Grau, George 1855-1942

GRAU, WILSON, COLLINS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 2/10/2017 at 10:18:22

Source: Hawarden (5-21-1942)

Born: April 24, 1855
Died: 1942

George Grau passed away about 11 o’clock last Thursday morning at his home following a stroke which he suffered the day before. Mr. Grau was listening to the radio when he was stricken and his wife in the same room at the time. She noticed Mr. Grau slump forward on his chair and attempting to say something. When Mrs. Grau went to his assistance she discovered that he had suffered a stroke.

His passing was a great shock to his friends, old and young, for on Wednesday afternoon before he was stricken he was up town with his usual greetings to all. Although one of the oldest residents of the town he was able day after day to go after his mail and do his errands. He had grown to be a familiar figure on the streets and his passing will be missed by many in the community.

George Grau was born at Muscatine, Iowa, April 24, 1855, and was a son of Leonard and Mary Grau. His parents migrated here from Germany in their younger years. He was one of a family of 12 children. He was united in marriage with Clara Wilson and one son was born to this union. The mother passed away shortly after and the son died some years later. On November 17, 1896, he was united in marriage with the present Mrs. Grau, Anna Collins, who survives him.

He spent his youth and young manhood at Montour where he attended school. Later he attended Grinnell College at Grinnell. He learned the carpenter trade which he followed most of his adult life, being a good workman. He came to Ireton about 47 years ago and this has been his home continuously since then. After giving up his trade as he grew older he was busy with other jobs. For many years he was a janitor at the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for 50 years. Mr. Grau was always interested in civic life as well as national life. Being well read having a god memory, he could relate past events entertainingly. He had reached the ripe age of 87 years and 19 days.

Funeral services were held from the home Sunday at 1:30 in the afternoon and at 2 o’clock from the Presbyterian Church with W.O. Harper of Ringsted, former Ireton pastor, in charge. The men’s quartet, W.F. Brown, F.W. Schuette, B.W. Rogers and Reverend W.O. Harper sang several appropriate hymns. The many and beautiful floral offerings showed the esteem of the departed. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Odd Fellows and Rebekabs in great numbers and others from Hawarden paid their tribute of last respects. The pallbearers were Phil Walker, A.M. Richardson, R.S. Miller, John Smith, J.E. Stoner and Frank Taylor.

Besides his widow he leaves three sisters, Mrs. Anna Clay of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Mrs. Charles Winders of Toledo, Iowa and Mrs. Christie Clements of Ames, Iowa; two brothers, Carl of Cedar Rapids and Leonard of Long Beach, California; a granddaughter, Mrs. Rollo Perrine of Cedar Rapids; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Relatives from out of town who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Grau and Mr. and Mrs. William Winders of Le Mars; Mrs. Ed Larkin of Hudson; Mr. and Mrs. Rollo Perrine and Carl Perrine of Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Allgier, Mrs. Chas. Allgier and Mr. an Mrs. Ralph Brooks of Lake Andes, South Dakota.