Lang, Henrietta (Petersen) (Cook) 1860 - 1936

Funeral Services Held At Remsen For Early Settler. Mrs. Henrietta Lang Was Widely Known Resident of County Since Girlhood.

Funeral services for Mrs. Henrietta Lang, a pioneer resident of Remsen and Plymouth county who passed away last Thursday, were held Sunday afternoon at St. Paul's Evangelical church, with a large concourse of friends from far and near joining the sorrowing relatives in their grief. Mrs. Lang was 76 years old. She had been a semi-invalid for many years and in recent months was a victim of cancer, which hastened her death. Surviving are nine children and one brother.

Mrs. Lang was an invalid for the past 22 years, her ailments having begun when she became afflicted with arthritis. The painful malady affected her most severely about the legs, and for many years she was obliged to confine herself to the sick room and a chair, unable to be about her household duties. Despite her painful affliction she bore up bravely and cheerfully, accepting her lot with a splendid fortitude and faith which never wavered. She received the utmost care on the part of her children until her last moments. Last October she became afflicted also with cancer, which developed rapidly and in spite of the best of medical care her condition failed to show any sign of improvement. Since early last January it was apparent that this latter ailment was soon to end her earthly career, and she sank rapidly, passing away at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Gaden, last Thursday evening at 8:50 o'clock.

Mrs. Lang, nee Henrietta Petersen was born in the village of Wonsback [Vonsbaek] Denmark, January 24, 1860, a daughter of Peter and Ellen Marie Petersen (nee Dicksen). She was confirmed in the Lutheran church as a child. In 1883 she came to the United States with her father, a brother and a sister, the family coming directly to Plymouth county. The year following their arrival Mr. Petersen purchased a farm in Marion township, three miles southwest of Remsen, where she made her home for several years. In 1886 she was united in marriage to Henry J. Cook, then employed in the M.A. Moore lumber concern in Le Mars. Mr. Cook passed away ten years later, leaving his widow with five children. In 1901 Mrs. Cook was united in marriage to Rudolph Lang, prominent farmer in this part of the county, who also had been left a widower with five children.

Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Lang settled on a farm in Remsen township, where they lived until 1919 when they retired in happiness until the death of Mr. Lang in 1925. After his death Mrs. Lang decided to discontinue housekeeping and live with her children in this vicinity. She spent nine years of the intervening time with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Gaden, south of town.
Mrs. Lang was a woman of devout Christian principle and for many years, although physically handicapped against regular attendance, a staunch member of St. Paul's Evangelical congregation. She was a woman of loveable disposition and personality who gained many true friendships through her amiable manner and who made a large acquaintance throughout this part of the county despite inability during the last two decades to mingle in society away from her own home. She thoroughly enjoyed her many friendships and was deeply appreciative of the many courtesies extended during her affliction, while still deeper in her lovable heart was rooted a sincere regard and intense devotion for the large family of children who strove continuously to make her life the more bearable during these troublesome years. With her children she found great comfort and her faith in the divine promises enabled her to bear up admirable in her afflictions. The many friends of Mrs. Lang, who regarded her most highly during her life, over her departure extend their express regret and deepest sympathy to the children and brother left to mourn her passing.

Surviving are the following children: Mrs. John Gaden, Mrs. A.C. Tonsfeldt, Henry P. Cook and David J. Cook, all of Remsen. One daughter, Mrs. J.C. Day, passed away in 1928. The following step children also survive: Mrs. Fred Brandt, Santa Cruz, Cal.; John Lang, Balbon, N.D. and Mrs. Caroline Harnack and Frank Lang, all of Remsen. There is one brother, Truels Petersen, Le Mars. Mrs. Lang was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters, namely; Peter Petersen of Sioux Center, Sioux county; Mrs. Erick Scott, Remsen, and Mrs. P.H. Petersen, formerly of Fredonia township but at the time of her death of Sioux City.

Funeral services were held Sunday at the home, followed by services in St. Paul's Evangelical church and conducted by the pastor, Rev. Paul Wuebben. Pall bearers were: A.D. Ohlendorf, Frank Bohnenkamp, Dr. F. A. Mylan, Herman S. Wilbering, John Sonsma and Charles Peters. Interment was made in the Remsen cemetery.

Close relatives from a distance who attend the last sad rites are: John Lang, Balbon, N.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Scott, Linn Grove, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. John C. Petersen, Sioux City; Mr. and Mrs. T.P. Petersen and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Petersen, Le Mars; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Baker and children, Schaller, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Bert Krekow and children, Marcus, Iowa.

– The Semi-Weekly Sentinel – Le Mars, Iowa, Friday, April 24, 1936, page 5.

Also --

Same obituary in the Remsen Bell-Enterprise, April 23, 1936, page 1, column 3 and page 2, column 2.