Oelke, Edwin Carl 1872 - 1924

OELKE, KLUTH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/21/2017 at 11:09:52

Elkader Register, Thur., 13 Mar. 1924. Luana column.

News reached us today that Ed. Oelke of Farmersburg had succumbed to the ravages of cancer Sunday evening.

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Elkader Register, Thur., 3 April 1924. Farmersburg column.

Edwin Carl Oelke was born in this township September 22nd, 1872, and was confirmed in Garnavillo by Rev. Sommerlad. He received his education in the Garnavillo schools. He grew to manhood here, and at an early age began work as a carpenter, in which trade he became very proficient and made many contracts erecting buildings in all parts of this county. He was a rapid and accurate worker and of a disposition that made his employers and employees his friends, thus adding to the demands of his time and strength, but being ambitious he kept going and perhaps overworked.

He was married to Maria Kluth March 9th, 1894; to this union were born three sons, one of whom died in infancy. Lester of Monona and Gaylord at home survive. He leaves besides these his devoted wife, his aged father, three brothers, Chris, Henry and Arno, all of Farmersburg, and one granddaughter, Fern Oelke, of Monona, and numerous relatives. His mother preceded him in death two years ago, and a sister in 1910. He died on his thirtieth wedding anniversary at the age of 51 years, 5 months and 16 days.

The cause of his death was cancer of the bowels. He seemed to know the end was near, and though a great sufferer he made known many of his wishes regarding the last sad rites, by naming the casket bearers, and made other requests all of which were carried out. The flowers were most profuse and of highest quality. For the past three years he had combined farming with his carpenter work and expected to make that his occupation. He purchased a farm last year and had moved onto it, but two weeks before the end came. He was a charter member of Cedar Camp M.W.A. No. 3246 and of National Lodge No. 172 A.F. & A.M. The funeral was held at the home on Wednesday afternoon, thence to the St. John's church the services being conducted by Rev. M. Peper. At the church Rev. W. K. Braun gave a brief talk in English, after which the brethren of the Masonic Lodge took charge to the cemetery, being assisted by members from McGregor, Monona and Elkader Lodges. There was a large gathering of friends present and many more than the church could seat for the deceased was widely known.

The flower bearers were L. W. Thompson, Mrs. George Henkes, Miss Violette Gossman, Misses Gretta Church, Favorite Oelke and Blanche Oelke.

The casket bearers were Hale Corlett, Earnest Haltmeyer, Carl Gall, Henry Kruse, W. W. Davidson, and Ed. Johnson. The music was rendered by the Garnavillo choir. Mr. Bierbaum sang a solo "Face to Face".

The floral offerings were appreciated by the relatives.