Gacke, Henry J.,1864-1914

GACKE, SPLEAR

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/1/2015 at 20:21:25

From the Rock Valley Bee, May 22, 1914:

HENRY J. GACKE CALLED SUDDENLY

Henry J. Gacke died very suddenly at his home southwest of Rock Valley last Friday morning [May 15] of inflammation of the stomach. He had not been well for three or four days, but was advised by the doctors that nothing very serious was troubling him. No one ever suspected that death was so near at hand. He complained of not feeling well when he went to bed Thursday evening. It is thought that he died at about 2 o'clock Friday morning. He was found dead in bed that morning.

Mr. Gacke had lived in this vicinity most of the time since 1883, his occupation being that of a farmer and a carpenter. He was a man who was highly respected and had many friends among his neighbors and acquaintances. He leaves a wife and ten children and four brothers and sisters.

The subject of this sketch was born at Burlington, Wis., March 4th, 1864, and was at the time of his death forty-nine years, six months and eleven days old. He came to Sioux county in 1883 where he had lived almost continuously until death claimed him.

In March 1889 he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Splear at Rock Valley. To this union were born twelve children, ten of whom are now living. They are Frank of Grand Falls, Mont., John of St. Cloud, Minn., Edward, William, Louis, Irene, Mary, Lucy, Emma, and Ella, all at home. His brothers and sisters living are John at Mankato, Minn., William of Sibley, Mrs. Ben Richter of Ashton, Ia., and Mary Gacke.

Funeral services were held from St. Mary's church in this city of which the deceased was a member and also of the Catholic order of Foresters, Monday forenoon conducted by Rev. Father O'Rielly. The services were largely attended. Those from a distance besides his brothers and sisters who attended were Mrs. Mary J. Gacke and Mr. and Mr. D. Murphy of Hull, Ben Gacke and sister and Mr. and Mrs. John O'Connor of Alvord, and Mr. and Mrs. John Tremmel of Ashton, Ia. The bereaved family and relatives have the sincere sympathy of many friends in their sorrow.
NOTE:
(The Sioux County Cemetery index gives his birth date as 4 Nov 1864.)
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Source: Alton Democrat issue of 23 May 1914, Rock Valley column.

This community was startled Friday morning, May 15th, by the announcement of the death Henry J. Gacke, at his home near Rock Valley, of inflammation of the stomach. H was a man of apparently strong physique, and the report seemed almost [increditable]sic, but nevertheless true. He had been indisposed for several days and the family was assured that his condition was not serious, and at a late hour in the evening his companion laid down to rest beside him, while she slept the last enemy whose pursuit of men is persistently close through every lane of life, stealthily came, and his spirit passed to that country "where everlasting springs abide." The deceased was born November 4th, 1864, at Burlington, Wis., and was therefore forty-nine years, six months and eleven days of age at his death. He came to Sioux Co., Feb. 4th, 1883, when in his teens. He learned the trade of a carpenter and proved to be a competent mechanic. He formed the acquaintance of Miss Lena C. Splear, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Splear. This acquaintance ripened into affection which eventually culminated in their marriage, November 8th, 1889. As a result of this union twelve children were born to brighten their home, two of whom preceded him to the land of light. Their marital relations were pleasant, and he found pleasure in the associations with his family at the fireside. He was a man of exemplary habits, reserved and inoffensive, pleasant and genial in disposition, honest and upright, and he would discommode himself to accommodate a friend. He will be missed in the community by his neighbors and friends, but more especially by his family, who feel keenly the loss they have sustained in his demise....
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