Wilhelmina Amelia Gabbert/Death

Obituary Late Mrs. A. L. Lieske

Pioneer Lady Passed Away at Her Home, After Long Illness. (Dec. 28, 1932)

The late Mrs. Lieske, wife of A. L. Lieske of Henderson Township, of whose demise brief mention was made last week, was a highly respected pioneer lady and was held in highest esteem by her many friends in this city and this section of Sibley County. Her demise has cast a shadow over a happy home, and is a hard blow to her aged husband and children.

Mrs. A. L. Lieske, whose long, useful Christian life came to an end early Wednesday morning, Dec. 28, was born at what was then known as Big Woods, in Tyrone Township, Le Sueur County, on June 3, 1856. There is where she also spent her childhood days and grew to womanhood. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Gabbert, one of the first settlers of that section. On Nov. 27, 1874, she was married to A. L. Lieske of Henderson Township, with whom she lived in happy union for the unusual long span of 58 years, all of which were spent on the Lieske Homestead which was homesteaded by Mr. Lieske’s father, where also occurred her death.

She was a true helpmate in every sense of the word and like most of the pioneers always found time besides doing her household duties to help her husband build up a farm and home out in the wilderness. She also was a real mother not only to her large family of twelve children, but also to anybody who happened to sojourn under her roof.

Eight years ago, after celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, they retired from active farm life and removed to a cozy bungalow built for them on the old homestead, because they always enjoyed being in the midst of their children where many family reunions were held, where she spent the rest of her days. She leaves to mourn her demise eleven children, six daughters and five sons.

The oldest son, Henry, preceded her in death twelve years ago. She also leaves 25 grandchildren, one preceding her in death in July of last year. The children are: Mrs. August Melius, Winthrop, MN; Mrs. William Bergsmith, of Superior, WI; Mrs. Art. Greenhagen, of Arlington; Mrs. Martin Jaus, of Gibbon; Louis E., of Jackson; Mrs. Arthur Furch, of Henderson, MN; Miss Rose, Fred A., Albert, Ernest and George, of Henderson.

The funeral was held on Friday, 30th, and was largely attended. Services were held at the home and at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arlington Township, and remains were interred in the cemetery of that parish.

The pall bearers were six grandsons of the deceased, namely; Elmer and George Melius, of Winthrop; Theodore Lieske, of Minneapolis, and Alfred Gerhard and Herbert Lieske.

The following relatives and friends from a distance attended the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Melius and children, Stella, George, Elmer and Louis, of Winthrop; Mr. and Mrs. William Bergsmith, of Superior; Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Gabbert, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Gabbert and Mrs. Gus Hensel, of Howard Lake; Mrs. Herman Kuhlman and Grandma Kuhlmann of Lester Prairie; Mr. and Mrs. William Ernst of Buffalo; Mrs. Yeta Gabbert, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gabbert and son, Mr and Mrs. William Gabbert and son, Virgil, of Willmar; Mr. and Mrs. William Sandmann and daughters, Gladys, and Elda, and Mr. Benneha of Webster; Rev. and Mrs. M. T. Abraham of Young America; Mr. Albert Warnka, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kuehner, Mrs. Ted Abraham of Gaylord; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Jaus Sr., Mrs. Lydia Scheele and son, Roland, Mr. Henry Gruenhagen, Mr. and Mrs. M A. Jaus and daughters, Marvel and Myrtle, Mr. William Uetzman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dorn of Gibbon, Gus Knoepke and son, of Le Sueur.

source:James Baur collection. The Baur/Jaus "God's Word is our Great Heritage" binder by Lyla Jaus Baur.