Kiesel, Ferdinand J. 1879-1956

KIESEL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/1/2012 at 20:26:32

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; June 1956

FERDINAND KIESEL DIES HERE SUNDAY

Ferdinand J. Kiesel, life long resident of Grinnell, died Sunday afternoon at two o'clock at Community hospital, following an illness of several weeks. Memorial services will take place at First Congregational church on Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, in charge of Rev. Leland W. Mann.

Ferdinand J. Kiesel was born in Itsehoe, Schleswig-Holstein, on May 3, 1879, and came to Grinnell in 1886 with his mother, Mrs. Amanda M. Kiesel.

Educated in the Grinnell public schools, Mr. Kiesel, at the age of 16, went into partnership with A.B. Mack, a pioneer in the sheet metal and heating business in Grinnell. After returning from service in the Spanish-American War, Mr. Kiesel began a long career in a sales capacity with the Lennox Furnace company of Marshalltown. He retired from business in 1941, after 42 years of service.

When a young man he enlisted in the Grinnell National Guard, and in 1898 he served with company K of the 50th Iowa Volunteer Regiment. In recognition for his service in the Spanish-American War, the Cuban government awarded him a citation in 1952, over fifty years after his service.

Throughout his lifetime Mr. Kiesel was interested in public service. During the First World War he was a member of the Ration Board, served as instructor for recruits at Camp Dodge, Des Moines, headed War Bond drives and served in other war-time organizations.

His interest in the American Red Cross covers a span of many years. During the Second World War he handled special services for the local Red Cross chapter.

Other activities include membership on the board of the Community hospital. He was chairman of the board when one of the first hospital insurance plans in the United States was inaugurated. He was an active member, holding several offices, in the United Spanish-American War Veterans. He was a member of the First Congregational church, and was on its board of trustees for many years.

Mr. Kiesel was married to Anna Louise Dengler of Davenport in 1905. The Kiesels made their home, until her death in 1949, on South Broad street, where their spacious yard, with its flower gardens and shrubs, will be long remembered by Grinnell friends. After the death of his wife, Mr. Kiesel became interested in the Mayflower Home project, through his friendship with Dr. and Mrs. Royal J. Montgomery. He gave his home and property to the project for a building site. He watched, with great interest, the erecting of the first two buildings of the Mayflower Home project, Montgomery Hall and Edwards Hall.

The Kiesels had one son, Paul, who now lives in Excelsior, Minn. A brother, Karl, of Madison, Wisc., also survives.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Mayflower Home.