Edward Mihlheim  Born August 3, 1889, at Strawberry Point, Iowa - Died in Oelwein December 8, 1918.

Edward R. Mihlheim, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mihlheim, was born on the 3rd day of August, 1889, at Strawberry Point. In 1902 his parents moved to Oelwein. In Oelwein he received his education, graduating from the Oelwein high school in 1909. Here he was also confirmed by the Rev. G. Zellinger in the Lutheran faith, to which he remained true until his death. After his graduation from the high school he entered the state agricultural school at Ames, in order to take up electrical engineering, but illness forced him to return home after which he entered the service of our government and was active as a carrier, establishing an enviable record. Five years he labored without missing a single day.

When our president called for volunteers, to take up the battle for right and justice, he responded Oct. 30, 1917, by enlisting as a musician. He trusted that his might be the privilege of firing the enthusiasm and to quicken the courage of our boys at the camp and in the field. We find him first at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Then at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where he was active as cornetist in the 14th field Artillery Band.

While in southern climes, he was taken ill. The incipient cold developed into tuberculosis of the lungs. August 10th of this year he was sent home at his own request under military escort to recuperate. But the dreaded plague had already made such inroads on his health that convalescence was out of the question. A lingering and painful sickness kept him confined to his bed. Medical skill and loving hearts, before all of his parents and brothers and of the local Red Cross did all in their power to stay his sufferings and spread cheer and comfort.

His last hours were peaceful and without pain. After receiving the rites of his church, his eyes were directed heavenward in prayer and meditation. He seemed to feel that the sliver cored should soon be loosed and the golden bowl, of which Solomon speaks, should be broken.

Sunday, December 8th, at twenty minutes to one, his soul winged its way to better and nobler realms. His age was 29 years, 4 months and 5 days.

Of his life and character, a large circle of friends bear eloquent witness. He was ever joyful and sympathetic, honest in his endeavors, faithful in his tasks, dutiful towards his parents, and loving toward brother and sister. He took a profound interest in the works of the Lutheran church. Once he was president and once vice president of the Luther League; for a number of years he was also treasurer of the Confederation of Luther Young Peoples Societies. Even while at camp he made it a sacred duty to be in touch with the Lutheran camp pastor, and assisted him in his arduous task, administering to the boys of Christian faith.

If any one character stands out more prominent than others in his life, it was his love of music. He was a member of the local band, various orchestras and choruses. May his soul now find delight in the heavenly anthems of God's Saints and in the hallelujahs of His glorious hosts.
Summing up his life, we feel constrained to say with the poet:

"Now the laborer's task is o'er; Now the battle flag is past, Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last. Father, in Thy gracious keeping, Leave we now thy servant sleeping."

He leaves to mourn his loss besides a host of friends and other relatives, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Mihlheim, his sister, Mrs. Charles Drach, and his brother Leonard Mihlheim, all of Oelwein. They have the profound sympathy of the whole community.

Last services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Mihlheim home, Rev. E.J. Branlick officiating. Mrs. Manning sang "Just as I am" and "Face to Face" - - hymns of which Mr. Mihlheim had been very fond. The Oelwein band played "America" and the "Last Call" in honor of their departed member. Four soldier boys acted as pall bearers. Led by the Oelwein band and escorted by his former colleagues of the government mail service, he was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery. As the casket was lowered the bugle call of "taps" resounded over his grave, and the soldier bearers stood at attention. Last honors were shown by men of the mail service who acted as a bodyguard while the remains were lowered to their final resting place.

May he rest in peace and may the glory of the Lord shine upon him.