Kaelke, John 1846-1924

KAELKE, KOCH

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/25/2024 at 15:57:04

OBITUARY

John Kaelke was born in Sahtz, province of Brandenburg, Germany,on March 4, 1846, and departed this life at his home in Akron, Iowa, June 4, 1924.

He was married to Miss Johanna Koch, February 1, 1878. In 1881 they came to America and settled at Remsen, Plymouth county, Iowa.

After three years residence there they moved to North Platte, Nebr., where they took a homestead and lived for fifteen years, enduring the privations and hardships incident to the pioneer days.

In the year 1900 they returned to Plymouth county, Iowa, and located on the farm east of Akron now occupied by their son, Louis. About ten years later they retired from active farm life and took up their residence in LeMars, living there until about six years ago, when they moved to Akron and have since made a home here.

Five children came to bless this union, and four survive their father; Herman, of LeMars; Louis, August, and Mrs. Minnie Waterbury, of Akron vicinity. One son died in infancy. Besides his faithful companion and three sons and one daughter, there are fifteen grandchildren to mourn his loss, also one brother, Joseph, in Germany, and one sister, Mrs. Arnd Schluter, of this city.

Mr. Kaelke, when a boy and in his young manhood was a shepherd. During those years he always carried his Bible with him and studied it persistently. Twenty-four years ago he joined the German Evangelical church at LeMars. After coming to Akron he united with the Methodist church, of which he has been a faithful member until death called him.

The cause of his death was cancer. For six months or more he has been patiently suffering, no one knows how much, for he was so patient and uncomplaining. His deepest concern was for others and not for himself. The last morning before he died he prayed earnestly for all of his children. He was a good man, loved by all, and will be sincerely missed.

He made a great contribution to society when he consistently kept his faith. At about three o’clock in the morning of June 4, 1924, that noble spirit took its fight to its heavenly home, having completed his long course in this life of 78 years and 3 months.

Funeral services were held last Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock in the Akron Methodist Episcopal church, conducted by Rev. G. J. Poppenheimer and Dr. Clara Stoutenburg—sang “Rock of Ages.” “Shall We Gather at the River” and “There Will Be No Night There.” There were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral were: His son, Herman, and family,, of LeMars, a niece, Mrs. Walsh, of Sioux City, and an old-time friend and neighbor, Mrs. Fred Wendborn, of North Platte, Nebraska.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, June 12, 1924
Akron, Iowa