Private Conrad Goepfert

Conrad Goepfert (Conrad Gifford in the Official Roster) was twenty when he enlisted on August 14, 1862 in Company L of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. When the 1861 recruits reenlisted and the Fifth Iowa was reorganized, Goepfert transferred into the Fifth Iowa Veteran Cavalry Consolidated. He mustered out of the regiment at the war's conclusion on June 17, 1865 at Edgefield, Tennessee. His obituary, from the April 25, 1918 issue of The Bellevue Leader reveals more about his family.

CONRAD GOEPFERT PASSES AWAY
Old Soldier of Tetes des Mortes Township Called Wednesday

Conrad Goepfert died at his home in Tetes des Mortes township early Wednesday morning, after an extended illness, aged, seventy five years.

Deceased was born November 25, 1842, in Germany, and came to this country with his parents when about six years old.

When the Civil War broke out Mr. Goepfert enlisted in Co. L, 5th Iowa Cavalry, and had an honorable record of service. He returned to this county and November 25, 1869, was united in marriage at St. Donatus, with Miss Margarita Felderman, who with three sons and six daughters survive him, namely: Henry, George and Conrad, the latter of Camp Dodge, Mrs. A. J. Lampe of Dubuque, Mrs. Clarence Cook and Mrs. Wm. Mangler of Bellevue, Mary and Tena at home. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Millman of Bellevue.

Mr. Goepfert was a faithful member of the Lutheran church and a man who was held in high regard among all who knew him. He possessed a jovial disposition and had the faculty of making friends of all with whom he came in contact.

The funeral will be held Friday morning at ten o'clock from the house to the Lutheran church at St. Donatus and will be conducted by Rev. Janssen. Interment will be made in the St. Donatus cemetery.