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Herman Gerken (1819-1875)
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| Laura (Gerken) Klostermann (1893-1967) was a daughter of William and Carolina (Wuebbelt) Gerken. Laura was a first cousin to my grandfather, Ewald Gerken. Laura's father William was a brother to Henry Gerken, my great-grandfather. T.L. | ||||
Edward and Laura (Gerken) Klostermann
Laura Carolina Gerken was born on December 2, 1893, at the family homestead east of Dyersville, Iowa, the second of six children born to William and Carolina (Wuebbelt) Gerken. Her siblings were Bill, Oscar, Thecla, Ludwig, and Oliva. Laura also had seven half-brothers and sisters, Addie, John, Frank, Henry, Leo, Rudy, and Molly, who were children of William Gerken and his first wife, Elizabeth Sudmeier, who died in 1888.
Wedding Announcement from the Dyersville Commercial:
GERKEN-KLOSTERMANN WEDDING AT ST. FRANCIS
MISS LAURA GERKEN AND MR. ED. KLOSTERMANN PLIGHT TROTH.
Ceremony Took Place Wednesday Morning, Very Rev. Father Kunkel Officiating.
Miss Laura Gerken and Mr. Edward Klostermann were united in the holy bonds of matrimony Wednesday morning, January 31, 1917, in St. Francis Xavier Church at Dyersville, Iowa. The ceremony took place at eight o'clock, the Reverend Father William Kunkel of Raymond, cousin of the bride, officiating. The attendants were Miss Thecla Gerken, sister of the bride, and Mr. Alfred Klostermann, brother of the groom. A reception was tendered the newlyweds at the home of the bride's parents east of Dyersville which was a most happy social event. They were showered with congratulations and received many beautiful wedding gifts as tokens of esteem.
The bridal dress worn by the bride was beautifully designed of white silk with trimmings of lace and silver and her bridal veil was tucked with lilies of the valley. She carried a prayer book with a bookmark of lilies of the valley. Her maid wore a dress of pink crepe de chien and carried pink carnations and ferns.
The bride is one of Dyersville's most popular young ladies and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Gerken. She was born and reared at Dyersville, receiving her education in St. Francis School and by her admirable character holds the respect of all. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Casper Klostermann, who also reside east of Dyersville. He is a promising young farmer, honest and energetic with good business qualifications.
Upon their return from their wedding trip to the western part of Iowa and also points in Minnesota, the newlyweds will go to housekeeping on the Mrs. H. Evers farm north of Dyersville. Their many friends extend felicitations.
Edward J. Klostermann was born at Dyersville, Iowa, on April 19, 1890, son of Casper and Catherine (Jasper) Klostermann.
Edward and Laura Klostermann farmed in the vicinity of Dyersville until 1938, when the family moved into the city. They were members of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Dyersville. Laura was a member of Court St. Rose, Catholic Daughters of America, of Dyersville and at one time was a grand regent of the Order. Edward was occupied as feed salesman for the Moorman Mfg. Co. until retiring in 1955. He also was associated with the Steger Funeral Home from circa 1943 to 1961. He was a member of the parish Rosary Society and a director of the St. Francis Credit Union.
Edward and Laura Klostermann had three daughters, Florabelle Klostermann, Wilma Klostermann, and Mary Klostermann. An obituary notice for Mary states she was preceded in death by a brother, so Ed and Laura may also have had a son who died in infancy.
Ed Klostermann Funeral Service Held Wednesday
Edward J. Klostermann, age 71, of 228 1st Ave. West, died at noon on Saturday, October 14, 1961, at his home in this city, after more than five months' illness.
The funeral services were held from the Steger Funeral home in Dyersville to St. Francis Xavier Basilica, where at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 18, Monsignor John H. Mayer celebrated a Solemn Requiem High Mass with Father Charles Steinlage of Petersburg the deacon and Father Richard Maichen of Dyersville the subdeacon.
The casket was carried by nephews Ray Kramer, Alfred Klostermann, Jr., Robert Wilhelm, Paul Bruggeman, and Bob Gerken. The honorary escorts were Gerald Freymann, Peter Hentges, Charles Ungs, Ben Kern, Floyd Henkels, Jos. Bildstein, Elmer V. Willenborg, and Donald Devine.
The deceased was survived by his wife, Laura; three daughters, Florabelle, Mrs. Gilbert Rahe; Wilma, Mrs. LeRoy Rahe; and Mary, Mrs. Walter Scherbring, all of Dyersville, Ia.; eighteen grandchildren; one sister, Alvina Klostermann, of Dyersville, Ia.; and two brothers, Alfred Scherbring, Sr., and Emil Scherbring, both of Dyersville, Ia. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and two brothers.
Mrs. Edward (Laura Gerken) Klostermann dies.
The death of Mrs. Edw. (Laura) Klostermann of 1st Ave. West, Dyersville, Iowa, occurred at the Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday morning, October 21, 1967, after she had been hospitalized for several days. She was 73 years old.
The McBride Funeral Home at Dyersville had charge of the arrangements. The Right Reverend Monsignor John H. Mayer offered the Requiem High Mass on Wednesday, October 25th, at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Basilica at Dyersville and officiated at the interment in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. The Reverend Charles Steinlage of Petersburg, Ia., was in the sanctuary for the Mass. The Catholic Daughters recited the rosary in the McBride Funeral home on Monday evening and the parish rosary was recited Tuesday evening.
The pallbearers were Art Klostermann, Paul Bruggeman, John Dewayne, and Daniel and Gary Rahe. The honorary escorts were Mesdames Leo Niehaus, Floyd Henkels, Stella Keuter, Emma Walker, Kate Besler, and Martha Wessels.
Mrs. Klostermann was survived by three daughters, Mrs. Gilbert (Florabelle) Rahe, Mrs. LeRoy (Wilma) Rahe, and Mrs. Walter (Mary) Scherbring, all of Dyersville, Ia.; 19 grandchildren; four brothers, Oscar Gerken of Guttenberg, Ia.; William Gerken of Amarillo, Texas; Frank Gerken of Dyersville, Ia.; and Henry Gerken of Dubuque, Ia.; and three sisters, Mrs. Ben Willenborg and Mrs. Clem Bruggeman of Dyersville, Ia., and Mrs. William Janssen of Umbarger, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers, and one sister. Those relatives coming from some distance for the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. William Gerken of Amarillo and Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Janssen of Umbarger, Texas.
Children of Edward and Laura (Gerken) Klostermann:
- Florabelle Klostermann was born on April 22, 1919, daughter of Edward and Laura (Gerken) Klostermann. Florabelle Klostermann, who was called "Florie," married Gilbert Rahe on September 3, 1940, in St. Francis Xavier Church at Dyersville, Iowa. Gilbert Rahe was born on April 5, 1915, at Dyersville, Iowa, son of Anton and Rose (Drees) Rahe. Gilbert and Florie Rahe farmed east of Dyersville for 50 years until their retirement in 1992. They were members of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Gilbert served on the board of directors of Farmers Shipping Association of Dyersville for 25 years. Florie enjoyed baseball and bingo.
Gilbert and Florie Rahe had eleven children: Mary Kay Rahe, Lois Rahe, Doris Rahe, Janet Rahe, John Rahe, Dewayne Rahe, Marsha Rahe, Carmen Rahe, Keith Rahe, Colleen Rahe, and Michelle Rahe.Gilbert Rahe, 83, died Tuesday evening, December 1, 1998, in the Edgewood Convalescent Home at Edgewood, Iowa, after a long illness. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 5, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa, with burial in the church cemetery. Family and friends called from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday, December 4, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, where a rosary began at 4:30 p.m.
He was survived by his wife, Florabelle; eight daughters: Mary Kay (Peter) Matisheck of Fort Dodge, Ia., Lois (Don) Noel of Dubuque, Ia., Doris (Gary) Brown of Evanston, Ill., Janet (Bill) Hennekens of Minnetonka, Minn., Marsha (Mark) Hauser of Edgewood, Ia., Carmen (Jim) Epstein of Chatham, Ill., Colleen (Ron) Mormann of Marion, Ia., and Michelle Rahe of Johnston, Ia.; three sons, John (Nikki), Dewayne (Krystal) and Keith (Jacque) Rahe, all of Dyersville, Ia.; 27 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two sisters, Evelyn Pape of Dubuque, Ia., and Eileen Hermsen of Farley, Ia.; a brother, Tony (Rosemary) of Dyersville, Ia.; and two sisters-in-law, Marie Rahe and Agnes Rahe, both of Dyersville, Ia. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Gerald, Leo and Leroy; and a sister, Dolores Krapfl.
Gilbert will be remembered for his dedication to the farm, reverence for his faith, and devotion to his family.Mrs. Florabelle "Florie" Rahe, 81, of Dyersville, Iowa, died Thursday, August 17, 2000, at home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Family and friends called from 2 to 9 p.m., Sunday, August 20, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, where the parish scripture service was held at 4 p.m. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 21, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, with burial in St. Francis Cemetery.
She was survived by eight daughters, Mary Kay (Peter) Matisheck, of Fort Dodge, Ia., Lois (Don) Noel, of Dubuque, Ia., Doris (Gary) Brown, of Evanston, Ill., Janet (Bill) Hennekens, of Minnetonka, Minn., Marsha (Mark) Hauser, of Edgewood, Ia., Carmen (Jim) Epstein, of Chatham, Ill., Colleen (Ron) Mormann, of Marion, Ia., and Michelle Rahe, of Dyersville, Ia.; three sons, John (Nikki), Dewayne (Krystal) and Keith (Jacque) Rahe, all of Dyersville, Ia.; and 27 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and two sisters, Wilma Rahe and Mary Scherbring McBride.
Florabelle will be remembered for her reverence for her faith and devotion to her family. - Wilma R. Klostermann was born on December 25, 1920, daughter of Edward and Laura (Gerken) Klostermann. Wilma Klostermann married Leroy J. Rahe on February 12, 1944. Leroy Rahe was born on May 22, 1917,* at Dyersville, Iowa, son of Anton and Rose (Drees) Rahe. LeRoy and Wilma Rahe farmed at Dyersville, Iowa, with Leroy having farmed in the Dyersville area all of his life.
* = May 22 was Leroy Rahe's date of birth according to an obituary that appeared in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, May 24 according to an online SSDI.
Leroy and Wilma Rahe had six children: Daniel Rahe, Kathy Rahe, Gary Rahe, Diane Rahe, Jeffrey Rahe, and Daryl Rahe.Mrs. Leroy (Wilma R.) Rahe, 51, of rural Dyersville, Iowa, was killed Sunday, April 30, 1972, when the car she was riding in collided with another auto at the junction of Buck Creek blacktop and Highway 3 near Waverly, Iowa.
Iowa Highway Patrolmen said a seventeen-year-old halted his car at a stop sign on the black top, then proceeded across Highway 3 and was struck broadside by the Rahe vehicle.
Mrs. Rahe's daughter Kathy, the driver, and her daughter-in-law Jolene Rahe were taken to Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, and placed in intensive care for treatment of injuries.
Services for Mrs. Rahe were at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 3, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa, with burial in the church cemetery. Family and friends called after 7 p.m., Monday, May 1, at the McBride Funeral Home in Dyersville, where the scripture wake service was held at 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 2.
Surviving besides her husband Leroy and daughter Kathy Rahe were four sons, Daniel Rahe, of Dyersville, Ia., and Gary Rahe, Jeffrey Rahe, and Daryl Rahe, and another daughter, Dianne Rahe, all at home; one grandson; and two sisters, Mrs. Gilbert (Florabelle) Rahe and Mrs. Mary Scherbring, both of Dyersville, Ia.Leroy J. Rahe, 69, of Dyersville, Iowa, died Monday, April 20, 1987, at home, of a sudden illness. Funeral services were at noon Wednesday, April 22, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery. Family and riends called at the Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville on Tuesday, April 21, where a parish wake service was held.
He was survived by four sons, Dan Rahe and Gary Rahe, both of Dyersville, Ia., Jeff Rahe, of Dubuque, Ia., and Daryl Rahe, of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; two daughters, Kathy Chapman, of Fairfax, Ia., and Mrs. Frank (Diane) Klostermann, of Atkins, Ia.; 14 grandchildren; three brothers, Leo Rahe, of Petersburg, Ia., and Gilbert Rahe and Tony Rahe, both of Dyersville, Ia.; and three sisters, Mrs. Delores Krapfl and Mrs. Evelyn Pape, both of Dyersville, Ia., and Mrs. Elmer (Eileen) Hermsen, of Farley, Ia. - Mary Theresa Klostermann was born on May 28, 1929, in Dubuque County, Iowa, daughter of Edward and Laura (Gerken) Klostermann. Mary Klostermann married Walter Herman Scherbring on September 1, 1952, at Dyersville, Iowa. They lived at Winterset, Iowa, and Dyersville, Iowa. Walter Scherbring was born on December 26, 1923, son of John Henry and Josephine (Ronnebaum) Scherbring. Walter and Mary Scherbring had two children, Laura J. Scherbring and Lynne M. Scherbring.
Walter Scherbring, 48, of Dyersville, Iowa, was killed Friday morning, October 22, 1971, in a car-truck accident on U.S. Highway 6 just west of Oxford, Iowa.
Authorities said the Scherbring car crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a semi driven by a 38-year-old Toledo, Ia., man. Both vehicles traveled about 200 feet after the impact. The semi driver was not injured.
Funeral services for Walter H. Scherbring were at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 25, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa. Burial was in the church cemetery, where the Dyersville Legion Post 137 conducted graveside rites. Family and friends called at the McBride Funeral Home in Dyersville, where the Rosary was said at 8 p.m., Sunday, October 24.
He was survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Laurie Jo Scherbring and Lynne Scherbring, both at home; his mother, Mrs. Josephine Scherbring, of Edgewood, Ia.; and two brothers, Lester H. Scherbring, of Earlville, Ia., and Robert L. Scherbring, of Dyersville, Ia.Mary (Klostermann) Scherbring married Harry V. McBride on May 28, 1973, at Dyersville, Iowa. Harry brought four children into their marriage, Michael J. McBride, Michelle M. McBride, Margaret M. McBride, and Patricia J. McBride. Harry was a licensed embalmer and funeral director. Harry and Mary McBride lived at Dyersville, Iowa, and then at Burlington, Iowa, and to Winterset, Iowa, circa 1985, where they were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mary was president of the Women's Club, treasurer of the Winterset American Legion Auxiliary, and organist at the church. Mary had been employed as a secretary and bookkeeper at Baur Farms, Inc., in Van Meter, Iowa.
Mary T. McBride, 59, Winterset, Iowa, died Monday, February 6, 1989, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Funeral services were held Thursday, February 9, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset, with the Rev. Frank Palmer and the Rev. James J. McBride officiating. Burial was in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville
Survivors included her husband, Harry of Winterset; a son, Michael McBride of Tipton, Ia.; daughters, Laurie J. Dykstra of Pella, Ia., Michelle M. Kluesner of Luxemburg, Ia., Lynne M. Scherbring of Iowa City, Ia., Margaret M. McBride of West Burlington, Ia., and Patricia Jo McBride of Hiawatha, Ia.; a sister, Florabelle Rahe of Dyersville; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter Scherbring, her parents, a grandchild, a brother, and a sister.
Source for Mary McBride's obituary information: Winterset Madisonian, February 8, 1989; posted online Madison Obituaries, at http://iagenweb.org/boards/madison/obituaries/index.cgi?read=126583
Sources include, primarily, an account of the marriage and the obituaries for Edward and Laura Klostermann from the Dyersville Commercial; obituaries from the Dubuque Telegraph Herald; A Family Tree of the William Gerken Family, updated by Sister Margaret Gerken in 1986; and other sources as noted within the text.
Click here for the Gerken family history contents page.
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