Bahlke, Joachim 'John' 1834-1881

BAHLKE, BALKA, GERKE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/12/2025 at 19:31:30

Elkader Register, 11 Nov. 1881.

Joachim Balka, one of the oldest residents of this county, died at his home in Read township, on Tuesday night. aged 48 years.

--- --- ---

Elkader Register, 18 Nov. 1881.

Last week we published a short notice of the death of Joachim Balka [sic], of Read township, which occurred on the 8th inst.

Mr. Balka was born at Alt Lueblow, Mecklenberg, Jan. 25th, 1834, and was consequently nearly 48 years of age. He came to the United States at an early age, and settled near Clayton Center in 1856, and has resided there ever since, where he has by honest industry and economy amassed quite a large amount of property. He leaves a wife and four grown children to mourn his loss.

Mr. B., was very highly respected by all who knew him, and his death is mourned as of a good man gone to his eternal home. The funeral occurred at Clayton Center on Thursday last, Rev. F. W. Seifert, officiating.

---------------

Notes:
- 1880 US census, Read twp.: Joachim BAHLKE, 46, b. Meklenburg
Wilhelmina, 43; John, 19; Henry, 11 & Anna, 8

- Gravestone, Zion Lutheran cemetery:
John BAHLKE
JAN. 25, 1834 - NOV. 8, 1881

- Wilhelmina's obit gives her maiden name as Gerke