VanWechel, Arend, 1831-1914

VANWECHEL, BAITS, FEEKES, MIERAS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/26/2011 at 20:16:55

Published in the Alton (Iowa) Democrat, March 7, 1914:

Arend Van Wechel passed away at his home in this city after a lingering illness. Deceased was 82 years of age and had for many years been a resident of this place. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon, services being conducted in the American Reformed church by Rev. McEwan.

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Published in the Alton Democrat, March 14, 1914:

A. Van Wechel, who died last week, was born in Lochem, Netherlands, in 1831. He came to this country at the age of seventeen and located at Alta, Wisconsin. In 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Julia R. Baits. Eight children were born to them, the five living being Mrs. A. K. Webb of Wagner, Okla., Mrs. E. W. Farnsworth of Chatsworth, Ia., Ira Van Wechel of Wolverton, Minn., William Van Wechel of Rudyard, Mon., and Jasper Van Wechel of North Yakima, Wash. They came to Sioux county in 1871 and took a homestead southwest of this place. The following year Mrs. Van Wechel died.

In 1874 Mr. Van Wechel was united in marriage to Miss Christina Feekes. Of the four children born of this union those living are Allen Van Wechel of Maurice and Mrs. H. L. Luxenburg of this place. After the death of his second wife Mr. Van Wechel was married to Miss Fannie Mieras who survives him. Six children were born to them, the four living being Mrs. John Werkhoven, the Misses Abbie and Anna, and Arend Van Wechel all of this place.

The family left the farm in 1898 and since since resided in their home in the east part of town. For the past ten years deceased suffered with heart trouble and the last nine weeks of his life he was confined to his bed.

Deceased was for many years a reader of the Democrat. Until about fifteen years ago he was very much interested in political affairs and was always a staunch democrat. He was trustee and secretary of Nassau township for seventeen years.

The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon of last week, services being conducted by Rev. D. McEwan in the American Reformed church.