John French Picht (1856-1902)

PICHT, FRENCH

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/16/2014 at 15:47:30

From Nevada Represenative September 10, 1902

OBITUARY.

John Picht was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, November 22, 1856, and died September 2, 1902. He came with his parents to America in 1868 or 9 and first settled in Jones county, Iowa. He came to Richland township, Story county in 1881. he was married March 26, 1882, to Miss Clara M. French, who now with eight children mourn his early and sudden departure. The immediate cause of death was appendicitis of an extreme nature. On Friday, August 29, the disease assumed a serious form. He was operated upon Sunday 31st, which operation indicated to afford the only prospect of saving his life but alas it was too late. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church since March 22, 1881, held the office of deacon from January 1882 until he died. He was also it treasurer for nearly as many years and for a long time the Sunday School superintendent. Regular as the church service, faithful to his duty, safe and wise as a counselor, and liberal in support, he was pastor's comforter. As a neighbor he was kind and ready to help, as a christian sincerely devoted to his Savior, and as a husband and father affectionate, devoted and provident. Besides the immediate family he leaves five brothers, two sisters, an uncle to whom he had been as a son, many saddened hearts and a sorely bereaved church. His was no simply a peaceful death, it was rather a triumphant departure, a victory through Jesus Christ.

Funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. N. A. Whitman, at St. Paul's church, assisted Reverends Hummon of the Nevada Lutheran church and John Smay, a close neighbor for many years. He was laid to rest in Nevada's beautiful cemetery according to the impressive rites of the Lutheran church and to the presence of many weeping, sorrowing friends. May out Heavenly Father take care of the widow and orphans.