William Reiken 1866-1945

REIKEN, HELGENS, DIRKS, CONLEY, FARMER, STAMBAUGH

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/9/2021 at 07:58:33

31 May 1945 - The Anamosa Journal

Funeral service for William S. Reiken, 78, who died Sunday at Mercy hospital, Anamosa, following several weeks' illness was held Wednesday at the Wayne Lutheran church, Rev. F. H. Kehren, officiating minister. Pastor John P. Willms, Greene, Ia., also preached at the service. Burial was made in the Wayne cemetery. Pallbearers were George Schoon, Fred Helgens, Will Siebels, Henry Siebels, John W. Rieken and John Rieken.

Wilhelm Sebastian Rieken was born Aug. 21, 1866, at Marx, East Friesland, Germany, the son of Sebastian Wilhelm and Helen Bohlen Rieken. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

In 1882, when 16 years old, he emigrated to the United States, and came to Wayne township, where he spent the rest of his life. He worked for many years on farms in the Scotch Grove and Monticello vicinities.

Jan. 6, 1888, he was united in marriage to Emma Helgens of Wayne township. To this union seven children were born. They are Meta, Wilhelm, Lena, George, Ella, Augusta and Laura. Jan. 6, 1938 Mr. and Mrs. Rieken observed their 50th wedding anniversary.

Surviving are his children: Mrs. Herman Dirks, Anamosa; Wilhelm T., Monticello; Mrs. George Dirks, Anamosa; George, at home; Mrs. Ralph Conley, Anamosa; Mrs. Cecil Farmer, Anamosa; Mrs. Lewis Stambaugh, at home; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.