George Hitz (1838-1924)

HITZ, DECKINGER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/8/2023 at 19:26:14

From The Slater News July 2, 1924 (page 1)

FUNERAL OF GEORGE HITZ

Many Relatives and Friends Present at the Last Sad Rites on June 25th.

From the Bethlehem church on Wednesday, afternoon, June 25th, took place the funeral services over the remains of George Hitz, civil war veteran, and one of Slater's oldest citizens. The services were in charge of his pastor, Rev. Duea, who gave an impressive address. Hon. Oley Nelson, also a civil war veteran, assisted and gave a brief talk, extolling the life and worth of a comrade and friend. A ladies' quartet, composed of Mrs. Miller Heggen, Mrs. Oscar Reinertson, Mrs. A. L. Peterson and Miss Ella Maland, rendered two selections, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" and "My Faith Looks Up To Thee," and Miss Maland rendered a solo, "Tired." There was a large attendance, many being present from the vicinity of Alleman, where the deceased at one time made his home. Burial was made in the cemetery near Alleman.

George Hitz was born October 14, 1838, at Seewis, Canton Graubuenden, Switzerland, and died June 23, 1924, attaining an age of 85 years, 8 months and 22 days. He came to America in 1856 and located at Madison, Wisconsin. When the war broke out a few years later he offered his services to the land of his adoption and served faithfully through the conflict. In 1865 he moved to Iowa and settled on a farm, where town of Alleman is now located, The same year marked his marriage to Miss Regina Phillipena Deckinger of Baden, Germany. They lived happily together till the year of 1885, when she was called by death. Of the children born to them, several died in infancy and George in 1894 and Felix in 1904. Two children survive him, a son and a daughter. Of these, Annie has remained with him ever since his wife died.

Deceased lived an exemplary life from boyhood days, being baptized and confirmed in the Reformed church in Switzerland and later united with Salem church near Alleman. After moving to Slater he joined the Bethlehem church and died in the faith of his Redeemer. He is mourned by a host of relatives and friends.