August F Behr obit submitted - Wilhelmina Wessel=2nd wife
“SUDDEN DEATH OF AUGUST F. BEHR SHOCKS VILLAGE - Dies at Henderson While on Fishing Trip There But Month After Death of Beloved Wife -
Less than a month after the death of his beloved wife, August F. Behr passed away suddenly Sunday at Henderson, where he was visiting his daughter, Mrs. Frederick Bender, and family.
A week previous to his shockingly sudden death, Mr. And Mrs. Bender drove down to get him for a visit at their home, upon his expressing a wish to do so on Wednesday.He enjoyed several days of visiting at their home and last Saturday evening had been on a short fishing trip with the family.Luck was poor and they decided to try their luck again Sunday morning and went to Washington Lake, about 25 miles distant from Henderson, which town is but a dozen miles distant from St. Peter.They found excellent fishing and at 11 o’clock, Mr. Behr was not exceedingly willing to leave, but the rest of the party thought it better.They went ashore and when rested a bit started up a short incline, taking their time in order not to overtax their strength.Upon reaching the car, Mr. Bender noticed Mr. Behr’s labored breath and suggested he rest a few minutes.Even as he made the suggestion, Mr. Behr fell to the ground and died instantly.
The body was brought here on Monday from Henderson and funeral arrangements made by the family as nearly identical as possible with those for Mrs. Behr, as the deceased had expressed himself completely satisfied with the manner in which the services were conducted.
August F. Behr was born August 1, 1858, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, son of Frederick Behr, who followed his sons to this county and died here.His mother died in Germany.Mr. Behr was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Germany and continued his devotion after coming to this country.He attended school in Germany and learned the trade of shoemaking, continuing in that line of work after coming to America.After locating at Clinton, Iowa, he worked in a mill there.
In 1884 he was united in marriage with Anna Johanna Tadsen at Clinton, to this union were born five children, Chris, now of Minneapolis, Kate (Mrs. Archie McHarg) and Sanke, Fred and Andrew, all of this community.Mrs. Behr died in 1896 and was buried at Leeds Grove, Iowa.In May, 1898, Mr. Behr was united in marriage with Mrs. Wilhelmina Wessel, who had three children by her previous marriage, Henry Wessel, Mrs. Mary Jacobs and George, who took the name of Behr.Mr. Behr had five children by his second wife, Harry, Edna (Mrs. M.C. Goins), Millie (Mrs. Jack Bucher), Dorothy (Mrs. Frederick Bender of Henderson), and Edwin Behr.
After living three years at Clinton, the Behrs moved to the farm three miles east of Fulda, and the following year living on an adjoining farm.In 1912, the Behrs purchased the farm 7 miles southwest of Fulda, where they resided ten years before Mr. and Mrs. Behr retired and moved to a home purchased in town in 1922.
Mr. Behr’s activities in community work have been numerous, and he held several offices in Seward township and was a director in the old creamery association.He has been connected with the farmers elevator in various offices since it was organized in 1909, and has been president for the past 10 years.He held that office up to the time of death and was also on the board of directors of the local farmers store since its inception until a year and a half ago, when he resigned.He was a member of the school board of the Lutheran school for several years and was active in all lines of church work of the local Lutheran church, of which he was a loyal and consistent member.
Surviving Mr. Behr’s unexpected sudden demise are a sister, Mrs. J. Greve of Lexington, Nebr., and a brother, Hans Behr, of Clinton.One brother and two sisters preceded him in death, passing away in Germany, and two dying at Clinton, and one brother, Peter, passing in Fulda.The sorrowing children surviving him include five daughters, Mrs. Archie McHarg of Fulda, Mrs. Mary Jacobs of Madison, S.D., Mrs. John Bucher and Mrs. M.C. Goins of this vicinity and Mrs. F. Bender of Henderson; eight sons, Chris of Minneapolis, Sanke, Fred, Andrew, George, Harry, Edwin, of this vicinity, and Henry Wessel of Madison, S.D.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at St. Paul’s Lutheran church at 2 o’clock, with Rev. O. A. Soeldner officiating.Pall bearers were the same as at Mrs. Behr’s funeral, John and Chas. Breit, August Meier, George Lober, Garrett Nantkes, and Leonard Gunderman.Interment was made in Prairie Hill cemetery beside the remains of his beloved wife.Tho Mr. Behr oft expressed himself as not wanting to long survive her, the fulfillment of his wish brings untold sorrow to his large family and hundreds of friends in the community.The double bereavement makes friends grieve deeply with the sorrowing children and the relatives are extended the heartfelt sympathy of the community.”(This article is from a relative’s scrapbook.The name and date of the paper is unknown.However, there is a handwritten date of June, 10, 1934)