Mrs. John J. Sierk, another of Washington County’s pioneer settlers, passed peacefully away at her home in Ft. Calhoun last Wednesday and the funeral was at the residence at 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Carl Grahn, of the Ponca Hill Church officiating.

Juliane D. Grotmack was born in Luhnstedt, Holstein, Germany, September 11th, 1845, and was therefore, just past 74 years of age at the time of her death. She came to this state when it was still a territory, landing in Ft. Calhoun November 13th, 1865. On March 3, 1866, she was married to John J. Sierk by Rev, Mr. Whit. The following day they started out on what proved to be a long but pleasant journey, even though the early years were those of the pioneer. They started housekeeping on what is now the home of her eldest son, and there they lived for over thirty years.

There nine children were born to them, all of whom are living to mourn the death of a loving and devoted mother. Loth to leave the old home, but on account of her husband’s failing health they did so and moved to Ft. Calhoun in 1897, where she cared for her invalid husband for seven years before his death February 19th, 1904. Besides the nine children Mrs. Sierk leaves nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandchildren. Also two sisters and a host of friends who will long hold her in loving memory.

Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public library.