REHKOPF, Bernard F. (1846-1923)

REHKOPF

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/12/2020 at 14:59:24

Bernard Frederic Rehkopf
(July 26, 1846 – August 10, 1923)

On Friday morning, August 10th, 1923, after a brief illness the earthly life of Bernard F. Rehkopf was unexpectedly brought to a close. A few weeks ago, he had gone to Iowa City for a visit with his sister, and [text gone]. Mr. Rehkopf was a native of Texas, born in the Gulf city of Galveston on July 26, 1846; he was married to Aralda J. Cheney Feb. 12, 1874, and the greater part of his married life was spent in the city of Des Moines, living there about forty-two years. In his early life he was employed as a traveling salesman and later was in the office of state auditor and for a good many years was one of the grand officers of the A. O. U. W. lodge. His last work was that of expert accountant under the direction of the state auditor. Mr. Rehkopf was a man of sunny disposition, kind and lovable, liked by all who knew him. He was a good citizen, a fine Christian gentleman, always interested in the affairs of his country and his church. His outstanding characteristic was his desire to serve his family and his friends. While always a man of sunny disposition he seemed the happiest when he was doing some service for someone else. His greatest concern was for the members of his family and his every effort was directed and spent toward making them happy. This trait of his character was so beautifully manifested in his tender devotion to Mrs. Rehkopf in the months of sickness immediately preceding her death, which occurred a short time ago. Mr. Rehkopf was almost constantly with her, ministering to her and comforting her in declining days. He took great comfort in his children, now grown to manhood and womanhood; his son, Maj. Ned Rehkopf, of the regular army, now stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; Mrs. Laura Carpenter of Indianola, with whom he has been making his home; and Mrs. Beryl Parks of Afton, Iowa, constitute his immediate family; besides these, he has two sisters and twelve grand children. Mr. Rehkopf is dead; he lives no more, yet to his family he still lives; he lives in his example, he lives in the influence of his life upon them, and he will continue to live in their memory, which will guide them in the years to come. The funeral of Mr. Rehkopf was held at the home of Dr. L. D. Carpenter Sunday afternoon at four o’clock. [Copied from a scrapbook at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, Iowa]