Ben H. DORENKAMP

DORENKAMP, LÜCHTENBORG, JACOBS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

17 June 1833 ---- 7 April 1926

OLD SETTLER IS CALLED
OBITUARY OF BEN DORENKAMP, ONE OF OLDEST CITIZENS

Ben H. Dorenkamp was born on the 17th of June, 1833, at Wymeer, Eastfriesland, Germany. In 1856 he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Lüchtenborg. This union was blessed with 7 children of which one little boy at the age of six preceded the father into eternity. In 1882 Mr. Dorenkamp left his native country and sailed for America. He made his home for the first twenty-eight years on a farm south of Belmond. Here his faithful help mate was taken from his side by the angel of death, with whom he had shared his joys and sorrows for over a half century. During the last sixteen years he made his home with Mr. and Mrs. John Dorenkamp at Belmond. When the Immanuel Reformed Church, east of Belmond, was organized, Mr. Dorenkamp was chosen and installed as one of the Elders. He served faithfully for a space of ten years. He was a member of said church unto the day of his death. Although he had been unable to attend the services for the last few years he nevertheless took a keen interest in the church of his choice and in the welfare of the Kingdom of God at large. Mr. Dorenkamp was a loving disposition, loved and respected by all who knew him. Although his eyesight began to fail, his mind was as clear as that of a younger person. He was satisfied during his long stay with his son and family, but he nevertheless longed that the Lord would take him into those heavenly mansions of rest. He firmly believed that Christ had not only died for others, but also for him personally. And we have now for our comfort that blessed hope that the angels bore his soul softly into the bosom of Abraham.

Mr. Dorenkamp passed away on April 7, 1926, thus reaching the age of ninety-two years, nine months and twenty days. He lived to be the oldest person in this community. He leaves to mourn his departure his six children, Hemme, Jacob, John, Leppo, Peter, and Mrs. Claus Jacobs, 23 grandchildren, and 64 great grandchildren. The funeral services were held Friday, April 9 and conducted by Rev. O. G. Poppen, assisted by Rev. W. J. Janssen and Rev. W. Stack. The remains were laid to rest in Franklin Grove Cemetery.

The Belmond Independent -- Belmond, Iowa
April 15, 1926