Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-05-01
Death of Mrs. Fred Mackenstadt.

oSdlu Vi MIS-. rISu MISUNDERSTANDING
Mrs. Fred Mackenstadt was taken
suddenly i'll last Friday afternoon
at which time the family physician
was called, who pronounced her all
ment appendicitis, and accordingly
advised an immediate operation
Mrs. Mackenstadt, apparently, rallied
for time, and did not deem an oper-
alton advisable, thinking, no doubt
the ailment would abate its torture
in due time Saturday her condition
grew worse and she, was removed to
the hospital where an operation was
performed Sunday morning, but too
late TO save her life, as the appendix
had burst with the never-failing poi
sonous result, and the good womans
suffering ended in death at $3.50
O'Clock, Tuesday morning, April 23rd.
Our little city and its hospitable
people ever held warm corner in her
heart 1t was here she had spent the
happy days of her life. in rearing
family of noble boys and girls, upon
whom she dotted with clinging fond
ness. and when her last hour came
and the God of eternity called her TO
her everlasting rest, it was her de-
oil liidl sic DC ldlu away VII lllN
sloping hillside, surrounded by the
beauty, happiness and contentment
of our people, where the birds MARBLE
their most melodious songs; where,
it was her wish, should be the eternal
abiding place of all that was mortal
of her.
All the care that skilled physicians
and an anxious household could de-
wise and apply for her comfort and
assistance were brought into play,
but the fiat of Him who rules the in
coming and outgoings had been is
sued and after brief struggle. de-
spite the prayers and entreaties Of
all who knew and loved her, their ap-
peals were overruled and before
Tuesdays beautiful morning was
kissed by the rising sun, the sufferers
spirit took its flight to that home the
Christian believes is the fulfillment of
the life everlasting.
AS the death dew gathered on her
marble brow, around her bedside
gathered her husband, two boys and
two girls-always boys and girls to
her-though now grown nearly TO
mature years, they had grown as such
around happy freside. The life so
long interviewer with theirs, with
fearful eyes they watched as it slowly
but surely passed over. The love OF
a mother for her children passeth un-
Outstanding The few members of
the family circle that gathered about
the cot of this dying mother, while
two, sons were unable to be eye-wit
neSses and share the heart rending
grief, bravely fought the Death Angel
as it approached with unerring step.
Business ventures in Minneapolis,
and an enlistment in the Navy had
robbed mother of the companionship
of two of her sons. but she was ever
just the same; rejoicing in their sue
cess and grieving at their misfortunes.
They may have grown away from her,
but she never from them; they are
still her boys and her girls. We know
that years hence the memory of her
unselhsh devotion will make them
better men and better women and her
precepts be their guiding star.
Then fell upon the house sudden
IN gloom,
A shadow on those features fair and
thin;
And softly from that hushed and
darkened room.
Two angels issued where but one
went in.
Funeral services were held Thurs
day afternoon, April 18th, from the
Masonic Temple, being in charge OF
the Eastern Star and Masonic lodges,
of which Mr.. and Mrs. Mackenstadt
were members. Rev II. W. Wilson,
pastor of the Congregational church,