HEIKENS, Julius 1863-1928

HEIKENS, MEYER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/27/2015 at 17:54:04

Julius Heikens, Extensive Grundy Landowner, Dies

The Deceased Was Afflicted With Diabetes For Several Years

Lived In Grundy County 55 Years

Was Successful Farmer and Invested His Savings in Good Land

Julius Heikens, one of the largest landowners in Grundy county and one of our most successful farmers, died at his home in Shiloh township last Friday following a long illness from diabetes. Three years ago he was dangerously sick for many weeks and there seemed to be a small chance at the time for him to ever get up again. He recovered from that siege of illness and was able to get up and attend to his extensive business interests until the past few months.

Mr. Heikens came to this county with his folks when he was ten years old. The family located on a farm in Shiloh township. After he grew to manhood he put his savings as fast as they accumulated into Grundy county land and the gradual increase in land values made him wealthy. He was a shrewd and careful investor and made few mistakes in estimating values of properties that he acquired. He was industrious and saving to a very high degree and his prosperity was gradual and continuous.

Mr. Heikens was born at Campen, Germany, May 25th, 1863. He came to this country with his parents when he was ten years of age. The family resided for a short time at Freeport, Ill., before coming to Grundy county to make their permanent home. He was married March 27th, 1884, to Miss Henrietta Meyer. Twelve children were born to this union. Three of the children died in infancy and a son, Julius, died nine years ago. The mother and eight children survive. The surviving children are John, Henry, Ebbo, Harry, Mrs. Margaret Wilts, Mrs. Anke Noordman, Mrs. Elske Wulf and Miss Anna Heikens. There are thirteen grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Bode church west of Wellsburg Tuesday afternoon and there was a very large attendance at the service. The services were conducted by the resident pastor, Rev. H. C. Bode. The pallbearers were Ausbrand Janssen, John Rah, Henry Schafer, Peter Riekena, John Ertmoed and Ben Primus.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 29 November 1928, pg 1