FLATER, John Henry 1891-1947

FLATER, BERGMAN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/24/2019 at 17:38:16

John Henry Flater

John Henry Flater, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Flater of Grundy Center, was born Aug. 24, 1891. He lived his whole life on the farm where he was born, beginning his farm operations by working for his mother, and, in the course of time, acquiring full possession of the home place.

On Dec. 21, 1916, the deceased was joined in marriage to Louise Bergman of Grundy Center. To this union three children were born: Edward, John and Esther, all of whom are living. A nephew, Christ Freese, has also for the past eleven years made his home with the deceased.

That Mr. Flater was not only an enterprising but a public spirited man as well, is shown by the various directorships which he held. For over 20 years he was a director on the school board. Also, for many years, he served as a director for the Fern creamery company. And, about a month ago, because of failing health, he resigned his directorship in the Federal Land Bank Assn. of Grundy county.

Baptized during infancy in Shiloh Lutheran church, the deceased for many years was a faithful attendant at services at Salem Lutheran church, north of Fern. At Easter time in 1944, along with a group of 17 adults, he became a communicant member of Salem church by the rite of confirmation. He remained loyal to his confirmation vow up to the end and was truly grateful always during his long illness for the spiritual ministrations of his church.

About six years ago Mr. Flater suffered a severe fall from up in a corncrib and since that time his health failed. Afflicted with leukemia, he was committed to the hospital twelve times during the past three years for treatment and was given a total of fifty-six blood transfusions. His last trip to the hospital was on June 18 and since that time his condition became steadily worse. He departed this life on Wednesday, July 16, at four o'clock in the afternoon. He attained the age of 55 years, 10 months and 22 days. The immediate relatives who mourn his departure are his wife and three children named above, two grandchildren, Laverne and Carol; two brothers, Henry and August of Grundy Center; and two sisters, Mrs. Lewis Gerloff of Holland and Mrs. Tom Freese of Grundy Center.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon by Rev. Geo. F. Dirks at Salem Lutheran church. Burial was in the Salem Lutheran cemetery.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 24 July 1947, pg 12