Ahlfs, Johanna D. 1872-1936

AHLFS, RENKEN, SIEBELS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/13/2019 at 12:04:46

SERVICES FOR J. D. AHLFS WEDNES.

Pioneer Resident Dies At Home Here Friday Night

J. D. Ahlfs, well known resident of this city, passed away at his home late Friday night at the age of 63 years. Mr. Ahlfs had been sick for a short time and developed a blood clot, which resulted in his death.

Mr. Ahlfs was born on September 30, 1872, the son of J. H. Ahlfs and Anna Louise Ahlfs, nee Renken, in a little village called Wiesede in Ostfriesland, Germany. There he was baptized in his infancy and attended school at the same place. Later he joined the Lutheran faith by the right of confirmation at Reepright in the spring of 1867, by Pastor DeBoor.

In the spring of 1889 he came to America and settled in Plymouth county, working as a farm hand on several different places in Plymouth and Sioux counties.

On March 7, 1895, he was married to Anna Siebels, the wedding taking place on the John Hauschield (Hauschild) farm in Grant township. Rev. A. C. Kleinlein performed the ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. Ahlfs continued farming until the spring of 1924, when they retired from their earth cares and moved to Le Mars. They have lived here ever since with the exception of one year they spent in California.

Deceased leaves to mourn his loss, his devoted wife and a son, John Ahlfs, living north of Le Mars. He also leaves two grandchildren; two brothers, Gerd and Henry, in Germany; two brothers in this country, John Ahlfs, of Hawarden and Arnold Ahlfs, of this city city; two sisters, Mrs. John Kleine of this city and Mrs. Geo. Reelfs, of Ravina, S. D., and many other distant relatives.

Five sisters and his parents preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at St. John’s Lutheran church with Rev. L. L. Belk officiating. Interment will be made at the Le Mars City cemetery.

Mr. Ahlfs was a highly respected citizen of this community. He was one of the early pioneers to settle in this county and braved the hardships of the early days. He was a good husband, father and neighbor, and his loss will be keenly felt by the community, who knew him as an upright honest citizen. He was prominent in social and civil work and his many friends extend their sympathy to the family.

Lemars Globe Post
Monday, February 10, 1936
Lemars, Iowa

Brief Illness Proves Fatal To J. D. Ahlfs

Came To Plymouth County To Make His Home When A Youth

Death claimed J. D. Ahlfs, 63, at his home, Friday night, after an illness of ten days. His death was caused by an embolism in the lung.

J. D. Ahlfs came to Plymouth county, when a youth, directly from Germany, and lived here since and was a successful farmer and stockman.

He was born in the village of Wieside, Ost., Friesland, Germany, September 30, 1872, where he received his early education. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and joined the church at Reepsholt, Germany, in 1887.

Mr. Ahlfs came to America in 1889 to join relatives who had already located in northwestern Iowa.

As a youth he worked on farms in Plymouth and Sioux counties and after his marriage farmed on his own account. With his savings he bought land and by thrift and judicious management became well to do and prosperous.

J. D. Ahlfs was united in marriage with Miss Anna Siebels March 7, 1895, the wedding taking place at the John Hauschild farm in Grant township. Rev. A. C. Kienlen officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Ahlfs farmed until 1924, when they came to Le Mars to make their home.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife, one son, John Ahlfs, two grandchildren, four brothers, and two sisters, Gerd and Henry Ahlfs, living in Germany; John Ahlfs, of Hawarden; Arnold Ahlfs, of Le Mars; Mrs. John Klien, Le Mars, and Mrs. George Reelfa, of Ravinia, S. D. and many other relatives.

“Dick” Ahlfs, as he was called by his assoiciates, was a good citizen and neighbor, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the community where he passed his life.

Funeral on Wednesday

The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at St. John’s Lutheran church. Rev. L. L. Belk the pastor will conduct the services. Interment will be made in the city cemetery.

Lemars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday February 11, 1936
Lemars, Iowa