Moeller, Hans, 1854-1926

MOELLER, HARTWIGSEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

From the Rock Valley Bee, January 29, 1926:

HANS MOELLER DIES AT HOME IN ALVORD
Was Prominent in Church and Business Circles, A Leader in His Community

The deceased, Mr. Hans Moeller, was born on the 17th day of February 1854, in Schleswig Holstein, Germany. In pursuant of the command of God, he was baptised in infancy and after being duly instructed in the Holy word of God, he was confirmed in the blessed doctrines of the Lutheran Church. He assisted his parents in their work and after having come to mature years, engaged in what ever work he could secure.

In the year 1897[1879?] he left his native country and came to America. His first home was at Mason City, Iowa where he worked at various trades. In the year of 1886 he returned to Germany to visit his relatives and friends. Upon his return to this country the following year, while in the city of New York, he was united in marriage to Miss Christine Hartwigsen.

Mr. and Mrs. Moeller then moved to Sioux County and took up farming. They farmed a short time southeast of Rock Valley, but in the fall of that year moved onto his own farm in Plato Township seven miles south of Rock Valley. While there his happy family came to an abrupt end when on April 26, 1994[i.e., 1894], his wife died. Mr. Moeller faithfully cared for his three motherless children, a son Wm., and two daughters Mary and Lizzie.

On the seventh day of September 1895, Mr. Moeller married Miss Christine Lange of Davenport, Iowa who now survives him. Two years ago he leased his farm to his sons, Hans and Charley. Mr. Moeller retired, and moved to Alvord, where he lived till death called him.

About six years ago the deceased suffered a paralytic stroke which impaired his health considerably. But he again rallied, but his first stroke was followed by two more which naturally weakened him. However, he enjoyed fairly good health until last September, when he began to fail.

Heart failure and Dropsy caused him considerable suffering and gradually absorbed his vitality. Several weeks ago his condition was so serious that his death momentarily expected. To the great surprise of his family and friends, however, he again rallied and became quite well. It was only the lull, for last Sunday the 17th he again became worse and rapidly approached the end. Last Thursday, January 21, while sitting with his son William he passed away at 3:30 o’clock P.M.

Mr. Moeller was a public spirited man and possessed great business ability. He was a leader of men in his county and wherever possible performed such service as was a benefit to his fellowmen.

In 1890 he was instrumental in organizing the German Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Sioux, Lyon and Plymouth Counties. He was chosen secretary of the organization, which office he has held and faithfully executed the duties until the year of 1919, when because of his impaired health he resigned. In 1907 he also assisted in organizing the Sioux Center Co-operative Society and was its able president until the year 1923. Furthermore he was also active in organizing the Farmers Mutual Elevator Insurance Co. whose headquarters are now at Ft. Dodge, Iowa. For many years Mr. Moeller served as president of that Company and due to his untiring efforts he had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing its healthy and rapid increase in business. In his home town of Rock Valley he was associated with the First National Bank and was vice president of this Bank at the time of his death.

Where ever he could assist in organizing or indorsing co-operative organization he always did so and his services were always appreciated. He almost constantly held Township and county offices and rendered valuable service to his neighbors and fellowmen.

In spite of much business, he did not forget nor neglect the duties toward his church. He was primarily responsible for the organizing of the Lutheran Church of Plato Township and has given the land whereupon the church now stands. He gave the church liberal support, both morally and financially. He was a staunch friend of the ministers of his church, his home always opened to them and every pastor can relate of his encouragement and help he received from Mr. Moeller.

He is survived by a wife and ten children. The names of the children are as follows: William of Alvord Ia.; Mary, Mrs. Herman Schlumbom, of Alvord; Lizzie, Mrs. Fred Johnson of Rock Valley; Anna, Mrs. Bernard Serk of Alvord, Iowa; Dora, Mrs. Carl Preiskat of Inwood, Iowa; Hans Jr. and Charley on the home place; Emma, Mrs. Harry Serk of Alvord, Iowa; Wilma and Harry at home in Alvord. One daughter died when 20 years old and one son in infancy. He also leaves two brothers, Jacob of LeMars and Martin of Ireton, and one sister, Mrs. Chris Cordsen of Kansas City, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, and many more distant relatives, a host of friends and a very large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Moeller attained the age of seventy one years, eleven months and four days.

Funeral services were held Sunday January 24, 1926, at 12 o’clock at the home in Alvord and at 2 o’clock at the Lutheran Church of Plato Township. The services were conducted in both the American and German languages, by Rev. E. H. Jahr of Alvord and Rev. J. Dachsteiner of Plato Township. Many beautiful flowers were given, a large circle of relatives and friends were present to pay their tribute. Burial took place on the family lot near the Church.

(The obituary also includes a rather fuzzy portrait photograph.)

* * * * * * * * * *

Essentially the same obituary was also published in the Alton Democrat, January 29, 1926. The headline characterizes him as “Prominent Plato Township Farmer and Stockman.”