Obituary, Rieken, Iroquois County, Illinois

Obituary for Gerd Aden Rieken, Danforth Herald, February 27?, 
1903

OBITUARY

Gerd Aden Rieken, son of Claus Ecken and Nanke Gerdes Rieken 
was born in Schirum, Germany on the 9th day of February, 1833.

He was given a public school education and was confirmed in his 
18th year. Beside a sister and a brother he grew to manhood in 
his parental home.

When 21 years of age he was united in marriage to Geske Johnson
of his home town. Eleven children four sons and seven daughers 
came to bless this union, three daughters having preceded their
father to their last home.

In 1848 (Should Be 1857) he left Germany and with his wife and 
two children came to America and settled at Peoria, where he 
found employment. Two years later he moved to a farm in the 
neighborhood of Pontiac, coming from there to Danforth. He was 
one of the first settlers here.

He located two miles north of town.  Six years later he returned
to Peoria, as there was no church here at that time, but return-
ed here in two years and was one of the first to help organize 
the congregation here.  He has always been a strong, faithful 
member of his church.

During the seventy years of his life, Mr. Rieken had never been
sick until about four months ago when he began to fail and 
gradually grew weaker until death resulted. His death was due 
to heart trouble. 

He died Friday morning, Feb. 20, at 1 o’clock at the age of 70 
years and 11 days. 

He leaves a wife, brother, four sons and four daughters. In his 
death his family loses a kind and affectionate husband and 
father, the church a strong upgright member and the community a
man who did his duty at all times.

Funeral services were held at the German Lutheran church on 
Monday.  Internment in the German Cemetery.
-- 


Gerd Aden Rieken is my GGGrandfather



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