Untitled Document

GENESEO REPUBLIC

DECEMBER 6, 1895

Earnest R. Holke, aged 27 years, 1 month and 20 days, died in the room he occupied in this city at 2 a.m. Monday, December 2d, 1895, after a illness of about three hours from congestion of the bowels a very preculiar case as Dr. Antee, who attended him, says.

He attended church on Sunday evening, and at 9:30 p.m. , feeling was well as usual, went to his room and soon after was attacked by the trouble that proved fatal. When first attacked he thought he would go home, but a friend advised him to stay and he finally laid down upon a bed, and in a short time was seized by a violent cough, followed by vomiting blood in large quantites. The doctor was summoned and attempted to relive him, but vainly, and at the hour named above he breathed his last, before folks reached his side.

It was a sad blow to friends and relatives who have knowed him as a generous, open hearted young man of good impulses and pleasant ways. His home had been with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Holke, on the Rock Island Road just west of the city limits. They together with three sisters and two brothers survive to mourn him. He was born in Edford, Oct 12th, 1868 , and has spent his whole life in and about Geneseo. About two years ago he gave up farming and went into business with Mr. Adam Sash, but had intended to again resume farming at an early day. At 14 years of age he joined the German Lutheran church and remained a consistant member.

Funeral services were held at the house at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. His pastoe Rev. A. Doerflier, assisted by Rev. A. Meinecke, officiating the speaking English and the latter in German. The funeral was largely attended and a large concourse followed his remains to their last resting place in Edford cemetery, where he was laid beside two brothers whohad gone before. All three were victims of a strange fatality, dying suddenly in the prime of young manhood. The sympathy of an extended circle of friends goes out to his bereaved family in their sorrow.

When forced to part from those we love, Though sure to meet again. Since parting in a Saviour's love, We part to meet forever. Yet, oh what words can paint the tears, We shed when thus we sever, Though here our prospects end in night, We'll meet again in Heaven. Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding, O'er the spoils that death has won, We would, at this solemn meeting, Calmly say,---Thy will be done. Though cast down, we're not forsaken; Though afflicted, nat alone; Thou didst give, and thou hast taken, Blessed Lord, Thy will be done.

Copy of Obit sent to Robin from Fama Prokup

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