Naomi C. (Lewis) Lekness (1891-1942)

LEWIS, LEKNESS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 12/22/2024 at 18:53:51

From Story City Herald January 29, 1942 (page 2)

MRS. CHRISTIAN LEKNESS

Naomi Lekness was born Oct. 20, 1891, at Carlisle, Iowa, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Lewis. She died Jan. 8th, 1942, at the Lutheran hospital, Des Moines, at the age of 50 years, 2 months and 19 days.

She grew to womanhood in the town of her birth, and graduated from Carlisle High school. She attended Drake university, and there fitted herself for the profession of teaching. She taught school in her home town and at Madrid before coming to Story City in 1922, where she taught for three years in the Junior High department.

August 14, 1924, she was united in holy matrimony to C. H. Lekness at Estherville, Iowa.

In her childhood she, with her father and mother, belonged to the Baptist church, but after marriage she became an active member of the Immanuel congregation at this place. She was active and sincere in her church work and for many years was one of the Immanuel Sunday school teachers.

She is survived by her husband, Christian Lekness, and one daughter, Helen; also one brother Emmett Lewis of Des Moines.

A prayer service was held at the home at 1:30 Monday, Jan. 12th, where a former pupil, Margaret Sunnoe, sang "Abide With Me."

Funeral services were held at the church she loved, with Rev. T. T. Heimarck officiating. Very many of her friends came to pay their last tribute of love, and there were large floral offerings and gifts of money to the Missions from Ladies Aid, Sunday school and friends, and also an offering to the Red Cross in her memory.

Mrs. Lester Henderson sang two of Mrs. Lekness; favorite hymns: "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Beneath the Cross of Jesus." Rev. Heimarck spoke from a text in the 38th chapter of Isaiah. He spoke feelingly of her as a kind woman, a good neighbor, and a friend to all who knew her, as well as a faithful and wiling worker in the church. Rev. Buland spoke a few words in memory of her Bible class days in his class. The casket bearers were Dr. A. L. Born, John Ose, Eric Alsager, John Heggen, L. W. Valline and R. S. Jones.

It can truly be said that Mrs. Lekness was a good person to have in the community, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was always the same; had a pleasant smile for all, and was ever happy and cheerful.

With hope that yet a dawn shall glow,
With all her heart's rich treasure whole,
With will that never lost control,
With thanks for all that life had lent
And life had taken away, she went.