Moeller, Heinrich Detlef "Henry"

MOELLER, DENZ

Posted By: Lorelei Rusco (email)
Date: 1/17/2012 at 10:31:31

Moeller, Heinrich Detlef “Henry” –
Henry Moeller took his own life by hanging at his farm northeast of town sometime Sunday. The body was found hanging in the barn Sunday evening when Ralph Cox, who lives on the farm, returned home and went to the barn to do the milking. Despondency was thought to be the reason for the act.

Mr. Moeller, who was a German citizen by birth, held a sale at the farm last year and then took his family back to the old country. He rented the farm to Ralph Cox and at the time he left here there was some doubt in his mind as to whether he would return.

The family spent eight months in Germany and returned home late this spring, too late to secure another farm. Mrs. Moeller and one of the children went to Illinois to be with relatives while Mr. Moeller and two of the children remained here. The children stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Cox on the Moeller farm but Mr. Moeller got a job on a farm near Prescott.

Mr. Moeller went to his own farm Sunday morning and found that Mr. and Mrs. Cox and the two boys had left for the day. Evidently he was prepared for the act for he had brought a rope with him from the place where he worked. In his pocket was found a letter, written in German, addressed partly to Mrs. Moeller and partly to J. H. Barber, Lenox funeral director, making all last arrangements.

The body was first noticed by Edwin, 11-year-old son of Mr. Moeller, who had gone to the barn while Mr. Cox was milking.

Mr. Moeller was highly respected in the community and was considered a hard worker and a good farmer. Many stories have been circulated in the
community since the sad occurrence, probably all of them wrong. It is possible the real reason for Mr. Moeller's rash act will never be known.
Obituary
Heinrlch Detlef Moeller, son of Joachim and Gertrude Moeller, was born on April 29, 1888, in Holstein, Germany, and passed away at his home near Kent,Iowa, on August 1, 1937, at the age of 49 years, 3 months and 2 days.

Shortly after he had attained manhood he came to the United States, locating on a farm near Durant, Iowa. In the spring of 1923 he moved to a farm near Kent. Most of his time has been spent in that vicinity being engaged in farming.

On December 10, 1923, he was married to Miss Helene Denz. To them four sons were born, one of the number, Harry G. having proceeded the father in death.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, Edwin age 11, Kenneth age 8 and Albert age 5. He is also survived by two brothers, Johannes and Willy, both of Holstein, Germany.

When a small child, Mr. Moeller was baptized in the Lutheran church and at the age of l5 he was confirmed in the faith of that church, remaining a faithful member of the same up to the time of his death.

He was a true husband, and a devoted father to his children, and his many friends testify to his honesty and integrity.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Barber Funeral Home by Rev. Thomas Kelly, pastor of the Lenox Methodist church. Interment was made in the Graceland cemetery at Creston.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Thursday August 5, 1947