William R. Tratebas, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
William R. Tratebas
AT REST.
AFFECTING AND IMPRESSIVE SERVICES OVER THE REMAINS OF WM. TRATEBAS.
The Funeral One of the Largest in the History of Chesterton.
The funeral of Wm. Tratebas, whose untimely end was chronicled in last week's TRIBUNE, took place last Saturday afternoon. Preliminary services were held over the remains at the Tratebas residence at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Smith, of the Congregational church of Porter. After scripture reading and prayer the body inclosed in a handsome black cloth-covered casket with silver trimmings, on top of which rested the floral offerings of loving friends, was conveyed to the Christian church and placed in a position in front of the altar. The spacious edifice was already well filled with sympathizing friends gathered to participate in the last sad rites, and by the time services commenced every available space within the church was occupied, and almost as many were on the outside who were unable to enter.
The choir sang the beautiful hymn, "Wait," and Rev. Smith continued the services by reading selections, the first being "I am the resurrection and the life." The choir followed by singing "Nearer my God to Thee."
Prayer was then offered, followed by selections from scripture and the reading of the deceased's membership card, showing that he was in good standing in the Patriotic Order Sons of America, many brother members of which were present and assisted in the ceremonies, and six acted as pall bearers.
The text of the funeral sermon was taken from Math. 25, 13-1: "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." How this occasion portrayed the truth of the divine word was touchingly illustrated by the reverend gentleman, who, at the same time, quoted many passages that bore words of consolation for the bereaved relatives.
At the close of the sermon Rev. Smith, on behalf of the parents, thanked those that had so kindly assisted them to prepare for the last sad rites, and for the many acts of kindness bestowed by loving friends.
After singing the hymn, "Sometime we will understand," those present who had a desire were permitted to view the remains. During this affecting part of the ceremony there were many whose grief was almost more than they could bear. The poor mother broke entirely down and it was sometime before she was able to be supported to the carriage. The remains were followed to the grave by relatives and friends, who occupied fifty carriages and other conveyances.
The services at the grave consisted of a prayer by the officiating minister, and a few remarks of solace and consolation addressed to the relatives, concluding with the following words: "The Lord bless you and keep you, bereaved and smitten hearts. The Lord makes his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
The sorrowing father, mother, and brother have the deep sympathy of the whole community, who are friends and associates, and who were friends and associates of the departed son, who knew him and loved him while he was on earth, and who know him and love him so much more fully now. For us who remain, how sudden it all seems. How severe the shock of separation, and by reason of its added loneliness how long seems the remaining path of their pilgrimage.
"His will be done."
Newspaper: The Chesterton Tribune
Date of Publication: August 23, 1895
Volume Number: 12
Issue Number: 20
Page: 1
Column(s): 2
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook