Ahrens, J. Gerhard 1855-1925

AHRENS, EDEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/30/2025 at 12:37:31

Note: Even though his obituary says Gerhard John Ahrens, I believe his first name is John since his gravestone says J. Gerhard Ahrens.

OBITUARY

A brief mention was made in these columns last week of the death of Gerhard Ahrens at his home five miles southwest of here in Union county, S. D., on Tuesday, October 20, 1925, at 7:45 p.m. He was taken sick with summer flu on October 10, 1925, at 7:45 p.m. He was taken sick with summer flu on October 10, 1925, and in spite of the best medical attention and loving care of relatives he gradually declined until the summons came to his eternal home. He departed this life at the age of 70 years, 1 month and 10 days.

Gerhard John Ahrens was born September 10, 1855, in Stumpen, Germany, where he was baptized in the Lutheran church. In May, 1865, he came to America with his folks settling at Sterling, Illinois. They lived near Sterling Dixon and Morrison, in that state for a number of years. On November 19, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida Eden, and their union was blessed with seven children—three sons and four daughters. One daughter preceded him to eternity.

In 1899 Mr. Ahrens and family came from Illinois to Akron, Iowa, locating on a farm and they have lived in this vicinity ever since. Mrs. Ahrens passed away here July 25, 1918. The death of Mr. Ahrens is mourned by three sons and three daughters—George, Mary, Herman, Adeline (Mrs. Ebbo Willms), Arthur and Hattie all residing in Akron vicinity and at home except Mary, who is staying at Albuquerque, New Mexico, for her health.

There is also a half-brother, Wm. Ahrens, of this vicinity. All have the sincere sympathy of the community in their bereavement. Mr. Ahrens was a kind and devoted father, a helpful and esteemed friend and neighbor, upright in character and honorable all dealings with his fellow man. He was an industrious farmer and a good citizen who will be greatly missed by a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. F. A. Meske, in Trinity Lutheran church in this city, Saturday afternoon, with many friends in attendance to pay a last tribute of respect. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Relatives who came from a distance to attend the funeral were: Miss Mary Ahrens, of Albuaquerque, New Mexico, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Eden and daughter, of Wolsey, S. D., AND Wm. Jacobs and son, John, of Wahoo, Nebr.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, October 29th, 1925
Akron, Iowa