Samuel Schaal --  1958

        Samuel Schaal, youngest child of Johannas and Barbara Schaal nee Kehrer, was born Aug. 3, 1871, in Bessarabia, South Russia, of German ancestry.  He was baptized in his infancy and confirmed in early youth in the Lutheran church in Russia.
        At the age of 17, he and two older brothers, John and Matt, came to the USA to Scotland, S.D.  In the spring of 1890 he and his brothers came to Colorado and homesteaded in the community, know as Settlement, about 18 miles northwest of Burlington.
        In November, 1895 he was united in marriage to Miss Rosina Schmidtke.  To this union two sons were born, Jake and John.  His wife passed away in 1898.  In January, 1899, he was again united in marriage to Miss Dorthea Bauder.  This union was blessed with eight children, Samuel, Fred, Helen Knodel, Carl, Rudolf, Dorthea Schlichenmayer, George of Denver and Louise Holmes.  Two sons preceded their father in death, Rudolf, who passed away in infancy, and Carl, who passed away about five years ago.
        In the spring of 1891 he helped establish and build the first American Lutheran church in Colorado which was built of stone.  He also helped build the present church.  He was an active and faithful member all his life.  God and his church were very dear to his heart, and always came first during his lifetime.  He served for many years in various capacities on the church board.  He was the last charter member of the Immanuel congregation.
        Ten years ago the deceased and his spouse observed their golden wedding anniversary and on Jan. 15 this year his wife was at his bedside on their 60th anniversary, at which time he was very ill at Colorado General hospital in Denver.  On Jan. 19 at 1:00 am the Lord called his child home, reaching the age of 87 years, 5 months and 16 days.
        He leaves to mourn his departure his widow; two sons from the first marriage, Jake and John, and from the second marriage, Samuel, Fred, Helen Knodel, Dorthea Schlichenmayer, George of Denver and Louise Holmes; 27 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
        The services were conducted at Immanuel Lutheran church at the Settlement, his home church, with Pastor A. F. Boese officiating.  The choir sang three of his favorite songs, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," and "O Where is the Home of the Soul To Be Found."  Pallbearers were six grandsons:  Ted Schaal, Billy Homes, Orland Schlichenmayer, Garvin Knodel, Laurance Knodel and Rudolf Schaal.
        He was laid to rest in the church cemetery.