Frederick ARNOLD

ARNOLD, RENSIEHAUSEN, RENZIEHAUSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/15/2010 at 12:27:08

20 April 1845 -- 12 December 1907

December 12, 1907
Klemme Times, Iowa

Fred Arnold Sr. passed away Thursday morning at 7 o’clock. The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon from the German M(Methodist) Episcopal church. And obituary will follow next week.

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December 19, 1907
Klemme Times, Iowa

Frederick Arnold was born in Meisenheim, Baden, Germany Apr 20, 1845 and came to this country with his parents when a lad six years old. The family settled in Clayton county, Iowa. The country was new and they were very poor consequently had to endure many hardships and privations. Then the father’s health failed, his eyes became impaired, he finally lost his sight and died in 1879. Thus the burdens and cares of the home were early thrust upon the only son. Hard work and strict economy were necessary to exist in those days. These conditions and environments contributed much toward molding and shaping the character of the young man. As the country settled up and conditions changed, brighter days dawned. Favor and fortune began to smile upon them and they came to comfortable circumstances. In 1875 the deceased was joined in marriage to Mary Rensiehausen. Their homes were blessed with three sons and three daughters all whom were present at the funeral. Some years ago Mr. Arnold purchased a section of land near Klemme and in 1895 the old homestead was sold and the family moved to this country, purchasing several additional farms and at the same time started the first bank in Klemme of which the deceased was president until his death. The favored with a strong body and rugged constitution, the hardships of former days had left their traces to tell in later years.

About one year ago his vitality began to fail noticeable, During the summer gangrene developed in lower limbs and he endured excruciating pains for many weeks. Later dropsy set in, his heart action began to fail and gradually his strength vanished. Everything possible was done to give him relief and add to his comfort, but with little result. He passed away on Thursday morning at 7 o’clock at the age of 62 years, 7 months, and 22 days. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, The attendance was one of the largest ever witnessed in Klemme, the German M. E. church was much too small to admit all who had come from every direction for mile around. Rev. Wessel preached a short sermon in the English language and Dr. Hirsch of Charles City followed in German the church choir furnished some very impressive music suitable to the occasion. Tho’ Mr. A. was not a member of any church he always supported the same and believed in the principals of Christianity. The minister was always welcome at his home. He had strong convictions of his own and could be quite out spoken at times, but he was kind hearted and very sympathetic. He loved children and made much of home, he was much concerned about the bringing up of his children and giving them a good education. He despised dishonestly and hypocrisy. During his sickness he spent much of his time in prayer. It was a severe struggle for him to give up his earthly possessions, ambition and plans and humbly, child like, commit himself to Him in shoes presence he must soon appear, but he sought with the same determination had sincerity that he had always manifested in material things and we have reason to believe that he conquered. It was remarkable how meek and patient he became in some of his sufferings. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and three daughters, two sisters and three grandchildren. His remains were laid away in the Klemme cemetery. This community is in sympathy with his bereaves relatives.