Waterloo Times April 12, 1900
 Minnie Ziebold Rickert Obit

RICKERT

Mrs. Minnie Rickert, wife of ex-Sen Rickert died in St. Augusinte Fla., last 
Tuesday, April 3, 1900, aged 46 years.
     
Mrs. Rickert had been an invalid for some time. For over a year she had been 
under constant medical attention, but her case baffled the skill of the experts, 
and a few months since it became evident that her recovery was almost hopeless.
     
Mrs. Rickert was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Feb 7, 1854. She was the daughter 
of Mr G Ziebold of Red Bud, one of the most prominent millers in Illinois. her 
mother is long since dead.
     
With her parents she went to California, Mo., where Mr. Ziebold bought a farm. 
Later he built the first mill in California, and after operating it for a while came to 
Monroe City where he established a mill which he operated with success. in 1870 
he removed to Tipton, Mo., still engaged in the milling business, but again returned 
to Monroe City in 1872.
     
At this time Mr. Rickert was a teacher in Monroe county. He became acquainted 
with his future wife in Monroe City, and a mutual attachment was soon manifest. 
They were married in St. Louis May 22, 1873.
     
To this union nine children were born, five of whom are living. They are Josie, Nelson, 
Luella, Maria and Margaret. Minnie's death occurred less than a year ago. Charles, also 
a general favorite, had preceded his sister in death. Two others died in infancy.
     
Mrs Rickert was one of the most lovable and estimable of women. She lived for her 
family. A faithful wife, a loving and affectionate mother, she had the faculty of winning 
the esteem and respect of all with whom she came in contact.
     
About a month ago she went to St. Augustine, where it was hoped that a change 
of scenery and climate might prove a benefit. But the ravages of disease were too 
firmly rooted and she gradually sank until it was evident that a surgical operation 
was the only hope.
     
Mr Rickert was made acquainted with the gravity of the situation and left at once 
for the hospital.
     
He found a number of new made friends surrounding his wife, the chief nurse Mrs. 
Ferria, formerly of Chester, being especially attentive.
     
Fr S G Worley, the chief surgeon, was very attentive to his professional duties, 
and the invalid was as comfortable as could be under the circumstances.
     
Realizing the gravity of the situation she sent for Dr. Mac Gonigle of the Memorial 
Presbyterian church, with whom she was formerly acquainted, who administered 
holy communion, there being no church of her faith in the city.
     
Death came to her relief on the third of April. the remains were sent to this city
 for interment, the funeral benig on Sunday, when the last rites were administered 
in the Waterloo cemetery.
     
The deceased was a strict and conscientious member of the Evangelical 
church, a member and 
organizer of the Frauenverein, and a member of the Columbian club, a 
charitable organization.
     
The tender testimonials of worth profusely expressed in floral offerings, 
with the large attendance at the funeral of those who knew her on life's pathway, 
voiced the respect in which she was held in life, while the sympathy manifested 
for those who mourn her death attested the sorrow felt in their loss.
     
But in the dark hour of bereavement how compensating is sorrow.
     
When we consider that it is ordained that all must die, it is only the time and 
place and circumstance that adds or detracts from the mournful featues of our 
dissolution.
    
Here was one dear to kindred love, surrounded with everything that heart could 
wish, or affection secrue for her happiness, except health.
     
When grief has been assuaged by time, and we consider the trails, visissitudes, 
and hardships our loved ones have escaped, it is then that the compensation of 
sorrow comes to our aid with consoling memories of their worthy life records, 
and proud recollections gild our grief with thankful acquiescencein ways that are 
not our ways in doing all things well.
   
The funeral services by Pastor Nollau were very impressive, and the floral offerings 
of the Columbian club and and numerous friends are feeble tokens of the esteem in 
which she was held by all.      X
 


Submitted by Barbara Coakley