He began to feel ill about the middle of the forenoon making it advisable for him and his family to abandon the plans for the day, thinking that by rest and quiet he would soon be well again. Instead his condition became more grave as the forenoon wore on, when medical help and members of the family were summoned to his bedside. At about one o'clock he lapsed into unconsciousness from which he did not rally again, until his soul took its flight to the immortal realms the following morning.

Without a doubt, everyone who knew him considered him a man of God and living example of the saving and keeping power of the religion of Jesus Christ.

Often he has expressed the desire that when the time of his departure came that he would like to go suddenly and thus be spared of a long siege of sickness and suffering.

He had also said that one should always live so close to God that when God called, He find us ready.

The first came happily true and the last was happily true we firmly believe.

Mr. John Gruetzmacher was born at Columbus, Wis., on October 21, 1854, and died after a brief illness early Monday morning, Nov. 20, 1925, at the age of 71 years, 1 month and 9 days.

He lived at the place of his birth until about 24 years of age when he was married to Miss Mary Schaefer, on October 12, 1878. Soon after their marriage they took their departure and moved westward to Hancock County, Iowa, taking up their abode on a farm three miles west of Klemme, now known as the Christ Schaefer farm.

Two daughters were born to this union. They are Mrs. Paul Griesemer, who with her mother, survive the father and husband, and Miss Esther, who preceded her father about seven years ago.

After living on the farm for some years the family moved to Klemme shortly after the beginning of this new town, where Mr. Gruetzmacher entered business as a grain dealer. He met with signal success in his business venture. This may no doubt be attributed to his straight forwardness and honesty in all his dealings.

He later entered into partnership with his brother, George, in the hardware and implement business, also holding the office
of postmaster for about 18 years.

It was the rich heritage of the deceased to be born and reared in a Christian home where praying parents directed him in early youth and gave him direction for his later life. All this with telling effect, for he not only became a member of the church in early life but he tried to apply the principles of the religion of Jesus Christ in the business and social world as well.

For many years he was an officer in the church, serving the church in one capacity or another. To him it was a great event when when the several churches showed the grace and wisdom to look beyond their own confines and to join for a bigger and better work for the Kingdom of God at this place.

Mr. Gruetzmacher is survived by his companion of nearly half a century, by his daughter, Huldah; by his brothers, George and Frank of this place and brother Charles of Lime Springs, Iowa. Two brothers preceded him in death. One son-in-law, P. M. Griesemer, seven nieces, eight nephews, besides many other relatives and close friends mourn his death.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock in the Methodist Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. W. Gauger. He was assisted by Rev. Metcalf who several years ago conducted an evangelistic meeting here, by Rev. VanMetre of Garner, and by Rev Meyer and Rev. Wessel. The latter two gentlemen were former pastors of the deceased.

Interment was made in the Klemme cemetery.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 10 Dec 1925, page 4, column 4

 

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John Gruetzmacher: born 21 Oct 1854, Columbus, Columbia County, Wisconsin - died 30 Nov 1925, Klemme, Hancock County, Iowa

Grave marker at Calvary Cemetery, Klemme, Hancock County, Iowa - Block 1, Lot 82

Son of Christopher Gruetzmacher, born 1824 - died 1897 and Maria Holtz, born 1831 - died 1909

 

Husband of: Mary Schaefer, born 1858 - died 1939
 

Father of:

Hulda Gruetzmacher Griesemer (1882–1962)
Esther Anna Gruetzmacher (1883–1919)