Broeker, Anna Catherine

BROEKER, MERTENS

Posted By: Ann Selvig (email)
Date: 5/24/2026 at 16:42:31

Anna Catherine Broeker, nee Mertens, was born at Zwischenahn, Oldenburg, Germany, September 30, 1849, and died at her home in Gladbrook, July 17, 1928, at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 17 days.

When about 20 years old she came to America and first lived in St. Louis Mo., where on February 13, 1873, she was married to H. Broeker. To this union 8 children were born, one dying in infancy.

In 1875 they moved to Tama County Iowa, and settled on a farm, on part of which Gladbrook is now located. With the exception of three and one-half years spent in north Minnesota, Gladbrook was her home ever since. Mr. Broeker died in 1911.

She was a loyal and faithful member of the German M. E. Church for many years. She was quiet and unassuming but true-gold.

She leaves to mourn her departure, three sons and four daughters, as follows:

Mrs. Ernest Schmoldt of Reinbeck, Miss Lydia Broeker, Henry Broeker, and Mrs. William Murray of Gladbrook, Arthur Broeker of Lincoln, Clarence Broeker of Oklahoma.

She is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Wm. Gethmann and Mrs. John Gethmann of California, and one brother, Henry Mertens, of Portland Oregon, besides 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

May she rest in peace.

The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. Asling in the German M. E. Church, Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.

The quartette was composed of Mrs. Adolf Bruene, Loretta Asling, Julius Bruene, and Adolf Bruene. Miss Alice Koster at the piano.

The pall bearers were Fred Keiser, Roy Koster, Donald Rest, Raymond Flamme, Clarence Budde and Elmer Meisner.

Interment took place in the family lot in the Gethmann Cemetery two miles east of Gladbrook.

Tama Northern, Gladbrook, Iowa, Thursday, July 26, 1928