Julia (Kienenberger) Alber (1860-1909)

KIENENBERGER, ALBER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2024 at 18:40:46

From Story City Herald February 11, 1909 (page 1)

DEATH VICTOR OVER SHATTERED BODY

Mr. Alber Succumbs to Onslaught of Dread Enemy

The funeral of Mrs. J. Alber was held in the Evangelical church Monday afternoon, in the presence of a large concourse of sympathizing friends. Presiding Elder Yaggy preached the sermon, takin for his text the well-marked Bible of the departed. Commenting on some of the passages of scripture which Mrs. Alber had marked, he drew a touching picture of her devotion to God, her joy in the midst of suffering and her unwavering faith in the face of temptations and obstacles. Rev. Day of Des Moines and Rev. Heimarck of the Immanuel church were also present. Arne Nordskog assisted the choir and also sang a solo. The pall-bearers were: Dr. Molison, J. C. Johnson, Walter Ellsworth, George Baldus, H. M. Springman and Peter Eide. The remains were returned to the home, from whence they were taken Tuesday morning to Belmond, Ia., for interment.

OBITUARY.

"She hath done what she could."
"At rest with God."

Mrs. J. Alber whose illness we have reported from time to time and who has suffered great pain for over two months was released from her troubles Saturday evening at 11:35; her end was easy and peaceful.

Her maiden name was Julia Kienenberger. She was born on the 7th day of October, 1860, in the city of Peru, Ill., and departed this life Feb 6, 1909, in Story City, Ia., aged 48 years, 3 months and 29 days.

At the age of 12 years deceased was taken into the home of her cousin, Rev. J. C. Spielman, where she grew to womanhood under the careful and religious training of these foster parents.

This Christian home was the stopping place of many of the early itinerant preachers and this young foster daughter learned to minister with hand and heart to the wants of these servants of God. Thus beginning early in life to cast her lot with the minister and people of God.

She gave her heart to God at the age of 9 years and has been identified with the Evangelical association ever since. As a young girl she took a very active part in Sunday school and church work and did all she could in addition to her heavy family duties.

On Dec. 2, 1879 she was united in marriage with Rev. J. Alber near Mendota, Ill., where she grew up. This union was blessed with six children, four sons and two daughters.

She faithfully shared the joys and sorrows of the itinerant ministers life, accompanying her husband wherever he was sent. She was a truly devoted wife and mother, sacrificing her whole life for her family; of her it can be truthfully said "she hath done what she could."

For the last ten or twelve years she has been afflicted with a fibroid tumor, which made life a burden and at times caused her much suffering, but she bore it all without a murmur and continued even up to the last to perform her household duties.

Four years she went with her husband to Alabama where she hoped to regain her health, coming back north to Iowa last spring. Last November she broke down and took to her bed where she remained to the end. On February 2nd a large tumor weighing over seven pounds was removed from her by operation; for five days she made a heroic fight for her life, but her weakened system finally gave way to the terrible strain.

On the morning of the operation she calmly resigned herself to God. Her faith in Gov and resignation to His will was sublime and beautiful. The blessed influence of her beautiful Christian character will continue to wield a power over the lives of her loved ones and all who knew her. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, four sons and two daughters, two sisters and three brothers, besides many relatives and friends to mourn her departure. She will be greatly missed by loved ones and her friends. Funeral services were held in Story City Monday afternoon. Also in Belmond, Ia., on Tuesday afternoon, where her remains were laid to rest.