Mrs. Marie Book Kramer was born on Nov. 21, 1857 at Elkader, IA. She was untied in marriage at Westphalia Iowa on May 4, 1880 to Jos. Kramer. For one year they made their home on a farm east of Westphalia. The following year they purchased a farm 1 1/2 miles south of Earling. This being before the town or railroad was established. In partnership with her devoted husband, Mr. Kramer experienced the many hardships of pioneer days which did not afford the many luxuries of the present day.

Seven children mourn the loss of this kind and loving mother, her husband having preceeded her in death on August 15, 1928. One little girl Mamie died at the tender age of 1 1/2 years. The living monuments of this good couple are four sons and three daughters, namely, William of Sioux City, Mrs. Henry Schmitz, Frank of Defiance, Carl and Matilda, twins, and Mrs. Nie Muell of Panama, Miss Matilda making her home with her mother.

Mrs. Kramer was sick but a few hours and passed away in the arms of her son Carl who was the only one of the children who was present, as death came so unexpected on Wednesday morning at about 5:30.

Funeral services were held on Friday morning at 9:00 o'clock at the St. Joseph Church, with Rev. Jos Steiger officiating. Burial was made in the family lot on the St. Joseph's cemetery.

Those attending the funeral from a distance were her three brothers, namely Mr. and Mrs. Peter Book of Osmond, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs Chas. Book of Harlan, IA.; Mr. and Mrs. Jos Book of Westphalia, IA; Harold Peschel of Osmond, Nebr; Mr. and Mrs. Chas Book of Defiance, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Buman, Harlan, Mr. and Mrs. Art Book, Panama, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Book, Harlan, Mr. and Mrs Anton Graf, Harlan, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Blum, Westphalia, Mr. and Mrs. Jos Book, Jr. Westphalia, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Leuticke, and daughter Agnes, Westphalia, Mrs. Jos Von Tersch of Harlan; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kloewer, Westphalia, Miss Theresia Von Tersch, Westphalia, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Anastasia, Harlan, Mr. and Mrs. Wm . Coenen, Defiance, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Von Tersch, Defiance, and Frank Greve, Defiance, IA.