William Ahntholz

William Ahntholz, long time resident of Coon township and for the past seventeen years a resident of Storm Lake, passed away at his home at ten 0'clock Tuesday morning April 25, 1944 at the age of 68 years, 2 months and 13 days. Since the days of his youth he suffered greatly from asthma, bearing his infirmities with utmost patience. His last illness and death was a result of complications, resulting from his long suffering.

He was born February 12, 1876 in Wietzen Province, Hanover, Germany, the son of Christian and Sophia Ahntholz and was baptized in the Lutheran faith at an early age. He came to this country with his brother Fred and landed at Newell, Iowa on the 25th of February 1890. He worked on farms in this community for a number of years. On March 12, 1900 he was united in marriage to Anna Nitzke. They resided on a farm near Varina until 1927 at which time they moved to their present home in Storm Lake.

In 1906 he united with the Methodist Church of which he remained a faithful member. He attended church services until several years ago at which time his physical condition made this impossible.

He is survived by his wife, Anna, two brothers, Henry of Albert City and Dick of Los Angeles, Calif., and one sister, Gretchen of Yankton, South Dakota besides numerous other relatives and friends. His passing brings a deep feeling of loss not only to his immediate relatives, but also to his many friends, who knew him to be kind and generous and always considerate of those about him.

Services were held at the Methodist Church Friday afternoon at 2:30 with Dr. J.F. Hutchinson in charge. He was assisted by Rev. J.F. Zemke, who read the scripture lesson and offered prayer, and by Rev. E.E. Witter who based his talk on Rev. 21:4, "There shall be no more pain." The latter two were former pastors of the deceased. Preceding the services, Miss Lois Gran sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and at the conclusion, "Nearer My God To Thee," with Max Leget at the organ.

Bearers were six nephews; W.L. Hanke and Wesley Hanke of Varina, Will Nitzke and Sidney Nitzke of Storm Lake and Fred Ahntholz and Victor Ahntholz of Albert City. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery.