When it was learned on Thursday, February 26, that John Schimek had been called by his Redeemer to the great beyond from whence none return, a sadness fell over the people of Templeton. Those who have known him for years have only words of praise for him. All were his friends. He had no enemies.

He was born across the ocean in far away Austria and had he lived until next June he would have been seventy-four years old.

In 1841 he and his sister came with their father to America and settled in Chicago. Shortly afterwards his father and his sister died and he went to live at Guttenburg, Iowa, with an aunt. When he grew to manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Seidl. This was in 1860. To this union five children were born: Frank, now deceased; Maggie who died when three years of age; Rosie, now Mrs. Nick Langenfeldt, of Carroll, Iowa; Mary, also deceased; the wife of Frank Schnitter, Tracy, Mrs. Joe Eich of Spencer, Iowa; and John, of Elgin, Nebraska; Mrs. Eich and Mrs. Langenfeldt were present at the funeral; John was unable to be present on account of sickness.

The funeral was held Saturday forenoon at the Catholic Church, Father Erdman officiating. Those who carried his body to its last resting place were Nick Goetzinger, John Albert, Ferd Lippold, Phil D. Neu, C. Penkhus, and Henry Fangman. The funeral was attended by the friends, showing their deep respect and friendship held for him.

John Schimek was a Veteran of the Civil War; the only one in Eden Township.

For three years he answered the country's call, and helped save the flag. He was wounded and suffered from the wound, more or less during his entire life. He was also captured and sent for six months to that terrible Southern Libby Prison. Here thousands prayed that they might die to end their sufferings. Ask any soldier what men during the war suffered most and he will tell you those put in Libby Prison.

In the year 1882 he came to Templeton and opened a mercantile store. It was in the building on the corner where Dr. Lynch now has his office. He continued in business here a number of years and was considered by all those who traded with him as a true friend of all.

He also entered into the civic life of the town, being a councilman for several terms, and for many years Templeton's assessor.

He has been sick for the past two years, and during most of that time been unable to get far from his home. During the past two months he has been failing fast and death claimed him last Thursday.

His body now rests in the cemetery. His life's work is done. Those who knew him and loved him for his true worth will find a vacant place when they think of him. He left this earth with the good will of all, and it can be truly said this world is better because he lived in it.