Ahlfs, Arnold 1870-1937

AHLFS, ALBERS, PEEKS, FRERICHS, KLEINE, REELFS

Posted By: Glenna Rice, volunteer (email)
Date: 4/17/2012 at 12:32:05

County Resident for Many Years

Arnold Ahlfs Lived In This County For Over Half Century

Arnold Ahlfs, well known resident of this city, and pioneer settler of this county, died at his home at 37 Third Avenue N. W., at 9 o'clock Wednesday eventing, at the age of 66 years, 1 month and 2 days. Deceased had been ailing since July, suffering with heart trouble.

Mr. Ahlfs was born on December 4, 1870 at Wiesede, Ostfresland, Germany, the son of John and Anna Ahlfs, and was baptized in the Lutheran faith on January 4, 1871. He was confirmed on March 29, 1885, at Reepsholt, Germany. and 60 days later came to this country, settling at Wymore, Neb., on June 18, 1885. He made his home with a sister, Mrs. John Peeks and late the fall she passed away and Mr. Ahlfs came to this county.

Deceased worked on farms in this county until he was married to Mary Albers on February 1, 1894, in Grant township. After the wedding the young couple spent a year on a farm three miles northwest of Ireton and then moved to a farm in Grant township. Later on they purchased this farm and lived there for 25 years.

In March, 1920, the family moved to LeMars and built a fine home where deceased spent the balance of his life. Before he retired from the farm, Mr. Ahlfs served as school treasurer and secretary of Grant school No. 5, and while living in the city served as treasurer of the German Farmers Mutual Insurance for 15 years. The company functioned in three counties, Plymouth, Sioux and Lyon.

Mr. Ahlfs leaves to mourn his loss, his beloved wife and one daughter, Mrs. J. O. Frerichs; a son-in-law, J. O. Frerichs, and two grandchildren, Elmer and Darlene. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. John E. Kleine, of LeMars, and Mrs. George Reelfs, of Vermillion, and three brothers, John of Hawarden and Gerd and John Henry, living in Germany. He was a member of a family of 13 children.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church with Rev. L. L. Belk officiating. Burial with be made in the LeMars city cemetery with the Sioux Center burial association in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Ahlfs was a devout member of St. John's Lutheran church and took an active part in the social activities of the church. He also was active in the promoting the welfare of the community and before his health failed him, was a prominent member in the business life of the city. During his residence in this county of over half a century he acquired the acquaintances of countless friends, who enjoyed his company and personality, and who extend their sympathy to his devoted wife and daughter.

LeMars Globe-Post
Thursday, January 7, 1937; page 1, column 3
LeMars, Plymouth, Iowa

Family note: Arnold was baptised as Heinrich Arnold Ahlfs in Reepsholt, Germany.