Schmidt, John A., 1865-1918

SCHMIDT, KRUSE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/16/2016 at 08:44:21

From the Rock Valley Bee, November 1, 1918:

JOHN A. SCHMIDT DEAD

This community was shocked Wednesday to hear of the death of John A. Schmidt, a prominent farmer and well known resident of this vicinity for many years, whose death occurred Wednesday forenoon from rheumatism of the heart. He was up and around as usual in the morning, but complained of not feeling well, but his family did not think anything serious was the matter, as he had not been in the best of health for several days, being bothered with his tonsils. Suddenly without warning he passed away. It is naturally a great shock to his family, and they surely have the sincere sympathy of many friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at the church northwest of Rock Valley. A further account will be given next week.

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From the Rock alley Bee, November 8, 1918:

JOHN A. SCHMIDT

The funeral services of John A. Schmidt, whose death was briefly mentioned in last week's Bee, were held at the late home of the deceased Saturday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. Gillmann, and the remains were taken to the Sioux Cemetery four miles west of his home for interment.

Mr. Schmidt was born at Sabula, Iowa, July 22, 1865, and passed away at his home northwest of Rock Valley Wednesday, October 30, 1918, at the age of fifty-three years, three months and eight days. His early life and young manhood, he spent in eastern Iowa in the neighborhood where he was born. In 1885 with his parents he came to Sioux County. They settled on a farm northwest of Rock Valley, and he lived in that vicinity almost continuously until death claimed him.

He was married in 1895 to Miss Wilhelmina Kruse. To this union were born six children, three boys and three girls; all of whom are living and are with their mother, except one, Edward, who is in the service of his country in France. Besides his wife and children, he leaves to mourn, his aged mother, Mrs. C. T. Schmidt, and his daughterinlaw, Mrs. Edward Schmidt whose husband is with the colors in France, and also thee sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Adolph Serek of near Hudson, Mrs. F. Feuerhelm, and Mrs. T. Wittrock of Canistota, S.D., and Henry and Herman Schmidt of Rock Valley vicinity, and Christ. Schmidt of Canistota.

Thus the life story of one of our most useful and prominent residents is briefly told, but it does not tell the whole story of the usefulness of that life, of devotion to his family, of his influence for good in the neighborhood, of an upright, loyal citizen, and a useful man in many different walks of life. The large attendance at the funeral, and the many beautiful floral offerings tell more than mere words of the high esteem in which he was held.

The different positions of honor and trust, which were given him by his neighbors are the best expressions of their confidence in his manhood, honor and ability. He was township trustee for more than twelve years, and was also school director for about the same period of time, and he held other positions of trust, among which was director of the Farmers Elevator, and also the Farmers Lumber Co. of Rock Valley for many years. His life was one of great usefulness and his memory will be an inspiration for good to the people of his community for many years to come. He was a devoted Christian, and during the twenty-three years of his residence here, he was a regular attendant at church services.

His death, coming suddenly as it did, was a great shock to his family, and the entire neighborhood. He had been suffering from tonsillitis for a few weeks but his condition was not considered serious, and he went about his daily tasks as usual. On the morning of his death, he complained of not feeling well, and soon afterwards the end came most unexpectedly, from rheumatism of the heart.