Duelm, Benton Co. MN, 8 October 1886
Dear Brother, Sister-in-Law & Nephew!
Two days ago, I received your sad news and don’t know
what to say. Who would have dreamt of this! When we were last together, he was in good health. But
it was God’s will and we must submit to it. I can only say that it grieves us deeply. But how much
more painful must it be for you, since he is irreplaceable. I can hardly find the words and am close
to despair. I am thinking of him all the time and imagine seeing him among you.
Dear Franciska, how can I console you and dear Wilhelm.
It is the most painful thing to befall you now. But God wanted it so. Although you, my dear
Franciska, still has a good manager in Bernard, but I know that the loss of a spouse is very hard.
And you, dear Wilhelm, are far too young to lose your dear father, yet old enough to differentiate
what is to your best. Obey your mother and uncle Bernard. You will soon grow up to be a young
man, and I would like to advise you always to follow your mother’s teachings and reprimands, because
she is also acting on behalf of your dear departed father, who cannot be with you in person to put
you right and admonish you. But I hope that my advice is unnecessary, since I believe that you will
become a good and decent young man. One more thing I would like to say: don’t let other people,
whoever they may be, force you or talk you into things. This never leads to a good outcome. Believe
me, your dear mother has your best interest at heart, even if you don’t always agree with her.
Other people are looking for their own profit and show Schadenfreude.
I am at a loss for words and don’t know how to comfort
you. But we know it was God’s will. May he rest in peace! Last month we had a holy mass read for
him here. Also you, dear Wilhelm, pray diligently for him, because the prayer of a child will not be
ignored.
I already started this letter on the 8th but finished
it today, the 20th. I will have to travel to sell goods/wares. We were busy threshing for one week,
which is the reason for the delay, and I ask for your understanding. Please write again soon, since I
would like to know everything about his last days: what were his last words and did he know that the
end was near. Tell me all you know.
With a sad and heavy heart, greetings to you all,
Clemens, Diena and children
Translated by Dori
