Ahlers, Herman 1868-1950 with two wives and families

AHLERS, EVERS, KRIER, WIESKIRCHER, KOCH

Posted By: Sarah Theis (email)
Date: 9/18/2024 at 19:43:11

Ahlers, Herman 1868-1950 & with two wives and families

This family story came from the St. Joseph Catholic Church Book 1886-1986 page 56. It was transcribed by Sarah Theis for the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society. Some research notes have been added.

Herman Ahlers, the sone of Henry and Adelaide (Evers) Ahlers, was born on April 28, 1868 in eastern Iowa. He moved to Granville in 1890. In 1892 he moved to a farm three and three quarters miles south of Granville which he bought from his dad. He married Elizabeth Weiskircher of Mineral Point, Wisconsin on February 5, 1894. They lived on his farm. To this union were born three sons who died in infancy and two daughters.

Catherine - married Mike Steffes and lived at LaMoure, North Dakota. The have seven children. Catherine died July 25, 1968.

Agatha - married Henry Steffes. They had one son who lives in North Dakota. Agatha died April 21, 1932.

Herman’s wife, Elizabeth, died March 14 1907. He then moved to town with his two small daughters and worked in the J.L. Weiskircher General Store of which he was in partnership with his brother-in-law.

On May 13, 1913 he married Josephine Koch of Alton. They lived in town for one year and then moved back on the farm. They became the parents of eleven children: Herman, Arnold, Vincent, Bernard, Clarence, Urban, Raymond, Rita, Clara, Edward and Helen. Herman, Vincent and Clarence live at Remsen. Clarence married Norma Ludwig of Remsen and they became parents of seven children. Rita married Reynold Theisen of Oyens and lives at Canby, Minnesota. They have twelve children. Helen died September 27, 1934 when she was five years old. Arnold, Bernard, Urban, Ray, Edward and Clara continue to live on the family farm south of Granville. The Ahlers Brothers are enjoying their retirement and Clara busies herself in the home with quilt making and other crafts.
(end of the story in the Granville Book)

RESEARCH Notes – from a family history report on ancestry.com submitted by other than this submitter. Also from this website and findagrave.com

Herman Ahlers born 28, April, 1868 in Dubuque County, IA died 29 March, 1950 in Granville, IA. His parents were Johan Heinrich (Henry) Ahlers born 25 December, 1830 in Germany died 09 August, 1905 in IA and Euphemia Adelheid Evers born in 1839 in Germany died 02 August 1872 in Dubuque County, IA.
Wife #1 Herman married Elizabeth Weiskircher (spelling varies) 05 February, 1894 in Mineral Point, WI. Elizabeth born 07 February, 1865 in Dodgeville, WI died 14 March, 1907 in Granville, IA. Her parents were Peter John Weiskischer born 17 November, 1827 in Alsace, Lorraine died 22 April 1893 in Jonesdale, WI and Katharine Krier orn 01 December, 1835 in Kehlen, Luxembourg died 05 May, 1907 in Jonesdale, WI. Herman and Elizabeth had three sons who died in infancy and two daughters.
CHILDREN of Herman Ahlers and Elizabeth Weiskircher
1. Henry Ahlers born 24 August, 1897 in Granville, IA died 24 August, 1897 in Granville, IA.
2. Catherine Ahlers born 21 September, 1899 in Granville, IA died 25 July, 1968 in Fargo, ND. Catherine married Michael Herman Steffes 08 January, 1924 in Granville, IA. Michael born 17 February, 1898 in Wein, Missouri died 23 October 1897 in Lamoure, ND. They had seven children; Bernice, Florence, Lorraine, Irene, Leo, Alice, and Clarence.
3. Joseph Ahlers born 13 January, 1902 in Granville, IA died 16 January, 1902 in Granville, IA.
4. Herman H Ahlers born 04 August, 1903 in East Orange, IA died 11 September, 1903 in Granville, IA.
5. Agatha Ahlers born 08 March, 1907 in Granville, IA died 21 April, 1932 in Avoca, MN. Agatha married Henry J Steffes on 07 January, 1930 in Granville, IA. Henry was born 14 July, 1903 in New Cambria, Missouri died 17 May, 1980 Arthur, ND. Agatha and Henry had one son, Henry Mike Steffes.
Wife #2 Herman married Josephine Koch 13 May, 1913 in Granville, IA. Josephine born 12 June, 1887 in Alsace-lorraine, France died 09 April, 1956 in Granville, IA. Josephine’s parents were Joseph Koch born 01 May, 1861 in Saarensmigen, France died December 1924 in Alton, IA and Marie Elisabeth Schneider born 02 July, 1864 in Filstroff, France died 01 March, 1905 in Alton, IA. Herman and Josephine had eleven children.
CHILDREN of Herman Ahlers and Josephine Koch
1. Herman J Ahlers born 06 January, 1915 in Granville, IA died 10 March, 2006 in Le Mars, IA. See his obituary on this website.
2. Arnold P Ahlers born 07 April, 1916 in Granville, IA died 05 July, 2011 in Granville, IA. See obituary on this website.
3. Vincent Ahlers born 13 September, 1917 in Granville, IA died 29 June, 2013 at his home near Remsen, IA. Vincent adopted Jean in 2006. See obituary on this website.
4. Bernard John Ahlers born 09 September, 1918 in Granville, IA died 09 September, 2006 in Orange City, IA. See obituary on this website.
5. Clarence A Ahlers born 31 July 1919 in Granville, IA died 10 October 2011 at his home near Remsen, IA. Clarence married Norma Margaret Ludwig on 19 January, 1943 in Remsen, IA. Norma born 10 June 1916 in IA died 27 February 2012 in Orange City, IA. Clarence and Norma had four sons, Fred (Faye Heerde), David (Lynn Langel), Daniel and Phil (Teryl Conover) all of Remsen, and three daughters Margaret Mary Tucker of Enfield, NH, Christine (Scott Nielsen) of Remsen, and Barbara (Dennis Henrich) of LeMars, IA. See obituary on this website.
6. Urban John Ahlers born 03 October 1920 in Granville, IA died 22 February 2015 in Sioux City, IA. See obituary on this website.
7. Raymond Nick Ahlers born 11 August 1921 in Granville, IA died 12 April 2006 in Granville, IA. See obituary on this website.
8. Rita Ann Ahlers born 22 December 1922 in Granville, IA died 6 August 2019 in Sioux Falls, SD. Rita married Reynold Theisen on 22 January 1954. They had 13 children. Gary (Paula Bindert) of Canby, MN, Jim (Joan Propst) of Canby, MN, Donald (Karen Sullivan) of Oak Grove, MN, Steve (Mary Gauger) of Dell Rapids, SD, John of Sioux Falls, SD, Paul (Diana Sowers) of Canby, MN, 5 daughters: Mary Ann (Marlin Hartig) of York, NE, Carol (Lyle Norton) of Watertown, SD, Joyce (Steve McCormick) of Gary, SD, Sharon (Jerome Kaiser) of White, SD, and Rosemary (Monte Winrow) of Gary, SD; daughter-in-law, Darlene (Batman) Theisen of Clear Lake, SD, Joseph and Kenneth. See obituary on this website.
9. Clara Ahlers born 24 June 1925 in Granville, IA died October 1999 in Worthington, MN.
10. Edward Ahlers born 31 August 1927 in Granville, IA died 19 November 2020 in Granville, IA. See obituary on this website.
11. Helen Anna Ahlers born 21 June 1929 in Granville, IA died 27 September 1934 in Granville, IA.
OBITUARY of Herman Ahlers

Source: Alton Democrat, April 5, 1950: Granville Gazette section

Well Known Local Farmer Passes On, Rites Here Saturday
Herman Ahlers, 81 years, 11 months and 1 day, prominent farmer south of Granville for the past 60 years, passed away at his home on Wednesday evening, March 29, 1950 at 8:45 after a lingering illness of several years. He was confined to bed for only several days.
Funeral services were held at St. Joseph's Catholic church, Granville, Saturday morning, April 1 at 9:30 o'clock with a Solemn Requiem Mass with Rev. Arnold Ahlers of Laurens, Ia., a nephew, as Celebrant, Rev. J. J. Dalhoff, Deacon and Rev. J. G. Eagan, as Sub-Deacon. Acolytes were Mark and Joseph Sauer, Robert Perlot and Leonard Ahlers.
Herman Ahlers was born April 28, 1868, at Luxemburg, Ia., son of Henry and Adelaide Ahlers. He attended school there and at the age of 21 came to Granville, where he has since resided. He was married to Elizabeth Weiskercher. They were the parents of 3 sons, who died in infancy and two daughters, (Catherine) Mrs. Mike Steffes of Lamoure, N.D. and (Agatha) Mrs. Henry Steffes, who passed away about 17 years ago. His wife also passed away.
On May 13, 1913 he married Josephine Koch at Alton and they were the parents of 3 daughters and 8 sons. Helen passed away at the age of 5 years.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine and the following children: (Catherine) Mrs. Mike Steffes of Lamoure, N.D., Herman, Jr., Vincent, Clarence, (Rita) Mrs. Reynold Thiesen, all of Remsen; Arnold, Bernard, Urban, Raymond, Clara and Edward at home; also 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Mr. Ahlers was the last surviving member of his family.
Interment was made in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gregor Penning, Frank Vortherms, Jake List, John Goebel, Henry Rieke, Clinton Bunt.
Relatives attending from a distance were: Mrs. Mike Steffes of Lamoure, N.D.; Henry Steffes of Enderlin, N.D.; Frank Steffes of Argusville, N.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Schwarz, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Langel, Frank Langel, Mr.and Mrs. Joe Langel, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ortmann, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ahlers, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rolfes, Joe Ahlers, Mr. and Mrs. John Sudteigte, all of LeMars; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Junkers, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ahlers, Mr. and Mrs. John Harpenau, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ahlers, all of Remsen; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Ahlers of Worthington, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ahlers, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ahlers, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Ahlers, Ben Vortherms, all of Dell Rapids, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Ahlers of Salem, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ahlers of Flandreau, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Cyrill Thier, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Vortherms, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. H. Klinkhammer, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Schraad, all of Adrian, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Sauer, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Sauer, Catherine and John Schneider, all of Fulda, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Ahlers of Laurens, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schneider, Mr. and Mrs. George Kellen, Mr. and Mrs. John Schnoes of Alton; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Penning and family of Ashton; Fred Gaul, Ashton; John, Joe and Eloi Koch of Marshall, Minn.
Source: Alton Democrat, April 5, 1950: Granville Gazette section.

OBITUARY of Wife #1: Elizabeth Ahlers (Mrs. Herman) 1865-1907
Mrs. Herman Ahlers died at her home in Granville vicinity Thursday at about noon. Deceased had been in a serious state for some weeks past with tuberculosis. About a week ago a little babe was born to her. After local physicians had done all they could Dr. Coniff of Sioux City was called but the case was a hopeless one. A Sioux City nurse had the case in charge. Deceased leaves a husband and two children besides the babe.
Source: Alton Democrat, March 16, 1907.
Her husband's obituary (Alton Democrat, April 5, 1950) gives her name as Elizabeth Weiskercher. (Other news notes about her family spell the surname Weiskircher.)
The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Elizabeth Ahlers, wife of Herman, born 7 Feb 1865, died 14 Mar 1907.

OBITUARY of wife #2: Josephine Ahlers (Mrs Herman) 1997-1958
Rites Thursday At Granville For Mrs. Herman Ahlers
Mrs. Josephine Ahlers, wife of the late Herman Ahlers of the Granville vicinity, died at her home Monday, April 9th at the age of 68 years. She was stricken while raking the lawn and passed on without warning.
Mrs. Ahlers, nee Josephine Koch, was born in Alsace-Lorraine June 12, 1887, and came to the U.S. with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Koch, who settled at Alton when she was a young girl. She was married to Herman Ahlers May 13, 1913 and the couple lived on a farm south of Granville, where they reared a large family.
Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, April 12 at 9:30 in St. Joseph church, Granville. A nephew, Rev. Arnold Ahlers, will be celebrant of solemn requiem mass.
Survivors include 8 sons: Herman, Vincent and Clarence of Remsen; Arnold, Bernard, Urban, Raymond and Edward of Granville; 2 daughters: Mrs. Reynold Theisen of Remsen and Clara of Granville; a step-daughter, Mrs. Mike Steffes, Lamoure, N.D.; a nephew, Richard Koch who made his home with the family; 22 grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Peter N. Wiltgen of LeMars; 2 brothers: Peter Koch of LeMars and John Koch, Marshall, Minn.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter Helen and stepdaughter, Agatha Steffes; 3 brothers, Nick, Otto and Joseph Koch; and a sister, Mrs. Leona Sanford.
Mrs. Ahlers was a devoted mother, a kind neighbor, and will be missed by many friends.
Source: Alton Democrat, April 12, 1956.
Pictures of the family were on page 56 of St. Joseph church book.

Sioux Biographies maintained by Linda Ziemann.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen