Baetke, Tjode (Mrs. Rev. Wilhelm) 1863-1901

BAETKE, FRANZEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg (email)
Date: 10/3/2016 at 06:48:00

The Boyden Reporter Feb 22, 1901

Mrs. Rev. Wm. Baetke was born in Adams county Illinois April 7, 1863 and when five years of age moved with her parents to Livingston county where she resided until she was united in Marriage to Rev. Beatke May 12, 1887, at which time she has resided with her husband in the parsonage north of town and greatly assisted in the upbuilding of the chnrch there.

Seven children were born to this union one of which died Feb. 26, 1895. and the infant on the day of its birth, Friday Feburary the 8th and the mother joined it one hour later. The Funeral occured Tuesday Feburary 12 and the remains were laid away to their eternal rest. At the home Rev. F . Chworowsly of Sibley conducted the services, at the church in which she has worked and loved so well, Rev.Philip Ackermann of Welcome, Minn , and President of the Dakota District of the Iowa Snyod conducted the services. At the grave Rev. D. Franzon of Ashton said the last words over the remains of the one who was so dearly beloved by all her neighbors and friends.

This sudden death was a shock to the many friends of Pastor Baetke as well as a special shock on the husband and family. A little child was also taken and laid side by side with the mother in the silent grave. Resting quitelv in the arms of the dead mother in a casket covered with beautiful flowers the dead were consigned to their lonely resting place until God calls them from dust to eternal love.

A large company of friends and relatives were present at the funeral. In fact the church was inadequate to hold the half of the throng of people who came to show their respect for the dead. Brother Baetke has our sympathy and sorrow in this double affliction. The family have lived at the parsonage four miles north of town for the past seventeen years and have commanded the respect and friendship of all the community. As pastor of the Lutheran church Mrs. Baetke is well known and as a minister’s wife. Mrs. Baetke has exerted a kind and wholesome influence on the people among whom they labor. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn her loss.

Plucked off in middle life her cup of joy was full in meeting her Master. The same hand that touched her and and come up higher, will care for her sorrowing husband and motherless children.

( The Sioux County Cemetery index lists her as Tjode L. Baetke born 7 Apr 1863 died 8 Feb 1901 wife of William buried St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery Boyden IA. The 1900 census of Sheridan Township lists Wm. Bartke(Baetke) born Oct 1864 Germany; wife Joda born Apr 1863 married 1887, Children were Elizabeth Baetke 12, John 9, Emma 7, Mires 4 and August 1.

Tjode’s death was found in the St. John’s Boyden deaths as; Baetke, Tjode (Mrs, Wm.) nee'Franzen born Apr 7, 1863 died Feb. 8, 1901. Other family members listed in St John’s death records were Carl Friedrich Johannes son of Pastor Wm. Born Feb 26, 1895 died Feb 28, 1895, Infant stillborn son of Pastor Wm. Feb 8, 1901 died Feb 18, 1901.

William/Wilhelm Baetke must have had a second wife Augusta P. Matuscheska born 1869 died 1960 buried in St. John’s cemetery. )