Drewes, Katherine (Mrs. Claus) 1863-1941

DREWES, ELSEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Sioux County Index (12-19-1941)

Born: November 8, 1863
Died: December 14, 1941

MRS. KATHERINE DREWES DIED SUNDAY; BURIED WEDNESDAY

Mrs. Katherine Drewes, a resident of the Hull vicinity for many years, passed away last Sunday morning, December 14, 1941, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Stoehr, northwest of Hull. She had reached the age of 78 years, 1 month and 6 days.

Mrs. Drwes, a widow, leaves to mourn her passing six daughters and one son: Anna (Mrs. Schlichimann) in Germany; Betty (Mrs. Butt) in Germany; Johanna (Mrs. La Franz) of Rock Rapids; Meta (Mrs. Riebeling) of George; Marie (Mrs. Moeller) of MacGrath, Minnesota; Sophie (Mrs. Stoehr) of Hulll and George Drewes of Rock Rapid. Also she is survived by 33 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. One son preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held from the Stoehr home and from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 17th, with her pastor, Reverend A. F. Zenk, officiating. Interment was in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were all grandsons, were: Henry and George La Franz, Alfred and Elmer Riebeling, Claus Drewes, Laurence Breuer and Waldo Riebeling.

The Index joins the many friends and relatives of the children in extending sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

Katherine Elsen was born to Mr. and Mrs. Elsen at Dobrock, Hanover, Germany, on November 8, 1863. She was brought to baptism in early infancy and became a child of God and a follower of Jesus, the Savior. And she walked in the spirit of her baptism throughout life. She renewed and made her own the vows delivered at her baptism when, after due instruction in school, and especially confirmation reading, she was received into membership with the Lutheran Church ar Kadenberge and was confirmed in the faith once delivered to the saints. To this promise made at confirmation she remained true.

Her childhood and youthful years were spent in the environs of the parental home and community. At. The age of 19 she was given in marriage to Mr. Claus, in 1882. They spent 24 years of their married life in the land of their birth. Knowing of the greater opportunities offered in the States they journeyed to our shores in 1906 and arrived on May 6. They settled on a farm about 6 miles northeast if St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lyon County, Iowa. This place was their home for ten years until they moved to a farm directly north of St. Paul’s Church. And from this farm they retired to Rock Rapids in 1923 to remain until 1926. During the Rock Rapids residence, Mr. Drewes passed on into eternity.

Likely enough it was the desire of the widow to be close to her old acquaintances and she changed her residence from Rock Rapids to Hull. She made her home here until her death.

God blessed Mrs. Drewes with a robust, healthy body and a pleasing disposition. Labor, even hard outdoor labor, was her self evident and in all cheerfulness she assisted her husband and became a real helpmate to him who was possibly less blessed with bodily strength. Thus she plied her strength and skill in happy pursuit and was hardly to be discouraged by reverses. But there is a limit to everything mortal and, as the years advance, she remained that even life at its best is but a transient, frail thing that terminates in death and the escape of the soul.

During her latter years it became necessary for her to seek medical aid at different times. About five years ago she had a very marked attack and was hospitalized at Hull amid pain and suffering. She rallied and recovered fairly well under the care of her daughter. Again she was in seemingly good health until last summer when her aliment did show its real nature.

She was cared for in the Stoehr home and everything was done to relieve her, but to no avail. The good Lord had made the decision to call her. Feeling the approach of the end she was anxious to finish her projects and did with the help of good ladies. She prepared for the end by making diligent use of the means of grace. In these she found her strength and courage. Last Saturday, when the last blessing was given by her pastor, she was fully conscious and thankful to God for His mercy to the end. Yes, truly, God was good to her. One of her last remarks was: “It is so nice, I have no pain.”

Early Sunday morning, December 14, she slumbered away into eternity. May God have her soul, washed by the blood of the Lamb.