Mrs. Elizabeth Offenheiser

After an illness of more than two years, Mrs. Elizabeth Offenheiser passed away at the home of her brother, Mr. Henry Olhausen, south of Hartley, on Sunday, February 4th at 11:45 a.m.

Mrs. Offenheiser was the oldest of thirteen children, born to Balthus Christopher Olhausen and his wife Susan, nee Gieser. She was born on the 7th day of October, 1871 in Pearl City, Stephenson county, Illinois. At an early age she was baptized and later confirmed in the Reformed church in that community. Her parents were farmers and Godfearing people, and she grew up in a Christian atmosphere, and as the oldest of so many children she was well trained in all the arts of home making and family life.

In 1892 she was united in marriage to Mr. George Offenheiser, a young farmer of that community. Six years they farmed in Illinois and were very prosperous. Desiring, however, to see something more of the world they went to Texas, but after 16 months they came north again and made their home in Hartley, where Mr. Offenheiser served as city marshall for several years.

But the thought of the old home in Illinois always lingered with them, and they returned to Illinois. Six, children, four boys and two girls, were born to this union, and were early taught by their mother the rudiments of the Christian faith. About 14 years ago she returned to Hartley and made her home with her parents until their death since which time she has made her home with her children and close relatives. She was a regular attendant at Trinity church whenever she was in this community.

Almost three years ago her health began to fail and in October 1931 she submitted to an operation which brought some relief but could not affect a cure. She loved life and put up a valiant fight, but finally succumbed after having managed to be up and around until a week ago. Her life was one of many hardships and wanderings, and the days of her pilgrimage were 62 years, 3 months and 27 days.

Mrs. Offenheiser is survived by six children: Samuel of Pearl City, Ill.; Harry of Kent, Ill.; Henry of Linn Grove, Ia.; Clarence of Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. A. L. Beegle and Mrs. Emma Taylor of Grand Island, Neb.; three daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, nine grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. She is also survived by five brothers: John, William, Henry and George Olhausen of Hartley and vicinity, and Charles Olhausen of Sutherland; four sisters: Mrs. Maggie Figt of Storm Lake, Ia., Mrs. Ewald Bethke and Mrs. Elmer Neebel of Hartley and vicinity, and Mrs. Albert Gross of Royal, Iowa; six sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, eighteen nephews, seventeen nieces and many other relatives.

One brother, Jake, passed away in October, 1932, and two others in infancy.

Funeral services were held at the home of her brother, Henry Olhausen, at 1:30 on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 6th,and at Trinity church at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. W . Budy officiating. Mrs. R. W . Hoper and Miss Emma Fischer sang several beautiful selections, accompanied by Mrs. Harrison Pike. Interment was made by the side of her parents in Pleasant View cemetery.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, 8 Feb 1934, p6