Fonken, Hiram G. (1865-1947)

FONKEN, FUGET, ARENDS, VAN LANGEN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 7/16/2015 at 11:01:02

Daily Freeman Journal, Monday, October 20, 1947

Hiram G. Fonken, 82, former resident of the Kamrar community, died Saturday morning at a convalescent home in Kansas City. He had been in poor health the past year.

Funeral services will be held at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Presbyterian church east of Kamrar, preceded by a brief service at 1 p.m. at the Foster funeral home in this city. The Rev. H. F. Sinning will officiate with burial being made in the Presbyterian cemetery near Kamrar.

Hiram G. Fonken, son of Geerd and Mentje Fonken, was born May 28, 1865, in Germany. When he was one year old, he came with his parents to the United States and the family took up farming in Illinois. After a short time the family moved to a farm near Ackley, and in 1881 moved again to a farm near Kamrar.

Mr. Fonken completed his schooling at Kamrar and attended college at Dubuque, after which he taught for several years in rural schools near Kamrar.

He was married Aug. 1, 1894, to Stella Fuget and for the last 40 years the family has lived in Kansas City.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, three brothers and a sister. Survivors include three sisters and one brother: Mrs. Tena Arends, Mrs. Hilka Van Langen, Miss Annie Fonken and Joe Fonken, all of Kamrar. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Westport Presbyterian church at Kansas City, Mr. Fonken was very active in church work as long as his health permitted.