Arens, John Peter 1858-1945

ARENS, ARENSDORFF ARENSDORF

Posted By: Bob Arens (email)
Date: 8/2/2005 at 20:28:44

ARENS, JOHN PETER 1858-1945
John P. Arens obituary from the April 19, 1945 Remsen Bell-Enterprise

John P. Arens Claimed by Death

Well Known Former Resident Here Dies in LeMars; Funeral Monday

Another pioneer of this community and the last of an esteemable family of 14 children, John P. [Jean Pierre] Arens, passed away last Friday evening in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mildred Schorg, in LeMars. He was 86 years old. Surviving Mr. Arens are three sons and five daughters. Funeral services were held in St. Mary's Catholic church here Monday morning, with burial in St. Mary's cemetery.

Mr. Arens had been in failing health for a long time and his last serious illness overtook him last December. After retiring from farm life he and his family came to Remsen, where Mrs. Arens [Elizabeth Knewel] passed away in 1940. He continued to share the home here with members of the family and three years ago moved to the home of his daughter, Mrs. [Mildred Arens] Schorg, in LeMars.

Born October 14, 1858, at St. Donatus, Iowa, John Arens was the son of Mr. and Mrs. [Anna (Arensdorff) Arensdorf] Nicholas Arens, early residents there. As a young man he came to Remsen and St. Mary's church on February 15, 1887, was united in marriage to Elizabeth Knewel. The couple settled on a farm five miles north of town. They labored long and faithfully and retired in 1929, coming to Remsen. Mrs. Arens died her on March 21, 1940.

Besides Mrs. Arens, two sons and a daughter preceded him in death, passing away in infancy. Those left to mourn the loss of their devoted father are; Fred P. Arens, LeMars; John T. Arens, Richmond, Calif.; Martin N. Arens, LeMars; Mrs. Nick (Florentine) Mai, Remsen; Mrs. Ed (Olive) Even, Alton; Mrs. Mildred Schrog, LeMars; Mrs. Jake (Martha) Gamerdinger, Remsen and Mrs. Alphonse (Lonie) Bohlke, Sioux City. There are 33 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

John P. Arens was a man of many outstanding characteristics, one who won many friends during his many years of residence here and in the Alton vicinity and whose passing is a source of regret among his many friends and even his mere acquaintances. He was a most devoted husband and father, a good citizen and a loyal friend. The sons and daughters, who too are well known through the county, have the condolences of all in the hour of their bereavement.

Services Monday morning were largely attended by old friends of the family who shared the grief of the family. The mass was sung by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. D. Fisch of LeMars. Pallbearers were Frank and Joe Staab, Ray Sudteigie, Ben Sudteigie, Will Schilts and George Dalperdang, old neighbors of the deceased man.