Henry Henrich NAUHOLZ

Sumner Gazette - March 17, 1932 Page 3

HENRY NAUHOLZ SR. PASSES MARCH 2ND

Funeral Sunday - Member of Hope Church for 55 Years

Henry Nauholz, son of George Nauholz, farmer, and his wife, Rosina was born in the state of New York on January 7, 1856. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lena Hoth, at Westgate on Wednesday, March 2, 1932, being 70 years, 1 month and 25 days old.

He was baptized a Christian of the Lutheran church at the place of his birth. While still a child his parents moved with him to Cedarburg, Wis. From there the family moved to Fayette county, Iowa in 1859, when the boy had been 13 years of age. He finished his schooling, received Christian instruction and was confirmed in the Lutheran church at Ottercreek, Fayette county, by Pastor John Sessler in May 1874. He lost his mother by an untimely death while he was still a youth.

At the age of 21, on July 22, 1877 he was united in marriage with Johanna Guritz and made his home 1 1/4 miles west of Hope Lutheran church which he joined at about the same time. He lived there for 29 years building up a prosperous farm and rearing a Christian family of eight children. In 1905 he moved to Westgate and engaged in the implement business for 17 years. During this time he served his town as mayor and his township as trustee. He retired in 1922 although keeping active as much as his declining years would permit. Since about a year ago he stayed with his oldest daughter, Mrs. Lena Hoth.

Father Nauholz saw Iowa when much of it was still a virgin prairie and the Indian roamed the country. He was one of those early pioneers by whose physical strength, spiritual courage and endurance our state has reached its present stage of fertility and prosperity. God recognized his efforts by rewarding him with material blessings. During his long and toilsome life he was never seriously ill until eight years ago when he was operated on for goiter. His first serious affliction came when he suffered a stroke in the fall of 1929. This stroke had been followed, in the course of time, by several others. He was able to be about the house until three weeks ago when his strength was failing. Another stroke partly paralyzed him though he never gave any evidence of distress. Hardly speaking he seemed to have left the world without and retired within himself. It was the will of his Creator to call him home.

He was industrious worker, a faithful father, a loyal church member, an unselfish citizen, an esteemed neighbor and a helpful friend. He was a shining example of patience during the years of his illness. Though already quite feeble he joined, for the last time, the celebrating congregation for holy communion last Christmas and attended divine services on many a Sunday since then. His name, in ink, now faded, is signed under the oldest constitution of Hope church. He was the oldest member of our congregation as to both age and membership having been a member for at least 55 years. Men of the sterling qualities of his character are the foundation of our greatest institutions - family, community, church and state.

Well cared for by his children he peacefully passed away March 2, shortly before 9 o'clock in the evening. His beloved wife preceded him death November 8, 1931. His parents as well as a brother, a sister and a half brother also died many years ago. Two of his children died prematurely: Ernest at the age of eight years and Elizabeth (Mrs. Warnke) in 1900. He leaves as living monuments: Six children: Mrs. Lena Hoth; Mrs. Rosina Warnke; Henry Nauholz; Mrs. Freda Bartels; Mrs. Anna Steege and Herman Nauholz; his sons- and daughters-in-law; 27 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; also many friends morn his departure.

Last services were conducted Sunday, March 6, at Hope Lutheran church, Pastor Leon Gehret officiating. Interment was made in the Hope cemetery.

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