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DICKINSON COUNTY Another IAGenWeb Project |
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DICKINSON COUNTY Another IAGenWeb Project |
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OBITUARIES OF DICKINSON COUNTY - K - |
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RESPONSE TO ROLL-CALL John W. Klein, Died Tuesday, November 30th HE LIVED AN EXEMPLARY LIFE Passing of This Life Felt by Entire Community --- A Few Instances in Career John W. Klein was born July 5, 1840, in Troy Grove, Ill., [Contributor note: He was actually born in Pennsylvania] and died at his home in Spirit Lake on Tuesday, November 30, 1915. On December 19, 1869 he was married to Sarah Freed. To this union thirteen children were born, six of whom survive. They are as follows: Mrs. Maggie Gilbert, Russel M. Klein, Mrs. Laura A. Hill, Mrs. June Peterson, Ray, and Judson all of whom live in or near Spirit Lake. Mr. Klein is also survived by his wife, two brothers and three sisters.
The above is the obituary in condensed form of John W. Klein whose life was a source of blessing to all with whom he came in contact and while in the mortal sense "Sunshine" being "dead and yet speaketh" and will continue to speak to generations yet to come.
Members of the family had observed for some days a noted failure in the apparent physical condition of Mr. Klein. He had suffered more frequent serious attacks of heart trouble recently and while suspicious that the end might soon come, no one had cause to think it so near. About eight o'clock on Tuesday evening, Mr. Klein was in the best of good spirits, joking and laughing as usual. In a very few minutes he was taken seriously ill. A physician was summoned and some of the children called. He rallied, however, sufficient to dress and sit in a chair, again assuming his characteristic cheerfulness.  A little before eleven o'clock, prompted by mere intuition, one of the family asked, "Do you think you will leave us father," and after suggesting not to let "mother worry," Mr. Klein, leaning back in his comfortable arm chair, gave one long breath and all that was mortal of the beloved man was transformed to immortality.
The funeral was held at the M. E. church Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev. S. H. Turbeville, assited [sic] by Rev. E. T. Gerkin, former pastor of the church here. Rev. Elliott of Royal, Iowa, Rev. F. H. Gamel, Rev. G. W. Fogg, and Rev. A. S. Wight.
The church was filled to its capacity with sorrowing friends who are as numerous as the population of Spirit Lake and vicinity, among whom were members of the G. A. R., W. R. C., I. O. O. F. and Rebekah orders; all having realized the benefit and helpfulness of the deceased. The speakers each in turn paid tribute to the life of the friend of fellow man. The first speaker using as part of his text, "Mathew [sic] 9:24 Not Dead, but Sleepth," a passage of scripture selected some years ago by Mr. Klein for use at this occasion, combined with words in Hebrew 11:4 "Being dead yet speaketh." Based upon those passages Rev. Turbeville paid due tribute to the life of the deceased, the example of such a life upon the present generation; the certainty of the soul gaining immortality and of the lasting influence for good upon generations yet to come. During the funeral service respect and esteem were shown more highly than words can express by the tear dimmed eye of friends and the profuse floral display. Chicago florists furnished a large wreath of magnolia leaves and killarnies; the Rebekahs furnish a spray of white chrysanthemums tied with ribbon of the order's colors, pink and green; the Epworth League gave a beautiful spray of Easter lilies; Mr. Klein's Sunday school class, in memory of their beloved leader, gave a large bouquet of yellow and white Chrysanthemums with a bow of yellow and white chiffon, the Junior High School, in honor of their departed friend, gave an elaborate spray of Easter Lilies; the High School in appreciation of the influence, encouragement and assistance received from their friend of yesterday, mingled with the elaborate floral showing an exquisite bouquet of American Beauty roses tied with a bow of American Beauty chiffon; and as a last token of love to their enthusiastic supporter and friend, the football boys layed upon the casket a handsome bouquet of yellow and white Chrysanthemums assembled with ribbon of the football colors, yellow and black, besides the scores of other floral offerings massed together making the most elaborate floral tribute ever paid a resident of the city.
Relatives of the deceased from out of town who bowed in sorrow over the casket with Spirit Lake relatives were; Mrs. F. C. Hess and husband of Conrad, Mrs. Lee Hasbrook of Grundy Center and Mrs. Lizzie Rhoades of George, all sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Louie Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Dagget, nieces and nephews of Mr. Klein; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Freed, Will and George Freed of Elders, Sam Freed of Estherville, brothers, Mrs. Ed. Swab of Conrad, a sister, and Mrs. Ed. Wilson of George, a niece of Mrs. Klein. Besides scores of citizens and over 200 students of the public school who filed past the casket to view for the last time the remains of their departed friend.
The last public appearence of Mr. Klein and one which will long be remembered by scores of people was at the dedicatory services of the school building on Thanksgiving evening, when he gave a brief address, brimming and bubbling over with good cheer and the spirit of boost.
Rev. Elliott, who took part in the services, is pastor of the church of the deceased's choice, the Church of God at Royal, Iowa and is the man whose wife was killed in an auto accident near Lakefield last summer, the remains being brought to the Klein home. At this time Mr. Elliott requested that Mr. Klein speak at the wife's funeral, assuring him that if anything happened in his family he should do the same, little thinking he would this soon be speaking of the life of the man he thus respected.
That Mr. Klein was thoroughly reconciled and prepared to meet his Savior was indicated by his calm and peaceful crossing of the silent river, which to the bereaved was consoling evidence that through long and faithful service the soul of him who was loved was in accord to meet its Redeemer.
Mr. Klein was a patriot soldier and hero. He enlisted in the U. S. army on December 16, 1861, and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the 64th regiment Illinois Volunteer infantry. He reenlisted in company D, under Capt. G. W. Reed and Col. John Merrill to serve three years or until the close of the war. He participated in some twenty or more engagements and was honorably discharged on July 11, 1865. His military record was one of the things that Mr. Klein took pride in relating.
Mr. Klein came to Dickinson county in 1881, settling on the farm known as the John Gilbert place in the Tusculum neighborhood. Two years later he moved on the place which was the Klein home from that time until about a year ago, when Mr. and Mrs. Klein decided to live a more retired life and moved to town. Mr. Klein rented the farm near the lake bridge in early [unreadable] when it is said the land would grow nothing but cockle-burs. After a few years of tilling the cockle-bur land began to produce crop. Then he bought the place at $50 per acre, and continued tilling the soil until he transformed the nearly waste land to a crop producing soil which yielded corn that gave Mr. Klein fame as a grower of the best corn in Dickinson county and brought the value of the land up to $200 an acre, his selling price.
Mr. Klein identified himself with a denomination known as the Church of God when about seventeen years old and as is indicated by life incidents recorded above, remained firm in faith and true in service to the acknowledged savior. There being no church of his denomination here he was more pronouncedly identified with the M. E. church, but was a promoter of and a laborer for all good causes, and a liberal giver to charity or for public good.
John W. Klein is dead. His smiling countenance and the cheery ring of his laughter will not greet the people of Spirit Lake again. But in memory the example and influence of his life will stamp an impress upon lives for generations yet to come. He was the peoples' friend and a friend of the people. No words of higher tribute can be uttered in behalf of the departed dead, than to say he was loved by all and loved all.
Contributed by Donna Young and transcribed by Mike Peterson |
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The following obituary was taken from an unkown newspaper clipping:"Mrs. Ward Peterson Laid To Rest July 12. Mrs. Ward E. Peterson, pioneer resident of Dickinson County, passed away at the Spirit Lake hospital, Monday, July 10th, 1950, after weeks of intense suffering, at the age of 76 years. Thus another of those priceless jewels who endured hardships and privations to help make Spirit Lake and Dickinson County the places we enjoy, has gone to her reward. Mrs. Peterson has been in ill health for the past several years and during the past year has been in the hospital at three different times. About 17 years ago she was in an auto accident and has been in ill health since that time. June Klein, youngest daughter of the late John W. and Sarah Klein, was born January 17, 1883, on a farm southeast of town. Her education was acquired in the Spirit Lake schools. When a small child she was baptized in the Church of God and continued worship there for many years. She was united in marriage to Ward E. Peterson July 31, 1902, in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Following their marriage they started housekeeping on a farm. They continued farming for many years and bought the farm, now occupied by their son Elmer. This was their home for several years until ill health compelled them to give up the work, and they moved to their present home in the north part of town. During the years when her family was growing up she changed her membership to the M. E. Church and has been a member of the W. S. C. S. since its organization and previous was a member of the Ladies Aid Society, where she always was a willing worker as long as health would permit. She was also a member of the Cemetery society and a charter member of the Rural Lights Club. She leaves to mourn her demise her devoted husband, three children, two sons, Elmer and Harold Peterson and one daughter, Elsie (Mrs. Lester Kuhse) all of Spirit Lake, three grandchildren, Robert Peterson, Donna June (Mrs. Larry Kelley) and Gary Wayne Peterson, all of Spirit Lake; one sister Mrs. C. B. Hill and one brother, Judson M. Klein and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 12, at 2:00 p.m. from the Methodist Church. Rev. Ralph Baker was in charge of the service and burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. Pall bearers were: Ed Hackmeister, Ed Strube, Al Mayer, Theo Madsen, Bert Ash, and V. R. Tritle."
Contributed by Donna Young and Mike Peterson |
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