Regina Roetzel

Mrs. Regina Roetzel was born May 4,1858, at Sellscheid Germany. Her parents were Dr. Hilarius Schoeneschoefer and Johanna Mylenburg of Lostant, Illinois. When eight years old, she came with her parents to this country and grew up in the same place.  Because there was no Lutheran church in the town, her parents sent her to Ottawa, Illinois to be instructed in the way of salvation as it is set forth in Lutheran small catechism and was confirmed in Ottawa, ever since she remained a loyal member of the church, but the beautiful, devout Christian character that became apparent in her last affliction was tried in many temptations and troubles after she had grown up to womanhood.
When eighteen years old she was married to William Roetzel of Lostant. The young couple made their home for some time in Mendota until they removed to this place. Ten children were born, but four died. Her health was not very good for some time until the last examination by a specialist stated cancer. Though her sickness was painful and other troubles were pressing hard, she humbled herself under the Almighty Hand of God. As the dew refreshes the withering plant, so the word of God was always life giving to her hungering soul. When I came to see her the last time, she folded her hands instantly for prayer. Though her friends feared to speak to her of her precarious condition, I spoke to her freely of death and everlasting life, and she loved to hear it. Many times she said, she was willing to submit herself to the will of God. Last Tuesday the Lord done unto her according to his gracious will and relieved her from this vale of tears.
He pilgrimage has been 53 years, 2 months, 14 days. She leaves to mourn a husband and six children; three sons, Laury, Wiliam and Edward and three daughters, Agusta Waiblinger of Chicago; Josephine Wilsoncroft of Roberts, and Anna Sweed of Gilman.
The funeral services were held in the Congregational Church in Roberts Friday, July 21, conducted by Rev. J. T. Hoasfeld of Melvin. Interment at Roberts Cemetery.

--Melvin Motor.  28 July 1911.