fine citizenship and standards will be greatly missed. He leaves his wife and many other relatives.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Rev. H.W. Krieger in charge. He was laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery. Honorary pall bearers were John Viothe, John Renken, F.W. Marienau, Herman Mellies, Henry Benit Sr. and Henry Dittmer. Active pallbearers were Henry Benit Jr., John Viotho Jr., H.H. Braaks, Harry Johnson, Henry Johnson and Will Treiber.