Herman Fritz Ahrens (1891-1946)

AHRENS, LAKE, ADDUCI, MCDONALD, AMBOS, LARSON, STINSON, KREUTNER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/3/2020 at 21:52:16

From Nevada Evening Journal May 22, 1946 (page 6)

Obituary of Herman F. Ahrens

Herman Ahrens, the son of Henry and Sarah Ahrens, was born August 21, 1891, in Boone county on the home place six mile south west of Story City the present Wilbur Sowers farm. He passed away after a brief illness at his home in Story City, May 17, 1946 at the age of 54 years, 8 months and 26 days.

Herman Ahrens lived with his parents on the farm until January 17, 1917, when he was united in marriage with Stella Fae Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens then lived for two years on a farm two miles west of the home place and for one year on a farm one mile west of Story City. In 1920 Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens moved to Story City where Herman worked for his father who had established the Ahrens Motor and Implement Company. After several years Herman purchased the business from his father and continued to operate the same until about a week ago when a heart attack was followed, after a few days, by death.

The heart attack of Mr. Ahrens may be attributed to an overstrenuous life, particularly during the war years. With a son and four son-in-laws in national service Mr. Ahrens felt himself very close to the war effort. With a shortage of help in his business and a constant pressure for farm implements and repairs, not only during business hours but often early in the morning and late at night, he gave of himself unstintingly to do his part on the home front while the boys served in various parts of the world. In addition to his heavy duties in his place of business, Herman served for three and a half years on the Story City council during the war period. Today the boys have all returned safely from national service and Mr. Ahrens had become in effect the war casualty of the family. As such and as a faithful citizen we today honor his memory.

Herman Ahrens was baptized and confirmed in the German Lutheran church west of Mackey. After moving to Story City he joined Grace Evangelical church here he has retained his membership and gave faithful support until his death.

In addition to his service on the city council Mr. Ahrens has for many years been an active member of the Story City Greater Community Congress and in general was interested in and a supporter of projects for the betterment of the community.

The Herman Ahrens home was blessed with four daughters and son all of whom survive their father. The surviving members of the family are his wife, Stella Ahrens, the children, Mrs. Dorothy Adduci of Story City, Mrs. Ardith McDonald of Jewell, Mrs. Velda Ambos of Des Moines, Marvin Ahrens and Mrs. Naomi Larson of Story City, two grandchildren, Susan Ambos and Kathleen McDonald. There also survive four brothers, Albert and Edwin of Boone, Ia., Henry of Oakland, Calif., and Efford Ahrens of Stratford, Ia. and two sisters, Mrs. Geo. (Sadie) Stinson of Minneapolis and Mrs. Henry (Bessie) Kreutner of Story City.

Along with these, many other relatives and friends will miss the unassuming but ever friendly greeting of this citizen of our town.