Estella WELLEMEYER

WELLEMEYER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/20/2010 at 19:11:08

12 October 1878 -- 14 April 1907

E. Estella Wellemeyer was born 12 October 1878 at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and peacefully passed away while at the home of her parents in Garner, Iowa on Sunday morning, 14 April 1907. Very early in life she dedicated herself with all her powers and talents to the Master and at the age of seven joined the German M. E. Church of which she remained a true and loyal member until the end. A member of a minister's family, she found it necessary to improve the scattered opportunities that were offered her for an education in the public schools. In addition to her school work she early devoted herself to the study of piano music; working always under the beat instructors obtainable in the various places where the family resided. When such opportunities appeared to end, she continued her studies, both classic and musical, at Charles City College. Upon the completion of her musical course at Charles City, she, by tireless effort, obtained a large class of music pupils in Garner, Klemme and the surrounding vicinity. Later she continued her studies in Dubuque and for the last four years under Emil Liebling, the renowned Chicago master of piano. For all of the past year she has been troubled somewhat with indigestion and general indisposition, but the nature of her disease made it impossible to detect the real seriousness of her condition. Not even when she returned home on the 15th of last February did her most intimate friends realize that the end was so near. Immediate help was secured and later the best medical authority in Chicago was consulted. All was of no avail; the disease could neither be checked nor cured. She received the decision of the physicians with Christian fortitude and even sought to comfort her loved ones in their sorrow. Contrary to the expectations of the best physicians she retained her full mental capabilities until the last hour, and passed from this vale of tears to the eternal joys of the Heavenly Abode without a struggle. When her mother asked the question 'Shall we all meet you in Heaven?' -- she answered 'Certainly.' This was the last distinguishable word she spoke. Always in the best of health, tireless in her energy and uncomplaining of slight attacks of indisposition; her sudden illness and death has come as a thunder stroke from a clear sky to her many friends and relatives. It simply teaches us how uncertain life is and how inexplicable are the ways of God. A true friend, a loving sister, a dutiful and affectionate daughter, she is mourned by all. But more than this -- her strong Christian character and unshaken faith in God and her Savior stood forth above all else in the last hours. In our human weakness we may ask -- 'Why should she be called away when just ready to enter the field of her chosen career? Why this disappointment in her hopes and those of her friends and relatives?' We cannot answer except in the words -- 'Thy will be done.' Her life and character will ever live on in the hearts of her friends and dear ones. 'The ploughing of grief is deep, deep; but less would not do for the agriculture of God.'