Pape, Henry 1860-1921

PAPE, BAHLKE

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Boyden Reporter (7-28-1921)

Born: October 24, 1860
Died: July 17, 1921

In the realm of nature, it is harvest time, but also in the dominion of life, where the grim reaper called death is forever garnering the harvest. It has also entered our midst and taken from us one whom we loved much, Mr. Henry Pape.

He was born the 24th of October, 1860 at Geversdorf, Oste, Hanover, Germany. On October 31st of the same year he became a child of God through the Holy Sacrament of Baptism and renewed his confession of baptism in confirmation at the place of his birth. In the year 1884 he came to America, taking a homestead in Wheeler Township, Lyon County, Iowa.

On the 29th day of August, 1889, he married Miss Catherine Bahlke, sister of Mr. August Bahlke of Oppel, Hanover, Germany. Their marriage was blessed with seven children, four sons and three daughters.

Mr. Pape had much to bear, but he received strength from the One who sent the burden. His son, Henry also his daughter, Anna died from operations for appendicitis. He also lost an infant girl. But he was to bear still more on the 9th of February, 1910, his wife passed away into eternity. But God gave him another helpmate and on the 15th of November, 1910. He married Miss Alice Von Mark de Fries of Bysam, Ostefriesland, sister of Mrs. J.G. Busker.

For 30 years he lived on the old homestead and was a faithful member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church 8 miles south of George. As his health was failing, he decided to move George in 1919, where he joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church and proved to be a faithful member.

Last year, Mr. Pape had been ill. In order to improve his health he visited different hospitals, staying in Sioux City four weeks at one time. But his condition did not improve, in fact as time went on his health failed more and more. Last Sunday, July 17th, he was operated on at 4 o’clock, but his hour of death had come and at 11 P.M. he died as he had lived--quiet, peaceful and above all, with a living faith in his Savior. He was 60 years, 8 months and 23 days of age. His friends were as numerous as his acquaintances due to his cheerful and kind disposition.

He is survived by his sorrowing wife, three sons, Fred, John, and Wilhelm of Elkton, South Dakota and one daughter, wife of Wilhelm Steuven living near Pipestone, Minnesota. Sleep thy last sleep. Free from care and sorrow; Rest where none weep. Till the eternal sorrow. Tho’ dark waves roll over the silent river, Thy fainting soul Jesus can deliver.

Funeral services were conducted at the Immanual Lutheran Church with Reverend Bunge officiating and from St. John’s Lutheran Church eight miles south of George with Reverend Baetke officiating. Interment was made at the cemetery at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Pallbearers: Henry Schumaker, Sr., August Winter, J.C. Rudloff, J. P. Blum, Henry Hobbenga and Henry Steuven.