RIEBKES, Martin 1873-1951

RIEBKES, KANNEGEITER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/11/2015 at 09:25:42

Martin Riebkes Dies at Hospital

Martin Riebkes, who was born and grew up on a farm in German township and who spent all of his active life there, died at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo shortly before 3 o'clock on Monday morning. He entered the hospital at Waterloo four weeks ago Tuesday and shortly after submitted to an operation. His condition at times following the operation was considered very critical and his children were all with him at the hospital. On Sunday he appeared to be much better and the children returned to their homes for the night. He was 77 years old on his last birthday.

The body was brought to the home at Ackley on Monday. Funeral services will be held at the home at 12:30 on Thursday and later at the East Friesland church in German township. Burial will be by the side of the wife in the cemetery adjoining the church.

Came From Pioneer Grundy Family
Mr. Riebkes was a member of a pioneer Grundy family. His father, Riebke Riebkes, was one of the early settlers in German township and his sons all spent their active lives on a Grundy county farm. Martin Riebkes continued to live on the farm acquired by his father where Martin was born. He remained there until he and his wife moved to Ackley 13 years ago.

Married 55 Years Last December
On December 11, 1895, Martin Riebkes and Annie Kannegeiter were married. They were privileged to enjoy their married life for a little more than 55 years. The wife died on December 20th of last year, nine days after the couple's 55th anniversary. Her death came after a short illness.

Mr. Riebkes was a good farmer, a good neighbor, a highly respected citizen and the father of a fine family. Those who knew him during his long resident in the north part of our county were his friends.

Parents of Eight Children
Mr. and Mrs. Riebkes were the parents of eight children. Seven of them survive and all of them are residents of this locality. The surviving children are four sons and three daughters. The sons are John, Louis, Bert, Henry, all of whom reside on Grundy county farms. The daughters are Mrs. Jake Hippen, Wellsburg; Mrs. Otto Winters, Ackley, and Mrs. Will H. Lindaman, Wellsburg. There are 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Only One Left in Family of 8
There were four sons and four daughters in the Riebke Riebkes family. Martin was the last of the sons to be called. Of the four daughters, only one is now living. She is Mrs. John VanLoh. His three deceased sisters were Mrs. Joe Johnson, Mrs. Menne Hickman and Mrs. Ralph Freese. Martin's deceased brothers were John, Louis and Henry.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 19 April 1951, pg 8