Iowa Old Press

Dunlap Reporter
Dunlap, Harrison County, Iowa
June 7, 1900

Death of Hubert Berens

Died on Thursday, May 24th, at the family home, five miles Southeast of Dunlap, Hubert Berens, aged 54 years, 3 months and 22 days.About three weeks previous to his death, Mr. Berens was afflicted with pneumonia, with congestion of the brain following, ending in his death. Deceased was the father of 14 children, 11 of whom are living; Mrs. John Gepson (Mary), Mrs Peter Schwab (Barbara), Sister Balbina (Anna), Amelia, William, Laura, Elizabeth, Frances, Joseph, Michael, and Henry.Mr. Berens was a quiet, Christian gentlemen, devoted to his family, respected by his neighbors and loved by his family. His faith in the Catholic religion was strong and he never missed the morning mass except in cases of extreme sickness. From the church of his choice he was buried on Saturday at 10 a.m., with Reverend Father White preaching a very appropriate and affecting sermon, the body being laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Dunlap The last hours of the father and husband were brightened and comforted by his daughter, Sister Balbina, a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha. From the first he seemed to realize his illness would prove fatal, and settled up his business affairs early in his sickness.Hubert Berens served in the Franco-Prussian War, at the close of which he came to America, first settling in Pennsylvania. About 24 years ago, he came to Harrison County taking up the occupation of farming. For a few years, he rented a place, but close application to business and economy enabled him to buy a farm, and he purchased the one on which the family now resides.A sad climax to the death of the father was the derangement of the eldest son, William's mind. The boy is only 14 years old, as a consequence was taken to Omaha for treatment, where it is hoped he will soon recover.The family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement.

Iowa Old Press
Harrison County