Mt. Morris Index, October 18, 1917

MRS. JOHN WOLF DIES AT AGE 73
HAD BEEN RESIDENT OF THIS VICINITY FOR HALF CENTURY.
WAS BORN IN OHIO 1844
Is Survived by Husband, Four Children and Six Grandchildren.

In the death of Mrs. John Wolf, which occurred Saturday, the community has lost one of its most respected citizens who has lived in Mount Morris township and lately in the village for the long period of over fifty years.

Funeral services conducted by Rev. M. W. Emmert were held at the home at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, following which the remains were conveyed to Silver Creek cemetery north of town and interred in the family lot. The funeral cortege following the remains to the last resting place was very large, showing the great esteem in which the deceased has been held.

Mary Catherine (Kerns) Wolf, daughter of John and Elizabeth Kerns, was born in Clark County, Ohio, March 21, 1844. Died, Oct. 13, 1917. Aged 73 years, 6 months and 22 days.

When 12 years of age she moved with her parents from Ohio to a farm several miles west of Leaf River, Ill.
On January 12, 1869, she was united in marriage with John Wolf. She then took up her abode on a farm five miles northwest of Mount Morris, where she resided with her husband for 38 years. Then feeling that their days of hard work on the farm should come to an end, they moved, 10 years ago, to Mount Morris, where they have since resided.

She is survived by two sisters, a devoted husband, four children and six grandchildren. She was next to the youngest of a family of 12 children. The two surviving sisters are Mrs. Amanda Croft of Donaldsville, Ohio, and Mrs. Carrie Long of Leaf River. The surviving children are Ernest of Mount Morris, Mrs. Ida Wagner of Leaf River, Elmer also of Leaf River, and Mrs. Ella Hiteman of Rock Vale.
Georgie, as he was affectionately called by his mother, died when two years of age.

Prof. Emmert in his funeral discourse paid the following tribute to Mrs. Wolf:
"My first recollection of Aunt Kate was, when, 29 years ago, as a boy in the teens, I came to attend school at Mount Morris College. Being away from home and from father and mother for the first time to stay any length of time, it became a red-letter day for me when I was permitted once in a while to visit in the home of Aunt Kate and Uncle John. She always was so kind and considerate for all my needs that, while there, I always felt very much at home.

"While she retained her health, one of her supreme virtues was to ... herself in the service of others. She was particularly self-sacrificing in behalf of her own family. Sometimes, in forgetfulness of self, while caring for her family, she went even beyond what was best for her own physical welfare.

"Her affection for her children and her constant concern for their welfare, even after they had grown up and left the old home to make homes for themselves, could scarcely be excelled by any mother. While she was devoted to her home and rarely ever went away from home to stay any length of time, she found much pleasure in visiting frequently in the homes of her children.

"Another virtue found in the life of this departed wife and mother, and one we all would do well to emulate, was her appreciative disposition. She knew when anyone did her a favor and was never slow to express her appreciation of the same. Closely linked with this was a generous heart, always ready to share with her friends and loved ones out of her abundance. Having been a hard worker all her life, she always had an abundance of the necessities and little luxuries of life that add so much to the pleasures and attractions of home."
The sorrowing husband and children wish to express their most sincere thanks to all the neighbors and friends who so kindly rendered such valuable assistance in the long period of sickness and in the death of their beloved wife and mother. They also wish to thank the friends who so generously contributed the beautiful flowers.

Contributed by David Lee Zellers

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