William Frederick RIFEN

RIFEN, ESPELUND, JOHNSON, JONES, MCGONIGLE, JENSEN, CLABAUGH, JEPSON, MEYERS, JORGENSON, BURLESON, CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:49

January 29, 1887 --- February 3, 1956

Last Rites For Wm. F. Rifen Held Tuesday Afternoon
William F. Rifen, 69, died Friday morning at University hospital, Iowa City, following an operation for a brain tumor on Jan. 30th. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Church of the Open Bible, with Rev. Lloyd Meyer officiating. Casket bearers were Fred Ohlerking, Wayne Hoppe, Andrew Kruger, W. E. Floyd, Victor Shadle and Joe Jensen. Honorary pall bearers were Richard Sheriff, David Flower, David Ohlerking, Jerry Meyer, Lloyd Meyer and Wesley Orr. Interment followed in Rose Hill cemetery.

Mr. Rifen was a retired brick mason who had made his home in Eagle Grove for 40 years. He was actively associated with all branches of the Odd Fellows lodge and was a past Noble Grand and Past Chief Patriarch of the Encampment.

He is survived by three daughters Mrs. Howard Espeland, Atlantic; Mrs. Edward Johnson, Rock Rapids; Mrs. Leonard Jones, Winner, S.D. Also six stepchildren Ray McGonigle, Austin. Minn., Mrs. Myrtle Jensen and Mrs. Iva Clabaugh, Eagle Grove, Mrs. Ella Jepson, Fargo, N.D., Wm. McGonigle, Jewell; Lloyd McGonigle, Des Moines, and one granddaughter who was raised in the Rifen home, Mrs. Porter Espeland of this city. Other survivors include three sisters Mrs. Lloyd Meyers, Nora Springs, Mrs. Rudy Jorgenson, Mt. Vernon; Mrs. Lillian Burleson of Inglewood, Calif., three brothers John Rifen, Brainerd, Minn.; Henry Rifen, Iowa Falls, and Ben Rifen of Ryan, also 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. His wife and one son Howard preceded him in death.

Eagle Grove Eagle -- Eagle Grove, Iowa
February 9, 1956

***

Father's Funeral. — Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Espelund, 1201 Cedar street, and their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Christensen of Harlan, attended funeral rites at Eagle Grove Tuesday for Mrs. Espelund's father. Will Rifen, who died Friday at Iowa City following brain surgery. The deceased was active in the Odd Fellows lodge and was a member of the Open Bible church in Eagle Grove, where until his last illness he had helped in construction of its new church.

Atlantic News Telegraph - Atlantic, Iowa
February 9, 1956