BLETSCH - -  Peter Bletsch was born Nov. 5, 1834 in Waldorf, Baden, Germany.  When eighteen years of age, he came to America where he immediately became acquainted with our church; became a member and found peace for his soul.  In 1855 he came to Bastrop, Texas, and was married on Sept. 24, 1857 to his now mourning widow - Caroline (nee Meier). Their union was blessed with twelve children, of whom five preceded him in death.  Later they moved to Perry, Texas.  And after six years moved to Waco, Texas. (or lived six years in Waco) 

Brother Bletsch was a devout Christian, enemy of pretense and hypocrisy. He served his Lord well, with a true heart; and also the church of his choice.  He had a varied life, felt the storms and life in their fullest force, also the grace of God which helped him through all this.  He was a help to the minister, and one found in him a warm true friend and brother.  Through all his trials and tribulations in his life, he became deeper rooted in his belief in God. 

He was ailing for a long time, but three weeks before the end, he became sick with dengue fever, and then his old heart condition became evident again.  Shortly before the end, he asked God to take him home. With much patience he bore the pains and the ailments until on Dec. 19,1897, he went to sleep.  Shortly before his end came, he received a consoling and cheerful letter from his brother Jacob, who is a preacher in Chicago,Ill.  This letter made him very happy, and was the last happiness he had on this earth. 

In the home, Father Schuler who was a fiend of long standing of Brother Bletsch, had a short service, after which J. A. Traeger preached. As per his wishes, his body was taken to Perry, Texas for burial. Brother Kasper Heerlein, former preacher and intimate friend of the deceased, held the funeral service.  Then Traeger and Brother Julius Urbanke spoke. 

He leaves, to mourn him, his wife, Caroline, seven children, and a number of grand-children.  Four brothers, one of whom is the preacher Jacob, in Chicago, Ill. and of the Chicago Church Conference.  Another brother, August, has a book-store in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

J. A. Traeger 

(This is a translation of a German Obituary found in the large family Bible.) 
A copy of the original obituary and the translation was sent to my father by his Aunt Laura with the above notation.

Sister Caroline Bletsch:  Born 17th day of March, 1841 (Germany) At the age of twelve years, came to America with her parents, and settled near Bastrop, Texas. Sept. 24, 1857 she was married to Peter Bletsch. Her union was blessed with twelve children, five of whom preceded her in death. She became acquainted with the church in Bastrop, and under the influence of Brother Schneider, she found peace, and joined the church. Later they moved to Perry, and after nine years moved to Waco, Texas.

She served her Lord with joy, and enjoyed being in the meetings whenever possible. She had a very varied life and many bitter experiences. On Dec. 1897 her husband died, which was a heavy blow for her and often she was inconsolable. This gave her a strong desire to return to her homeland.
(The above Obituary was found in the family Bible, the remainder is missing.)
A copy of this obituary was sent to my father by his Aunt Laura with the above notation.