Individual Details

Death

MRS. GERD THOLEN PASSED AWAY SUNDAY

Mrs. Gretha Tholen, wife of Mr. Gerd J. Tholen, near Anamosa, was summoned last Saturday evening at about 9:15 after an illness of about 10 days with flu and pneumonia.

Mrs. Tholen was born March 11,1869 at Wiesedemeer, Ostfriesland, Germany as daughter of the late Harm Bodeker and wife, Gretha nee Brunen. She was baptized in the Lutheran church at Reepsholt and in 1883 with the parents, came to the United States where she ever resided until 1911 when the family bought a small farm near Anamosa. April 18, 1886 she was confirmed by Rev. Mardorf in Wayne Zion Lutheran church of which she was a loyal and lifelong member. December 5, 1889 she became the true and faithful wife of the now mourning husband, Gerd Janssen Tholen. No children were born to this union. The family purchased a farm in Wayne Township now owned by George Schoon. In 1911 she with her husband, retired from the farm purchasing a small property near Anamosa to spend the remainder of their life in rest and quietness. Friday, December 19, 1932 she became ill with the flu which became complicated with pneumonia. Rapidly her strength failed and she passed away Saturday evening at the age of 65 year, 9 months and 26 days.

Mrs. Tholen was a kindhearted lady, in the true sense of the word, a home loving wife, a true and up-right Lutheran Christian, a loyal member of Wayne Zion Lutheran church where she regularly attended divine services and the sacrament. She lived her faith and she died that faith.


She is survived by her husband, Mr. Gerd J Tholen, 4 sisters: Mrs. Frauke Rodik in Monticello; Mrs. Gresche Margareta Dirks. Langworthy; Mrs. Meta Rodman, Monticello; Mrs.Tina Ireland, Wyoming; one brother, Mr. John Gerd Bodeker of Amber, with all their respective families and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Wayne Zion Lutheran church in charge of her pastor, Rev. J.Willms, last Wednesday, January 11, at one o'clock at the home and 1:30 at the church.


THE ANAMOSA JOURNAL....JAN 12, 1933...PAGE 1