GEORGE J. D. CORDES
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Barton City--George John Dietrich Cordes of Barton City, departed this life last Saturday, July 16 at the age of 67 years and 2 days. He was born in Holgate, Ohio, on July 14, 1882, and was the son of Fred J. Cordes and his wife, Anna nee Delventhal. On August 6, 1892, he was brought into the fellowship of the Triune God through Sacrament of Holy Baptism administered to him in St. John Lutheran Church, Holgate, Ohio, by Pastor C. Boese.
After having been instructed in the Christian faith, he was confirmed on March 29, 1896 in St. John Lutheran Church, Holgate, Ohio, by Pastor W. C. Schusk. His confirmation memory verse was Zechariah 9:9. As a young man he worked in Carson City, Nevada, for two years, and then again returned to Ohio.
On December 10, 1908, he entered the holy estate of matrimony with Miss Emma Meyer of Hamler, Ohio. Pastor J. Appel performed the ceremony. This happy union was blessed with two children: Edna and George Jr.
On March 9, 1926 the Cordes family moved to Barton City and made their home on their present farm. Four years later, March 9, 1924, Mrs. Cordes, a beloved wife and mother was taken out of this life by death, leaving the husband and children with the conviction that all things work together for good to them that love God.
Mr. Cordes served on the Church Board of the congregation; and he was also active in civil affairs, having been overseer from 1929 to 1932, and a member of the Board of Review for about 16 years.
About 5 years ago his health began to fail, and especially since the spring of 1948. Last fall, September 30, he underwent an operation which brought temporary relief. This last June 30, he again submitted to an operation but medical help was of no avail.
He is survived by two children: Mrs. Lawrence Champagne of Rt. 2, Harrisville and George Jr. of Barton City; one brother, Fred of Barton City; three half-brothers, William and Alvin of Barton City and Rudolph of Oscoda; one half sister, Mrs. William Meyer of Hamler, Ohio; a step-mother, Mrs. Anna Cordes of Barton City; and three Champagne grandchildren. A half-sister, Mrs. Amelia Dehnke Menere of Berkley, Michigan, preceded him in death last March.
The funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 19, at 1:30 p. m. in the residence and at 2:00 p. m. in the American Lutheran Church in Barton City. pastor Adam Graf, B. D., officiated. The funeral address was based on Hebrews 11:13-16 with the theme "Christians Desire a Better Country". Mrs. Herbert Richards and Mrs. Graf sang "Asleep in Jesus Blessed Sleep". The body of the deceased was laid to rest in the Barton City Cemetery, there to await the resurrection of all flesh.
Out of town guests for the funeral were: Mrs. Freda Rabe of Hamler, Ohio; Mr. George Rabe of Hamler, Ohio; Mr. Alfred Rabe and Marvin of Okolona, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rohrs of Malinta, Ohio; Mrs. F. Schetenhelm of Toledo, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. John Siebert of Adrian, Michigan, and Mr. Henry Siebert of Plymouth, Michigan.
The pallbearers were Herman Badenhoop, Roy Brown, Max Bushey, Henry VonFintel, Herman VonFintel and William Hawes.
To the glory of God and in loving memory of the departed a total of $22.20 has been given by kind friends for the benevolent purposes of Christ's Kingdom. The congregation and friends of the departed extend their Christian sympathy to the bereaved and commend them to our Heavenly Father for comfort and strength. "Blessed is that servant whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching". "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."