Death of Grandfather Grunke

Having passed the 90th milestone on life's journey, Grandfather Grunke succumbed to the infirmities of old age on Tuesday, June 8, 1915, at the old farm home west of the river. On April 14 he was 90 years old.

Casper Friedrich Ludwig Grunke was born April 14, 1825, at Born-Dramberger, Pommern, Germany. At the age of thirty-two years he came to America and located at Watertown, Wisconsin. Four years later, November 8, 1861, he married Miss Amelia Schunke at Watertown. Five years later, they started with their little family for Nebraska, making the trip across the wide country with an ox team, which required seven weeks. They homesteaded upon land now farmed by their son, Fred Grunke, where the aged father passed away. This family knew the hardships of pioneer life in the 60's and 70's, which are but little realized in our day of plenty. Undaunted, they did their full share to tame the wild prairies, to build up a home, to increase the wealth of this country and as a reward they lived to enjoy the work of their hands. Almost a half century rolled by since they came to this country. In 1868 he and his wife united with the Evangelical Association church in this city, to which they remained steadfast thereafter. Their marriage was blessed with twelve children, four passing away in infancy.

He is survived by his aged widow, five sons, namey, Wm. T., Herman, Chas. W. of Center, Nebr., three daughters, Mrs. Herman Graunke, Mrs. Howard Reeson of this vicinity and Miss Emma at home; also nineteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren; besides other relatives and many friends.

For fifteen years he and his wife lived in town, that is, from 1898 to 1913. When they advanced in age too far to stay alone, they moved back to the farm and lived with Fred and Miss Emma. In 1911 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Grunke was a venerable old man, and it was a pleasure to hear him speak in his deep tones of voice and even measure. His life on earth was one of vast usefulness. His good deeds live yet in others and will live through the years to come and will bear good fruit multiplied a hundredfold.

Funeral services were held at the old home place on the farm yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Rev. F. Wegner of Fremont preached in German and the resident pastor, Rev. J. H. Oehlerking, in English. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near what used to be called the brick schoolhouse about five miles nortwest of this city.

To the bereaved we extend condolences.


this is the end portion of another obituary:

(the first part has been lost)



Eldorado of the West. Still more could be written of the pioneer days here, the days of hardship, the days of small beginnings, of the obstacles met and overcome, of the thrift and frugality practiced daily and of the joys and sorrows shared. This union was blessed with 12 children, eight of whom survive, as follows: Charles W. of Center, Knox county; and William T., Herman H., Gus E., Fred S., Mrs. Herman Graunke, Mrs. Howard Reeson and Emma of West Point. Surviving, also, are 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. It was given the deceased to celebrate on November 8, 1911, with his faithful and surviving wife and companion the 50th anniversary of their marriage, a consummation reached by but comparatively few people. After residing upon the homestead for 31 years, the family removed to this city and resided here until a year ago last October, when they again occupied the old home place with their children, Fred and Emma. Mr. Grunke was a man of whom it may be said - "It was a real pleasure to know him." His life was well ordered and his principles were sound to the core. Simple-minded, open-hearted, generous, just, he had a ready and sympathetic ear for family and friends and no one ever left his roof without receiving aid and comfort. His honesty was unquestioned and his integrity unassailed. He stood four-square to the world and he gave it a cleanly life and a manly service. His was a long, busy, useful life, filled with love and labor, with honor and kindly deeds. And, who shall doubt, that when such as he stand before the Judgement Throne they will not hear the Master's "Well Done." A life like this is its own best eulogy and words can neither add to nor detract from it. Funeral services were held in the home at 2 o'clock, yesterday afternoon, Rev. J. H. Oehlerking of this city and Rev Herman Wegner of Fremont officiating. Interment was made upon the family burying plat in Greenwood cemetery. The Republican offers condolences.

I also have a transcribed article about his and his wife's golden anniversary celebration.

Julie Middendorf
mjmiddendorf@nctc.net