Diekmann, Fred L.

MATTHIAS, KOCH, KNIEF, BUETTNER, SCHUETTE, STUMME, KELLING, WHITMAN

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/3/2010 at 09:38:35

Fred L. Diekmann, prominently connected with business interests of Readlyn as a member of the Readlyn Lumber Company, was born in Maxfield township, this county, May 25, 1880, and is a son of Fred and Mary (Matthias) Diekmann, the former a native of Germany, born August 2, 1854, and the latter a native of Maxfield township. The father came to America in 1871 and settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, whence in October, 1872, he moved to Maxfield township, locating on a farm. He afterward engaged in general farming and stock-raising until 1887 and then moved to Klinger, where he built a creamery, conducting this until 1891. In that year he traded the enterprise to his brother for a mercantile establishment and for many years thereafter was active in the conduct of this latter enterprise. On the 29th of September, 1905, he formed a partnership with his sons and they organized in Readlyn the firm of Diekmann & Sons, general merchants. Fred Diekmann, Sr., remained connected with this concern until he retired from active life, moving into Readlyn, where he now resides. He was twice married and by his first union had four children: Fred L., of this review, C.W., of Readlyn; Mrs. Wilhelmina Koch, of Maxfield township; and Christina, who died in infancy. Mr. Diekmann's second wife was Miss Dora Knief and to this marriage were born the following children: Mrs. Matilda Buettner, of Palo Alto county, Iowa; August, a resident of Readlyn, and Dora, at home.

Fred L. Diekmann was reared in Maxfield township and acquired his education in the district schools. After he laid aside his books, he turned his attention to the mercantile business and continued active in this line of work until April 1, 1908. In that year he assisted in the organization of the Readlyn Lumber company and has since been manager of this concern. In addition to a complete stock of lumber and mill supplies the firm handles also coal, lime and cement and controls a large and representative patronage which is constantly increasing as its honorable business methods and straightforward dealing have become more widely known.

In 1904 Mr. Diekmann was united in marriage to Miss Anna Schuette, who was born in Blackhawk county, this state, January 23, 1879. She is a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Stumme) Schuette, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Cook county, Illinois. The parents now reside in a comfortable home in Readlyn. They have seven children, as follows: Christ, of Blackhawk county; Mrs. Diekmann, wife of the suject of this review; Henry W., a resident of Blackhawk county; Mrs. Emma Kelling, of Maxfield township; Mrs. Sophia Whitman, of Waterloo; and Amanda and Martha, residing with their parents in Readlyn. Mr. and Mrs. Diekmann have two children: Harold, who was born July 22, 1905; and Louveen, born January 21, 1907.

Mr. Diekmann is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church of Readlyn and is independent in his political views, voting for men and measures rather than parties. Although still a young man he has already attained a high position in business circles and his ability and energy will undoubtedly carry him forward into still more important commercial relations.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914