Memorial cross for Johann Andreas Stelkens. The story of Johann Andreas Stelkens, the Geilenkirchen pastor who died in an accident in 1838, reads almost like a crime novel. The path of the memorial cross dedicated to him is no less mysterious. Stelkens was born in Kaldenkirchen in 1791 and was ordained a priest on April 3, 1815 in Mainz. For many years, Johann Andreas Stelkens worked as a senior pastor, district dean and school inspector in Geilenkirchen. In mid-February 1838, when Stelkens was on his way home at around 9 p.m. coming from the direction of Süggerath/Hünshoven, he set off on the narrow footbridge that led over a branching arm of the Wurm. In the dark, the pastor missed the path, or black ice caused him to slip off the footbridge, the official story goes. However, the rumor persists that Stelkens was the victim of a treacherous attempt on his life. In any case, according to tradition, the head pastor was found dead in the mud the next day. It must be taken into account that at that time there was no friendship between the parishes in Geilenkirchen and Hünshoven.