Friedrich "Fred" Johann Heinrich Ahntholz

Fred Ahntholz, a well-known farmer of this community, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dierwechter, near Storm Lake early Tuesday morning, February 18, 1941. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. Wenger at St. John's Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20th. A sacred solo rendered by Archie Larsen, was a fine contribution to the service. Burial was in St. John's Lutheran cemetery.

Fred Ahntholz was born October 27, 1863 in Sebenhausen, in the province of Hanover, Germany. In the fall of 1880, at the age of seventeen, he came to this country and located at Prospect Park, Ill. He spent nine years in Illinois in the vicinity of Bloomingdale. He then came to Newell and while there decided to return to Germany to see his parents and his two brothers, Will and Henry. In March 1890 he returned to the U.S. bringing his brother Will with him. The following year he bought the farm on which he lived and labored until last December when it became apparent that his working days were over. In the year 1893 his parents came to this country and made their home with him on his farm.

On Februay 9, 1899 he was united in marriage to Sophia Otteman but this happy union was short-lived for on December 21, 1911 she was taken from him by death. This union was blessed with three children, Mrs. Arthur Dierwechter, Fred Ahntholz, Jr. and Mrs. Steve Birum. He died last Tuesday at the age of 77 years, 3 months and 21 days.

Mr. Ahntholz had many friends who always knew him to be an honest and upright man, faithful to the teachings of his religion and devout in the practice thereof. He was kindly and generous and always considerate of those about him. His passing brings a deep feeling of loss not only to his immediate relatives but also to the membership of St. John's and to everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.