Obituary

Mrs. John Gaffner

Again death has entered our midst and taken from us, one who was loved and respected by all who knew her.

The entire community was shocked to hear of the death of Mrs. Gaffner. Although she had not been in the best of health for several days, she was always able to be about the house, and was not bedfast until the day she passed away. When she was not feeling so well she never complained, but was always patient, and certainly did appreciate everything which was done for her. Being a woman of broad sympathies and charitable feelings, she had endeared herself to the man who were her friends. All her life she had been one of God’s faithful ones, who was not afraid to trust her Heavenly Father in a dying hour. She told her pastor just two hours before she passed away that, “she would leave it in the Lord’s hands,” and was, “ready to go.” She was a woman of many excellencies of character, and day or night she stood ready to assist the distressed or to come to the aid of a neighbor in want. In the home her goodness of heart shone with a splendor seldom equalled and never surpassed. The earthly home is poorer because of her departure and the home beyond is richer because of her advent. On the afternoon of the same day that she passed away, she told the loved ones at her bedside that she felt tired and sleepy, and she recognized and spoke to all her friends and neighbors who called on her, and at five o’clock she passed peacefully away.

Elizabeth Leuenberger was born at Berne, Switzerland on October 15, 1851, and at the age of four years she and her parents came to Galena, and in August, 1873 she was unified in marriage with John Gaffner, who passed away a number of years ago. Later she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Helmer Muchow, where she passed away on Thursday, March 4th, at five p.m.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at one o’clock with a short service at the house by Rev. Stauss. Miss Elizabeth Maxeimer sang, “Asleep in Jesus.” The remains were taken to the Presbyterian Church on the Hill where the funeral services were continued. Rev. Stauss took for his scripture reading, Psalm 4, the 8th verse, and he made some very touching remarks in regard to this Christian woman. Miss Elizabeth Maxeimer sang, “Rock of Ages,” which was a favorite song of the deceased, “Fade, Fade, Each Earthly Joy,” and “No Night There.” The church was filled with sorrowing friends and neighbors, and many a tear was shed as they stood around the casket to take the last look at one whom they had known and loved. The may beautiful floral offerings showed the high esteem in which she was held. At the conclusion of the funeral services the remains were taken to Greenwood cemetery where interment was made.

Those acting as pall bearers were: William S. White, James Cleary, William Hornby, Charles Gesselbracht, Archie Virtue and Gottleib Weik. The flower girls were the Misses Mary Carson, Delia Hornby, Erma White and Bernice Virtue.

Mrs. Gaffner leaves to mourn her loss four children, two daughters and two sons, namely, Mrs. Henry Gesselbracht, Mrs. Helmer Muchow, George and John Gaffner and seven grandchildren, all of who(m) reside in East Galena. Mrs. Gaffner was a staunch member of the Presbyterian Church on the Hill and attended services whenever she possibly could. Of Mrs. Gaffner it can be truthfully said she was a good and just Christian woman.

We’ve got dear sons and daughters,
Your mother’s gone before
To welcome home her children
And the loved ones gone before.

We know she’s gone before you,
But remember mother’s prayer
To learn to love the Master
And meet your mother in heaven.

Submitted by Tim Doser.