RIEKENS, Dick 1873-1943

RIEKENS, OLTMANS, LINDAMAN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/21/2017 at 16:02:24

Dick Riekens Died On August 23rd

Born of Early-Day Residents of German Township

Lived Good and Useful Life--Active in Community Through the Years--Reached the Age of 69 Years, 10 Months and 28 Days--Funeral Services Were Held Thursday Last
--Obituary

Dick Riekens, son of Riekent Riekens and his wife, Elke, nee Oltmans, was born on Sept. 26, 1873. He was baptized on Jan. 8, 1874 by Pastor D. M. Ficken, pastor of St. Peter's Church in German Twp., Grundy Co., Ia. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, the homestead now occupied by his brother, Jake Riekens. On March 14, 1901 he was united in holy wedlock with Martha Lindaman, daughter of Henricus Lindaman by Rev. R. Kuhne. God blessed this union and gave them a daughter and three sons.

Soon after Dick and Martha Riekens were married they moved to the farm which since then has been known as the Dick Riekens farm. By the grace of God he was permitted to remain on this one place for the remainder of his years. Dick Riekens was a careful and industrious farmer. In 1917 he and his family were able to move into their new home.

Mr. Riekens had the respect of our entire community. He was kind and had an open hand for the needy. Whenever his neighbors needed him he was ready to help them.

Mr. Riekens was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Church. Soon after his marriage he and his wife became communicant members. They took an active interest in the program of the church. Mr. Riekens loved to attend services and it was seldom that he was absent from church. The death of Mr. Riekens is a great loss to the congregation.

Early in the Spring of this year a change came over Mr. Riekens. He no longer had the energy, the erect posture and the elastic step for which he was known. He had slowed up, considerably. His hair had turned a snowy white. About six weeks ago Mr. Riekens began to complain of severe headache and his condition became worse from day to day. His pain was intense for over a week. Physicians were called and a little relief was obtained but he was becoming very weak and feeble. A little over four weeks ago he was taken to Ellsworth hospital in Iowa Falls. On the following day it was decided to take him to the University of Iowa hospital at Iowa City, Ia. The examination by the physicians at Iowa City proved that the diagnosis of the home physician had been correct. Mr. Riekens suffered from leukemia. Very little hope for his recovery was held out for him. Relatives and friends remained with him at Iowa City. Mrs. Riekens, Mrs. L. Riebkes and Mrs. G. Heyenga were at his bedside as often and as long as the nurses would permit. His sons and son-in-law and their families came to visit as often as they could. All of the skill and the care of physicians and nurses was of no avail. Mr. Riekens passed away at 7:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23.

Mr. Riekens leaves to mourn his sorrowing wife, Martha, a daughter, Ellen Riebkes, three sons, Henry, Raymond and Lester, two grandchildren, a sister, Fanny Riekens and a brother, Jake Riekens, and a host of relatives and friends. Mr. Riekens reached the age of 69 years, 10 months and 26 days. Funeral services were held Thursday, August 26, and burial in St. Peter's church cemetery.

--Ackley World-Journal (Ackley, Iowa), 2 September 1943, pg 4