Henry Victor Nehrt, aged 18 years and 8 days, died at 9:15 a.m. on last Saturday, July 7, 1923, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nehrt, in this city, after a week's illness, resulting from a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism. A few weeks ago he went to Wichita and had been working as a meat cutter in that city. For some time he had worked during his spare hours from his school work, for Martin Zerby in this city, and had become quite proficient as a meat cutter. Moreover, he was absolutely trustworthy, and hence when he took up the work in Wichita it was with every assurance of success.He was industrious, ambitious and capable, doing his work with an earnestness and efficiency that attracted the attention and won the approval of his employers. For that reason, promotion began to come to him, but about two weeks ago, he was suddenly stricken with rheumatism, which rapidly developed into inflammatory form. Word was sent to his parents here, but apparently, not as promptly as the nature of the case demanded, as the folks with whom Victor stayed in Wichita did not seem to realize the seriousness of his condition. As soon as the parents became aware of their son's real condition, which was on Thursday of last week, his mother went to Wichita, and, on Friday, brought him home. The car in which they traveled reached Coldwater shortly before 1 o'clock p.m. on that day. When Mrs. Nehrt reached Wichita, she at once saw that her son was in serious condition. Everything possible was done for him and the trip home was made as quickly and in as comfortable a manner as possible. But it appeared that Victor's vitality had become so low and the disease had gained such headway that medical skill and the best attention which loving hands could give proved unavailing. He gradually grew worse, the end coming, as stated shortly after 9 o'clock on Saturday morning.
Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian church at 4 p.m. on Sunday and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. A. Frank Johnson Jr. The musical numbers consisted of a song, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," by a quartet consisting of Oscar Taylor, Karl G. Eulich, Mrs. Walter Ferrin and Mrs. Vera Malone, also by Mrs. Levi Griffith, "I Shall Meet Him Face to Face." Miss Jennie Lightner was at the pipe organ.
Rev. Johnson spoke from the text, "Remember __ thy Creator in the days of the youth." He paid a fine tribute to the life and character of the deceased and exhorted his listeners to emulate his example of earned, upright and christian living. It was an impressive service. Many beautiful floral offerings bore testimony to the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Every one present seemed to feel keenly the loss of a dear friend, and there was a common sorrow at his departure. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery.
Henry Victor Nehrt, second son of Louis and Katharine Nehrt, was born in Baldwin, Ill. on June 29, 1905. From that state he came with the family to Nashville, Kans., where they lived until about four years ago, when they moved to Coldwater, and they have since made their home here. Victor was a student in the Coldwater high school and would have been a senior next school year. Throughout his entire school career he had been a good student, was a leader in his classes and in many school activities. There have been few students who were more generally liked by teachers and classmates than he, for his geniality, his faithfulness as a student and his uniform courtesy and cheerfulness was friends for him everywhere.
Victor was a fine example of that splendid young manhood which is the hope of every community. He had for several years exemplified what it means for a young man to have high ideals and to be clean and upright in his life. People refer to Victor Nehrt as a nice young man, and he well deserved that tribute, in his infancy he was confirmed in the Lutheran church. During the Dunaway meetings in this city last winter he consecrated his life to christian service and united with the Presbyterian church of this city, where he became active in all christian work. He was president of the Christian Endeavor, member of the high school young men's class in the Sunday school and one of the faithful ushers at all the church services. Before his death he gave many evidences of his faith in Christ as his savior. When asked how it was between him and God, he replied, "It is all right; I am ready to go."
It is not easy to understand God's dealings with His people, why young people just entering upon lives full of hope and promise are cut down and their earthly careers ended, but all that we can do is to trust God, knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God." Such a life as was what Victor Nehrt, although brief as far as years are concerned, cannot have been lived in vain, for he will leave an influence for good, an inspiration and a help to them who knew him. He has passed on, but the sweet memory of his pure christian life can never die. How true the statement of his pastor: "How much this community - every community - needs more young men like Victor Nehrt." But while inexpressible sorrow now grips the hearts of loved ones and friends, we can all find consolation in the knowledge that his 18 years of life were well lived, and that he was prepared for the event we call death and for a life of eternal joy with his Lord and Master.
Deceased is survived by his parents and three sisters, Alma, Clara and Elda and by one brother, Arnold. One sister, Edna, died in infancy. Those whose hearts are now so sadly bereaved because a loving and dutiful son, a fond brother and a true friend has passed on, have the sincere sympathy of all. But while we grieve let us not forget that, "god's ways are not our ways," and that "some day we shall understand."
Card of Thanks - We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our friends and neighbors for their assistance and the kindness shown us during the sickness and after the death of our dear Victor; also for the many kind words of sympathy spoken and for the many beautiful floral offerings. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nehrt and family.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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