Henry and Catherine Rotter immigrated to America about 1866 from Germany. In April of 1870 Henry Roetter was a charter member of St. Peters United Church of Christ, Grant Park, IL.The 1880 Census show them living in Will County, IL with son Henry 6 years old, and father John Roetter age 66. They came west to Ohiowa, Fillmore Co., NE in 1880. The 1886 Census show them living at Grafton, Belle Prairie Precinct in Fillmore County, as does the 1890-91 Nebraska Gazetteer. In 1900 the census living in the Franklin Precinct, Fillmore County, Catherine was listed with her brother William and family. In 1920 Catherine was 83 years old and living with her son William.

OBITUARY OHIOWA ADVERTISER MARCH 18, 1927
Funeral services for Grandma Roetter, one of the oldest settlers of this county, were held Tuesday afternoon, March 15, with a short service at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Catherine Rippe, and at the South Lutheran church, Rev. G. Klatt, the pastor being in charge. The services as impressive and the pastor's just and sympathetic words, personal of the deceased, were as generously bestowed as they were deserved. The theme of Rev. Klatt's message was taken from Genesis 24:56, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered by way; send me away that I may go to my master, the hope of a Christian, and it was one of the great comforts to her loved ones.

The singing of several hymns by a quartette consisting of Mrs. W.H. Bahe, Mrs. Howard Sieckmann, Mrs. Harry Sieckmann and Mrs. G. Klatt, with Mrs. Lawrence at the organ, was very impressive. The pallbearers were her six grandsons, W.H., Frank, John, Emil, Henry and Theodore Rippe. There were many beautiful floral offerings. She loved flowers and greatly appreciated things that were beautiful and good. The flowers were in charge of Lavern and Nora Schroeder.

The following sketch of her life is a touching tribute to the deceased: Catherine Roetter nee Schroeder was born April 9, 1836, near Wridel, Province of Hanover, Germany. Here she received the holy rite of baptism in infancy, was confirmed, and in February, 1861, she united in marriage with Henry Roetter.

Five children were born unto them, two of whom passed away in their youth, and a son, William, preceding her in death two years ago. Two children survive her, Mrs. Henry Rippe of this vicinity and Henry roetter of Farnam, NE. Her husband died about 34 years ago.

In the year of 1866 she and her husband left their native land for America, settling in Beecher, IL. In 1880 they bought a farm, located one mile north of the South Lutheran church. Here she spent the remainder of her years until the death of her son William. Since then she made her home with her daughter Mrs. Catherine Rippe.

She was born, baptized, reared, living and died in the Christian faith. She passed away after a few months illness at the home of her daughter March 12 at 9 o'clock p.m., death apparently being due to old age, following an attack of la grippe.

Mrs. Roetter was truly a mother in the church. She was one of the good of earth. Those who knew her well felt that she was a worthy woman. Her life was long and in it she did much that was good and holy. Almost four score years on earth is seldom given humans. This measure was granted her and she wasted none of it. She was devoted to her work and what her hands marvel, and wonder how she could do so much, especially in her late years. The center of her interest was in her home. She never wearied in telling the incidents of the childhood of her children, nor the many hardships she endured.

Zealous as she was in her work, devoted as she was to her family, she never faltered in serving her Master. Often when inclement weather prevailed she would take her shoes and stockings in her hand and walk to her church for worship. Counting the Sabbaths in which she was at her place of worship, she filled thirteen years to a devoted life.

In addition to the great host of friends she has made, she leaves to mourn her departure her daughter Mrs. Catherine Rippe, her son Henry of Farnam, nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, and many other relatives. At the time of death she was 90 years, 11 months and 3 days of age. The funeral was well attended by the members of the church she had so faithfully served, and by her many friends and neighbors.

The world is better for her having lived in it these four score years of industry, devotion and Christian fortitude.

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