Charles Frederick Reischauer (1870-1935)

REISCHAUER, LARSON, BOCKWOLDT, SCHLEGEL, HOLLINGSWORTH, THATCHER, BALLARD, MILLER, KAMMIN, GROVE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/4/2024 at 19:21:24

From Story City Herald June 20, 1935 (page 8)

OBITUARY

Our friend and brother, Charles Frederick Reischauer, son of John Fredrick and Augusta Reischauer, was born on a farm in Milford township, Story county, Iowa, on the 12th day of May, 1870. When still a small child he, with his parents moved to what is known as the old Reischauer farm in Lafayette township, northwest of Story City, where he grew to manhood. After he had established his own home he farmed the home place for six years, after which they moved onto their own farm which is now being tilled by the son, Clarence. Since 1912 he with his family have lived on the small acreage at the south edge of Story City.

Early on Thursday morning the community was shocked when learning of the sudden and unexpected passing of our genial friend and brother. While he had not been in the best of health for several months, yet no one entertained any thought of him being taken so soon. On the day before his death he head been in town attending to business matters and visiting in the usual way with friends. At about three o'clock on Thursday morning June 13, 1935, he became ill and passed away soon thereafter; his age being 65 years and one month. Indeed, "There i no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of his death," Eccl. 8:8. "Lord, made me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee; verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity."--Ps. 39:4-5. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1.

His marriage to Miss Grace Larson on Feb. 6, 1896, proved to be a most happy one for he was a very kind husband and a loving father to the three children who were born into this home. He ever manifested a most unselfish spirit and was primarily concerned about the welfare of his family and the friends about him. Not only was he a good provider for his loved ones but be also showed a splendid interest in others. He believed in and lived the Golden Rule, and his friends and neighbors learned to know him as a man of integrity, dependable and honest in all of his dealings. Because of his genial disposition he made many friends who enjoyed his fellowship.

When a child he was consecrated to the Lord by the rite of holy baptism. Early in life he yielded himself to God and accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour and attended the worship services as they were being held in the Center school house. It was during the pastorate of Rev. L. J. U. Smay in 1913 that he united with Grace Evangelical church, of which he continued to be an honored member until his passing. He manifested a splendid interest in the work of the Church, always ready to take his share of the load. When the new church building was erected he was one of the members of the building committee, and also served on the Board of Church Trustees for a number of years. At the time of his death he was secretary of the Men's Bible Class in the Sunday school. He sought to live the Christian life, and he exerted very wholesome influence.

His parents passed on some years ago, as well as one brother and one sister in infancy. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, who were Mrs. Johanna Bockwoldt, Mrs. Dorette Schlegel, Mrs. Julia Hollingsworth and Mrs. Mary Schlegel. He is survived by his sorrowing companion; and two daughters, Erma May, the wife of Mr. Fred Thatcher of Winnebago, Minn., and Mamie Helena, the wife of Mr. Robert E. Ballard of Anamosa; and one son, Clarence Elmer of Story City. Also 7 grandchildren and 3 sisters, who are Mrs. Helena Miller of Cumming, Mrs. Clara Kammin of this city and Mrs. Ella Grove of Jewell, besides many other relatives and a host of friends.

Bro. Reischauer was a friend to every one whom he chanced to meet. A poem as written by Walter J. Gresham characterizes our departed friend very admirably. It reads as follows:

'Tis only a half truth the poet has sung
Of the house by the side of the way;
Our Master had neither a house nor a home.
But He walked with the crowd day by day.
And I think, when I read of the poet's desire,
That a house by the road would be good;
But service is found in its tenderest form
When we walk with the crowd in the road.
So I say, let me walk with the men in the road,
Let me seek out the burdens that crush,
Let me speak a kind word of good cheer to the weak
Who are falling behind in the rush.
There are wounds to be healed,
there are breaks we must mend,
There's a cup of cold water to give;
And the man in the road by the side of his friend
Is the man who has learned how to live.
Then tell me no more of the house by the road,
There is only one place I can live;
It's there with the men who are toiling along,
Who are needing the cheer I can give.
It is pleasant to live in the house by the way,
And befriend, as the poet has said;
But the Master is bidding us,
"Beat ye their load,
For your rest waiteth yonder ahead."
I could not remain in the house by the road,
And watch as the toilers go on,
Their faces beclouded with pain and with sin,
So burdened, their strength nearly gone.
I'll go to their side, I'll speak in good cheer,
I'll help them to carry their load;
And I'll smile at the man in the house by the way,
As I walk with the crowd in the road.
Out there in the road that goes by the house
Where the poet is singing his song,
I'll walk and I'll work midst the heat of the day,
And I'll help falling brothers along.
Too busy to live in the house by the way,
Too happy for such an abode,
And my heart sings its praise to the Master of all,
Who is helping me serve in the road.