Amelia Marie (Merkel) Elwell (1876-1935)

MERKEL, ELWELL, GOINS, JOHNSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/6/2024 at 16:14:03

From Story City Herald August 8, 1935 (page 2)

AMELIA ELWELL BORN NEAR HERE

Obituary Indicates That Well Known Woman Had Led a Very Busy Life

Amelia Marie Elwell was the daughter of Carl Christian and Anna Marie Merkel, and was born in the vicinity of Story City about 58 1/2 years ago, the date of her birth having been December 5, 1876. She seemed to have been in her usual state of health in recent days, and was engaged in her regular pursuits, attending to her domestic affairs. While alone in the home her life was suddenly terminated and when discovered at about noon Tuesday, July 30th, it was thought that she had died some time the previous day. This was a great shock to her family and friends, and it is another reminder that there is nothing more certain than death. Therefore it behooves us also to ready when the Lord calls.

Only a few days before her death, after one of the brethren of her church had been taken by the Father to the Heavenly home, she made the remark while in conversation with her daughter, "Oh, there is nothing like that sureness! The sureness that you belong to God."

She grew to womanhood in this community, finishing the rural school and then completing a stenographic course at Highland Park college, Des Moines. She also completed a Normal Training course at Iowa State college, after which she taught in the rural schools near Story City for a number of years.

In 1907 she was married to Steven D. Elwell at Austin, Minn. To them were born six children. Soon after their marriage they left the States to make their home at Kelvington, Sask., Canada, where she lived for 15 years. It was during this period of time when her husband was taken from her by death in 1921. After the death of her husband she considered frontier life in the Canadian northwest too strenuous for herself and her little family, so she decided to return to the States and lived at Edmonds, Wash. from 1922 to 1924, when she with her children returned to Story City and since then has made her home here.

Life Interests Numerous

In life her interests were varied and many. She, in her humble surroundings, was always a great lover of music, art and literature. Above all she admired the development of the best and highest qualities in the personality of the human soul, especially the saved soul which when developed is capable of having so much greater length, breadth and depth of understanding than the unredeemed.

Mrs. Elwell was kindly disposed, a devoted wife and a loving and sacrificial mother to her children, who now rise and call her blessed. Her concern seems to have been the rearing of her little family in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She not only sacrificed of herself and means for education and welfare of children but she also taught the children early in life the way of truth and righteousness and these children greatly appreciate having had a mother who taught them early to pray. She was a faithful member of Grace Evangelical church and delighted in participating in its services, having been in attendance at the morning worship on last Sunday. She was also a member of the Ladies' Aid, which organization is contributing $5.00 to the missionary cause as a tribute of love to her memory. Other donations also have been made by friends and relatives to the same cause in her memory.

Of the six children, which were born to her one died in infancy. Five daughters remain to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. These are: Alma, the wife of George Merkel of Story City; Julia, the wife of Arnold Goins of Atlanta, Ga.; Amy, the wife of Llyl Johnson of Summerdale, Ala.; Edith E. and Hazel A. both of Story City. In addition to these she is survived by one brother, Wm. Merkel, and one sister, Julia Merkel, who reside west of Story City, and seven grandchildren, besides other relatives and many friends.

Since it was impossible for her two daughters, Mrs. Arnold Goins and Mrs. Llyl Johnson, to attend her funeral or do anything in any way to show their love for her, they have asked that these words be printed under her obituary as a tribute to the life she led:

"Here so many are taking vacations
To the mountains, the lakes and the sea,
Where they rest from their cares and their worries,
What a wonderful time that must be;
But it seems not my lot to be like them,
I must toil through the heat and the cold,
Seeking out the lost sheep on the mountain,
Bringing wandering ones back to the fold.

When I take my vacation in Heaven,
What a wonderful time that will be,
Hearing concerts by Heavenly chorus,
And the face of my Saviour I'll see.
Sitting down on the banks of the river,
'Neath the shade of the evergreen tree;
I shall rest from burdens forever;
Won't you spend your vacation with me?

Now when most people take their vacation,
They return to their homes bye and bye,
So when after the great feast is over,
I'll return from my trip to the sky
With my King who is coming to reign here
And to set up his Heavenly throne;
All the days will be one long vacation,
As Earth welcomes her Saviour back home.
Won't you spend your vacation with me?