grave import

Obituary

It is doubtful if the announcement of the death of any one has ever caused more general regret and sorrow in Burlington than that of Mrs. Marie L. Starker, which took place unexpectedly at 6 o'clock yesterday evening from heart trouble resulting from an attack of pneumonia. Her illness was generally known and while her condition from day to day was a matter of general interest, little thought was given to its fatal termination owing to her strong constitution and the longevity of her family. She was first attacked with pneumonia, which the skill of physicians finally overcame, but a complication arose in the form of heart trouble from which on account of her weakened condition she was unable to survive. All that medical skill and loving hands could do to prolong life was done, but to no avail. Soon after 6 o'clock last evening she passed peacefully away and although her loss is to her relatives and friends an irreparable one, their grief is assuaged to a considerable degree by the thought that her soul has winged its flight to that "better land" and is now happy with those of the husband and other loved ones who had preceded her.
Marie Louise Dorethea Runge was born in St. Charles, Mo., on February 1, 1836. She was of German parentage but of Huguenot stock, her parents coming to this country as a part of a colony who left their native country because of political dissatisfaction and a desire for the greater opportunities and liberties of America. Later her parents removed to this city, where, on October 9, 1852, she was united in marriage with Mr. Charles Starker, that good man who preceded her to the great beyond a little more than a year ago. it was in the home thus established that her life matured so beautifully. She was essentially a home woman. She made her's a veritable heaven on earth and not only for her husband and children but for her friends as well. Although her life was centered in her family and home, her interest extended in a large degree to all around her. Of the seven children that came to brighten this home, six darkened it by passing away. Only one- Mrs. Carl Leopold-survives the parents, and her's has been a love and devotion that made the declinng years of her beloved mother very happy ones indeed. The thoughts of both Mrs. Leopold and her husband were constantly for her comfort and happiness. For that reason Mr. Leopold, on a visit to California, from where he only recently returned selected a home, where they were to take Mrs. Starker in order that she might escape the rigors of our winter climate, which have in late years been causing her heavy colds. All that is left them now to do, however, is to lay what remains of her earthly form away to rest as long as they shall endure. But the thought of the kindly spirit of this good woman who made herself noble by her great love for family, her affection for her friends, and her many acts of generous and unselfish charity will endure as long as time shall last. Nor will the extent of her givings and doings ever be generally known, as she gave without ostentation and would rather have given and often did without being known unless her act might serve as an incentive to others, as in the case of her benefactions for the Burlington Institute. Funeral arrangements have not as yet been completed but the services will probably be held from the family residence on Clay street, after which the remains will be cremated and the ashes deposited in the family vault in Aspen Grove cemetery.