Gefke, Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Mrs. Andreas F.) 1867-1933

GEFKE, MUNDT

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 1/10/2017 at 08:27:30

Source: Hawarden Independent (10-12-1933)

Birth: January 31, 1867
Death: October 9, 1933

Mrs. Wilhelmina "Minnie" Gefke, pioneer resident of Hawarden, died at her home in this city about 1 o'clock Monday morning from uremia. She had been in gradually failing health for many years but had been confined to her bed only within the last few weeks.

Funeral services were held at the Ross Funeral Home at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Reverend R.J. Cornell, and burial was made in Grace Hill Cemetery.

Wilhelmina Mundt was born in Heide, Germany, on January 31, 1867, and died October 9, 1933, at the age of 66 years, 8 months and 8 days. She grew to young womanhood in Germany and came to the United States when about 18 years of age and settled in Tama County. Two years later she moved to Hawarden and her home has been here for the forty-six years which have intervened, except for a short period of time when she lived with her daughter in Nebraska.

She was united in marriage in Hawarden with Andreas F. Gefke on April 17, 1889. Mr. Gefke passed away May 3, 1925. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gefke, two of whom survive. Thomas, the elder son, died August 12, 1913. A daughter, Mrs. Emma Grabenstein of Eustis, Nebraska, and a son, Fred A. Gefke of Hawarden, are the surviving children. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Gefke are the only grandchildren. About five years ago Mrs. Gefke went to Eustis, Nebraska, and made her home for more than two years with her daughter there. She returned to Hawarden three years ago and since that time she and Mrs. Cara Thill, mother of Mrs. Fred A. Gefke, have lived together.

Mrs. Gefke was a member of the Lutheran Church, having been baptized and confirmed in that faith in Germany. She was a quiet, unassuming, home-loving woman and her interests were almost wholly wrapped up in the welfare of the members of her family. She had endured ill health for nearly thirty years but bore it without complaint and with the comfort and well being of her loved ones always uppermost in her mind. She enjoyed the utmost devotion of her children and the sympathy of the community is extended to them in their loss.