Siebens, George 1856-1939

SIEBENS, STURCHLER, HOCH, CONREY

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 8/4/2016 at 07:25:33

Storm Lake Register - Tue, Aug 8, 1939 - Friends were shocked Saturday when George Siebens, long time Storm Lake resident and pioneer business man, died of an unexpected heart attack. Mr Siebens had just returned to his home at Sixth and Erie streets about 9 that morning from a walk down town when he was stricken. Death was instantaneous.

Funeral services are being held this afternoon. Interment will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery.

George Siebens was born in Hanover, Germany on March 31, 1856. At the age of 12 he came to America with his parents. The family located at Pekin, IL. It was here that Mr Siebens grew to young manhood and received his education learning to be an expert machinist. For some time he was engaged as a master mechanic for the T.H. Smith Wagon company at Pekin.

On May 8, 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Sturchler at Pekin. After residing at that place for a little more than three years, they came to Storm Lake where they have since resided with the exception of a few years in Sioux City.

Mr and Mrs Siebens were the parents of two children, Mrs John Hoch of Sibley and Walter Siebens of St. Louis. A niece, Mrs Arthur Conrey of Milwaukee, WI began making her home with Mr and Mrs Siebens when she was two years old and lived with them until her marriage.

Sixty years of happily married life were observed by Mr and Mrs Siebens on May 8 of this year.

After coming to Storm Lake, Mr Siebens opened a gunsmith shop and sporting goods store on Lake avenue, where the Brader block is now located. He conducted a successful business there for 6 years. He then accepted a position as foreman for the Pech Manufacturing company of Storm Lake, which made machines. Later he purchased an interest in the company and Mr and Mrs Siebens moved to Sioux City where they resided 6 years. The company was later known as the Sioux City Engine Works and Mr and Mrs Siebens returned to Storm Lake.

In 1898 Mr Siebens went on a prospecting trip to Alaska with a company of 36 men from various points, the group leaving from Sioux City. This was during the Klondike gold rush. After spending 6 months in that place, Mr Siebens discovered that there was nothing to be gained and he came back to Storm Lake.

Mr Siebens had been in failing health for the past few years and was forced to spend several weeks in the past year in bed.

He is survived by his bereaved wife; his son, Walter; daughter, Mrs John Hoch; and Mrs Arthur Conrey. One brother, Harry of Penkin, IL; two grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.