MAHRENHOLZ, C.L.

MERRIT, HASTIE, MORRELL, HAYES, ROGERS, BECHTEL, WILSON, DUGGAN, STORRS, WEST, CRESTON, JONES, DAVENPORT, STEWART NAHLEY, AUGUST, OHLSCHLAGER, NAZARENUS, BOELLERT

Posted By: Lois Shaul (email)
Date: 6/10/2020 at 14:15:54

Red Oak Express
June 5, 1891
Death of C.L. Mahrenholz

Red Oak has again been called to mourn the death of one of its old and esteemed citizens. last Saturday, May 30th, at 3 P.M., "Charlie" Mahrenholz passed away quietly at his home in this city after a protracted illness lasting three months. Early in March he was taken sick with Bright's disease which at once confined him to his home. Other complications soon set in, and from that time on he was an acute but patient sufferer. To him death doubtless brought a welcome relief, but to his family and friends a deep sorrow and a sense of great loss.
The funeral was held from the residence Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and was one of the largest ever seen in this city. Besides numerous relatives from abroad, the regular and special trains brought in many of Mr. Mahrenholz's railway associates from all directions. The funeral was in charge of the Knights Templar, the services at the home being conducted by Rev. W. W. Merritt, consisting of the ritual of the Knights Templar ceremonies. The music was furnished by Mrs. Hastie, Mrs. Morrell, Messrs. John Hayes and E.S. Rogers. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful, including a magnificent harp of white and yellow roses, presented by J.M. Bechel, C.G. Wilson, of Burlington: J.H. Duggan, H.D. Storrs, and J. West, Creston, and E.W. Jones, W.J. Davenport, Council Bluffs. Other handsome pieces were from friends in and out of the city. The number congregated at the house was estimated at one thousand, a good proportion being from neighboring towns. Creston was especially represented. The special from the east consisted of four well filled coaches bearing "Q" officials among them Superintendents Wilson, Stewart, Duggan, Bechtel, Davenport and others. There were also specials from the south and west representing other official mourners, then about 100 railway employees from the track, operating and mechanical departments and lastly citizens carriages. All this was not a parade for show, but the representation of real sorrow and respect for the departed.
Carl Ludwig Mahrenholz was born at Ammelunseen, Prussia, January 24, 1827, and was therefore in his 64th year. He married September 13, 1852, Miss Mary Oldag, at New Buffalo, Mich. He was the father of nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom are living; Wm.F., Carl L., August, Julius T., Mrs. Lena Nahley, Mrs. Mary Ohlschlager, Mrs. Sophia Nazarenus, Mrs. Minnie Boellert and Miss Ida Mahrenholz. At the age of 16 he entered the army, serving five years, the last two as captain. he came to this country in 1848.
Mr. Mahrenholz spent the greater part of his life in the railroad service, beginning his career in 1851 on the Michigan Central, where he worked as a section hand, and was then promoted to section foreman, which position he held for four years. He then decided to come West, where the field was broader and more remunerative, taking service with the C. B&Q. at Burlington, where he was placed in charge of extra gangs during the construction of their Iowa lines. After several year's service as foreman, he was made superintendent of construction, with headquarters at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, which position he held until 1878, when he was made general Roadmaster of all the Iowa lines of the "Q". In 1884 this office was abolished, and he has since been in charge of the important division of which Red Oak is the center. Mr. Mahrenholz has been in the employ of the C B&Q for the past 32 years, and has resided in Red Oak since 1870, He carried the distinction of having the 1st. mile ten track for the "Q" system of Iowa. _________