MARGRETA BESEKE

MARGRETA BESEKE

Age: 81 years, 3 months, 17 days

MARGRETA BESEKE
(nee TOBECK)

DOB: September 23, 1874
Beecher, Will County, IL, USA

DOD: Jananuary 9, 1956
Hazelcrest, Cook County, IL, USA

Daughter of Fred (Fritz) and Mary (nee Knigge) Tobeck

Sister to: Henry (Caroline Nissen), Emma (Charles Wendling), William (Fannie Basche), Fredrick “Fred” (Bertha Beutler), Sophia ( John Schiewe), John, Mary (Hartley Robertson), Lydia (Severt Hagen), Herman (Millie Chappie), Ella (George A. Beckman) Tobeck

Wife of Charles “Carl” Beseke, married February 15, 1894 in Chicago, IL USA

Mother to: Louis (Ruth Robertson), Fred (Alma S. Koelling), Mary, Charles G. “Carl” (Opal M. Abbott), Frieda (John Joseph Riley & John T. McCarty), Meta (Martin W. Paul), Elmer (Audrey M. Selk) Beseke


BEECHER HERALD JANUARY 26, 1956

DEATH CLAIMS THREE WELL-KNOWN RESIDENTS OF THIS AREA, MONDAY

Beseke, Margreta Death Notice 1-26-1956Three homes in the community were saddened by death, Monday, in the passing of family members. Mrs. Margreta Beseke and Alfred F. Petersen died at the Hazelcrest General Hospital in the morning and Erwin Scheming passed away in the afternoon at the home of a brother, Louis, in South Chicago Heights.


 BEECHER HERALD JANUARY 26, 1956

OBITUARY

MARGRETA TOBECK BESEKE

Beseke, Margreta obit 1.26-1956Mrs. Margreta Tobeck, Beseke was born in Washington Township on September 23, 1874. She was baptized on October 11, 1874. She was confirmed in the Christian faith on March 25, 1888 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Beecher. Her confirmation verse was II Corinthians 12:9, “He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

On February 15, 1894 she was united in marriage to Charles Beseke. Seven children came to bless this marriage. The couple were engaged in farming south of Beecher for a number of years. In 1928 the family moved to Beecher.

Mrs. Beseke was in failing health for the past several years due to advanced age. In December 1954 she was was hospitalized after a fall in her home. After dismissal from the hospital she spent several months in convalescence at the home of her daughter in Crete. However, she did not fully regain her strength. She returned to her home in Beecher in July. Her health began to fail rapidly in November, and on December 23 she was taken to Hazelcrest Hospital where she passed from this life on Monday morning, January 9. Her family gave her the best of care and provided constant companionship which was a source of great comfort to her in her last illness. She was 81 years, 3 months, and 16 days of age at the time of her passing. She was a member of St. Luke’s Evangelical and Reformed Church.

 

 


Margreta’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Husband: Charles “Carl” Beseke
Daughter & Son-in-law: Frieda M. Riley McCarty & John Joseph Riley
Father-in-law: Charles W. Beseke
Brother-in-law: Conrad E. Beseke
Sister & Brother-in-law: Caroline “Lena” Beseke Kirchhoff & Louis Kirchhoff
Nephew: Harry Kirchhoff
Nephew & Niece-in-law: George Kappe & Minna Kappe

Other more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kilborn,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

 

 

EMMA MATTHIES

EMMA MATTHIES

Age: 80 years, 8 months, 27 days

EMMA MATTHIES
(nee HUENERBERG)

DOB: April 12, 1867
3 miles west of Beecher, IL USA

DOD: January 8, 1948
at home, west of Beecher, IL USA

 

Daughter of Henry and Rosina (nee Bonhem) Huenerberg
Sister to: Minnie (William T. Langton) and Charles W. (Albertine M. Peterson) Huenerberg

Wife of William Matthies, married November 14, 1885 at St. Paul’s Church, Beecher, IL.
Mother to seven children: Alvina (Carl Clausing), Ida (Ernest Hannover), Sophia (William Buhr Jr.), Tillie (Otto Jaeger), Melinda (Martin Oldenburg), Edward (Ester Pralle) and William Jr. ( Hattie Armstrong) Matthies


January 15, 1948 – Beecher Herald

AGED CITIZEN PASSED AWAY, LAST THURSDAY

Emma Matthies obit 1Mrs. Emma Matthias, 80, well known citizen of this community, passed away at her home on the Peotone Road, west of Beecher, last Thursday night.

Funeral services were conducted at the late residence and following at St. Lucas Ev. and Reformed Church, Monday afternoon. Burial was in the Mausoleum. Rev. G. Horst officiated.

Obituary

Eddie Matthias obit 2The departed, Mrs. William (Emma) Matthies, nee Huenerberg, the daughter of Henry and Rosina Huenerberg, both deceased, was born, 3 miles west of Beecher, April 12, 1867. The child of Christian parents, she was soon after birth, baptized and later, following a course of thorough religious instruction, confirmed with others in St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, northwest of Beecher.

On Nov. 14, 1885, she was united in holy wedlock with Mr. William Matthies, the ceremony taking place in the aforementioned church, the late Rev. A.H. Brauer officiating. This happy union was blessed with the following children: Alvina (Mrs. Carl Clausing), Beecher; William, Beecher; Ida (Mrs. Ernest Hannover) Beecher; Sophie (Mrs. William Buhr), Beecher; Tillie (Mrs. Otto Jaeger), Detroit; Melinda (Mrs. Martin Oldenburg); Edward, who passed away, Dec. 19, 1941. Immediately after their marriage, the young couple engaged in farming – first four years, 3 miles west of Beecher, then four years near Goodenow and since then on the present homestead. Both being deeply interested in farming and faithfully applying themselves to their work their labors were signally blessed by God. Deeply enjoying their life it was granted them to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1935 in the midst of their children and many friends. Two years later, however, Jan 11, 1937, the loving husband and father was peacefully called to his eternal rest. Deeply feeling the loss of a devoted husband, the departed continued on the farm which her son, William, had taken over. Always active, there came a marked let-up due to slowly dwindling strength during the last four months. About two weeks ago, her condition became such that she needed the constant care and attention of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. William Matthies, who together with the other daughters of the departed as well as the husbands, lovingly watched over her until she took her last breath, Thursday Jan. 8, at 6:45 p.m., at the age of 80 years, 8 months and 26 days.

She leaves to mourn her passing the children already mentioned, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild, 2 daughters-in-law, 4 sons-in-law, a sister, Mrs. Minnie Langton, Chicago; a brother, Charles, Hannover, Kansas and a host of other relatives and friends.

Emma Matthies obit 3Funeral services were conducted, Monday, Jan. 12, beginning at 1:30 p.m., at the late residence and continued at St. Luke’s Church where her pastor, Rev. G. Horst, spoke to a large gathering of relatives and friends. Three appropriate songs were rendered by the following: Mrs. Hilda Boysen, Mrs. Vernon Henerberg, Mrs. Mildred Selk and Mrs. Esther Braun. Beautiful floral pieces attested to the esteem in which the departed was held by all who knew her intimately. She was laid to rest in the Mausoleum.

The departed, as loving wife and mother, always blessed with the best of health, gave unstintingly of her care, strength and labor to her loved ones. Ever true to her Christian upbringing, she, as a member of St. Luke’s Church, and until recently as a member of its Women’s Guild, seldom missed attending the services and meetings and was always found willing and ready to contribute her share towards the welfare of her church and its larger kingdom work. Thus, following the steady inner light of faith, hope and love, may she now happily realize finding her name written in Heaven in the Book of Life – Luke 10, v 20.


Help PleaseNote: You may notice that Emma’s and William’s names are spelled with an “e” in Matthies, and their son Eddie’s name is spelled with an “a” in Matthias. I have found in my research the spelling changes on different documents. I do not know which is correct, or if there was an error made on their headstones. If you can help confirm the correct spelling, please let us know.


Emma’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Husband: William Matthies
Son: Edward Matthias
In-laws of son (Edward) Louis Pralle & Minnie (Mausehund) Pralle
Grandmother of son’s wife (Esther Pralle Matthies): Wilhelmina (Stradtmenn) Pralle

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

 

HENRY FIENE

HENRY FIENE

Age: 77 years, 9 months, 7 days

HENRY FIENE
Heinrich Friedrich Fiene

DOB: December 27, 1867
Washington Township, IL, USA

DOD: October 3, 1945,
Santa Rosa, Texas, USA

Son of Heinrich and Ida (nee Struebe) Fiene

Brother to: Friedricke Dorothea, Carl Dietrich, William (Sophia M. Tramm), Friedrich Johanne, John (Caroline Wehrmann) Fiene

Husband of Emma Maria Ristenpart Fiene, Married April 14, 1895 in St. John’s Evangelical Church, Eagle Lake, IL. Emma died August 23, 1919.

Father to: Malinda (Herman Hunte) , Reinhard T. (Anna E. Meyer) and Rose Hermine Fiene

Husband of Emma Augusta (nee Kluesendorf) Sievers (the widow of Henry G. Sievers) Henry Fiene and Emma Sievers were married Aug. 29, 1923

Step-Father to: Anna Marie (Ralph H. Dugan), Wilma (husband Brillesauer), Henry, Erna (Enar A. Swanson), Carl A. (Erna L. Matthias), Gustav W. (Mildred M. Schmidt) Sievers.


HENRY FIENE DIES IN TEXAS; BURIED HERE

Beecher Herald October 11, 1945

Henry Fiene Dies in Texas; Buried Here, ObitFuneral services were held in the Funeral Home at Harlingen, Texas, Friday, for Henry Fiene, former resident of the community, who passed away in Texas, Wednesday evening, Oct. 2, at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 5 days. The remains were brought to Beecher, and services were conducted by Rev. Helme of Blue Island in the Hack Funeral Home, after which burial was here Monday afternoon.

Mr. Fiene was born in Washington Township, Will County, Illinois, on the farm of his parents, the oldest child of Henry and Ida Fiene, Dec. 27, 1867. Here he was raised and received his public school education. He was instructed and confirmed in the Christian faith in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Petersburg. On April 14, 1895, he married Emma Ristenpart in St. John’s Evangelical Church, east of Beecher . Three children were born to this union, Linda, Reinhard and Rose. The mother of these children passed away, Aug. 23, 1919. On Aug. 29, 1923, Mr. Fiene was married to Mrs. Sievers. In 1930, he sold his farm and moved to Texas where he took up citrus farming in the Rio Grande Valley.  He enjoyed the climate, the country and the work, but looked forward to his periodical visits to Beecher. A stroke three years ago made it impossible for him to travel since that time.

The survivors include the widow, Mrs. Fiene of Santa Rosa, Tex.; three children of the first marriage, Mrs. Herman Hunte, Thornton; Reinhard, Kankakee; and Miss Rose, Chicago; 7 grandchildren (children of Reinhard Fiene); 6 stepchildren, Henry Sievers of Gibson City; Wilma Brillesauer of California; Erna Swanson of Santa Rose, Tex., Anna Marie Dugan of Decatur; Carl and Gustav Sievers of Grant Park; one brother Wm. Fiene, of Momence; one sister-in-law, Mrs. John Fiene, of Beecher


Henry’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:
Wife: Emma (Ristenpart) Fiene
Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law: William Ristenpart & Hermine (Danne) Ristenpart
Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law: Fredricke Ristenpart Kappe & George Kappe
Father-in-law & Mother-in-law of daughter (Malinda) Henry Hunte & Minnie (Rust) Hunte
Brother-in-law of daughter (Malinda) Albert L. Hunte
Brother-in-law of daughter (Malinda) Carl F. Hunte
Aunt & Uncle of daughter (Malinda) Henry F. Rust & Emma (Meyer) Rust

MINNIE THIELMAN

 

Minnie Thielman

Age: 64 years, 1 month, 10 days

MINNIE K. THIELMAN
(nee BIELFELDT)

DOB: May 13, 1878
Beecher, IL USA

DOD: June 23, 1942
at home, Chicago Heights, IL USA

 

Daughter of Simon and Augusta (nee Kraemer) Bielfeldt
Sister to: Henry J. (Lava C. Johnson), William (Minnie D. Baumgartner), John F. (Elizabeth Gerloff), Annie (Henry Hack), Albert A, Frank C.(Lorena K. “Reno” Hasney), Grover C. (Rose Gandolph) and Herman (Minnie Schmidt) Bielfeldt

Minnie Bielfeldt ThielmanWife of Henry F. Thielman, married September 26, 1901, Beecher, IL USA

 

 

 

Minnie Thielman

 

 

 

Mother to: Mildred Lillian (Charles A. Kilborn), Walter Louis (Paula Marguerite Kuhlmann) and Henry Biefeldt (Joyce Moncrief) Thielman
Step-mother to: Harry F. Thielman

 

 

 


November 26, 1909 – Beecher Herald

IN SOCIAL CIRCLES

Atlas of Will County, IL 1909, George A. Ogle & Co. Henry Thielman residenceMr. and Mrs. H.F. Thielman entertained about sixty of their friends, Tuesday evening, at their beautiful home at the corner of Hodges and Reed Streets. The printed cards which were sent invited the receivers to “come and grab a piece of fun,”  and in accordance they all came with both “grabbers,” and each vied with one another in the effort to grab the biggest piece. Games, word contests and various other amusements were indulged in to pass the time away. Every minute was fun and every guest mingled in the fun. In the word contest there were two divisions – the letters composing the names of a great man, and the making of as large a number of words from the letters in a given time. Mrs. Arthur Struve and Mrs. Frank Hunte were tied for the honors of discovering the name of the great man – Henry Thielman – and drew cuts to ascertain the winner, Mrs. Hunte coming out victorious and received a handsome china plate as the prize. Mrs. Arthur Ehrhardt wrote the largest number of words and received a beautiful mustard cup as a prize. Gus. Hoff and Christ. Eskilson were tied for “booby” prize, and they, too, were compelled to draw cuts. Mr. Eskilson won out and was presented an alphabet book. At about midnight the guests were seated at a banquet spread in the basement, where a most bounteous repast was partaken of. After the feast the guests were escorted to the beautiful parlors where more fun, music, both vocal and instrumental, and general mirth prevailed. It was one o’clock before the party broke up and each member bid Mr. and Mrs. Thielman as having an enjoyable time. Mr. and Mrs. Thielman are royal entertainers.


December 4, 1914 – Beecher Herald

H.F. Thielman and family departed, Monday, for Stuttgart, Ark., where Mr. Thielman will embark in farming. During Mr. Thielman’s residence in Beecher he has figured as one of our foremost and progressive citizens, always ready to lend his aid to the uplift of the village and community. Mrs. Thielman is a charming woman who has always been an excellent neighbor and has figured among the social element as one of the leaders. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Thielman and their family health and prosperity in their new home.


Paula, Minnie, Les, Woman, Loren Thielman

Minnie (Bielfeldt) Thielman second from left

Paula, Minnie, Les, unknown young lady & Loren Thielman, taken at Chicago Heights Airport, Chicago Heights, IL circa 1940


July 2, 1942 – Beecher Herald 

FINAL RITES HELD HERE FOR MRS. HENRY THIELMAN

OBITUARY

The departed, Mrs. Henry Thielman, nee Minnie Bielfeldt, daughter of Simon and Augusta Bielfeldt, both deceased, was born in Beecher, May 13, 1878. Soon after birth she was received into the family of the children of God through the holy rites of Baptism in St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, northwest of Beecher. Later, having received the customary instruction in the great fundamentals of the Christian religion, she was confirmed with others in St. John’s Ev. and Reformed Church, southeast of Beecher by the late Rev. G. Koch.

Minnie, Henry F., Harry, Mildred & Walter Thielman, circa 1905

On Sept. 26, 1901, she was married to Mr. Henry F. Thielman, which happy union was blessed with three children, Walter of Chicago Heights; Mildred, Mrs. Charles Kilborn, Hammond, Ind. and Henry B.,Cairo.

Henry & Minnie Thielman’s home at Hodges & Reed Streets, Beecher, circa 1901

Immediately after marriage the young couple built and for fifteen years resided in their new home on the corner of Reed and Hodges streets. After which the family in 1916 became residents of the city of Stuttgart, Ark. From here, in 1928, they returned to Illinois making Chicago Heights their home.

The departed, who during her formative years enjoyed the blessings so lovingly and richly bestowed upon her in the late Henry Hack family, where she was regarded as a daughter, and who through many years knew no ill or ail, and gladly accepted and performed the many labors which fell to her lot, was given a severe blow to her physical health in  contracting tularemia which gradually undermined her health and so affected her most vital organs that a heart attack on May 13, in spite of all medical skill and loving care, resulted in her peaceful death, Tuesday, June 23, at 9 p.m. at the age of 64 years, 1 month and 9 days. She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband, the children already mentioned, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, four grandchildren, four brothers, John, Herman, Albert, Grover and a host of other relatives and friends.

Minnie Thielman obitFuneral services were conducted, Friday, June 26, beginning at 2 p.m., at the Hack Funeral Home, where Rev. G. Horst spoke fittingly to a large number of relatives and friends. Two duets by the sisters, Mrs. Herman Seitz and Mrs. Irvin Albers, greatly enhanced the services. Many beautiful floral pieces spoke eloquently of the high esteem in which the departed was held by all who knew her. She was laid to rest in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The deceased, gifted and blessed with many fine traits of character, and ever true to her religious training and essential worthwhile things of life, highly esteemed by her many friends, will above all be cherished in loving remembrance by those with whom her life was so intimately interwoven and to whom she gave so unstintingly of her time and care. Thus we may hope that she, having followed the light of life here, may now forever joyfully realize those things that our Heavenly Father has prepared for those who love him.


Minnie’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are: 

Husband: Henry F. Thielman
Son & Daughter-in-law: Walter L. Thielman & Paula M. (Kuhlman) Thielman
Grandson Loren W. Thielman
Grandson & Granddaughter-in-law: Leslie R. Thielman & Dollie Joanne (Johnson) Thielman
Father & Mother-in-law of daughter (Mildred L. Kilborn) Albert F. Kilborn & Elizabeth (Dole) Kilborn

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

EDDIE MATTHIAS

Eddie Matthias

Age: 42 years, 4 months, 21 days

EDWARD “EDDIE” MATTHIAS

DOB: July 28, 1899
West  of Beecher

DOD: December 19, 1941
at home, south of Sollitt, IL USA

Son of William and Emma (nee Haunerberg) Matthies

Brother to: Alvina (Carl Clausing), Ida (Ernest W. Hannover), Sophia (William Buhr Jr.), Tillie (Otto Jaeger), Malinda (Martin Oldenburg), and William Jr. Matthias

Husband of Esther Pralle, married November 10, 1926. in Kankakee, IL


December 25, 1941 – Beecher Herald

LAST RITES FOR WELL KNOWN FARMER HERE

Eddie Matthias obit 1Eddie Matthias, aged 42, well known farmer residing south of Sollitt, passed away at his residence, Friday morning. Mr. Matthias had been suffering for some time with an incurable ailment. He submitted to an operation several months ago and had been under hospital treatment a greater part of the time since then. From the time, about three weeks ago, that he was last brought home from St. James Hospital, there was apparently little hope for his recovery. The deceased leaves to mourn, his wife; his mother, Mrs. William Matthias; one brother, William; five sisters, Mrs. Alvina Clausing, Mrs. Sophia Buhr, Mrs. Tillie Jaeger of Detroit, Mrs. Ida Hannover and Mrs. Linda Oldenburg, and a large number of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held, Monday, at 1:30 p.m., at the Hack’s Funeral Home and following at St. Luke’s Church, Rev. G. Horst officiating. Burial was made at the Beecher Mausoleum.

OBITUARY

Edward Matthias  

Eddie Matthias obit 2The departed, Mr. Edward Matthias, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Matthies, the former of whom was called into eternal rest, Jan. 11, 1937. Edward was born, July 28, 1899, 2.5 miles west of Beecher. The child of Christian parents, he was soon after birth received into the family of the children of God through the rites of Holy Baptism, performed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church by the late Rev. Albert Brauer. In addition to a fine home training he was later thoroughly instructed in the great fundamentals of our Christian religion, by Rev. G. Horst and confirmed at St. Luke’s Church with eleven others, April 5, 1914. On November 10, 1926, he was married to Miss Esther Pralle, the ceremony taking place at Kankakee. Immediately after marriage, the young couple started housekeeping and engaged in farming on the groom’s parents’ homestead and later on two other farms southwest of this village. Always active and delighted in his chosen work, he felt about three years ago that a hidden ailment slowly began to sap his strength. Deaconess Hospital

In the hope of regaining his former strength, he on Sept. 29th of this year, consented to an operation in the Evangelical and Reformed Deaconess Hospital at Chicago. Seemingly improved, he returned home on Oct. 21st. Realizing the seriousness of his trouble, however, he again returned to the hospital on Nov. 26th. Fully convinced there was no longer earthly help he, only after a few days returned home and patiently awaited the end of his earthly pilgrimage, which came peacefully, last Friday, Dec. 19th, at 10:30 a.m., at the age of 42 years, 4 months and 21 days.

He leaves to mourn his early departure, his wife: his mother, the following sisters and brother: Alvina, Mrs. Carl Clausing; Ida, Mrs. Ernest Hannover; William; Sophia, Mrs. William Buhr; all of Beecher; Tillie, Mrs. Otto Jaeger of Detroit; Linda, Mrs. Martin Oldenburg of Beecher; three sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted, Monday, Dec. 22, beginning at 1:30 and continued at St. Luke’s Church, where Rev. G. Horst spoke words of comfort to a large gathering of relatives and friends. Two duets by Mrs. Irvin Albers and Mrs. Harry Fick deepened the impression of the service. A number of beautiful floral pieces attested to the esteem in which the departed was held. He was placed to rest in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The departed, at heart a true loving husband, son, brother and friend, trained in the way of the children of God and through long suffering prepared for the better life, may well have prayed and confessed with David of old. “He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. I said O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days.” Yet having shared with us the blessed knowledge and opportunity of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, we may well hope and trust that he also belongs to those names that are written in heaven.


Help PleaseNote: You may notice that Eddie’s name is spelled with an “a” in Matthias and his parents’ names are both spelled with an “e” in Matthies. I have found in my research the spelling changes on different documents. I do not know which is correct, nor if there was an error made on their headstones. If you can help confirm the correct spelling, please let us know.


Edward’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Mother & Father: Emma (Huenerberg) Matthies & William Matthies
In-laws: Louis Pralle & Minnie (Mausehund) Pralle
Wife’s Paternal Grandmother: Wilhelmina (Stadtmann) Pralle

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

GEORGE KAPPE

GEORGE KAPPE

Age: 67 years, 11 months, 26 days

GEORGE KAPPE

DOB: March 1, 1873
near Beecher, IL USA

DOD: February 27, 1941
at home, Kappe homestead, SE of Beecher, IL USA

Son of Henry and Ellen (nee Beseke) Kappe

Brother to: Conrad E. (Amanda Mueller), Emma (Herman O. Matthias) Kappe

Husband of Minna Kappe, nee Ristenpart, married March 15, 1899
Father to: Regina (Dr. Henry C Krueger), Henry C. (Ella Fiene), Harriet E (Russell Piper) and Erna Kappe


July 31, 1930  – Beecher Herald

KAPPE FARM SCENE OF DISASTEROUS FIRE

George Kappe - Fire 7-1930Early Saturday morning, the Beecher Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call from the farm home of George Kappe, just south of town, when the large barn, tool shed and corn crib were ablaze. The fire had gained such headway before it was discovered, that none of the three buildings could be saved, so efforts were turned towards protecting those remaining. How the fire originated remains unknown, although it is thought that is was caused by spontaneous combustion in the hay, due to the excessive heat the preceding days.

The Kappe family were not aware of the fire until aroused by two men who were driving past in a truck. Noticing that there was no one about the blaze, they turned in the alarm.

The Kappe entails a heavy loss besides the buildings destroyed. About 30 tons of hay, 800 bushels of corn, 2 horses and some farm machinery were also burned. A tractor and an automobile were saved. We understand the loss is partially covered by insurance.


March 6, 1941  – Beecher Herald

RITES FOR PROMINENT FARMER HELD HERE

George Kappe Obit 1George Kappe, a well known and respected citizen of this community, passed away, Thursday morning Feb. 27, at 12:05 o’clock at the Kappe homestead, southeast of the Village.

Mr. Kappe was the son of Henry and Ellen Kappe, nee Beseke, and was born March 1, 1872, near Beecher. He was taken into the family of the children of God through Holy Baptism in St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, northeast of Beecher, and was later, following a course of thorough religious instruction, confirmed, April 18, 1886, in St. John’s Ev. and Ref. Church, southeast of this village by the late Rev. G. Koch. On March 15, 1899, he was, in the same church and by the same Pastor, united in holy wedlock with miss Minna Ristenpart, which happy union was blessed with four children, of whom one, Erna preceded the father in death, at the age of six days. The surviving children, who with the wife and mother mourn the loss of a true loving husband and father are: Regina, Mrs. Henry Krueger, Clear Lake, Iowa; Henry, Beecher; Harriet, Mrs. Russell Piper, Beecher.

Geoege Kappe obit 2Immediately after marriage, the young couple engaged in farming on the present home site, where their combined labors were signally blessed by God throughout the years. In late years, however, especially during the last two years, there came a fore-warning of abating strength. Still fresh and strong in mind and delighting in work, he sought medical help in the hope of regaining his former robust health. When little or no improvement was felt, he on Feb. 6, upon advice of his doctor, submitted to an operation for double hernia in St. James Hospital. Apparently on the road to recovery and happy to be home again, it soon became evident that all was not well as hoped and prayed for. Although the best of medical attention and untiring loving care was given him, his life slowly ebbed away into peaceful death on the above mentioned date, at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 26 days.

Those who are deeply saddened by his passing are his wife, his children, already mentioned, one daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, five grandchildren, Warren and Robert Krueger, Geraldine and Carolin Kappe, and Carol Piper; one sister, Mrs. Herman Matthias, Crete; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted, Sunday, March 2, beginning at 1:30 p.m., at the residence, and continued at 2:00 o’clock at St. Luke’s Church, where his Pastor, the Rev. G Horst, spoke in both the German and English languages to a large overflowing attendance of relatives and friends. A quartet of ladies of St. Luke’s Senior Choir rendered three appropriate songs. Many beautiful floral pieces artistically designed, gave ample expression of the esteem in which the departed was held by those who knew him best. He was laid to rest in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The departed, a true loving husband and father, always faithfully labored and abundantly provided for his loved ones. As a Christian, he always realized his shortcomings and dependence upon divine grace and could be accounted a true Israelite in whom there was no guile. His uprightness, honesty, fairness and willingness to help and serve wherever help and service was needed, was everywhere recognized and acknowledged. Because of these characteristics he, for more than fifteen years, was a trusted and respected director and president of the Farmers Grain Co. in Beecher. Sharing with all Christians and blessed knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus, may he now happily realize his Master’s gracious promise: “Because I live, ye shall live also.”


George’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Minna (Ristenpart) Kappe
Grandfather: Charles W. Beseke
Wife’s Brother & Sister-in-law: William Ristenpart & Hermine (Danne) Ristenpart
Wife’s Sister & Brother-in-law: Emma (Ristenpart) Fiene & Henry Fiene
Uncle & Aunt: Charles Beseke & Margreta (Tobeck) Beseke
Uncle: Conrad E. Beseke
Aunt & Uncle: Caroline (Beseke) Kirchhoff & Louis Kirchhoff
Cousin: Harry W. Kirchhoff
Cousins: Frieda (Beseke) Riley McCarthy & John J. Riley

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

 

FRED LANGREDER

Fred Landgreder

Age: 76 years, 7 months, 10 days

FREDERICK “FRED” H. LANGREDER

DOB: December 19, 1863
on a farm southeast of Beecher,
Will County, IL, USA

DOD: July 29, 1940
at home,
Will County, IL, USA

Son of Heinrich and Louisa (nee Ristenpart) Langreder

Brother to: Louisa (Diedrich D. Bakhaus), William F. (Fredericka Thobes), Henry F. (Mary Thaves), Edward (Maria Biocken), Emma (Herman Bockhaus Sr.), Ellen (Conrad E. Beseke), Adolph (Dorothea Oestmann)

Half Brother to: Bertha (Fred S. Stadt Jr.),  Mary (William J. Rust), Diedrich, Lillie (William H. Buhr), Anna D. (William F Schultz) and Carrie (Julius Kiedaisch) Langreder

Husband of Alvina K. Jessen, married October 9, 1889.

Father to: Clara and Walter F. (Alda L. White) Langreder

Beecher Delite Inn 3

possibly Fred & Mary (Jessen) Langreder Photo courtesy of James R. Wright

 

Husband of Mary Emma Jessen, married June 2, 1897.
Father to: Charles Christian, Alice Marie (Frank H. Leder) and Mildred E. Langreder

 

 

 


August 8, 1940 – Beecher Herald – Obituary

FRED LANGREDER DIES: FUNERAL SERVICES TODAY

Frederick Langreder obit 1The departed, Frederick Henry Langreder, son of Henry and Louise (nee Ristenpart), both deceased, was born, Dec. 19, 1863, on a farm south-east of Beecher. Soon after birth, he was baptized, and later, following a course of thorough religious instruction, he was confirmed by the Rev. E. Keuchen in St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church. On Oct. 9, 1889, he was united in marriage with Alvina Jessen at St. Paul’s Church, Rev. A.H. Brauer officiating. This union was blessed with two children, Walter, of Aurora, and Clara, who passed away at the age of eight years.

On June 28, 1895, a great sorrow overshadowed his life and happy home when the loving wife and mother, after a brief illness, was called to her heavenly rest. The sun, however, broke through the clouds again when his deceased wife’s sister, Miss Marie Jessen, was urged by love and trust to become his wife and the mother of his children, the marriage being preformed in the home, June 2, 1897, by Rev. G. Koch. This happy union was blessed with three children, Charles, who passed away at the age of 28 years, March 12, 1928, Alice Marie, now Mrs. Frank Leder, and Mildred, who passed away suddenly, Oct. 2, 1932. In 1904, while living in Roseland, he became a member of Bethel Evangelical and Reformed Church, where he and his family worshiped regularly until they returned to Beecher. Roseland Historic FarmIn the early 1890’s, the departed conducted a dairy on 112th Street, Roseland. Following this, he was employed for ten years by the Plano Mfg. Co., at West Pullman as an expert binder builder. Severing his connection with this company, he found employment with the Pullman Palace Car Co., where he became an outstanding truck builder for the

view of a Pullman Sleeper car compartment

view of a Pullman Sleeper car compartment

Pullman sleepers. His health beginning to fail, he followed his doctor’s advice and retired from his usual labors. Loving the country, the fresh air and sunshine, he sold his beautiful home in Roseland and, on March 6, 1918, moved with his family to a small farm that he had acquired near the place where he was born. More or less ill for many years, he gradually developed a severe case of sclerosis of the arteries, needing much care and attention, which he received at the hands of his family, especially his devoted wife. Fully realizing that his earthly days were numbered, he finally slipped into a coma from which he never rallied, coming to his peaceful death, Monday, July 29, at 1:30 p.m., at the age of 76 years, 5 months and 10 days. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, two children, already mentioned, four grandchildren, two sisters, three brothers, four half-sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Frederick Langreder obit 2Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, Aug. 1, 1940, beginning at 2 o’clock at the Hack Funeral Home, where Rev. G. Horst of St. Luke’s spoke in fitting words to a large gathering of relatives and friends, Two appropriate solos were rendered by Miss Dora Baldauf of Roseland, a friend of the family, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Frank Hunte. Interment was in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The departed, always a true loving husband and father, and loyal in the things taught him, and in the service of his Master until the above mentioned illness more and more firmly embedded itself, so lived that his bereaved loved ones may well hope and trust that his frequently expressed wish and desire to be with those gone before has been happily realized.


Frederick’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Second Wife: Mary E. (Jessen) Langreder Hinze
Son: Charles Langreder
Daughter: Alice M. (Langreder) Leder
Daughter: Mildred E. Langreder
Brother-in-law, married to his sister Ellen: Conrad E. Beseke

 

 

 

WILLIAM MATTHIES

WILLIAM MATTHIES

Age: 75 years, 10 months, 7 days

WILLIAM MATTHIES

DOB: MARCH 4, 1861
Walnut Hill, West of Crete, IL USA

DOD: January 11, 1937
at home, 3 miles west of Beecher, IL USA

Son of Conrad and Sophia (nee Muhlke) Matthies

Brother to: Henry (Louisa Stade), Maria, John (Katherine Stevens), Sophia, Frederick (Emma Bunte) , Lena and Engel Dorothea (William Pries) Matthies

Husband of Emma (nee Huenerberg) Matthies, married November 14, 1885, in St. Paul’s Church, Washington Township, IL USA.

Father to seven children: Alvina (Carl Clausing), Ida (Ernest Hannover), Sophia (William Buhr Jr.), Tillie (Otto Jaeger), Melinda (Martin Oldenburg), Edward (Esther Pralle) and William Jr ( Hattie Armstrong) Matthies


June 27, 1918  – Beecher Herald – MORE BOYS TO GET KAISER

Eight Farmer Boys From Washington Township Are Called

Will Entrain Today From Joliet For Camp Wheeler, Georgia

6-27-1918 More Boys to Get KaiserEight more Washington Township boys have been called to the colors and went over to Joliet, yesterday, to make up a unit of 518 Will County men from class one, which will join Uncle Sam’s great army in the fight for a worldwide democracy. They are: Albert Hartman, Wm. Matthias, George Ostermeyer, Elmer Tatge, Albert Guritz, Louis Beseke, William Riechers and Louis Matthias.

Camp Wheeler MaconThis morning, the selected men, headed by a couple of bands, paraded the streets of Joliet, and at 10 o’clock they boarded a Chicago & Alton special for Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga., their destination. It is expected the contingent will reach the cantonment at about 4 o’clock on Saturday morning.

Herman Hunte, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hunte, was called in the Kankakee County call, last week, and left, Monday, with the Grant Park contingent for Kankakee, where they entrained with boys from a company for some southern cantonment, the place we were unable to learn. The Red Cross and citizens of Grant Park gave the boys a grand send off and farewell reception, Saturday evening, at which the Red Cross presented each of the boys with a sweater and complete kit. Herman is the third and last son in this family to be called, Albert and Carl having gone south a couple of weeks ago.

 

William was stationed: Barracks, Detachment, Naval Proving Ground, Indian Head, Maryland as a private in the U.S. Marine Corps. and his muster date was January 1919.

 


January 14, 1937 – Beecher Herald

WELL KNOWN FARMER FOUND DEAD IN BED

William Matthies obit 1William Matthias, well known farmer, was found dead in bed, Monday morning at 6 o’clock, at his home, 3 miles west of town on the Peotone road. Mr. Matthias’ sudden departure was a shock not only to his family but the entire community. He attained the age of 75 years, 10 months and 7 days.

Funeral services are being held, today (Thursday), at home at 1 p.m., and following at St. Luke’s Church with Rev. G. Horst officiating. Burial will be in the Mausoleum.

Obituary will appear next week.


January 21, 1937 – Beecher Herald

OBITUARY

William Matthias, Sr.

William Matthies obit 2The departed, William Matthies, Sr., son of Conrad and Engel Matthies, both deceased, was born, March 4, 1861, near Walnut Hill, west of Crete. The child of Christian parents, he was, soon after birth, baptized in St. Paul’s Church by the Rev. F.A.H. Lossner. On March 29, 1874, having been duly instructed in the fundamentals of the Christian religion, he was confirmed in the same church by the same pastor. Also in the same church, November 14, 1885, took place his marriage to Miss Emma Huenerberg, Rev. A. H. Brauer officiating. This happy union was blessed with the following children: Alvina, Mrs. Carl Clausing; William; Ida, Mrs. Ernest Hannover; Sophie, Mrs. William Buhr; Tillie, Mrs. Otto Jaeger, Detroit, Michigan; Malinda, Mrs. Martin Oldenburg; and Edward.

Immediately after their marriage, the young couple took up farming, during the first four years, three miles west of Beecher, then four years near Goodenow, and the last forty two years on the present homestead, three miles west of Beecher. Both being deeply interested and faithfully applying themselves to their work, their labors were signally blessed by God. Their farm today gives every evidence of the interest, care and toil expended upon it. Although for twenty five years handicapped more or less physically, the departed never played the role of an invalid nor lost his cheerful outlook on life. Even during the last two years, when his ailment became a burden and a cross, he retained his interest in the farm and its progress and remained the same kind, considerate husband, father and friend. Above all did he deeply appreciate the loving attention and help which, during a long period, was so untiringly given him by his wife and children. A pleasant interlude in his busy, fruitful life was the celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1935, of which he often spoke in deep appreciation of the grace of God which so richly abounded in their lives. Thus his confession, which was also his farewell, clothed in the words “Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan” (What God does that is done well), should ever linger with his loved ones as a pleasant memory of him who was found so peacefully asleep, Monday morning, Jan. 11, at 5 o’clock, at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 7 days. Those who deeply mourn his passing are his wife, his children, already mentioned, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

William Matthies obit 3Funeral services were conducted, Thursday, Jan. 14, beginning at 1 p.m., at the home, and continued at 1:45 o’clock at St. Luke’s Church, of which the departed had been a faithful, loyal member. Here, to a large gathering of relatives and friends, his pastor, Rev. G. Horst, spoke most fittingly in the German and English languages. Many beautiful floral pieces attested to the high esteem in which the departed was held by all who knew him. He was laid to rest in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The deceased, both as a husband and father, ever gave lovingly, freely and fully of his time and efforts to those near and dear to him. As a true child of God and Christian, he felt, happy and secure in the faith, hope and love in which he ever lived. As a loyal member of St. Luke’s Church, he contributed willingly and freely to its need and the work in which the church in a large sense, is engaged. As a neighbor and friend, he was ever found ready to give of his time and service. This one may well hope that the peaceful end of his earthly pilgrimage is the beginning of the blessed life which shall endless be.


Help PleaseNote: You may notice that William’s and Emma’s names are spelled with an “e” in Matthies and their son Eddie’s name is spelled with an “a” in Matthias. I have found in my research the spelling changes on different documents. I do not know which is correct, or if there was an error made on their headstones. If you can help confirm the correct spelling, please let us know.


William’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Wife: Emma (Huenerberg) Matthies
Son: Edward Matthias
In-laws of son Edward: Louis Pralle & Minnie (Mausehund) Pralle
Grandmother of son’s wife (Esther Pralle Matthias): Wilhelmina (Stradtmenn) Pralle

EDWIN WEHMHOEFER

Edwin Wehmhoefer

Age: 21 years, 11 months, 16 days

EDWIN D. WEHMHOEFER

DOB: October 25, 1905
Beecher, Will County, IL

DOD: October 11, 1927
St. James Hospital, Chicago Heights, IL USA

 

Son of Edward John and Charlotte (nee Thiesfeld) Wehmhoefer


October 13, 1927 – Beecher Herald

EDWIN WEHMHOEFER CALLED TUESDAY

IMG_4309Edwin D. Wehmhoefer, only son and child of Mrs. Lottie Wehmhoefer, passed away on Tuesday morning, at 12:20 o’clock, at the Chicago Heights hospital, following a short illness of acute brights disease.

The  young man was stricken with the ailment a few weeks ago and steadily grew worse until on Monday, when it was deemed best to take him to the hospital, and he passed away during the night. Had he lived until the 25th of this month, he would have attained the age of 22 years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, at 1:30 o’clock p.m., at the home of his uncle, William Wehmhoefer, and later at the St. Lucas Evangelical Church. His body will rest in the Beecher Mausoleum. Obituary notice next week.


October 14, 1927 – The Chicago Heights Star

Matteson

Edwin Wehmhoefer Dies

Edwin Wehmhoefer obit - The StarEdwin D. Wehmhoefer was born October 5, 1905, at Beecher, Ill., and in a few days would have attained the age of 22 years. A few years ago his parents moved to Monee on a farm. About seven years ago the father died, leaving the mother and Edwin. Edwin attended the Matteson high school and from that time he has been assisting his uncle, Henry Wehmhoefer, in the hardware business at Beecher. He lived with his mother.

About five weeks ago Edwin became ill, and when the doctor was called, he diagnosed the sickness as Bright’s disease. For a time hope was entertained that he would recover. But on Monday morning a relapse set in. The patient was then taken to the hospital, where he died on Tuesday morning.

Funeral services were held today at Beecher from the residence of his uncle, and then at the church. Rev. Horst, of Beecher, and Rev. Gaebe, of Monee, conducted the services.

Pall-bearers were: Louis Schuetts, Lloyd Graham, Elmer Wehling, Fred Mathias, Carl Hunte and Harold Schmidt. Interment was at the Beecher Mausoleum.


October 20, 1927 – Beecher Herald

EDWIN WEHMHOEFER

Edwin Wehmhoefer obit -Beecher HeraldEdwin D. Wehmhoefer was born Oct. 25, 1905, at Beecher. When three years old his parents moved to a farm south of Monee. Having graduated from the grade school at Monee and being confirmed at St. Paul’s Church, he afterwards attended the high school at Matteson and later at Harvey.

Wehmhoefer’s Hardware Store, Beecher, IL

Since the death of his father, in 1920, the mother made her home in Monee, where she already engaged in nursing, which later became her profession. In 1925, mother and son came to Beecher, where the latter found employment in the hardware establishment of his uncle, Henry Wehmhoefer. Attending strictly to his work, being faithful, courteous and accommodating, he was well liked by all who came in contact with him. About six weeks ago, a treacherous kidney ailment gave reason for worry and alarm, and although given the best of loving care and attention by his mother and attended by the best medical skill obtainable, his condition grew steadily worse, so early on Monday morning it was found advisable to transfer him to the St. James Hospital at Chicago Heights. Here the utmost was done to save his life, but God in his wisdom had decreed otherwise, and called him from this life at 12:20 on Tuesday morning, Oct. 11, at the age of 21 years, 11 months and 16 days.

His remains were brought to William Wehmhoefer’s residence, from where, on Friday, at 1:30, the funeral service was conducted. This service was continued at St. Luke’s Church where Rev. G. Horst spoke in German and Rev. A.B. Baebe, a personal friend of the family, spoke in the American language, both speakers dwelling on the fact that Edwin had lived a clean, exemplary life and showing forth the characteristics of a loving, dutiful son. The large audience and many beautiful floral pieces, attested to the high esteem and regard which Edwin had secured for himself within two years’ stay in our midst. Burial was in the Beecher Mausoleum.


 Edwin’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Father & Mother: Edward Wehmhoefer & Charlotte (Thiesfeld) Wehmhoefer
Grandmother: Maria (Seegers or Siegert) Wehmhoefer Hoffman
Uncle & Aunt: Henry C. Wehmhoefer & Augusta (Wehling) Wehmhoefer
Aunt: Matilda “Tillie” (Wehmhoefer) Westphal

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wiechen, Wilkening.

 

 

MARY WILKENING

Mary Wilkening

Age: 62 years, 11 months, 22 days

MARY WILKENING
(nee WEHLING)

DOB: September 13, 1864
Beecher, IL USA

DOD: September 4, 1927
at home, Chicago Heights, IL USA

Daughter of Friedrich G. and Engel Maria (nee Wulf) Wehling

Sister to: Catharina L. (Lewis M. Penoyer), Heinrich C., Gerhardt (Sophia Wilkening), Maria Lisette “Minna” (Frank Fowler), Augusta J. (Henry C. Wehmhoefer), Alfred (Emma M. Wassmann), William (Louisa Bockelman & Stella Krause) Wehling

MARY WILKENING

MARY WILKENING

 

Wife of Henry C. Wilkening, married April 2, 1893, St. John’s Church, Eagle Lake, IL USA

Mother to: Robert H. (Jennie Evans), Edwin W. (Irene Dora Finn) and Walter (Lois Roberta Barron) Wilkening

 

 


September 6, 1927 – Chicago Heights Star

WOMAN FALLS TO DEATH FROM STAIR LANDING

Trips After Returning For Bunch of Keys She Forgot

Widow of H.C. Wilkening

(Editor’s note: the same article below was originally published in the Star, but the copy we have is  unreadable)


September 8, 1927 – Beecher Herald

 MRS. H.C. WILKENING FALLS TO DEATH

Mary Wilkening obitA bunch of keys which she had forgotten in an upstairs room at her home, 81  W Hickory Street,  led to the death Sunday night of Mrs. Mary Wilkening, 63 years old. Mrs. Wilkening had gone upstairs to make a telephone call and had returned to the first floor, only to discover that she had left her keys in an upper room. After she had gone to secure them, she stumbled at the top of the stairs and fell down the entire flight of stairs, dying in 20 minutes of a skull fracture.

There were no witnesses, and it is not known how the accident happened. Mrs. Nelly Scully, who resided on an upper floor, heard the fall and found Mrs. Wilkening apparently already dead at the foot of the stairs. Police were summoned immediately and a physician was called, but death had already occurred when they arrived.

Mrs. Wilkening was the widow of Henry C. Wilkening, who died seven months ago.  She came to Chicago Heights 11 years ago and had lived here continuously since that time. Mr. Wilkening had been employed as a janitor at the First National bank for a number of years,  but had been retired for five years prior to his death.

An inquest was held this morning at the Spindler-Koelling undertaking rooms. – Tuesday’s Chicago Heights Star.

Mrs. Wilkening was a sister of Gerhard Sr., William and Alfred Wehling and Mrs. Henry Wehmhoefer of Beecher and Henry Wehling of Chicago Heights. She is also survived by three sons, Robert and Walter of Chicago and Edwin of Gibson City.

Funeral services were conducted, yesterday afternoon, at 1:30 at the house and at 2 o’clock at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chicago Heights.


Maria’s “Mary’s” family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Husband: Henry C. Wilkening
Sister & Brother-in-law: Augusta (Wehling) Wehmhoefer & Henry C. Wehmhoefer

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen.