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Dorothea Licht Lived To Be 104

    Mrs Dorothea Ernsting Licht, a long-time resident of the Lowden community died at the age of 104 years on December 9, 1974. She was known at Lowden's oldest living resident for a number of years.

     Below is an account of her 100th birthday celebration:

     Mrs Dorothea Ernsting Licht, the oldest citizen in Lowden was honored on her 100th birthday, Oct. 31, 1970 with a reception in Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall in Lowden, given by her eight children.

     Present for the reception were all of her children, 13 of her 14 grandchildren; 21 of her 26 great-grandchildren and about 250 relatives and friends.

     The celebration began with a chapel service at which Rev. Earl Elowsky gave an impressive address. At the close of the service Rev. Elowsky dedicated and lit the sanctuary light which was presented to the church in her honor by her children.

     Following the reception, 75 persons were present at a dinner, when a huge birthday cake with 100 candles was lit by her two sons.

     In spite of her failing eyesight and impaired hearing, Mrs Licht's reaction to this celebration was expressed in her own words, “I'm just overwhelmed.”

     Mrs Licht who was born in Landeshergen, Hanover, Germany came to America with her mother and family when she was eleven years old. She lived in the Lowden vicinity until her death.

     She was a member of Trinity Lutheran church, Trinity Ladies Aid and Trinity Sewing Circle, serving as an officer of the Aid for 25 years.

     After her eyesight failed she spent many hours reciting hymns and Bible verses which she had learned in her youth. She always looked forward to the regular visits of Pastor Elowsky and listened faithfully to the Lutheran Hour on radio.

               A Daughter, Mrs Irene (Licht) St. John