Kokenge, Henry, abt. 1860-1936

KOKENGE, GOEBEL, NEMMERS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/28/2016 at 02:34:23

From the Alton Democrat, April 17, 1936:

Henry Kokenge, long time resident of the Alton vicinity, died Monday morning, April 14, at the home of his son John, in Granville. He was 76 yearsof age last June. Born in Dubuque county, Iowa, at New Vienna, he came to Sioux county in 1888 and farmed three miles northeast of Alton until 1919, when he moved to a small farm adjoining Alton. He is survived by eleven children. Further particulars regarding his life will appear in next week's issue. Funeral services were held this (Thursday) morning at St. Mary's Catholic church at Alton, with Very Rev. M. A. Schemel officiating.

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From the Alton Democrat, April 24, 1936:

Pioneer Farmer Laid to Rest At Alton Thursday

Henry Kokenge, pioneer farmer of the Alton and Granville communities, short mention of whose life was contained in last week's issue, was buried at Alton Thursday, with funeral services held at St. Mary's church in the presence of a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends.

Born in Dubuque county 76 years ago, Henry Kokenge married Miss Kathryn Goebel in 1882. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Goebel of New Vienna. They later made their home near Granville. On April 13, 1893, the home was saddened by the death of his wife, the mother of four children, namely: John, Tony, Ernest and Anna (Mrs. Clem Full). Bernard and Mary had preceded their mother in death.

In June, 1897, Mr. Kokenge remarried. His second wife was formerly Josephine Nemmers of Alton, and to this union were born Joe, Dora, Francis, Alfred, Aloysius, Cyril, Edna and Maurine, also Irene who passed away at the age of 11 years and Emmet who died in infancy. Besides his children, Mr. Kokenga leaves to mourn his death, one sister, Mrs. Sophia Hoefer of New Vienna, and 21 grandchildren.

Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral services last Thursday included the following relatives and friends: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hoefer, Earlville, Ia.; Chris Hoefer, Farley, Ia.; Mrs. Henry Schoetzle, New Vienna, Ia.; Mrs. John Ebner and son, Maple River, Ia.; Mrs. Anton Kokenge, Carrol, Ia.; Evelyn Lohman, Arcadia, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Bert De Muth and daughters, Margaret and Verena, Woodstock, Minn.; Mrs. Peter Nemmers, son Raymond and daughter Rosella, Fulda, Minnesota; Hubert Nemmers, Mitchell, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Mat Huss, Fairmont, Minn.; Joe Huss, Ashton, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kemp, Oyens, Ia.; Peter Kemp, Remsen, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Nick Reiter, Mr. and Mrs. John Nemmers, Le Mars, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Verschoor, Sioux City, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. C. I. Hageman, Marcus, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. John Drees, Mr. and Mrs. John Gloden, Emil Gloden, Hospers, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Goebel, Remsen, Ia.

The late pioneer was a splendid citizen, a good farmer and valued neighbor. He was a devoted member of the Catholic church and devoted to his home and family. Mr. Kokenge years ago told The Democrat of some white oak posts he had brought here from eastern Iowa and used on his Sioux county farm. They were still giving good service after a score or more years. Of late years he had been in poor health and failing memory halted the reminiscences of early years in eastern Iowa and out in this country of which he had a good store that were mighty interesting. Mr. Kokenge was a loyal friend and in his loss the community and many scores of old friends, as well as devoted family, lose one of whom they thought a great deal.