HARKEN, Ray 1916-1987

HARKEN, FRERICHS, CHEGWYN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/18/2010 at 14:48:58

Services For Ray Harken At Ackley Church

Raymond Theodore Harken was born March 22, 1916, to William K. Harken and Harmka Frerichs Harken at Wellsburg. He received his education in the Wellsburg School system. On June 19, 1936, Ray was united in marriage to Mary Jane Chegwyn. Three children were born to this union.

Ray and Mary Jane farmed for two years until 1940, when Ray took a job with the Ackley Creamery where he worked for seven years. In 1947, Ray started to work for Phillip's Petroleum and was with them for the last forty years, first in the service station and later driving the bulk truck. He also served the Ackley-Geneva school district by driving a school bus for 33 years. Ray was a member of West Friesland Presbyterian Church, and more recently of St. John's United Church of Christ.

Ray died on August 29, 1987, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Isbrandt and Lester; and one sister, Esther. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; three children, Norma Renken of Des Moines, Jane (Mrs. Bob) Schlampp of Ackley, and Philip Harken of Mount Vernon; four sisters, Sarah DeBerg of Bristow, Helen Knavel of Arlington, WA., Henrietta Meyer of Aplington and Cora DeBerg of Ackley; and nine grandchildren, Rachelle, Robyn and Bud Renken, Bob, Mike, Steve and John Schlampp, and Joylyn and Elizabeth Harken.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning, Sept. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ with Rev. Andy Rolulek officiating. Mrs. Larry Wright was organist. Ushers were Frederick Freese and Ernest Sailer. Pallbearers were Bill Harken, Dawayne DeBerg, Merle Uhlenhopp, Terrill DeBerg, Trenton DeBerg, and Willard DeBerg. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery at Ackley. The Brandt Fritz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.