Upon request of the family of the late Fred Boelts, the following obituary and eulogy was prepared and read by Fred A. Marsh, at the funeral services in Archer Methodist Church Saturday afternoon, September 10, 1949. Mr. Marsh was a long time friend and neighbor of the Boelts family.
Fred Boelts, fourth child of Fred and Margaret Getje Boelts, was born in Floraville, Ill., on March 11, 1875 and died in the St. Francis hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska, September 6, 1949. At the age of 8 years he came with his parents to Merrick County, Nebraska, where he lived continuously for 66 years. The family resided briefly in Prairie Creek Township, and then for a short time in Midland, before settling permanently in Mead Township on the farm now owned by Mrs. Louise Boelts.
Some years later the parents removed to Archer, leaving Fred and his brother Henry in charge of the farm and livestock. For many years the brothers carried on a partnership, evincing always a delightful spirit of companionship, mutual understanding and forbearance. Often as they went about their work, their voices could be heard, joined in singing or yodling, leaving no place for dull care to come into their lives. Their sister, Metta, who kept house for them, possessed a beautiful soprano voice, and for many years all three of them sang in one choir at Fairview.
When the Friends Community church was organized, Mr. Boelts took charge of the music and was active in Sabbath School work. He was one of the very last to resist the closing of that ill fated rural sanctuary.
On January 16, 1926, he was married to Mrs. Eliza Soles. They lived on their farm in Loup Township, until Mr. Boelts' failing health made them decide to move to Archer, settling in the home occupied by his parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Boelts have traveled extensively, and have experienced many of the real joys of living.
Dwight Boelts, step-son of the deceased, has been a tower of strength for him and also for Mrs. Boelts during their long terms of illness, responding instantly to every call for help, and revealing a filial devotion which could hardly be surpassed.
Mr. Boelts had many friends. He loved conversation, but never engaged in heated arguments. It was his habit to inquire the opinion of others, rather than assert, too strongly his own convictions. He was a good neighbor to the extent of sacrificing his own interests in behalf of those needing help.
Of his five sisters and three brothers, only one sister, Mrs. Metta Giles, of Arcadia, remains to mourn his loss. (Funeral details followed.)
The Palmer Journal, September 15, 1949, page 1, transcribed by Linda Berney
Upon request of the family of the late Fred Boelts, the following obituary and eulogy was prepared and read by Fred A. Marsh, at the funeral services in Archer Methodist Church Saturday afternoon, September 10, 1949. Mr. Marsh was a long time friend and neighbor of the Boelts family.
Fred Boelts, fourth child of Fred and Margaret Getje Boelts, was born in Floraville, Ill., on March 11, 1875 and died in the St. Francis hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska, September 6, 1949. At the age of 8 years he came with his parents to Merrick County, Nebraska, where he lived continuously for 66 years. The family resided briefly in Prairie Creek Township, and then for a short time in Midland, before settling permanently in Mead Township on the farm now owned by Mrs. Louise Boelts.
Some years later the parents removed to Archer, leaving Fred and his brother Henry in charge of the farm and livestock. For many years the brothers carried on a partnership, evincing always a delightful spirit of companionship, mutual understanding and forbearance. Often as they went about their work, their voices could be heard, joined in singing or yodling, leaving no place for dull care to come into their lives. Their sister, Metta, who kept house for them, possessed a beautiful soprano voice, and for many years all three of them sang in one choir at Fairview.
When the Friends Community church was organized, Mr. Boelts took charge of the music and was active in Sabbath School work. He was one of the very last to resist the closing of that ill fated rural sanctuary.
On January 16, 1926, he was married to Mrs. Eliza Soles. They lived on their farm in Loup Township, until Mr. Boelts' failing health made them decide to move to Archer, settling in the home occupied by his parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Boelts have traveled extensively, and have experienced many of the real joys of living.
Dwight Boelts, step-son of the deceased, has been a tower of strength for him and also for Mrs. Boelts during their long terms of illness, responding instantly to every call for help, and revealing a filial devotion which could hardly be surpassed.
Mr. Boelts had many friends. He loved conversation, but never engaged in heated arguments. It was his habit to inquire the opinion of others, rather than assert, too strongly his own convictions. He was a good neighbor to the extent of sacrificing his own interests in behalf of those needing help.
Of his five sisters and three brothers, only one sister, Mrs. Metta Giles, of Arcadia, remains to mourn his loss. (Funeral details followed.)
The Palmer Journal, September 15, 1949, page 1, transcribed by Linda Berney
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