Funeral services for Amelia Gesell were held July 17, 1967 at the Engstrom Maetzold Funeral Home, with the Rev. K. K. Hill officiating. A second service was held July 18, 19867 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Miltona Township. Rev. Karl Lassanske officiated. Casket bearers were Arnold Backhaus, Robert Bettermann, Howard Freudenberg, Joel Grothmann, Kenneth Henning and Kermit Venzke. Interment was made in St. Paul's church cemetery.
Amelia Gesell, the daughter of Gottfried and Augusta Hartield, was born at Peru, Illinois on July 15, 1896. At the age of three she came to Miltona township and continued to live here until she took up residence in Alexandria in 1950. From 1950 until the time of her death she worked in various retirement homes in Alexandria.
Mrs. Gesell was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Peru, Illinois, and confirmed by Rev. Kelm at St. Paul's Lutheran church. She was united in marriage to John Gesell on April 30, 1914 at St. Paul's Lutheran church. She retained her membership in St. Paul's Lutheran congregation even though she resided in Alexandria.
Amelia Gesell died on her birthday, July 15, at the age of 71. Surviving her are three sons: Sylvester of Miltona, Lawrence of Miltona, and Marven of Norfolk, Neb.; 6 daughters: (Clara) Mrs. Kermit Venzke of Golden Valley; (Ella) Mrs. Robert Bettermann of Silver Bay; (Gertrude) Mrs. Grothmann of Grandon, N.D.; (Viola) Mrs. Howard Freudenberg, Parkers Prairie; (Vergene) Mrs. Kenneth Henning, Miltona; (Violet) Mrs. Arnold Backhauls of Alexandria; two brothers: Herman Hartfiel of Alexandria, and Fred Hartfiel of Miltona; 31 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband 31 years ago, one son, two grandchildren, 6 sisters and 1 brother.
(Park Region Echo, 3 Aug. 1967)