Gretchen Rix, nee Wiese, was born on the 9th day of September 1842, in Holstein, Germany. She was married in 1866 to August George Rix. About a year later the young husband who had served two years in the Danish Army, was redrafted by the Prussian government to be Prussianized in military tactics.

In 1870 he was called to arms and marched into France, where he served in the reserves to the end of the war. His wife meanwhile with three little children, one of whom was born during the father's absence, lived in such poverty and deprivation that she grew to despise and defy the Prussian autocrats and crowned heads. But being financially unable to leave that country she was compelled to stay and wait for aid. Caring little for herself, it was her greatest desire to deliver her children from the evils of militarism, by sending them across the ocean to the land of Liberty. From the time that her children were old enough to understand, she told them about America and America's traditions, a land of equality for all. With the aid of friends living over here, enough money was finally raised to send the two oldest children, Helen and Theodore across. Next followed Peter, and in the same year Laura, and two years later came John. These sons and daughters soon returned the favor by sending money to bring the parents across as well as two younger brothers and a sister. They landed in West Side, Iowa, the latter part of March 1892, and the father became a citizen of the United States in 1897. They never ceased to rejoice in the liberty found here.

The father passed to the Great Beyond September 11, 1910. Since his death the mother has enjoyed the life and love of her children, who vied with each other on making her happy and comfortable.

Some years ago she suffered a fall after which she was troubled more or less with pain in her right limb.

At times she would be disabled but some years ago she suffered a fall after which she was troubled more or less with pain in her right limb.

At times she would be disabled but would soon recover, and the matter was not considered serious. But on the 31st of May one of these attacks seized her with such severity as to alarm the children, and a physician was summoned immediately. Since that day she was a constant sufferer and had the utmost care that human hands could offer her by day and by night. With faith in her Heavenly Father she patiently endured her suffering until relieved by death.

In her girlhood she had been confirmed in the Lutheran Church and continued in that faith unto the end.

She was the mother of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy and one, Henry Herman, at the age of 32 in 1909 in Crawford County, Iowa.

Those who survive to mourn her loss are Mrs. Helen Suckow of Jackson, Minnesota, Theodore, Julius and Mrs. Hermine Kroeger of Springfield, Minnesota; Peter of Manning and John of Arcadia and Mrs. Adolph Peetz of Pillager, Minnesota. There are 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She departed this June 22, 1918, at 12:30 a.m. at Manning, Iowa, age 75 years, 9 months, and 13 days.

At the conclusion of the services the remains were laid beside her husband in the cemetery at Arcadia, Iowa.

Thus ends the life of a noble woman who lived to see her family grow into useful citizens and who now awaits the time when they shall all gather in the Home above.