Arens, Theodore 1846-1929

ARENS, ARENSDORF

Posted By: Bob Arens (email)
Date: 7/29/2005 at 09:04:21

ARENS, THEODORE 1846-1929
From the Thursday evening April 11, 1929 Dyersville, IA COMMERCIAL:
"Early settler of Luxemburg called."

Theodore Arens died at his home at Alton, Iowa, last week.

Married to Miss Catherine (Pfeiffer) Goebel at Luxemburg, Iowa in 1871.

Theodore Arens, who came at the age of four years with his parents to America, a resident of Sioux county since 1881, died at his home here Sunday afternoon at five o'clock says the Alton Democrat. Mr. Arens started the first clothing store in Alton and his house was the second built on "Piety" hill, the other being that of Alex Beach which is now St. Mary's manse. The house was built in 1887 and Mr. Arens occupied it until the day of his death, a period of nearly 42 years.

He was born at Olem, Luxembourg, Europe, on March 30, 1844 and came with his parents to St. Donatus, Jackson county, Iowa, when four years old, the ocean voyage on a sailing ship taking three months to accomplish. He was married to Mrs. Catherine Goebel [Catherine Pfieffer, widow of Ernst Goebel] April 16, 1871 at Luxemburg, Iowa, where they made their home for the next ten years, and in the spring of '81 came to Sioux county, locating on a farm two and one-half mile south of town, now owned b Peter Keizer. They lived on the farm for two years and then moved to Alton where Mr. Arens established the town's first clothing store. About three years later he sold the business to his step-son, A. F. Goebel, who continued the store successfully for 20 years. It is interesting to note that the business established then is even now owned by a relative, E. A. Goebel, a nephew of A. E. Goebel, the latter having died while still owning the store some twenty years ago. Mr. Arens served on one of the town's first city councils and was there when the town's name was changed form East Orange to Alton.

Five children were born to them, but only two survive, Nick, of Alton, and Joe of St. Louis, Mo. The other three children died in Jackson county [I wonder why not near Luxemburg, IA in Dubuque county where they lived during the first ten years of their marriage 1871-1881], Ernest, Joseph and Celia, all of the scarlet fever at the same time. The wife and mother died June 11, 1917. Three brothers, all of whom were present at the funeral, also survive, as follows: Peter Arens and J. P. Arens, both of Remsen, and Matt Arens of White Lake, S. D. He is also survived be his step-sons, Peter Goebel of Alton, and Henry Goebel of Long Beach, Calif. A step-daughter, Sister Germaine and step-son Anthony E. Goebel, preceded him to the Beyond. He is also survived by six grandchildren.

Funeral services for the old settler were held at St. Mary's church, Alton, Wednesday morning conducted by Rev. Father M. A. Schemel. Pallbearers were old friends, Nick Groat, O. J. Lieb, Matt Kellen, Geo. Friedmann, Philip Wilwert and Fredinand Mousel.

His was a stalwart and upright character, a citizen of whom any community could well be proud. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic church and up to a very short time the end attended Mass on Sunday as was his invariable custom. Word of his death came as a shock to the community of which he was so long a respected member and valuable citizen.

Friends and relatives came from near and far to pay respects to his memory. Among the relatives form away who were present were the following: His sons Joe of St. Louis, Mo. John Arens, Lismore, Minn.; Nick Arens, Marshall, Minn.; Matt Arens and son of Wilmont, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. [Mary Katherine Arens] Nick Hatz, Mr. and Mrs. James Arens Mr. and Mrs. Nick Hoffman, Mr. and Mrs. John Gengler, Mr. and Mrs. [Elizabeth (Lizzie) Arens] Mike Gengle, Mr. and Mrs. [Mary (Mae) (Strabene) Strohbeen] Paul Arens, all of Remsen; John and Miss Anna Goebel of Granville and Miss Susan Hoffman and Mrs. Tentinger of LeMars."

The 1880 Dubuque Co. history says he was born in 1846 and married in 1872. The children of Catherine (Pfeiffer) Goebel from a former marriage were: Henry, Anthony, Katie and Peter.