Hoffmann, Mathias 1861-1931)

HOFFMANN, KELLEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/2/2017 at 23:09:26

Source: Alton Democrat (3-20-1931)

Born: August 3, 1861
Died: 1931

WELL KNOWN SIOUX COUNTY FARMER GONE--MATHIAS HOFFMAN DIED LAST WEDNESDAY AFTER A FEW DAYS ILLNESS

Mathias Hoffmann, aged 69, died last Wednesday at his home one mile north of Hospers, after being ill only a few days. The Friday previous to his death, although not feeling well he went to Hospers and still able to be up Monday when the doctor was called. It was pronounced pneumonia by the doctor and on Wednesday when the crisis came Mr. Hoffman passed away.

He was born at Bervurg, duchy of Lexembourg, August 3, 1861, but at the age of 22 came to America to seek his fortune, staying first at Aurora, Illinois. He soon sought happiness further west, however, and settled at Cherokee. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Kellen at St. Donatus, Iowa on January 8, 1889, and they resided on a farm at Cherokee for a couple of years, then moving to St. Denatus where they affirmed for nine years. In 1900 the family moved to what is now the Louis Noethe farm in Nassau Township and they resided here for seven years, then moving to the farm a mile north of Hospers in 1907.Three years later he retired from active farm work and moved to Hospers where he had since made his home.

Mr. Hoffmann was the youngest of his family, one brother and one sister preceding him in death. He is survived by eight children, as follows: Mrs. Theodore Klein of Granville, Mike and Miss Emma Hoffmann, both of Bancroft, Iowa; Nick, John, Alois, Mrs. William B. Klein and Mrs. Nick Becker, all of Hospers and also by fifteen grandchildren.

Funeral services for the respected citizen, who counted his friends by his acquaintances were held at St. Anthony Catholic Church at Hospers on Saturday morning, with Requiem Mass by the pastor, the Reverend John Thoennissen.

Among the many from out of town who came to attend the last rites were the following: Nick Rolling, Perry, Oklahoma; Frank Hoffmann, Pretty Prairie, Kansas; John Clasen, John Homan, Ililda Homan, Mrs. Joe Sturn, Mrs. Chas Hilbert all of Springbrook, Iowa; Mrs. John Rolling and son Vincent and daughter Loretta, Bellevue, Iowa; Mrs. Susan Freymann, Mrs. Anna Kellen and daughters, Kate, Emma and Clara and sons Peter and Leo, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kellen, all of Le Mars; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Schnurr, Alois Kellen, Mr. and Mrs. William Nijebel, all of Granville; Mr. and Mrs. Math Herrig and son Mike, Mrs. Mary Harens, Mrs. Catherine Herrig and daughter Celesta, Mike Gaspar Sr. and son Mike and daughters, Mary and Susan all of Alton. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Berrig and on Lawrence, Peter Herrig and Miss Mary Herrig all of Iona, Minnesota; Mrs. Clem Diers and sons Frank and Gerhard and daughter Frances, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hueser of Marcus, and Mrs. Eugene Webber and Frank Webber of Cherokee.