Zion German Methodist Cemetery

Submitted by Marge Womach

 Page Mi through L

Mielke, Carl E: (b. 12-03-1918; d. 5-26-2006)  “Davenport.—Funeral for Carl E Mielke, 87, a lifetime area resident, was Thursday, June 1, at Strate Funeral Home in Davenport, with interment following at Zion Hill Cemetery in Rocklyn.  Mr Mielke died May 26 in Spokane.  He was born Dec 3, 1918, to Edward and Frieda Mielke, on the Rocklyn farm, homesteaded in 1883 by his grandparents, Gottlieb and Wilhelmina (Kruger) Kruger Mielke, where he farmed and ranched all his life.  He attended country school at the Zion School in Rocklyn and graduated from Harrington High School in 1936.  He was an avid weather watcher and for years kept rainfall and frost depth records for the Lincoln County Conservation District. He was a lifelong member of the Rocklyn Zion United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school, sang in the German Quartet and supported the church in numerous other ways. He served as fire commissioner for Lincoln County Fire District 5 for 44 years; served on the Harrington School Board and United Grain Growers board of directors; led the Circuit Breakers 4-H Club; and was a member of the Wilson Grange. A sister, Evelyn MacKenzie, preceded him in death.  He leaves his wife of 55 years, Dorothy, at the home in Rocklyn; five children, Cheryl Beymer of Nampa, Idaho; Doug (and Debbie) Mielke of Rocklyn; Ron (and Linda) Mielke of Harrington; Judy Mielke (and Arthur Pizzo) of Scottsdale, AZ; Robert (and Kristy) Mielke of Rocklyn;  12 grandchildren: Julie (and Mark) Bass, Ryan Beymer, Nathan, Andrea, Karissa and Jeff Mielke, Roni Jo and Alicia Mielke, Mallory, Mariah, Miranda and Max Mielke; 3 step-grandchildren: Mike (and Holly) Beymer, Tim Beymer, Aaron (and Raylene) Beymer; 7 step great grandchildren; a brother, George (and Edwina) Mielke; a sister, Helen Sandygren; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rocklyn Zion United Methodist Church, 30596 Mielke Rd E, Davenport, WA, 99122; ...” (Dav. Times: 6-01-2006)

Mielke, Edward W: (b. 8-05-1878; d. 8-03-1959; son of Gottlieb) “Edward William Mielke. Born Aug 5, 1878. Passed away at his home near Rocklyn, WA, Aug 3, 1959. Funeral: Aug 6, 1959 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Robert R Roberts officiating, 2 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “The Lord is my Shepherd.” (on monument) “Edward W Mielke died at his home in Rocklyn, Monday morning, Aug 5, after a long illness which invalided him the past year and a half. Mr Mielke was born in Germany but came to the States with his parents when he was 4 years old. He resided in the Rocklyn community 76 years. Survivors include his four children, Carl, George, Helen, all at Rocklyn; and Mrs Dwight MacKenzie (Evelyn), Spokane; a sister, Mrs Bertha Maurer, Gridley, CA; and six grandchildren.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug 6, from the Rocklyn Zion Methodist church with Rev Robert R Roberts officiating. Strate Funeral Home was in charge. Interment was in the Zion Cemetery beside his wife who died in 1955. The obituary and report of the last rites will be published next week.” (Citizen: 7 Aug 1959)  “Edward William Mielke was born Aug 5, 1878 near Hammond, Wabasha County, MN. He came to Washington Territory with his parents, Mr and Mrs Gottlieb Mielke (Minnie Kruger) in the fall of 1883. They settled on a homestead 15 miles southwest of Cottonwood, which is now Davenport, Washington. Mr Mielke attended the Zion school, and was a life-long member of the Zion Methodist church in which he served  in most of the important Sunday School and church offices.  After his father’s death, Sept 13, 1893, he took over the home place and continued with farming and stock raising. His mother remained with him.  Feb 22, 1909 Mrs Gottlieb Mielke died, and for several years Mr Mielke’s sister, a widow, Mrs Miller, and her two children, Ralph Miller and the present Mrs Jake Fichtenberg, lived with him on the farm. On Feb 26, 1918 he was united in marriage with Frieda Wentsch at Walla Walla. The couple created a fine, Christian home and were prominent in church and school affairs in their district. Mr Mielke was an authentic source of the ‘history and geography’ of the Rocklyn area. To this union were born four children: Carl Edward, Helen Frieda, George Willis, and Evelyn Edna, now Mrs Dwight MacKenzie.  Mrs Mielke died April 1, 1955 after a long illness. Besides his four children, other family members who survive include six grandchildren, Susan, Cheryl, Roberta, Douglas and Ronald Mielke, and Karen MacKenzie and a sister, Mrs Bertha Maurer of Gridley, CA.  ‘All his toils and conflicts o’er, Lo he dwells with Christ above; Oh, what glories he’s discovered In the Savior whom he loved. His weary hours and days of pain, His troubled nights are past; And in our aching hearts we know He has found sweet rest at last.—Author Unknown.’ Last rites for Mr Mielke were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug 6, at the Zion Methodist Church at Rocklyn, under the direction of Strate Funeral Home. Rev Robert R Roberts, pastor of the church, in his sermon called the Christian ‘a traveler on his way to Zion’ ... in spite of life’s trials, hardships and sorrows ‘we can rest assured that the Heavenly Father knows and understands. That he cares, and that he loves us.’  Mr Roberts praise of Mr Mielke’s long life of Christian activities and concluded his remarks with these words: ‘Father Mielke truly is a child of God forever and I know that his life here on earth has brought many others into the family as heirs of the eternal King ... His life upon the earth will be remembered by all who knew him as one of the fullest and richest and most blessed that has ever been lived for God.’ Mrs Ray Forrest of Walla Walla, accompanied by her sister, Mrs Melvin Brunton, sang ‘Asleep in Jesus,’ and ‘Goodnight and Goodmorning’. Mrs Elwend Kruger played music preceding the services. Pallbearers, who were nephews of Mr Mielke, were Wallace, Howard, and Melvin Maurer, Herbert and Elwend Kruger, and Ralph Miller. Relatives present from out of town included Mrs Bertha Maurer; Mr Wallace Maurer, Gridley, CA; Mrs A O Dalgleish and son Rodger, of Portland, OR; Mr Robert Wentsch, Mrs Melvin Brunton, Mrs Ray Forrest, and Mr and Mrs Ernest Gross, all of Walla Walla, WA; Mr and Mrs Charles Rodgers, and Mrs Henry Suess and children of Colfax; the Howard Maurers from Spokane and a host of friends and relatives from Spokane, and surrounding communities, including Mr and Mrs Gottlieb Depner, Choteau, MT, Mrs Edna Riehle, Walla Walla.” (Citizen: 14 Aug 1959) “Edward W Mielke.—His home, Rocklyn, WA, a life-time member of the Zion Methodist church. Survived by 2 sons, Carl and George Mielke, both of Davenport; 2 daughters, Miss Helen Mielke at the home, Mrs Evelyn MacKenzie, Spokane; 1 sister, Mrs Bertha C Maurer, Gridley, CA; 6 grandchildren. Funeral services Thursday, Aug 6, at 2 p.m. from the Zion Methodist Church, Rocklyn, WA. Rev Robert R Roberts officiating. Interment Zion Cemetery, Rocklyn, WA. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: undated) “Mr Edward Mielke passed away Monday morning after a losing battle with bone cancer. Mr Mielke had been ill and confined to his bed most of the time in the past year. Mr Mielke came to this community in 1883 when he was five years old. He was engaged in farming and raising cattle. Mrs Bertha Maurer of Gridley, CA, visited Mr Mielke Saturday. She is Mr Mielke’s sister.” (Citizen: Rocklyn Column: undated)

Mielke, Frieda: (b. 10-27-1888; d. 4-01-1955) Frieda Mielke. Born Oct 27, 1888. Passed away in Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA, April 1, 1955. Funeral: April 5, 1955 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev L E Yates officiating, 2 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “The Lord is my Shepherd.” (on monument) “Death came to Mrs Edward Mielke, at 10:15 a.m. Friday, April 1, 1955. She had been ill about two years and had received treatment at hospitals in Spokane and Portland. Her illness was leukemia and she had received 40 blood transfusions in the period of her illness. She was able to be at her home, except for short periods of hospitalization. Her husband and children cared for her most of the time; her daughter Helen was with her constantly. Friends and associates in Christian  fellowship with Mrs Mielke are prone to say that Morning has come for her, rather than death. Her life was an example of Christian living. The following obituary was prepared by members of her family: Frieda Wentsch was born October 27, 1888 in Streichen, Wurtemberg, Germany. She received her education in the public schools in Germany and was brought up and confirmed in the Lutheran church.  In July 1908, she came to the United States with her brother, the Rev Carl A Wentsch, who was a Methodist minister at Edwall, Washington at that time, and whose wife passed away the year previously. Miss Wentsch kept house for her widowed brother. In Edwall, in special meetings during the winter, with the Rev John C Mueller, then of Ritzville, as evangelist, she was strengthened in her Christian life and joined the Methodist church. In 1909 she moved with her brother to Spokane where he went to pastor the First German Methodist church at Fourth and Stevens. She stayed there until 1916 when they moved to Rosalia. After the marriage of her brother, she went to Walla Walla where several of her sisters and brothers resided.  February 26, 1918 she was united in marriage with Edward W Mielke of Rocklyn. To this union were born four children, Carl Edward, Helen Frieda, George Willis and Evelyn Enda, now Mrs Dwight MacKenzie.  In the summer of 1937, with her sister, Mrs Blank of Yonkers, NY, she returned to Germany to visit relatives and girlhood friends. They went on the Deutchland of the Hamburg-Amerika Line.  Besides her husband and four children, she is survived by three granddaughters, Susan, Cheryl and Roberta Mielke; two brothers, Rev Carl A Wentsch, Portland, OR; Robert Wentsch, Walla Walla; three sisters, Mrs Marie Blank, Yonkers, NY; Mrs Barbara Gross and Mrs Sophie Neher, both of Walla Walla; a brother Otto Wentsch and two sisters, Mrs Minnie Muller and Mrs Amalie Rist, in Germany.  Mrs Mielke was a member of the Zion Methodist church and the Woman’s Society of Christian Service.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, from the Zion Methodist church, with Rev Lawrence Yates officiating. Mr Yates, a professor at Whitworth college, and who has had the Rocklyn charge several years, spoke highly of Mrs Mielke’s fine character and wonderful life.  He has shared the hospitality of the Mielke home many times during his pastorate at Rocklyn. He read the following tribute: ‘The strong, brave, loving heart lies still, at last its throbbing o’er; Folded the busy hands; the willing feet now serve no more The ceaseless round, the daily life of toil, forever done; Ended the conflict, trod the pilgrim path, the victory won.  Calmly, without a cloud, the sun went down, gilding the wave; And Christ’s own hand was stretched across the bar, might to save. The gates swung open, she entered in to hear the words, My faithful child, well done.’  Mrs Ray Forrest of Walla Walla, niece of Mrs Mielke, sang ‘Near to the Heart of God,’ ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus,’ and in German she sang ‘Harre Meine Seele.’  Mrs Elwend Kruger accompanied at the piano. Pallbearers were Elwend Kruger, Herbert Kruger, Ralph Miller, Wallace Maurer, Howard Maurer and Edd Kruger.  The spacious Rocklyn church was filled with friends from near and far, and kin, and many remained outside because the building overflowed. Floral pieces were lovely and profuse.  Burial was in the Rocklyn Cemetery, in the Mielke plot where the parents of Mr Mielke are buried.  Strate Funeral Home conducted the services. Among the relatives who came from out of town for the rites were Mr and Mrs Robert Wentsch, Mr and Mrs Ernest Gross, Mrs Sophie Neher and Mrs Ray Forrest, Walla Walla; Mr and Mrs Charles Rodgers and Mrs Henry Suess, Colfax; Mr and Mrs Herman Maurer, and Wallace Maurer, Gridley, CA; Mr and Mrs Gottlieb Depner, Chateau, MT; the Howard Maurers, Spokane, and a host of friends and relatives from Spokane and surrounding communities.” (Citizen: 4-08-1955)

Mielke, Gottlieb: (b. 10-10-1849; d. 9-13-1893) Gottlieb Mielke. Born: Oct 10, 1849. Passed away in Davenport, WA, Sept 13, 1893. Funeral: Sept 16, 1893 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Adam Buehler, Rev Carl Jans, and Rev F W Buchholz officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Ich und mein haus wollen den Herrn dienen” (on tombstone) Edit: The following information has been gleaned from a variety of sources and is not to be construed as documented. It will be deleted upon arrival of the obituary.  Gottlieb Mielke, of the Harrington district, died September 13. He was born Oct 10, 1849 in the Province of Westprussia, Deutschland. Of the known Mielke siblings, Gottlieb was reportedly the fifth born; his brother August died in a war; brother Michael (b. 18 Jan 1840 in Sittnov, East Germany) became established at Sassin, WA; sister Wilhelmina (b. 4 Oct 1841 at Kreis Flattau, Sittnov) married Carl Rux, who also was established at Sassin; Lena (died young) and Pauline (who married Droba).  Dates for his emigration vary from 1867 to 1870. One report suggested Gottlieb was in Davenport, Iowa, for three years before he located in Greenwood Prairie near Rochester, MN, in the year 1870. Gottlieb worked for the Gottlieb Kruger family prior to the accidental death of Gottlieb Kruger in 1873, a family with six children. On 22 Dec 1875 he married the widow, Wilhelmina Kruger Krueger, by whom he had two children. In 1883 he moved to Harrington, WA, and by October of 1883 he was able to send for his family and begin their life together on the homestead. In conjunction with August Bursch and Ludwig Hoffman, Gottlieb Mielke was instrumental in establishing a Methodist church in their new area “Zion”.  Services were initially held in their homes, and leadership was shared, although Gottlieb did earn the nickname ‘preacher’. He played his concertina and they enjoyed their singing. In June of 1886, Gottlieb and four other trustees filed the Articles of Incorporation for the Zion German Methodist Church and by 1889 their first church building was erected. Gottlieb also purchased property in Davenport where he was able to establish his step sons in a business venture. Gottlieb Mielke, father, step-father, trustee of the church, pioneer farmer, woodsman and respected businessman, was stricken with typhoid fever and following a short illness, died on Sept 13, 1893. His remains were carried to Zion Hill Cemetery where he had previously buried his mother-in-law, Susanna Kruger, and his aunt, Justina Reiter. Two German obituaries are available, the details of which do not concur. These are being interpreted by the family.  “Gottlieb Mielke, von dem Harrington Bezirt, felig entfchlafen. Ich ging, um meinem alten Freunde noch einmal in bas nunmehr erblaBte Untlitz zu fchauen. Er warb geboren am 10.  October 1849 in der Brov Weftpreusen, Deutfchland, unb wiebergeboren zu einer lebenbigen Hoffnung auf der Greenwood Prairie Bei Rochester, MN, im Jahre 1874 wahrend einer anhaltenden Berfamm=lung, welche Schreiber dafelbft hielt. In 1875 verehelichte er fich mit der vermitt=weten Schw Minna Krueger, deffen er=ften Gatten ich ebenfalls zur Ruhe be ftattet hatte. In 1883 fam er mit den G/Seinigen nach Harrington, Wash, w0=felbft Gott fie mit irdifchen Gutern reich=lich fegnete aber auch die geiftlichen Gu=ter wurden night hintenan gefebt. Bald nach ihrer Untunft (die Familien Hoff=mann und Bursch waren auch mit ihnen gebtommen) wurde Rev F Bonn, von Portland, Dr, aufgefordert zu tommen, um eine Gemeinde zu organiftren und im Fruhjahr des Jahres 1884 tam Bruder Adam Buehler von Michigan als ihr re=gelmaBiger erfter Brediger (must be Prediger). Diefes nar der Unfang unferes Wertes in diefer Gegend (must be Legend), und Bruder Mielke war bis an fein feliges Ende einer der Hauptpfeiler deffelben. Sein immer leutfeliges und gelaffenes, wahrhaft christiches Wefen—e: war jederzeit bereit Grund anzugeben ver Hoffnung, die in ihm war—machte ihn bei ullen geachtet und beliebt; er wird dezhalb auch von allen, die ihn ta inten fehr vermizt. Fr hinterlaBt feine nuz zum zweiten Male vermittmete Gattin, zwei Kinder 7 Stieftinder neb ft einem groBen Kreis von Berwandten und Betannten. Br Buehler, der nun wie=der dafelbft angeftellie {rediger, hielt die Leichenrede zu einer groBen gemifchten Berfammlung von Englischen und Deut fchen, worauf Schreiber noch eine turze Lebene und Sharafterfchilderung des Entichlafenen gab. Das BedachtniB der Berechten bleibt im Tegen.” Spr 10, 7.

Mielke, Minna: (b. 1832; d. 1909) Minna Mielke (Minnie). Born Dec 24, 1832. Passed away in her home near Rocklyn, WA, Feb 22, 1909. Funeral: Feb 26, 1909 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Ludwig Gaiser officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Ich und mein haus wollen den Herrn dienen” (on tombstone) “Minnie Mielke geboren den 24 Dezember 1832 zu Gembitz-Hauland, Prov. Posen, Deutschland starb selig im Herrn den 22, Februar 1909 zu Harrington, WA. Sie Kam mit ihren Eltern 1854 nach Amerika. Im selbigen Jahre verheiratete sie sich mit Gottlieb Kruger and zog mit ihm nach Minnesota.  Die Ehe wurde mit neun kindern gesegnet von welchen noch sechs leben.  1873 hatte sie den Tod ihres Gatten zubeklagen. Sie verheiratete sich wieder 1875 mit Gottlieb Mielke, und aus dieser Ehe sind zwei kinder entsprossen.  1883 kam sie mit ihrer Familie nach Harrington, wo sie zu den ersten Pionieren gehorten und auch den Anfang zu unserer Gemeinde daselbst bildeten. 1893 hatte sie auch ihren zweiten Gatten zu seiner letzten Ruhe zu begleiten. Nicht lange, nachdem sie ins Land gekommen wurde sie zu Gott bekehrt und versuchte dem Herrn und der Kirche treu zu dienen bis an ihr Ende. Acht kinder sowie zwei Geschwister, bedauern mit der ganzen Gemeinde ihr abscheiden. Harrington, Wash. L Gaiser.” (This German obit was apparently in a church bulletin, obtained from the family; an interpretation given follows:) “Minnie Mielke born 24 December 1832 to Gembitz Hauland, Province of Prussia, Germany died blessedly 22 February 1909 in Harrington, WA. She came with her parents in 1854 to America. In the (selbigen) year she married with Gottlieb Kruger moved to Minnesota. The marriage produced nine children of which still six are still living. 1873 she lost her first husband. She married again 1875 with Gottlieb Mielke, and from this marriage two children were born. In 1883 the family came to Harrington, where they located as some of the first pioneers and also helped to form the beginning of the town.. 1893 her second husband to its laid peace.”

Miller, Edna B: (b. 7-02-1908; d. 12-01-1956) “Edna Barbara Miller. Born: July 2, 1908. Passed away in Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, WA, Dec 1, 1956. Funeral: Dec 4, 1956 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev L E Yates and Rev Walter Sauer, officiating, 1:30 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Till we shall meet and never part” (on monument) “Mrs Ralph Miller was stricken ill very suddenly last week, and Friday was taken to Deaconess hospital in Spokane. Early Saturday morning, December 1, she passed away.  Miss Barbara Grob was born July 2, 1908, at Rocklyn, WA. She resided in that community all of her life. On June 5, 1933 she was united in marriage to Ralph C Miller. Three children were born to them, Orville, Barbara Ann and Marvin.  Mrs Miller was a member of the Evangelical Church of Harrington at one time but she transferred her membership to the Zion Methodist church at Rocklyn She was a member of the church’s Woman’s Society of Christian Service, and a member of Wilson Grange.  Funeral services were held from the Rocklyn church at 1:30, Tuesday afternoon, Dec 4, with Rev Lawrence Yates officiating, assisted by Rev Walter Sauer (whose wife is a niece of Mrs Miller). Mrs John Kruger was pianist. Mrs Lawrence Yates sang ‘In The Garden’ and George and Carl Mielke sang ‘God Will Take Care of You.’  The Scripture reading included the 23^rd Psalm (Mr Ralph Miller’s favorite passage), John 14:1-3 and 15-19; and Psalm 103:13-18.  Pall bearers were John Kruger, Herb Kruger, Melvin Maurer, Deral Koch, James Koch and Walter Fichtenberg. Interment was in the Zion Cemetery. Mrs Miller is survived by her husband, Ralph, at the home; two sons, Orville and Marvin Miller, at home and one daughter, Mrs Joseph Clark (Barbara); her mother, Mrs Minnie Grob of Rocklyn (her father Fred Grob preceded her in death); two sisters, Mrs Fred Koch and Mrs Herbert Kruger, both of Rocklyn; two brothers, Walter Grob of Spokane, and Carl Grob of Rocklyn; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.  Coming from out of the community for the last rites were Mr and Mrs Adam Kirsch, Mr and Mrs Albert Kirsch, Mr and Mrs Walter Grob, Gerald Grob, Mr and Mrs Dwight MacKenxie, all of Spokane; Mr and Mrs Richard Wolf, Latah, Mr and Mrs Deral Koch, Valleyford, Mr and Mrs James Koch, Rosalia; Mr and Mrs Kenneth Hartnett, Spokane, Mrs Howard Maurer, Millwood; Mr and Mrs Quinten Maurer, Millwood, and Mr and Mrs John VanBrunt, Clarkis, Idaho.” (Harrington Citizen: 7 Dec 1956) “Funeral services were held Tuesday at Zion Methodist church in Rocklyn for Edna Barbara Miller, 48, who died in a Spokane hospital after a brief illness. The Rev Lawrence Yates, assisted by Rev Walter Sauer of Harrington, officiated at the rite arranged by Strate Funeral Home. Interment was at the Rocklyn Cemetery.  Music was furnished by Mrs Yates, vocal soloist, Carl and George Mielke, who sang a duet, and Mrs Alvin (sic) Kruger, organist. Pall bearers were Deral Koch, James Koch, Melvin Maurer, Herb Kruger, Elwend Kruger and Wesley Fichtenberg.  Born July 2, 1908, at Rocklyn, she resided all her life in that community. She was married June 5, 1933, to Ralph C Miller. She was a member of the Evangelical Church of Harrington and later transferred membership to Zion Methodist church at Rocklyn. She died Dec 1, 1956.  Survivors are her husband, Ralph, three children, Orville and Marvin, at home; and Barbara Clark of Spokane; her mother, Mrs Minnie Grob of Rocklyn; two brothers, Walter Grob of Spokane and Carl Grob of Rocklyn; two sisters, Mrs Fred Koch and Mrs Herbert Kruger of Rocklyn.” (Davenport Times: undated) “Mrs Ralph Miller passed away Saturday in the Deaconess hospital in Spokane. She was taken to the hospital Friday. Mrs Miller had been ill with the flu, she died with double pneumonia. Her funeral was at the Zion Methodist church Tuesday. Interment was also at the Zion Cemetery.” (Citizen: undated). “Edna B Miller—Her home was at Rocklyn, WA. Survived by her husband Ralph Miller at the home, 2 sons, Orville and Marvin Miller, both at the home; 1 daughter, Mrs Barbara Clark of Tacoma, WA. Her mother, Mrs Minnie Grob of Rocklyn. 2 sisters, Mrs Fred Koch of Rocklyn and Mrs Naomi Kruger, also of Rocklyn. 2 brothers, Walter Grob of Spokane and Carl Grob of Rocklyn. Funeral services Tuesday, Dec 4 at 1:30 p.m. from the Zion Methodist church of Rocklyn. Rev Lawrence Yates and rev Walter Sauer officiating. Interment Rocklyn Cemetery, Rocklyn, WA. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, in charge.” (Spokesman: undated)

Miller, L D: (b. 1900; d. 1902) “Baby L D Miller. Born: Feb 9, 1901. Passed away at his home in Rocklyn, WA, Summer 1902. Funeral: Summer 1902 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev G A Jahn officiating.” (Church Diagrams) Edit: Baby L D Miller was the first born child of Edwin and Minnie (Kruger) Miller. The parents had two surviving children prior to Edwin’s untimely death in 1911.

Miller, Minnie Kruger: (b. 1871; d. 1939) “Minnie Miller. Born: March 16, 1871. Passed away in Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, WA, Aug 16, 1939. Funeral: Aug 19, 1939 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev H B Mann, Rev D L Iwerks officiating, 1:30 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Mrs Minnie Miller, who was stricken ill Sunday evening, was taken to the Deaconess hospital in Spokane, Tuesday night, and underwent an operation for appendicitis and gall stones. Her condition is reported to be very serious.” (Citizen: 8-18-1939) “Mrs Minnie Miller, who was taken to Spokane Tuesday night ill with a serious attack of gall stone trouble, underwent an operation that night. Her condition was very low, and on Wednesday afternoon, at 1:17, she passed away.  Surviving Mrs Miller are her son, Ralph Miller, and daughter, Mrs Jake Fichtenberg; brother, Gus Kruger; half-brother, Ed Mielke, and half-sister, Mrs Herman Maurer, all of Rocklyn; also five grandchildren.  Born March 16, 1871, at Hammond, Minnesota, she came with her parents to the Rocklyn region in 1883, where her parents, the Mielke’s, homesteaded the land now farmed by Ed Mielke. In 1899 she was married to Edwin Miller, of California, and to this union three children were born. One child died at the age of three years. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, at the Zion church, Rocklyn, with the Rev Darrell Iwerks officiating.  Hazen & Jaegers of Spokane are morticians in charge.” (Citizen: 18 Aug 1939)  Edit: Minnie’s husband preceded her in death, “Edwin Miller, a well-to-do farmer of the Harrington Wheat Belt, died Feb 6, 1911 and was buried in Mt View Cemetery, in Davenport. He was born in California.” (Citizen notes: 1911) “Mrs Minnie (Kruger) Miller, was born in Wabasha County, Minnesota, March 16, 1871. In the autumn of 1883, she moved with the family to Washington Territory, and settled in what is now Lincoln County. Here she was married on Nov 26, 1899, to Edwin Miller, and from this union were born three children, of whom the first child, L D Miller, died in infancy. She united with the Zion Methodist church, March 8, 1902. February 6, 1911, her husband died and she continued to rear the family. Her death occurred Aug 16, 1939. She was a sincere, upright, truth-loving person; a good provider for her family; a fine neighbor and friend and loyal in attendance at church as far as was possible.  Survivors include her son, Ralph C Miller, a daughter, Myrtle E Fichtenberg; brother, Gust J Kruger and half-brother, Ed Mielke; half-sister, Mrs Herman Maurer, and many other relatives.  ‘Now the laborer’s task is o’er; Now the battle day is past; Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last. Father, in Thy gracious keeping Leave me now, Thy servant, sleeping.’ Funeral services for Mrs Miller were held at the Zion Methodist church Saturday afternoon, Aug 19, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev H B Mann, former pastor of the Zion church, now at Ridgefield, and the Rev D L Iwerks, now pastor, officiating. Hazen & Jaeger of Spokane were in charge. Interment was in the Miller family lot, at the Zion Cemetery.  Mrs E Cronrath and Mrs F Scott of Harrington furnished music. Pall bearers, all nephews of the deceased, were Wallace Maurer, Alvin Kruger, Howard Maurer, Carl Mielke, Herbert Kruger and Melvin Maurer.” (Citizen: 25 Aug 1939) “Rev and Mrs H B Mann, Ridgefield, WA, arrived Saturday morning to be present at the funeral services of Mrs Minnie Miller. Mr and Mrs Mann were house guests at the homes of Mr and Mrs Ed Mielke and Mr and Mrs H A Maurer, and were visitors and dinner guests at the Jake Fichtenberg and Ralph Miller homes, besides callers at homes of other residents of this community. The Manns left Monday for Spokane where they visited their daughter, Mrs L Lemeley before returning to their home.” (Citizen: Aug 25, 1939)

Miller, Ralph C: (b. 10-17-1904; d. 10-18-1992) “Ralph Charles Miller. Born: Oct 17, 1904. Passed away in Lincoln Hospital, Davenport, WA, Oct 18, 1992. Funeral: Oct 21, 1992, held at Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, Rev Carolyn E Krupke officiating, 11 a.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Till we shall meet and never part” (on monument) “Funeral service for lifetime Davenport area resident Ralph C Miller was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 21, at the chapel of Strate Funeral Home. Pastor Carolyn Krupke officiated. Interment was held at Rocklyn Cemetery. Mr Miller died Oct 18 in Davenport. He was 88.  He was born Oct 17, 1904, in Rocklyn to Edwin and Wilhemina (Kruger) Miller. He was a lifetime resident and wheat farmer in the Davenport area, continuing to help on the family farm until his death.  He was baptized and nurtured in faith at the Rocklyn Zion United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and the National Rifle Association. In addition, he was a member of Wilson Grange since 1943. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Marvin and Linda Miller of Mukilteo, WA, and Orvillle and Peggy Miller of Davenport; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna, in 1956 and one daughter, Barbara Ann Clark, in 1966. Strate Funeral Home in Davenport was in charge of arrangements.” (Dav. Times: 10-22-1992)

=====================================================

Zion German Methodist Cemetery Obituaries, Rocklyn, Washington 

submitted  to the WAGenWeb by Marge Womach, February 2007.

=====================================================
      USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
          free information on the Internet, data may be used by
          non-commercial entities, as long as this message
          remains on all copied material. These electronic
          pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
          or for presentation by other persons or organizations.
           Persons or organizations desiring to use this material
          for purposes other than stated above must obtain the
          written consent of the file contributor.
          This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb.         
======================================================

© Copyright  2007  WAGenWeb