Margareta (Bereswill/Bearisville) Leininger (1852-1907)

BERESWILL, BEARISVILLE, LEININGER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/23/2024 at 22:37:20

From Story City Herald July 11, 1907 (page 8)

OBITUARY.

Mrs. Margreta Leininger died Saturday, July 6, at 12:20 o'clock p. m., ending a useful and beautiful life.

Another link between the past and present generation has been severed. Mrs. Margreta Leininger, one of the best beloved pioneer residents of Story county has gone to her eternal reward.

Margreta Bearisville Leininger was born Jan. 24, 1852, in Germany and died at her home near Story City at the age of 55 years, 3 weeks and 3 days. Death was due to a tumor of the stomach. She has been gradually declining for several years, and the final summons, while somewhat unexpected found the family and friends prepared and herself ready to greet the angel of death and prepared to meet the Savior.

She came to America in 1869 at the age of 17 and resided in Illinois for a time and on Dec. 24, 1871 was united in marriage to Joseph Leininger, also a native of Germany. Shortly after, their marriage they moved to Story county, on a farm in La Fayette township, five miles west of Story City. Here with their children they underwent all the hardships and privations so well known to the early settlers of the prairie. In the settled community she was known and beloved far and wide for her sweet womanly charity and loving cheer and counsel.

To them were born five children, who are: Francis, Susan, Fred, Lena and Tillie. She also leaves a husband and five children all of whom were at her bed to see their true and loving mother to her last hour. She also leaves many relatives and friends to mourn the death of a true and devoted mother and loyal and steadfast friend.

The bravest battle that ever was fought,
Shall I tell you where and when?
In the maps of the world you'll find it not,
It was fought by the mothers of men,
No marshalling troop, no bivouac song,
No banner to gleam the wave
But, oh, these battles they last so long__
From babyhood to the grave.

In this great battle none ever bore a more noble or heroic part than did Mrs. Leininger, ever a Catholic Christian wife and mother, she recognized that woman's noblest mission of life is to leave behind them noble sons and daughters that will bestow a rich heritage upon future generations and make her memory revered by all. In this mission none ever achieved grater success than she. What man can measure the worth of such a divine Christian life or the far reaching influence of such a beautiful death. The family gives many thanks for the neighbors kindness which they did for their dear departed friend.

Haste the on from grace to glory
Armed by faith and winged by prayer
Heavens eternal days before thee
God's own hand shall guide thee there.

The funeral services were held from the St. Peter and Paul church near Gilbert at 10 o'clock Monday morning July 8, conducted by Father T. C. Reneir who chanted the requiem high mass and preached an eloquent sermon. The choir rendered appropriate music.

Many beautiful floral tributes betokened the general esteem in which she was held.

A large number of relatives and friends attended the services. Mr. Frank Leininger, Joseph Sarter and Henry Schell from Geneseo, Ill., came to pay their last tribute of esteem to their departed friend. Her remains were laid to rest beside those of her friends in the Catholic cemetery.