Ernestine Michalk Moerbe Obituary:

Mrs. J Moerbe Buried Monday

On Saturday morning, October 30, 1943 at 9:15 am in a taylor hospital another pioneer citizen of Thorndale, Mrs Johanna Ernestine Moerbe, passed away having reached the age of 75 years, 9 months, and 7 days.

She was born at Serbin in Lee County Texas, on January 23, 1868. There she was also baptized. After due indoctrination in the Christian Religion, she was confirmed at Fedor Texas.

At the age of thirteen she came to Thordale with her parents, Mr and Mrs Carl Michalk. This was in the year 1883, seven years before St Paul's Lutheran Congregation was organized.

On July 1, 1885, she was married to John Moerbe and beame the mother of a large family, 13 children, three of whom preceded her in death.

After living in a log house near town for two years she moved with her husband and children to the home where she lived for about 58 years just a shor distance west of Thorndale.

She was privileged to celebrate her golden wedding anniversary in 1935 in the midst of her large family.

Less than a year after, she lost her husband, who died Jun 16, 1936.

The deceased is survived by Seven daughters: Anna Keischnick of Thorndale, Alma Zieschang of Taylor, Selma schwarz of Taylor, Clara Kieschnick of Thorndale, Pauline Simank of Wilson, Lina Dube of Paige, Louise Daughtry of Thorndale. Three sons: Albert Moerbe of Bishop, Oswald Moerbe of Thorndale, Paul Moerbe Sr of Thorndale. Two sisters: Anna Weiss of Mercedes, and Slema Dube of Bishop. Six brothers: John Michalk of Bishop, Charlie Michalk of Bishop, Henry Michalk of Bishop, Willie Michalk of Thorndale, Sam Michalk of Thorndale, Robert Michalk of Kingsville. 48 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Moerbe was laid to rest in St Paul's Lutheran Cemetery on Monday afternoon, November 1, 1943. Friends and relatives from near and far atteded her funeral. Rev F.H. Stelzer conducted the last rites.