Bernhard H. Tobiassen, an aged and respected citizen of Wayne township, died last Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mr. Tobiassen had been ill since May 8 with a severe case of jaundice. On account of his age he was unable to throw the disease off. A week before his death, he was compelled to take to his bed. Throughout his illness, he was tenderly cared for by his wife and his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Tobias Tobiassen with whom he made his home.
Bernhard Hinrich Tobiassen was born at the town of Etzel Oestfriesland, Germany, February 24, 1844. He was therefore 83 years, 6 months, and 2 days of age at the time of his death. Mr. Tobiassen was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tobiassen. He was confirmed in the Lutheran church at Marx, Germany, by the Rev. Kertwig, pastor of the church in that town.
When he was a young man, 20 years of age, he emigrated to the United States in the year 1864. He settled near Dixon, Illinois and two years later removed to Wayne township where he lived for a period of 61 years. The subject of this sketch was married to Anke Hayen October 28, 1873 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church. They became the parents of eight children, three of whom died at an early age. Those surviving are Mrs. Katherine Folkerts, Mrs. Grace Helgens, Mrs. Annie Stahlberg, Tobias R. Tobiassen, and Hayo Tobiassen. All of the children, together with fifteen grandchildren reside in Wayne township.
Mr. and Mrs. Tobiassen celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, October 28, 1923. The celebration was in the nature of a surprise which their children had planned. One hundred and twenty-five guests enjoyed a four course dinner and supper which was served on that day. The children presented each of their parents with a gold watch. Following the dinner, Rev. J. Willms, pastor of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church, delivered a tribute to the aged couple and only had words of praise for them.
Mr. and Mrs. Tobiassen retired from active farm life in 1916. They made their home for some time with Mr. and Mrs. John E. Folkerts and recently have been living in the home of their son, Tobias Tobiassen. The funeral services will be held next Sunday morning at 10 o'clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tobiassen. Final services will be held at Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church of Wayne township. Both services will be in charge of Rev. J. Willms, the pastor of the deceased. Burial will made of the cemetery adjoining the church.
As one of the founders of Zion's Lutheran church, Mr. Tobiassen gladly performed all the duties requested of him. He cheerfully gave to his church in order that it might prosper. His passing will be keenly felt by his aged wife who has enjoyed 55 years of wedded life with him. He had a host of friends in this vicinity who always held him in high regard.

Submitted by: Sharon Oltmanns