Westhoff, Jans G. 1845-1927

WESTHOFF, RICKLEFS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/22/2021 at 20:27:00

LeMars Globe-Post
Monday, November 14, 1927

JOHN WESTHOFF IS SUMMONDED BY DEATH.
Pioneer of This County Passes Away Here on Sunday—
Funeral to Be Held on Wednesday

John Westhoff, pioneer settler of this county, farming in Grant township for many years, passed away at his home at 315 First Avenue, N.W., Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Deceased was 82 years of age and death was due to complications, brought on by influenza and advanced age.

Born in Germany on February 25, 1845, Mr. Westhoff came to Iowa in 1873, settling in Jones county. He remained there for five months and came to Grant township of this county, where he farmed for many years. His wife preceded in death by four years.

The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 from the home and at 12:45 from St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rev. J. J. Vollmar officiating and from there to the Grant township Lutheran Church, Rev. J. D. Meyer in charge. Burial will be made in the Grant township Lutheran cemetery. Beely’s have charge of the funeral.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, November 18, 1927

FINAL TRIBUTES PAID NEIGHBOR.
Jans G. Westhoff was One of the Early Homesteaders In Grant Township.

Last rites were held Wednesday for J. G. Westhoff, a pioneer homesteader, who died at his home in LeMars Sunday morning, at St. Johns’ Lutheran Church in LeMars and at Christ Lutheran Church in Grant township. Rev. J. J. Vollmar and Rev. J. D. Meyer both paid fitting tributes to the memory of a fine man and a good citizen.

Jans Gerdes Westhoff was born February 25, at Stockhold, Ostfriesland, Germany.

The days of his youth were unsettled days in the political life of Germany, and he was given an opportunity to show loyalty to his home state and later to his Fatherland. He fought for Hanover in its struggle with Prussia and with Germany against France. Two of his mates in those days and life long friends, M. Gabel and John Stabe, of this place were in attendance at his funeral. Mr. Stabe and he were on opposing sides in the first struggle and in after life, often in friendly fashion fought their battles over again.

Jans Westhoff came to this country in 1873, and after living a few months in Jones county Iowa, homesteaded in Plymouth county. He was united in marriage with Marie Elizabeth Ricklefs, who died four years ago. Six children were born to them, five survive, who are: John G. Westhoff, G. B. Westhoff, Dick Westhoff, Mrs. Theo. Plueger and Mrs. Frederic Ahrendt (correction per family: this daughter should be Mrs. Carl Ahrendt), all living in this vicinity.

Mr. Westhoff assisted by his wife and children farmed for many years and were successful in their undertakings. Of late years, he had made his home in LeMars.

His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of friends and old neighbors, who had learned through long association his fine qualities as a citizen, and all of whom held him in the highest esteem.
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