SOURCE: Newspaper article - 1922 - No Name
RESPECTED LADY ANSWERS SUMMONS
The Grim Reaper has again visited the community of Wayne township and from their midst has taken one of the most beloved women of that community.
Anna Elizabeth Siebels was born in Rahrdum Hanover, Germany, June 3, 1863. She was the daughter of John Anton Siebels and wife Altien Gertrude Siebels. Soon after her birth she was baptized in the Lutheran church to which she was a faithful member.
The days of her youth passed quietly. In the year 1871 she came with her parents to America, and April 6, 1879 she was confirmed at the Wayne Lutheran church and she made with others a good confession before many men.
September 28, 1881 she united in marriage to Mr. John Gerdes, who answered the call of his Maker, Aug 21, 1902. The Lord of all good gifts blessed this union with nine children, of which six are still living, four sons and two daughters.
Eight years ago Mrs. Gerdes removed from the farm in Cass township to Monticello to retire from the strenuous work. Here she was stricken with paralysis about four years ago, and after the death of her mother, in February, 1920, she removed to the hospitable home of her children, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schaefer, where she had a home in the full sense of the word. Last January the destructive influenza overfell her and the consequences caused her early death. At times it seemed that she would recover, but since Sunday, May 21st, death was visibly nearing. Realizing the serious condition she asked for her pastor, and received the Sacrament of the Alter, dying with love of the Faith she had for years maintained.
Mrs. Gerdes was a widow for twenty years, which means desolation. A large family of children was to be cared for after the husband's death, and she did it well.
Three times she tasted the bitterness of the cruel enemy of mankind, called death, when he claimed her loved ones. The last week of her life was filled with intense sufferings and death released her Friday morning, May 6th. She sojourned here on earth 58 years, 11 months and 23 days.
She is survived by four sons: John, Gerd, Carl and Alvy, and two daughters, Mrs. Grace Otten of Amber and Mrs. Anna Schaefer of Langworthy. Two brothers, John and August Siebels, and two sisters, Mrs. Tina and Mrs. Lamberths of Oklahoma.
The esteem in which the lady was held, was shown at the funeral services, which were held Sunday at 10:30, from the Wayne Lutheran church, at which time the capacious church was filled with sorrowing relatives and friends who had come to show their respect to the one whom they loved. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Willms pastor of the church, and interment was made in the cemetery nearby.