Frerichs, Ricklefs 1883-1940

FRERICHS, RICKLEFS, MOLZEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/1/2017 at 22:12:31

Note: His mother's name was Ricklefs. Death record had birth year as 1883.

PRESTON FARMER COMMITS SUICIDE

Rick Frerichs Hangs Self In Barn Loft Last Thursday Morning

A brief mention was made in these columns last week of the death of Ricklefs Frerichs, 57, a well-known farmer living northwest of here in Preston Township, on Thursday morning, May 16.

It was stated that Mr. Frerichs had apparently succumbed to a heart attack, but this appears to have been technically an error, although a local physician, who had been called t the home after Mr. Frerichs’ death, inferred to a Register Tribune reporter that this was the case. However the county seat papers gleaned from the county coroner, who was called to the scene, the fact that Mr. Frerichs had committed suicide by hanging sometime between 10 and 11 o’clock that morning. Apparently he had thrown a half-inch rope over a timber brace in the bar, fastened one end and tied the other end around his neck, then simply allowing himself to slump to his knees. Here his wife found him when he did not return to the house at the usual time after doing his chores. She at once called a doctor, but life was found to be extinct.

Mr. Frerichs was suffering from a nervous breakdown, after having been in poor health for some time. County Coroner S. H. Luken pronounced it a case of suicide and did not deem an inquest necessary. The body was taken to a Le Mars funeral home pending funeral arrangements.

Mr. Frerichs was a son of the late Claus B. Frerichs, who settled in Preston Township in 1871. He was a man of upright character and industrious habits and respected by all who knew him.

He leaves his wife, who before her marriage was Bertha Molzen; and a son, Elmer. A daughter, Mrs. Dick Westhoff, preceded him in death a few years ago.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Preston Township, and were largely attended by neighbors and life-long friends. Rev. Carl Fenske, the pastor, officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, May 23, 1940
Akron, Iowa