SOURCE: Zimmerman Family Genealogy...Page 47
Gerd Toenjes was a successful farmer. He died of an acute heart attack. He had gone to Amber to get a load of coal for his farm. Midway between Monticello and Anamosa, on the Military Road, he was found by Mrs. Will Siebels and Mrs. Howard Soper. They assisted him to the Siebels home where he died shortly after entering.
Gerd and Mary had lived their first married years near Amber and the past seventeen on a farm in Wayne Township.
The funeral was held at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church and burial at Wayne Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Wayne Church, Jones Co, IA.
Mary was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilke Zimmerman.
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SOURCE: THE ANAMOSA EUREKA, ANAMOSA, IOWA, MARCH 11, 1926, PAGE 1
DIES SUDDENLY - HEART FAILURE
Garret Toenjes, Prominent Wayne Township Farmer, Overcome on Way Home and Dies.
A.G. Toenjes, a well-known farmer residing about four miles northeast, of Anamosa, on the Monticello road, died, shortly after being taken with a heart attack, while returning from Amber Monday afternoon about 4 o'clock. Mr. Toenjes had gone to Amber for coal and on his return trip, when near the Will Siebels home, a brother-in-law, he must have realized his condition. He tied the lines about the rail on the wagon and getting from the wagon laid down on the ground. He was seen from the Siebels home and the children notified their father who was at the school house election. He hurried to Mr. Toenjes who was still conscious, and who complained of the pain around his heart and of his head. He was removed to the Siebels home and medical aid was summoned, but before the arrival of the physician life was extinct. The cause of death was pronounced as acute dilation of the heart. We understand Mr. Toenjes previous to this time has been subject to attacks of this nature.
Corner Ed. Beam was called, and accompanied by Sheriff Bodenhofer went to the Siebels home. The remains were brought to the Beam and Miller undertaking parlors for embalmment and preparation.
Meanwhile a sister, Miss Julia Toenjes, a saleslady employed by the Armstrong clothing company at Cedar Rapids, was stricken on the same day and taken to St. Luke's hospital in that city for treatment. It was found that she might have to undergo an operation as the result of a boil.
Arend Gerhard Toenjes is a son of Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Toenjes, who are now residents of Amber. He was born June 18, 1880, and his age at the time of his death was 45 years, 8 months and 21 days. He leaves his wife, and a family of six children, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years of ae. Also, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Toenjes and several brothers and sisters.
Garret Toenjes, as he was known in Anamosa, was a familiar figure in tis city. He was known personally by a great number of citizens and was always a "hale fellow well met." He was big, robust, strong and the picture of health. His sudden going has been a shock to the family and his many friends. His acquaintance over the county was large and the family have the sympathy of the entire community.
The funeral will be held this afternoon, leaving the home at 1 o'clock, and services will be held at the Wayne Lutheran church conducted by Rev. Willms.