Obituary of Wilhelm Schroeder
1848-1916
Transcribed by Karen Rowe
At his home on Sat. morning, Dec. 30, at 8 o'clock, William Schroeder departed this life. On Wednesday he was apparently in good health but before night that same day he was taken seriously ill, his condition becoming so bad that the children were summoned. He never regained consciousness.
John Henry William Schroeder was born in Wriedel, Hanover, Germany on October 11, 1848. When a boy of nineteen years he moved from Germany to Beecher, IL with his parents. At this place on June 23, 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Riechers. To this union were born ten children, six girls and four boys. The oldest son, William died in 1900.
Mr. Schroeder with his family came to Fillmore Co. 34 years ago. Most of his life was spent on a farm. The last few years he made his home in Ohiowa. A few days previous to his death he was stricken with paralysis. All that loving hands could do, could not spare him, as his heavenly Father had called him to his eternal rest. He was aged 68 years, 2 months and 19 days. There are left to mourn his wife, nine children, Henry, Herman and Fred, Mrs. Emma Buchmeier of Fairbury, Mrs. Minnie Gewecke of Farnam, Mrs. Lena Domeier, Mrs. Mary Taylor, Mrs. Lizzie Lapcheska, and Miss Sophia Schroeder of this vicinity, two brothers who live in Arkansas and one sister, Mrs. Roetter in this vicinity, 29 grandchildren and many friends.
The funeral took place Wednesday, January 3, at 2 p.m. from the Methodist church in charge of Rev. G. Klatt, pastor of the South Lutheran church, assisted by Rev. F. C. McVay pastor of this church. The text was taken from the 12th verse of the ninetieth psalm and was an eloquent and touching sermon. The Methodist choir furnished the music. Interment was in the Ohiowa cemetery, the services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Klatt. The German choir rendered a hymn.
The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The last message of the children, on one of the floral designs, "Good-bye Father" rested on the casket. His work in life is done, he rests in eternal sleep, but we have the hope that our goodbyes are only in this world of sorrow. A large crowd was in attendance at the funeral. The sorrowing wife, sons and daughters have the sympathy of the entire community in their great bereavement.