Joseph WALKNER

WALKNER, KLASSIE, EGGERTH, SHURTZ

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/11/2010 at 18:05:09

Renwick Times, Renwick, Iowa
December 17, 1931

Death Takes A Pioneer Resident of Vernon Twp

Joseph Walkner, one of the early pioneer residents of Vernon Township was born at Dubuque, Iowa March 27, 1861. At the age of four years he came to Humboldt County with his parents and brothers and sisters. The family took up their residence on the farm now owned by George Rice, and with the exception with nine years spent in Kossuth County west of Corwith, the deceased has since lived in Vernon Township. At a very early age he became a Christian and through-out his life, earnestly endeavored to walk in the steps of his Master. On February 3 1888, he was united in marriage to Katherine Klassie of Renwick. To this union were born four sons and two daughters. Alvey Joseph of Hardy; Leonard Levi, who passed away at the age of five years; Millard Frank of Pomeroy; Katherine who died in infancy; and Lloyd Lee and Viola Mae Shurtz, both of Hardy. On June 2 ,1917, death called his faithful wife. For the last five years he has lived with his son Lloyd on his farm west of Renwick. He has enjoyed excellent Health for over thirty years with the exception of the past few months, when has occasional days of ill health. A final illness of two days duration resulted in death on December 9, 1931 due to asthma. The deceased was 70 years, 8 months, and 12 days old at the time of his demise.

He leaves to mourn his death three sons, Alvey Joseph, Lloyd Lee and Millard Frank and one daughter Viola Mae Shurtz; also one sister Mrs Ed Eggerth of Renwick; and one brother, Fred Walkner of Fort Dodge.

Joseph Walkner was a kind and loving husband and father. He was a splendid neighbor, friend and citizen, He belongs to that group of sturdy pioneers who came here to take possession of these wild raw prairie some sixty years ago and who with the help of God transformed them into the fine farms and homes which dot this country, today. They did their best; establishing a government, churches and schools. They leave us a rich heritage but we lament their passing.

Funeral services were held at the Evangelical church last Sunday afternoon at 2'o'clock, conducted by the pastor Rev J Hachlen. Burial was made in LuVerne Cemetery.