PIERCE COUNTY CALL; Pierce, Nebraska; March 16, 1922

Henry Buckendahl

Henry Buckendahl, Sr., one of the old and respected residents of Pierce and Pierce County, died at the home of his son, H.C. Buckendahl, last Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock of general debility.

Heinrich Chris Buckendahl, was born at Hanover, Germany, on January 1, 1837, and died at Pierce, Nebraska, on March 10, 1922 aged 85 years, 2 months, and 10 days.

He was married in March, 1864, to Miss Dorothea Warneke.

In 1870 they came to the United States, locating on a homestead northeast of Pierce. Here the couple raised a family and battled with the fortunes of life on the Nebraska prairies.

Seven children came to bless the union - four sons and three daughters. One son died in early childhood. Those surviving are Mesdmes. Albert Otto and Richard Breyer, of Pierce, and Sophia Hensky of Wakefield, and Henry C., Herman W., and William all of Pierce, also 47 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren.

Mr. Buckendahl was one of the charter members of St. John's Lutheran Church, northeast of Pierce, which was organized 51 years ago. About 20 years ago Mr. and Mrs. Buckendahl retired from the farm and moved to Pierce. Mrs. Buckendahl died seven years ago. Since that time he has lived with his son, Henry.

Funeral services were held at the Zion Lutheran Church Monday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. M.F. Scheips. These services were attended by a large concourse of old friends and neighbors who came to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed. Interment was made in the Lutheran cemetery east of Pierce.



PIERCE COUNTY CALL; Pierce, Nebraska; September 17, 1914

Death of Grandma Buckendahl

Softly and silently as the shades of night the spirit of Grandma Buckendahl passed the portals which open to the boundless realms of immorality. Her death came peacefully at the home last Saturday evening, the 12th inst., after a short illness due to her advanced age.

Deceased was born in Dreyling, Hanover province, Germany, on August 6, 1839, being 75 years of age. Her maiden name was Dorothea Warneke. She grew to womanhood in the Fatherland and in 1863 was united in marriage to Henry Buckendahl. Forty-five years ago they came to America, locating on the old homestead, five and one-half miles east of Pierce. Here on the virgin prairies they established a home and reared a large family. In those early days of privations and self sacrifice she played a prominent part. She was the good Samaritan to neighbors for miles around and ministered to the distressed and nursed the sick. Her home for many years was a veritable haven of rest and shelter.

Mrs. Buckendahl is survived by her husband who is 75 years of age and three sons and three daughters, viz: William, Henry, Herman, Mrs. Albert Otto, Mrs. Richard Breyer, all of Pierce, and Mrs. Ernest Henchke, of Wakefield. One son Carl, died at the age of 12 years.

Funeral services were held at Zion's Lutheran church in Pierce Tuesday afternoon, Rev. M.F. Scheips preaching the sermon while the church choir rendered appropriate music. Interment was made in the Lutheran cemetery east of Pierce. The pall bearers were Frank A. Schulz, Wm. Sporleder, Wm. Korth, Fred Splittgerber, Ernest Peters and Ed Wichman.

The whole community is debtor to this grand women for her pure and unselfish life, for her unfailing and generous service and unwavering friendship in those pioneer days. Her memory whether in life or death will ever be a rich inheritance, and especially to the children and grandchildren.

PIERCE COUNTY LEADER; Pierce, Nebraska; Thursday, May 31, 1951

Mrs. R. Breyer Laid At Rest

Funeral services for Mrs. Richard Breyer, lifelong resident of Pierce County, who passed away Tuesday night, May 22, were conducted Sunday afternoon at Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. C.M. Steging officiating.

The Ladies choir, under the direction of Paul G. Hinz, sang "Asleep In Jesus", and "For Me To Live in Jesus". Comforting words to the family were based on Luke 10, 20: "But rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven". Many beautiful floral offerings were banked about the casket, in loving memory of the departed. Many relatives and friends also gave Memorial wreaths in her memory to various charitable causes.

Burial was in the family plot at the Lutheran cemetery east of Pierce with the following grandsons and grandsons by marriage serving as pallbearers, Eldon Herbolsheimer, Lyle Herbolsheimer, Everett Breyer, Frederick Wachholtz, Alvin Krohn, and Virgil Aubert.

Alwina Buckendahl was born in a sod house on the old Buckendahl farmstead August 4, 1873. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed on April 14, 1888 in the Lutheran faith by the late Rev. H. Brehmer at St. John's church east of Pierce. She attended school in District No. 20 under Albert Breyer and Stella McDonald. Following this she attended the Christian day school maintained by St. John's Lutheran church.

On March 1, 1889, she was united in marriage to Richard Breyer, this union being blessed with nine children, one son, Ernest having died at the age of 7 years.

In 1902 the family moved to a small acreage ½ mile south of Pierce, in order that the children might attend the Pierce schools. Mrs. Breyer busied herself with the cares of her family and also found time to assist many of her neighbors and friends in time of need. She was also an active member of the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid and one of its charter members. She also served the Aid as president for twelve consecutive years. She was a faithful member and attended services regularly at Zion Lutheran until her health failed several years ago.

Mrs. Breyer had been seriously ill for the past several months. She had been in Omaha, where she was cared for by at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Pettitt until several weeks ago when she was brought to a Norfolk hospital. She was 77 years, 9 months, and 11 days at the time of her death.

Mrs. Breyer leaves to mourn her passing, four sons, William and Paul of Pierce, August of South Sioux City, and Reinhold of Naper; four daughters, Mrs. Lena Herbolsheimer and Mrs. James R. Silhacek of Pierce; Mrs. Paul Mitchell, South Sioux City, and Mrs. Charles Pettitt of Omaha. Also two sisters, Mrs. Sophie Henschke of Wakefield and Mrs. Dorothea Otto of Pierce, and one brother, Herman Buckendahl Sr. of Pierce, and 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away in April 1950.

PIERCE COUNTY LEADER; Pierce, Nebraska; Thursday, May 19, 1960

PIONEER MOTHER LAID AT REST

Funeral rites for Mrs. Maria Dorothea Otto, 96, were held Saturday at Zion Lutheran church in Pierce with the Rev. Robert Harms officiating. Hymns sung by the congregation were "Jerusalem, Thou City Fair and High" and "Abide With Me". H. J. Wieting accompanied at the organ. She died May 11 at her home in Pierce.

Burial was in Zion cemetery east of Pierce with three grandsons and three grandsons-in-law as pallbearers; Harold Gruett, Martin Otto, Pierce; Jack Rohberg, Osmond; Louie Otto, Greely, Colo.; Lee Otto, Milwaukee.

Maria Dorothea, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Christof Buckendahl, was born December 20, 1863 in Hanover, Germany and was baptized in the Lutheran faith when nine days old.

When 7 years of age she came with her parents to Pierce county where she spent her long life. She was confirmed by the Rev. P.H. Estel, St. John's Lutheran church, on Mar 25, 1877.

She was married to Albert Friederich Wilhelm Otto, also a pioneer, on November 24, 1887, at the same church by the same pastor and this union was blessed by ten children.

She was an interesting story teller and vividly recalled the many hardships of her childhood and prairie country, the sod house which was their first home and the friendly Indians that camped nearby. More columns have been written about this pioneer mother than of any other in the vacinity.

She became a symbol to all of the hardiness of the early settlers and of their devotion to their home and church. Each year the townpeople paid her homage as her birthday anniversary fell near Christmas and a steady stream of callers were welcomed in her little home. The old-time Gesundheit band never forgot Grandmother Otto, who was also serenaded each year by church groups and Women's club carolers.

As the advancing years took their increasing toll of her strength, she was ever minded of those who tried to make her last years easier and went gratefully at peace with God and the world.

She leaves to mourn her loss four sons, William, with whom she made her home; Gus, Pierce; Herman, Brighton, Colo.; Lawrence, Sioux City; two daughters, Mrs. Alice Braasch and Mrs. Henry (Laura) Miller, both of Pierce; 23 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Also one brother, Herman Buckendahl, Sr. Pierce.

She was proceeded in death by her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Alvina Scheer; Clara, an infant; two sons, Louis and an unnamed infant. Also two sisters, Mrs. Richard Breyer and Mrs. Ernest Henske; three brothers, Carl, William and Henry.

PIERCE COUNTY LEADER, Pierce, Nebraska; Thursday, July 8, 1961

H.W. Buckendahl Laid at Rest

Last rites were held Wednesday for Herman W. Buckendahl, 85, who passed away Saturday night, July 1 in a Norfolk hospital after a lingering illness. Funeral services were held at Zion Lutheran church with the Rev. Robert Harms, pastor, conducting. H. J. Wieting at the organ, accompanied the choir of Zion Lutheran. Burial was a Zion Lutheran cemetery east of Pierce with six grandsons as pallbearers, Dwaine, Billy, Ronald and Elray Buckendahl, Leon Schulz and Donald Lenz.

Herman W. Buckendahl was born May 20, 1876 near Pierce , the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Buckendahl and attended St. John's school. May 11, 1897 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Herbolsheimer by the Rev. Bendin at St. John's.

They lived on a farm east of Pierce until 1927 when they retired and moved to Pierce. In 1947 they observed their golden wedding anniversary with a large celebration at Zion Lutheran church where they had transferred their membership after moving to town, and then in 1952 held a small family gathering in observance of their 55th anniversary. Mrs. Buckendahl passed away March 28, 1955.

Nine of their 12 children survive to mourn his passing. They are Louie, George, Mrs. Luella Schulz, Anton, Chris, Richard, Mrs. George (Grace) Schulz, all of Pierce; Herman Jr., Battle Creek and Mrs. Herbert (Edna) Lenz, Pierce. Also 33 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Buckendahl was the last member of his family, having been preceded in death by his parents, brothers Carl, Henry, and William, and sisters, Mrs. Richard Breyer, Mrs. Ernest Henske and Mrs. Albert Otto. He was also preceded in death by three children, Eva, William and Helena.

PIERCE COUNTY CALL, Pierce, Nebraska; Thursday, May 30, 1935

ANOTHER PIONEER CALLED BY DEATH

Wm. Buckendahl, Resident of this Community 65 Years Passed Away Thursday.

Wm. Buckendahl, a resident of Pierce County since 1870, passed away last Thursday forenoon within a few minutes after being carried into a hospital in Norfolk. He had been ill at his home in Pierce for a number of days and was taken to the hospital that forenoon for an emergency operation. He has been in failing health for four of five years.

His death mark's the passing and narrowing of that small circle of hardy pioneers who came to this county over a half century ago and underwent the privations and suffering that was experienced in the settling of a new country and a new community.

He was one of the rugged individuals from the German race who contributed so greatly to the progress and up-building of the "great west", and became our best and finest citizens. Mr. Buckendahl's life of honesty and integrity was well-known by neighbors and friends. He was a Christian in the true sense of the word, exemplifying the spirit in his daily walks. He was a faithful communicant of the Zion Lutheran church, serving as an elder for many years. After moving to Pierce he was elected to the office of city and precinct assessor for successive years.

William Christopher Buckendahl was born at Dreilinger, Hanover, Germany, on Sept. 29, 1859. In the year 1870 he came to America with his parents. The family settled on the homestead eight miles east of Pierce. On Jan. 11, 1883, he married Bertha Otto and they set up housekeeping on a farm northeast of Pierce. Seven children were born to this union, four of whom preceded their father in death: Lawrence, Will, Rose, Mrs. Ed Schlote and Emil the latter being a World War veteran. Those living are Mrs. Christ. Herbolsheimer, Mrs. Frank Koehler and John Buckendahl, the latter of Norfolk. The mother passed away in 1899.

On March 6, 1904, Mr. Buckendahl married Ottelie Beemer, of Pierce. A short time after they moved to Pierce where they lived ever since. To this union three children were born, viz: Harry, Mrs. Esther Fowler and Mrs. Clifford Schulz. Besides these there are 23 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and three step-children, Mrs. Raymond Deuel, Eleanor and Orlando Beemer. Also one brother, Herman, three sisters: Mrs. Albert Otto, Mrs. R.H. Breyer and Mrs. Sophia Henschke. At the time of his death Mr. Buckendahl was aged 75 years, 7 months and 17 days.

Funeral services were held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the home and at Zion Lutheran Church at 2 o'clock. The pastor, Rev. M.F. Scheips, paid a beautiful tribute to the deceased, his sermon being in both English and German. The church was crowded to capacity by the relatives and friends. Two selections were rendered by a male quartet consisting of Gus Manske, Carl Schulz, J. Bernthal, and L.H. Gruett, with Prof. R. T. Meyer accompanying at the pipe organ. Burial was made in St. John's Lutheran cemetery, east of Pierce.

PIERCE COUNTY CALL; Pierce, Nebraska; Thursday, February 21, 1935

LAST SUMMONS TO EARLY PIONEER

Albert Otto Passes Away at his Home in Pierce Friday Morning

The death of Albert Otto last Friday morning marks the passing of another of the fast thinning ranks of the pioneers of Pierce county.

Mr. Otto died at his home in Pierce at three o'clock Friday morning, following a critical illness of two weeks.

Coming to Pierce county with his parents from Germany in 1869, when but 10 years old, Mr. Otto experienced the hardships and privations that were the lot of the pioneers who settled on the bleak and bare prairies of Nebraska.

His first farm was the one now occupied by Gene Emerick in Slough precinct. Then he purchased what is known as the Krehnke farm northeast of Pierce and then the Forsyth farm two and one-half miles north. This place he lived upon thirty years, moving to town ten years ago and building a new home. Mr. Otto was honest and conscientious in dealing with his fellow men, a good neighbor and a splendid citizen. Kindly good-will was written on his face and his smile and friendly greeting will be missed by all.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Zion's Lutheran church with the pastor, Rev. M. F. Scheips, officiating. The church was filled to capacity with relatives and friends who gathered to pay their tribute to a parting neighbor and worthy citizen.

Beautiful flowers banked the alter and covered the casket containing the still form of the departed. The funeral procession entering the church was preceded by five flower girls, all granddaughters of the deceased. They were Wanda Otto, Piney Otto, Dorothea Braasch, Helen Miller and Gusta Scheer. The pallbearers were grandsons of Mr. Otto, being Martin Otto, Ervin Otto, Louie and Roy Otto and Albert and Leo Scheer. Appropriate music was rendered by the young peoples choir of the church under the direction of Prof. R.T. Meyer. Burial was made in the Lutheran cemetery northeast of Pierce.

Albert Frederick William Otto was born in Pommerania, Germany, June 4, 1859 and died Friday morning, February 15th, at the age of 76 years, 8 months and 11 days. He came to America at the age of 10 years and was confirmed on March 28, 1873 at St. John's Lutheran church east of Pierce by the first resident pastor of that church, Rev. J. Estel. Young Otto was 14 years old at the time of his confirmation.

The class consisted of himself, Minnie Marks and Herman Manske, the latter now living in Norfolk.

On Thanksgiving day, November 24, 1881 he was united in marriage to Miss Dorothea Buckendahl at the same church in which he was confirmed and by the same pastor. Mr. and Mrs. Otto observed their 53rd wedding anniversary last November. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Otto, three dying in infancy. Surviving are the widow, four sons, Herman, Gust, William and Lawrence, and three daughters, Mrs. George Scheer, Mrs. Henry Miller and Mrs. Alice Braasch besides 25 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

From the PIERCE COUNTY LEADER, Pierce, Nebraska, July 21, 1899

MRS. WM. (BERTHA) BUCKENDAHL

Mrs. Wm. Buckendahl who has been afflicted with consumption for a year or so died yesterday afternoon in the 35th year of age. She leaves a husband and 7 children, the youngest 3, the oldest 15, one child born last September, having preceded her to the grave. Deceased was frugal in her habits, cheerful in dispostion and stood high in the estimation of all who knew her. A large number of friends deeply sympathize with the bereaved husband and motherless children. Funeral services will be conducted tomarrow afternoon and burial will be in the Lutheran cemetery.

From the Pierce County Leader, Pierce, Nebraska, December 16, 1948

Mrs. Buckendahl Laid At Rest

Funeral services for Mrs. William Buckendahl 79, of Pierce, who passed away Saturday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Carrie Frey following a lingering illness, were held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 at the Frey home and at 2:00 at Zion Lutheran church with the Rev. C. M. Steging in charge.

Rev. C. M. Steging based his comnforting words on the text found in Job 19, 25, "For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." The school children under the direction of Mr. R. H. Nehrig sang, "Abide with Me," and "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteouness."

Burial took place in the Lutheran cemetery east of Pierce with the following serving as pallbearers, Delbert Ahlman and five grandsons, Ray Herbolsheimer, Arthur Herbolsheimer, Roy Beemer of Pierce and Delbert Droescher and Keith Duell of Norfolk.

Ottilia Amelia Zautke was born October 11, 1869 at Rogow, Pomerania, Germany. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Altenfleasz, Germany and in 1883 accompanied her parents to America, settling in Pierce county.

On March 23, 1893 she was united in marriage to William J. Beemer and this union was blessed with three children, Orlando, Mrs. Raymond Duell of Norfolk, and Mrs. G. W. Emery of Hermosa Beach, Calif. On March 6, 1904 she was married to William Buckendahl and they were blessed with three children, Harry Buckendahl, and Mrs. L. P. Fowler of Omaha and Mrs. Clifford Schulz of Pierce. William Buckendahl passed away 13 years ago.

She leaves to mourn her passing, six children, Mrs. Clifford Schulz, Mrs. L. P. Fowler, Mrs. Raymond Duell, Mrs. G. W. Emery, Harry Buckendahl, and Orlando Beemer and three step-children, Mrs. Chris Herbolsheimer, Mrs. Frank Koehler of Pierce, and John Buckendahl of Elms, Calif. Also 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and three brothers, Herman Zautke, Herman Kiepke and William Kiepke.

From the PIERCE COUNTY CALL, Pierce, Nebraska, September 30, 1904

A Sad Death

William Henry Christoph Buckendahl, son of Wm. Buckendahl, Sr., passed away Monday morning at his father's home east of town. The young man had only been ill six weeks, the cause of his early demise being quick consumption, this insidious disease also causing his mother's death some five years ago. Deceased was born in this county on Dec. 15, 1883, and lacked but a few months of reaching his majority. He was a young man of good habits, industrious disposition and had arrived at that age where he would have been of great assistance to the bereaved father, who is his great loss has the sympathy and condolence of the entire community. Funeral services were held in the Lutheran church at Pierce by the pastor, Rev. Scheips, Wednesday afternoon, a large concourse of relatives and friends being preseint. Nearly one hundred teams followed the remains to the new cemetery east of town, which was dedicated to the dead before the casket was tenderly lowered to its last resting place.

From the PIERCE COUNTY CALL, Pierce, Nebraska, September 4, 1913

Rosa Buckendahl Dies in Colorado.

A telegram announcing the death of Miss Rosa Buckendahl was received by Pierce relatives last Saturday. She passed away that morning at Flagler, Colo,, the home of her sister, Mrs. Edward Schlote, with whom she had been staying for several months. The unfortunate young girl had been afflicted with pulmonary trouble for some time and in the spring her father, Wm. Buckendahl accompanied her to Denver, Colo., where she was placed in a sanatarium for treatment. Later she went to Flagler, Colo, and remained with her sister up to the time of her death. A little over a week prior to her death she wrote to her father expressing a desire to return home and asking him to come with his auto and bring her home. Mr. Buckendahl started a week ago Sunday and arrived at Flagler the following Tuesday. He found his daughter very low, a condition from which she never rallied. The remains, accompanied by the heartbroken father and Mr. and Mrs. Schlote, arrived at Pierce Monday morning and funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon by Rev. M. F. Scheips at Zion Lutheran church in this city.

Deceased was born on the home farm a mile east of Pierce on February 10, 1896, and was aged 17 years, 6 months and 20 days at the time of her death. She was always a favorite with her circle of friends, being of a bright and sunny disposition and thoroughly generous in her nature. This community extends its warmest sympathy to the mourning father and family in their unspeakable sorrow.