Behrens, Sophia (Ortman) 1841 - 1920

BEHRENS, ORTMAN, LAYTON, PLAGMAN, LEONHART

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/26/2017 at 11:14:20

Elkader Register, Thur., 6 Jan. 1921.

Mrs. Christian Behrens died at her home in Littleport Thursday evening December 23, 1920, after a few days illness. Pneumonia, complicated with heart trouble was the cause of death.

Sophia Ortman was born in the province of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, Dec. 30, 1841. She was the only daughter of John Ortman and wife. She came to this country with her parents in 1865. The family located for a time in Bear Creek with an uncle.

On March 28, 1866, she was married in Elk Township, Clayton county, to Christian Behrens and the young couple started housekeeping on his fathers farm in Volga Township. Mr. Behrens later purchased the old homestead and they remained on it for forty-three years, moving to Littleport in 1909.

Mrs. Behrens is survived by her devoted husband, four sons; William and Christian of Littleport; Harry of Elkader; Charles of Springfield, Minn., three daughters; Mrs. Emma Layton of Crookston, Minn.; Mrs. Mary Plagman and Mrs. Anna Leonhart of Elkport, together with twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two brothers; Frederick Ortman of Mason City and Henry Ortman of Littleport are also left to mourn her death.

Mrs. Behrens was a devoted wife and mother, a good neighbor and kind friend. She was a member of the Lutheran church of Littleport and the Frauenverein, taking an active part in their work. She will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends who extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, December 26, at one o'clock at the Littleport church, Rev. Stoltz officiating, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Musfeldt cemetery in Volga Township.