Ilcken, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin (1962)

ILCKEN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/20/2011 at 17:48:23

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Aug. 9, 1962

MR. AND MRS. EDWIN ILCKEN SUCCUMB FOLLOWING EXPLOSION IN FARM HOME

Two Grinnell area residents died Wednesday evening at an Iowa City hospital of burns received last Friday night when a gas water heater exploded at their farm home.

Victims were Edwin and Wilhelmina Ilcken, who came to this country only about two years ago from Indonesia. They were the parents of six children, ranging in age from six years to one month.

Joint funeral services are tentatively planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday at the First Congregational church with the Rev. Robert Dewey, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Hazelwood cemetery.

Friends may call at the James-Schalinske Funeral Home.

The Ilckens resided on the James McKibben farm southwest of Grinnell. It is believed they were attempting to light the hot water heater when it exploded, inflicting burns over 80 per cent of their bodies.

Both were rushed to a Grinnell hospital and then transferred to Iowa City that same day. Mrs. Ilcken died at 7:18 p.m. Wednesday and her husband succumbed less than one hour later, at 8:14 p.m.

Survivors include their six children. Mr. Ilcken is also survived by a brother, Harry, also of Grinnell.