Elizabeth Norton Kopf (1872-1929)

KOPF, NORTON, GIBSON, MARTIN

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/11/2005 at 22:42:04

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, December 5, 1929, page 1, column 1. "Mrs. A. M. KOPF. - Elizabeth Norton Kopf, daughter of Bela A. and Catherine Norton, was born in Saylorville, Polk county, Iowa, August 10, 1872, and departed this life at the Methodist hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, November 29, 1929, aged fifty-seven years, three months and nineteen days. In babyhood she was taken into the home of her Uncle John and Aunt Mary Gibson and tenderly raised as their own child. In early girlhood she united with the Methodist Protestant church at Buena Vista - now Farrar, where her membership has always remained. While her family and home were her shrine, her Christian life and Christian living have endeared her and been an inspiration to her associates, and her friends were numbered by her acquaintances, and truly the statement - "To know her was to love her," will apply to her life. On July 2, 1896, she was united in marriage to Andrew M. Kopf, who survives her. To this union were born five children, John and Harold, who died in infancy; Howard, of Louisville, Ky., and Ivan and Mary, of Farmington. The husband and surviving children were present at her bedside when the summons "Come Home" were given to her by her Saviour.** In addition to her immediate family, she leaves to mourn her departure, her sister, Mrs. Mary Martin, and brother, Harley Norton, of Farrar, and a host of relatives and friends. The funeral services were held at the Farrar Methodist Protestant church Sunday afternoon, December 1, conducted by Rev. C. J. Nutt, of Des Moines, former pastor and friend of the family. Three appropriate selections were sung by the male quartet of the Presbyterian church of Maxwell, and the burial was in the beautiful Peoria cemetery. "Good-by!" It seems to mean so long; The lonely years to come our souls affright. If nevermore to meet at evensong. Hand clasping hand, we'll fondly say "Good night." If death is but to sleep and then again Awake to days eternal, ever bright, Why speak the words that only cause us pain? "Twere better far to simply say "Good night." Sometimes it sees we can but stand and pray, And dumbly wait on faith's cloud-compassed height, "Till dawn shall break and shadows flee away; Till God shall show to us it was "Good night." Then when we lay our dearest ones to rest, In hope of meeting in "God's morning light," We bow our heads and murmur "It is best;" So kiss their quiet lips and say "Good night." - George Julian Alexander. "Card of Thanks - We want to express our sincere thanks to the friends and relatives of Farrar, Maxwell, Farmington and Des Moines and other places for the kindness, sympathy and beautiful floral tributes received, and also the male quartet for the beautiful song service. May God's choicest blessing rest on each of you. The Family." **Editorial note - spelling used is from the original newspaper article.

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa. POLK COUNTY, IOWA CEMETERIES WASHINGTON TWP., #0178, Geneal * F 627 .P7 C4 V.6, Peoria Cemetery, page 486. father Andrew M. (KOPF) Mar 26 1871 - Mar 3 1949 (mason) SEC. 2, ROW 9, LOT 7; mother Elizabeth A (KOPF) Aug 10 1872 - Nov 29 1929 SEC. 2, ROW 9, LOT 8; KOPF SEC. 2, ROW 9, LOT 9.