Ahrens, Ida Johanna Wilhelmina 1864-1918

AHRENS, EDEN, JACOBS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/25/2012 at 11:10:27

Note: Her mother’s maiden name was Jacobs.

In these columns last week a brief mention was made of the death of Mrs. Gerhard Ahrens at the family home west of here, in Union county S. D., on Thursday morning, July 25, 1918, aged 54 years 6 months and 8 days. She had been in failing health since last fall from heart trouble, and since last February had been confined to her bed much of the time. All that medical skill and the constant tender care of loved ones could accomplish was of no avail and in her Savior's own good time she was called to that eternal home which knows no earthly cares nor suffering.

Ida Johanna Wilhelmina (Eden) Ahrens was born in Germany, January 16; 1864, where she was. baptized in the Lutheran church. At the age of six years she came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Garmer Eden, to America settling at Sterling, Ill., where she was confirmed. She was joined in holy wedlock with Gerhard Ahrens on November 19, 1881, at Sterling, Ill., and six children came to bless this union—Olga (who died at the age of 12), George, Mary, Delia, Herman, Arthur and Hattie, who with the husband, are left to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted wife and mother.

In 1894 the family came from Sterling to Akron and have resided in this vicinity ever since. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eden also lived near Akron for a number of years, both of whom have passed away, her mother having died last September. Four brothers and two sisters also survive—William Eden, of Orange, Cal.; Mrs. Dick Johnson, of Pulaski, N.Y.; John Eden of Alcester, S. D.; Mrs. Chris. Zachow, west of Akron; Fred Eden, of Wolsey, S.D. and Frank Eden, east of Akron.

Mrs. Ahrens lived a true and consistent Christian life and only a few days before the final summons came she requested her pastor to administer the voted to family and home, she was also a kind, helpful and sympathetic friend and neighbor. A wide circle of friends unite in sympathy to the bereaved husband, children, sisters and brothers.

Following a brief service at the family home at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, the funeral was held in the Akron German Lutheran church and there was a large attendance of sorrowing friends. Rev. F. A. Meske conducted the service and in the course of his sermon mentioned that Mrs. Ahrens death was the first in the parish since that of her mother, Mrs. Eden, last September. He used as his text John 16:16, 17, 18. The bereaved ones found comfort in his message, and there was admonition for all in the passage, “Lord, teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Interment was made in Riverside cemetery, beside her daughter.

Relatives from a distance who came to attend the funeral of Mrs. Ahrens were her son, Fred, and wife, of Wolsey, S.D.: her uncle Frank Jacobs wife and daughter, of Morrison, Ill.; her uncle, Wm. Jacobs, and wife of Memphis, Neb..

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, August 1, 1918
Akron, Iowa