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Submitted: 5/11/08 • Approved: 5/11/08 • Last Updated: 2/17/13 • R55772-G0-S3
CHARLES BEHRENDS FOSS
A.K.A. CLAAS BEHRENDS FASS
Born 21 June 1836
Died 11 Dec 1924
Was Early Settler in Johnson County
Was Foremost Pioneer of
Sterling Community
Before us lie the remains of Claus Behrend Foss. In sketching a summary of his life, I desire to quote from a script which was penned by his hand.
"I was born in the Little Kingdom of Hanover Germany in the year 1836 on June 21, and baptized July 10 in the village of Wiesederfehn. I received my early education in the Public School and when 17, according to the Lutheran doctrine, and teaching, was confirmed and joined the church. After this I Immigrated to America and settled in Illinois, where I lived on a farm until the Civil War broke out. I enlisted in Co. K. 114 Regt. of Illinois Volunteers, saw three years of service and received an honorable discharge in 1865. I moved to Nebraska where I drove freight teams for the Government to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. In 1867 I was married to Margeretta Eilers. We made our home in Gage county where we reared a family of six children, 3 son and 3 daughters. In 1885 we moved to Johnson county and retired from farming in 1916, since then we have made our home in Sterling." This is the clear and concise autobiography of the deceased. Yet short as it may be it portrays a life of great activity. He was a man of powerful physique and even in his declining years his halting step and bent frame could not deny the fact that once he was a tower of strength and a dynamo of energy. But the years exact their tolls and he, too, could not escape the debilities of old age. My acquaintance with him does not reach back to the time that he walked about on the street, but I do know that he had a wide circle of acquaintances and friends, and enjoyed the visits they paid him and took delight in relating some of his experiences and adventures as a soldier and pioneer.
A week ago last Sunday he received a light stroke. Because of his advanced age no hope was held out for his recovery. It had long been his earnest desire to be relieved and he too, realized that his time had now come. In the Sacrament of the Holy Altar he strengthened himself for his final battle, committed himself to the grace of his Savior and patiently awaited his Master's call. Death came on Thursday forenoon at 10:30 and the weary wanderer entered the haven of rest for which he had longed for fervently.
He leaves to mourn his death, his aged widow and his six children: Mrs. Anna Mack, Haxton, Colo., Mrs. Henry Aden, Adams, Mrs. J. G. Agena, John, Edward and Theodore, of Sterling. Also 15 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren. He also leaves two brothers in Germany.
His age at the time of his death was 88 years, five months and 20 days.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral services were held on Sunday from St. John's Lutheran Church. Rev. J. H. Moehl, pastor, officiating in German and English and the remains were laid to rest in the Sterling cemetery.
Contributed on 5/11/08 by carmar.kress
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Record #: 55772