Luikens, Louis 1861-1935

LUIKENS, GRELLERMAN, PEREBOOM, PENNING, WENDT, BERGSMA

Posted By: Janet M. Schuldt (email)
Date: 1/30/2022 at 14:54:36

Le Mars Globe-Post, Le Mars. Plymouth, Iowa Thursday, November 21, 1935 Page 1 and continued on Page 8

Pioneer Carrier Goes Last Route
Louis Luikens Served In Post Office For Seventeen Years

Death early Tuesday morning claimed Louis Luikens, pioneer rural mail carrier of this city, who passed away at his home at 319 Central Avenue N. W., at the age of 74 years, 5 months, and 11 days of age. The deceased had been in sick health since 1927 and during the last two years was confined mostly to his bed.

Louis Luikens was born in the Netherlands on June 8, 1861, and came to this country 53 years ago, settling on a farm near Struble. He made a success at farming and came to Le Mars in 1898, where he took up a profession as a sewer contractor and grain elevator operator.

On February 14, 1898, he was united in marriage. He continued his work as a contractor in the city until 1910 When he joined the postal service. He served patrons on the Le Mars rural routes faithfully for 17 years and would have continued to do so until his health broke down and forced him to retire from active duty in 1927.

Mr. Luikens leaves to mourn the loss of his devoted wife, three daughters, and a son, who is Genevieve Luikens, living at home; Mrs. Henry Gellerman. Mrs. H. W. Pereboom and Charles Luikens, all of this city. He also leaves three daughters and a son by a previous marriage: Mrs. Elizabeth Penning, Sioux City; Mrs. H. C. Wendt, Aberdeen, S. D.; Mrs. Gale Bergsma, Ireton. and Jacob Luikens, Norfolk, Neb. twelve grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were conducted this afternoon from Luken's funeral home at 2:30 o'clock, with Rev. John Straaks of the Maurice Dutch Reformed church, officiating. Burial was made in the Le Mars cemetery with Luken's funeral directors in charge. Pallbearers who carried the remains to the final, resting place were former associates of the deceased, who are still serving in the Le Mars post office. They are Hugh Moran, Clarence Faulks, Walter Koenig, Merle Rousch, George Remer, and Nels Jeffers.

During his many years of service in the United States post office, Mr. Luikens came in contact with many people. He was a conscientious and faithful worker and served his patrons regularly with untiring efforts. His quiet. unassuming personality gained for him many friends, who enjoyed his friendship and who extend to his beloved wife and children their sympathy. In the passing of Mr. Luikens, this community loses a pioneer settler and a man who has been of faithful service to the public for many years.